If you’ve never met me, you might not know: I’m short. And I’ve been shorter. I used to be five-foot-two. Then, in hip-replacement surgery to correct congenital hip problem, doctors had to knock off a half-inch of femur on one side so I’d be symmetrical. Shorter still. But since then, I’ve gone to five-foot-three. Not a huge difference I know, but still how did it happen? Read the rest of this entry »

In hospital during several rounds of hip surgery, I met and saw people with varied injuries. To my surprise some were runners who had injured themselves one way or another. Now they needed artificial hips or knees. Read the rest of this entry »

Knees have needs. And when they don’t get those needs met, they present problems. There are several different types of knee injuries. A few of the most common: rheumatoid arthritis and bursitis, along with ligament, tendon, and meniscus injuries. Read the rest of this entry »

Persistent arthritic pain in the hip area brings people to hip replacement surgery. The hip is a “ball and socket” joint. The pelvic bones (the socket) and the end of the femur (the ball) form the hip joint. A smooth layer of protective cartilage covers both bones at the joint allowing a full range of rotation. Loss of this cartilage from wear-and-tear, such as from running, cycling or jumping, can cause arthritis. Inflammation and injury are other common causes. Read the rest of this entry »

Fibromyalgia stands squarely among the top five most discouraging chronic illnesses. For many, the diagnosis is late in coming. For some, it takes years to pin down what’s wrong. When you have fibromyalgia, many doctors will pass it off as depression after the first couple of visits, thanks to similarities in the symptoms. Read the rest of this entry »

I get determined sometimes. Really determined. There are times when we stress or stretch ourselves just a bit too far. During my first year of Bikram yoga, I developed sciatica. Read the rest of this entry »

In my third book, Quantum Eating, many of you have read of my experience with a condition known as tennis elbow, sometimes called “frozen elbow.” Not only painful, it’s a quite disabling condition plaguing many people. It is, as well, a condition which many doctors too-summarily rule out as being mere “chronic inflammation.’ After it has developed, for many people it practically becomes their personal noose. Everyday activities—pouring a pitcher of water, picking up a bag of groceries, any movement involving wrist or fingers—become a painful struggle. You’re virtually down one arm! Read the rest of this entry »

Hot yoga is as crucial to my health routine as raw foods and juices, sunlight and air. If you are not familiar with the array of benefits hot yoga can provide, I suggest you take a look at my most recent Raw Food and Hot Yoga. In all my travels I’ve always been able to find a studio somewhere nearby. But occasionally I do hear from people who, for various reasons, don’t have access to a hot yoga studio. Read the rest of this entry »

A nasty case of hip bursitis, it was. Overexertion. I’d injured myself in the gym, just going at it too hard. And that led to my introduction to Bikram yoga. Many people have read my story in Beautiful On Raw. An internet search for a way to deal with bursitis turned up a recommendation from a former sufferer. He claimed Bikram yoga was a tremendous help to him, so I decided I’d give it a go. And the rest, as they say, is history! Read the rest of this entry »

Peter, in the Bible, calls the woman the “weaker vessel.” Well, women are generally more emotional than men, cry more easily, and are by their nature quite sensitive. Their label says “Handle with Care.” Sensitive is good. Sensitive is caring. It’s feminine, but it’s…a disaster if we’re talking about your skin! Read the rest of this entry »