A few years ago a Congressman from the State of Maine, who was campaigning for re-election, made himself available for invitations to community gatherings during which he would outline his philosophies regarding current events and future goals, as well as answer questions from his constituents. I ventured out on a cold Maine night in search of a stimulating discussion. I listened intently to the list of the goods, the bads, and the uglies that were outlined by the candidate. As he made his way through his list of what he wanted to accomplish, well[horizontal ellipsis]. I wondered why he wasn't running for King of the World. I was trying to calculate how much expendable income I had that month so that I could support his candidacy. I figured that if I walked the 12 miles to work and ate cream of wheat for dinner (though I did wonder what kind of wine is compatible with cream of wheat) I could offer more than my supportive "thumbs up." He had me hooked until he began to offer his explanations for the lack of effectiveness of our elected officials that the media brings to our attention. Then he made a negative comment about cynicism which allowed me to quickly decide that I could still drive to work and my evening meals could remain intact on the food guide pyramid. So, I put my hand up to ask a question. I commented that politicians and the media often criticize citizens for being cynical, but that cynicism is not innate; it is a trait that is fostered by actions or inactions. Knowing that I was terminating any chance of being appointed ambassador to the Caribbean with an unlimited expense account, I asked him for some evidence for why we should not be cynical. After all, we have politicians who blame one another for their ineffectiveness and seem to expend more energy defending their inaction and blaming the other party instead of researching what would be the best for the citizens and working toward that goal. Well[horizontal ellipsis]his response gave me vertigo and I knew that even an on-the-spot Epley maneuver would not help. So, I just continued to sip my wine. I figured that if my head was going to spin, at least I would try to please my palate. However, 2 questions later the spouse of my friend pointed out that he hadn't answered my question and that he was also interested in the answer. He then offered that it was probably quite confusing to people when they hear politicians promising the commonsense goals of health care for everyone; affordability of food, shelter, and clothing; but then realize that the words are not followed by actions. I thought his words were loud and unclear. Later I did think that I should have informed him before I asked my question that one of my favorite reads is the magazine titled, "The Skeptical Inquirer."

I was reminded of that event last week when I had a patient ask me what I was going to do for treatment and what was the chance that she would get better with only a few sessions. Fortunately, I was able to provide her with recent research literature that supported the plan of care that I anticipated being appropriate for her. I believe that we must not foster cynicism in the Physical Therapy clinics. Clinicians can provide patient/clients and health care providers with research evidence that allows them to be believers in our profession. This issue will provide readers with tools to use to assess the quality of life of women with upper extremity lymphedema. Readers will also learn that women with diastasis recti abdominis may have a greater amount of pain in the abdomen and pelvis.

Finally, I am very pleased that Dr. Elaine Wilder and Darija Scepanovic have agreed to serve as Associate Editors for JWHPT. Their past words and actions have made them leaders in Women's Health Physical Therapy.

Editor-in-Chief