Wellbeing

This is the part where I complain about something.

At what point does an HMO become more expensive than a PPO? My employer’s PPO plan charges co-pays for doctor’s visits and prescription drugs. They charge a percentage of contracted expenses for other medical services, up to a yearly maximum – after which they cover 100%. The HMO charges co-pays for doctor’s visits, drugs, and hospital stays. It doesn’t charge…
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Wellbeing

Beware of the grouchy man in the blue shirt.

There once was a movie about fish that wasn’t really about fish. It was called Fish! It was the story of a fish market where people really love to work and want to tell others about it. They have fun, they are there for others, they choose their attitude, and one other thing that I can’t immediately recall. All I can say is it is a lot easier to choose your attitude when someone…
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Wellbeing

Who are you again?

Have you ever had someone approach you and say, “hey , how the heck are you! I haven’t seen you in ages. You haven’t changed a bit.” I don’t think anyone has ever said that to me. Hell, I look in the mirror and I wonder who it is on the other side. Just this evening I was gazing upon my mug wondering who the hell I am. When did my face get so thick? When did my…
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Wellbeing

Hiccups.

There will always be times where your roof springs a leak, your water heater lets loose an Old Testament flood, your child acts up in school, you don’t get that new job you wanted, your favorite computer dies, you can’t shake an awful cold, or Bob Villa decides your house isn’t good enough for him. What does Bob Villa know anyway? He can take his crapy Craftsman socketless…
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Wellbeing

Wind: friend or foe?

Riding home from work, stiff wind at my back, I was flying. Everything was in harmony as the pedals spun in a high gear, yet no air was flowing past my ears. Traveling at twice the normal rate while pacing the wind almost defies explanation. The absence of wind noise draped the world in silence. Having to stop for a traffic signal seemed so wrong. I get home and see the forecast for tomorrow…
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Wellbeing

Did you take your antihistamine today?

Those entry headings still don’t necessarily mean anything. Just so you know, I am the peak flow champion! That’s right baby. Makes me feel kind of silly, talking about feeling a little short of breath. What is a peak flow? Do you really want to know? Take a deep breath and exhale as quickly and completely as possible. Now measure the flow of air at the peak of your blow. Fascinating…
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Wellbeing

It isn’t easy living with me.

There are several people who can attest to this fact. In my days on this pebble in the sky I’ve done many things to prove my point. I’ve broken bones, walls and doors – and that’s not even counting the things I’ve done to myself. I’ve embarrassed others and myself with bad hairstyles and ridiculous clothes. I’ve walked the valleys of depression and soared…
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Wellbeing

Take my breath away.

Here’s a neat little trick I learned this evening while emptying the waste basket in our spare bathroom. First, find yourself a sharp corner. A counter top corner with a squared off edge is ideal. Second, and this is the tricky part, line up the sharp corner with the space between any two ribs on the side of your torso. For the best results, pick two ribs close to your arm pit. Finally, with…
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BicyclingWellbeing

You’re never too tired…

to ride on a nice day. I rode into the office this morning, exhausted. It was cold (for Florida) and the chilly morning ride sapped my reserves. Much later, quitting time came and I got back on my bike for the return ride home. By the afternoon the weather turned perfect. By the time I reached the entrance to the office parking lot I was invigorated. The sun was shinning, a gentle breeze was…
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Wellbeing

Why am I coughing?

As a service to hypochondriacs everywhere, here is a list of conditions that list “cough” as a symptom. I am providing this service free of charge. You may notice that there are some repeats (is it necessary to list “Dust mite allergies” and “Allergies” separate?). Some are just plain vague (“Lung conditions”). Just keep in mind that this is not my…
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