Middle-Aged Sloth
I woke up at 7 this morning to take my mother to her doctor’s appointment. Since I would be waiting for her anyway, I decided to have myself checked, too. I felt the need to finally consult a doctor after I felt pain somewhere between my nape and the back of my head. It got me quite concerned since hypertension runs in the family.
So before 8 a.m., mother and I were already waiting in the doctor’s clinic. When it was my turn, the doctor checked my blood pressure, my heartbeat and pulse. He found nothing wrong, until he asked me about my health (rather unhealthy) habits. He asked me if I eat salty or fatty foods.
Me: Fatty foods, yes.
Doctor: Do you crave for chocolates?
Me: Yes.
Doctor: everyday?
Me: Yes. ( Slightly embarrassed by my answer. )
Doctor: What type of physical exercise do you do?
Me: I don’t exercise.
He said I’m lucky I don’t get fat. If he only knew where I deposit my fat. After a moment’s hesitation, I confessed that all my fat is stored in my mid section. My arms stay thin so people don’t notice I’m fat.
Doctor: Do you have shortness of breath when you take the stairs?
Me: No.. ay, yes, when I climb more than three flights of stairs!
Doctor: That’s because you don’t exercise.
Me: [Eeep!]
Finally, the doctor advised that I should exercise, have my CBC tests done. No hurry, though. He said I could take the tests after the holidays — perhaps to make the results more alarming.
He says I’m approaching middle age (or did he say I AM already middle-aged?) so I have to be more cautious about what I eat. Ouch!! He also warned me that, because of the nature of my profession, I should expect to wear prescription glasses soon, pointing to his own glasses with a grin.
I left the doctor’s clinic in a state of disbelief. I feel fine except for the occasional pain here and there (and the noise which only I could hear when I flex a joint in my body). I couldn’t be that old. But that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t heed the doctor’s advice.
I will start working out.. next year.. I’m tired just thinking about it….
Is there a magic pill I could just take to stay young?
Leni's Lore 
So this was what you meant when you said “bad day”, eh? Len, we’re the same age and though I have never had my blood checked (due to laziness and maybe I’m scared of the results also), I’ve never felt healthier! Or maybe I just “feel” healthy. I work out 4 to 5x a week (just 30 minutes on treadmill or elliptical trainer at home), but I don’t overdo it so I won’t feel like discontinuing this regimen. Just doing it at my pace. Health is my priority for doing this anyway, and weight loss, if it occurs, would be just a bonus. I also do my workout so I can eat fat-laden foods. Haha! And I take vitamins, supplements, VCO (virgin coconut oil). I don’t even remember when was the last time I got sick (knock on wood)! But I have to admit that my belly is not getting flatter. I have accepted my body type already. As I said, health is my priority now and not looks (2nd priority lang, haha). Good luck, Len!