Day 356, Keep it Simple

 Day three hundred and fifty six. Keep it Simple.

I visited the Doctor's office today for the first time in a long time.  The Dr. introduced himself then launched into a diatribe about how broken the medical system is in the United States and how Europeans have it all figured out. I agree with him. We talked about socialism and how the US is a very young country and therefore hasn't figured things out such as: people should not die for lack of medical care. Or that people shouldn't have to go bankrupt because of a hospitalization. We agreed that medical care should be included in the commons. After 10 or so minutes of a very engaging conversation he finally asked me why I came to see him. That it certainly wasn't so we could long for European systems together. Then we talked about my foot.

My right foot is in constant pain and it is getting in the way of my hope to run far this year. I'm still not sure how far I just know that I want to run more than a 12k and less than a marathon. Perhaps a half marathon will do. But, what I'm really after is endorphins and I told Dr. Razer that the right foot was getting in the way of my high. I've been walking 3 to 5 miles each day and I just walk through the pain but walking only produces enough endorphins to not fall into despair. I need more than that. I want more than that.

Also, running makes me feel like I'm part of some special club. At what other time is it appropriate for a grown man to wear Spandex under a pair of running shorts while wearing a beanie cap? Never. It's never appropriate...unless you're a runner.

So, Dr. Razer and I talked about my foot for about 2.3 minutes before he started in about how terrible the computer system is and that he hoped this year to resurrect Steve Jobs from the grave to design a new system. I agreed with him on this, too. I think Steve Jobs was a phenomenal human being and should have another chance at life. Also, I'd like to see what he would have done with the next iPhone and if the next Mac OS would do more than provide toys for your fingers to squeeze things. Dr. Razer then talked about his feet. His right foot is size 7 and his left is size 9 so he has to buy specialized shoes that cost up to $300. He confessed to me that the clinic manager really only wants him to spend 15 minutes with each customer (patient) but that he was having a grand time and he wasn't going to do it today. I love this guy.

We were nearing the end of our visit together when he told me that I looked super healthy, my blood pressure was great, and I should keep doing what I'm doing. Then he asked me what exactly I was doing? I said, "I'm trying to keep it simple. I eat healthy foods, I try to get enough sleep and I exercise each day." He told me that it is a recipe for good health and those three things are the best kind of health insurance. "Keep it that simple", he said. I do have epilepsy and we talked about that briefly. I loved his advice. "Sleep, don't drink and don't play video games." So, there you have it. 5 Things: Sleep, eat right, exercise each day, don't drink, don't play video games (the last 2 only apply if you have epilepsy). So,  I'm going to keep up with at least 4 of these things this year. I'm also going to find an excuse to see Dr. Razer next week for the sake of the conversation.

For now, Wade.