Bone Density

Surprisingly, recent studies show that bone density is not necessarily linked to increased exercise activity or even weight training.  What apparently matters more is impact on bones.  Sources of impact that may be helpful are jumping, skipping, etc where a forceful load is placed on the bone but not with too much speed.  

I've added those to my repertoire of healing activities.    It will be nice to build back up so a slip or fall doesn't cause my bones to shatter as I've heard can happen to those who are on prednisone for too long.


I recommend anyone on prednisone for long get a bone mineral density scan when they start their course of pred.  This way they can have a baseline to compare to, after the prednisone tapers off.    In my case I will be able to directly measure the effect on my bones when I get the results this week.

Shaving, Swine Flu and Being Kosher/Halal

I never had such a hairy body before but all the Prednisone steroids have me so hairy that even Bigfoot would tremble if he saw me. Today I started shaving my Rhesus monkey-like hairy belly so that the skin gets used to it. I'm actually a bit relieved that I didn't need to hire a landscaping crew and lay in the yard while they go at me with weed whackers. A simple blade and some elbow grease worked fine.

The idea is that shaving my stomach is going to be a normal day to day activity whichever surgery I get so perhaps my skin can get used to the process now and rash up less. Apparently without a rashless, clean-shaven belly I can't properly wear "the bag".

Speaking of getting prepared, the next question is this. What to do about Swine Flu? Should I get the shot before surgery? Also, I wonder what do devout Jews and Muslims do about the Swine Flu shot? Do they just call it H1N1 and be done with it?

While I'm asking all these questions, is there a way to turn this frontal cortex thing off? I'd like to be not able to think for a month or more. Any comments or suggestions would be great.