...my vitality. I saw an ad the other day, it was on the web (should be good, right?) and, I must admit, I was tempted. The web site was LuckyVitamin.com. I was interested in the longevity, anti-aging supplements for men.
However, I think I need more. There are a couple of guys in the shelter who work out regularly. They drink protein shakes. I used to drink protein shakes in another life. I think I should start again.
Even the strongest man alive, will probably become a victim of disease if he walks into a disease-infected room. I live in a disease-infected building. I sleep in a disease-infected room. I sleep in a dorm with 50 coughing, hacking, sneezing, sick men. Until a few weeks ago I avoided one snotty nosed old geezer like the plague. Now I am surrounded by a hoard of young, middle aged, and quite a few very old and very snotty nosed men (men with a runny nose, not men I can not stand...although there are some I can not stand!).
Many years ago, when I was in the Peace Corps, I spent some time in a village that was known to have the bubonic plague. I didn't know this fact at the time. There were no signs, no loudspeakers announcing "plague ahead, proceed with caution". Bubonic plague symptoms appear suddenly, usually after 2 - 5 days of exposure to the bacteria. Symptoms include:
- Chills
- Fever
- General ill feeling (malaise)
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Seizures
- Smooth, painful lymph gland swelling called a bubo
Sometimes I just get flat-out too tired to make the effort to even worry. No, I don't really think I need to worry about the plague. But, tuberculosis is frighteningly common among homeless people. I saw a quotation today that I am going to try to take to heart.
Your eye is the lamp of your body. When thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light. ... Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness. Luke 11:34–35
I'm gonna keep my eye single...my eye on the ball. I'm gonna follow the details of those events, the actions of those people, who can most impact my future, not my present. I won't despair! Instead, I'll stay focused and keep my eye on the prize. I'll stay focused, positive and strong! Stability is a realistic achievement. If you, gentle reader, have some time on your hands, here's a list of some of the illnesses, mental disorders and other various and sundry issues that keep me awake at night. Enjoy!
Medical problems common among homeless people:
- Infectious diseases: HIV, TB, STD's, respiratory infections, infestations (scabies, lice, etc.), skin infection chronic viral hepatitis.
- Muscle skeletal problems: foot diseases, post-traumatic arthritis, chronic pain syndromes.
- Psychiatric disease: Underlying severe mental illness, undiagnosed mental illness, post traumatic stress disorder and other resultant mental illness from homelessness.
- Substance abuse related illness: Permanent sequelae (a pathological condition resulting from a disease, injury, or other trauma) of substance abuse, brain dysfunction liver disease, lung and heart disease.
- Chronic diseases: diabetes, hypertension, COPD.
- Diseases of neglect: nutritional problems, dental disease.
May I recommend for your enjoyment: Happy with who and what I am
You may also enjoy reading: The fortune in the cookie read:
Please stop by to read my: Other stories about my time homeless and on the street
See links for all the Genesis posts to date: Genesis Through My Eyes
Fortune has allowed me to come full circle and return to my earlier interest in photography. I am at that age were some weight loss would be beneficial. I certainly don't believe all photographers need to starve, but my initial goals are realistic, if not humble. The industry has changed tremendously, but the possibilities are unlimited. I am grateful that my parents' gave me a generic name. It's allowed me to explore numerous paths unhindered.
"I continue to seek exquisite beauty in my images, exploring all techniques, old and new".
Stumble It!
web blog: Epicurean Health
web blog: Comics Legends and Lore
web blog: Time-less-image-snippets
web blog: Time-less-images
