[Prudence]

I worry better than anyone else I know. And I do worry a bit about bird flu. Not too-afraid-to-go-outside worry, but I do sometimes think about what I would do if there were an outbreak. (This applies to West Nile, SARS, and any other infectious disease transmittable through everyday contact. (As opposed to bloodbourne pathogens.))

I have asthma. So does much of my family. Mine is actually pretty well under control right now. I haven't used either of my inhalers in ages. Still, when I get sick, the congestion heads right to my chest. I've had to seek medical treatment after a garden variety cold. I'm afraid of the regular flu and get a flu shot every year -- have for as long as they've been regularly available from the doc. It's terrifying to feel like you can't breathe, and whenever I get sick I have to plan for what I will do if I need to get treatment quickly. (For example, having transportation readily available.)

Buying and using my treadmill are the biggest steps I've taken toward improving my survival chances. I may not make it down to beauty pagent weight, but I can sure increase my overall health. In fact, it's since I 've been using the treadmill regularly that I haven't had to use my inhaler very often. I should -- and could -- do more, I suppose.