Do You Know Who's Watching Your Back?

Another review.

The oldest woman in the world and I have something in common.

But I don't know what she'd think about this.

At the end of 2010, I decided to stop taking medicine that's supposed to control my blood pressure and cholesterol.

For the past few years, I have felt my self-esteem decrease and watched my weight increase as I fell into the trap of using chemical compounds to overcome my genetic tendency to live only into the 60s or 70s.

After I stopped taking the medicine, an imaginary cloud lifted and blew away, my thoughts cleared and I've lost 15 pounds of body weight.

I'm no Luddite but I'm also a skeptic when it comes to the miracles promised by new technology.

I am happy being a naturally-aging man past the midpoint of his life.

Sure, I use a computer and eat food that's supposed to be good for me but I also drink fermented beverages and occasionally eat fried, processed foods.

One of the many luxuries of a childless adulthood is feeling no guilty responsibility for my health and having no desire to see my great, great-grandchildren at birth.

So, I speak only for myself in this blog entry.

Happiness, for me, is popping no more pills day and night, having oatmeal and tea for breakfast, and then letting the rest of the day be what it may, including a random walk every now and then.

I am a new man, thanks to the freedom from nonaddictive drug dependency.

No more ARBs, statins or beta blockers for me.

No need to use my discretionary funds to subsidise the elixir industry.

This confession feels good.  I've never attended an LPDA (Legal Prescription Drugs Anonymous) meeting but this feels like I just did.

"Hi, my name is Rick and I'm a recovering LPD user."

"Welcome, Rick!" shouts the chorus.

I nod and smile.  A group of strangers just accepted me for who I am.

Doesn't get much more simpler and honest than that.

"Hey, guys, the pub's open.  Drinks are on me!"