The 22nd Wellness

Functional Wellness, stylized symbol: Captain's Hat. I am efficient.

I am Control Central --responsible, engaged, involved, workwise, determined. As daily exercises of strength I delay gratifications such as food and other enjoyable routines.

The person I admire is Albert Schweitzer

 The 21st Wellness

Preparatory Wellness, stylized symbol: Cutting Board. I am forward thinking.

 I am caught up with short-term planning and execution. I do not procrastinate, but I anticipate, think ahead to what will be needed, such as planning upcoming meals, keeping at least a half tank of gas in the car, writing down dwindling supplies as I notice them, being prepared for emergencies as fire, loss of electricity, natural gas, or water, walking myself through unfamiliar contingencies, and so forth. I have a short-term (asap to three-month) plan and a long-term (five-year) plan.

The person I admire is Elmer Fudd, ever on the watch for potential problems

 On the U.S. Budget Deficit

I could end the deficit in five minutes. You just pass a law that says that any time there's a deficit of more than 3% of GDP, all sitting members of Congress are ineligible for re-election. --Warren Buffet, 2011

 The 20th Wellness

Reflective Wellness, stylized symbol: Gold Crown. I am enlightened.

I understand. The most complex question or problem can be placed on a back burner to be pondered unconsciously. Take it to bed with you and reflect upon it on awakening. In its own good time your answer or decision will come. Quiet reflection brings clarity.

The person I admire is Alfred North Whitehead

 Movies

THE NIGHT CLERK, R, 2020, Crime/Thriller, John Leguizamo
This poorly plotted movie held my attention as a character study of a young man with autism/Asperger syndrome. I thought he did a great job. Available on ROKU. Three Stars

** DIE HARD is not a Christmas movie, it's a Bruce Willis movie. --Bruce WIllis **

 Bah!

Through no fault of mine, but through faulty packing for transit, I recently had to return damaged goods to Amazon who was charged with their safe delivery.

From my refund they deducted $0.81, calling it a 'Promotional Discount Deduction'. 

Lest you think that is of no consequence, may I remind you that many years ago the banks were convinced to stop the predatory practice of rounding off the fractions of pennies in their favor.

That caper had been making them big bucks.

** It wasn't school that I hated so much, it was the principal of the thing.**

 Involuntary Burping, and Bloating

Copilot supplied the following information: 

Lifestyle Tweaks for GERD Relief

These adjustments can make a meaningful difference:

• Meal timing: Avoid lying down for at least 2–3 hours after eating. Gravity helps keep stomach acid where it belongs.

• Portion control: Smaller, more frequent meals reduce pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which helps prevent reflux.

• Elevate your head: Sleeping with the head of your bed raised 6–8 inches can reduce nighttime symptoms.

• Avoid trigger foods: Common culprits include caffeine, chocolate, spicy foods, citrus, tomatoes, garlic, onions, and fatty or fried foods. But triggers vary—keeping a food diary can help identify yours.

• Mindful eating: Eat slowly, chew thoroughly, and avoid talking while chewing to reduce swallowed air (which can worsen bloating and burping).

• Weight management: If applicable, even modest weight loss can significantly reduce GERD symptoms.

• Clothing: Avoid tight waistbands or belts that put pressure on your abdomen.

• Stress reduction: Stress can exacerbate symptoms. Gentle practices like walking, deep breathing, or even a warm cup of chamomile tea can help.

Overlap with Functional Dyspepsia and Gastroparesis

For functional dyspepsia and gastroparesis, many of the same principles apply, with a few additions:

• Low-fat, low-fiber meals: These are easier to digest and move through the stomach more quickly.

• Soft or blended foods: Especially helpful for gastroparesis, where delayed emptying is an issue.

• Hydration: Sip fluids between meals rather than with meals to avoid overfilling the stomach.

• Gentle movement after meals: A short walk can aid digestion and reduce bloating.