Taking physical downtime …

I have written numerous paragraphs and entire posts on the dangers of a sedentary lifestyle. I think that lifestyle may be as damaging to the body as smoking cigarettes, and it acts as more of a stealth killer because everyone knows the dangers of smoking, but very few people appreciate how damaging just sitting around and living a sedentary lifestyle can be.

While I normally ride my bike around 100 miles a week here in Chicago on a year ’round basis, I have not ridden for the past two days and may not ride tomorrow.

Actual X-Ray of my jaw from the oral surgeon showing where two implants might go.

I am currently experiencing some physical downtime. On Thursday I underwent oral surgery. For some years I have had a three tooth bridge in my mouth that was anchored on a single tooth. Unfortunately, that single tooth developed damage around the roots and needed to come out. Clearly, this wasn’t a simple extraction. The bridge needed to be broken apart before the oral surgeon could extract the afflicted tooth. I was given pain pills and an antibiotic to take afterwards. The entire ordeal in the dental chair lasted just over an hour.

This kind of experience always demonstrates to me how great the system of the body works. A small part (my tooth) was removed and I experienced some bleeding, but it is over. Now the healing begins. For the past three days my energy has been down. The most exercise I have been able to accomplish was walking the dog. The temperature here in Chicago has been in the 50’s which makes for lovely bike riding. In fact, over 45F with some sun, I am able to take the dog along in her basket. But, that has not been possible for me. Walking along with the dog, I could imagine pedaling through the springtime air, but I could not actually do it. The words – the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak – echoed in my mind. My diet has constricted to yogurt, smoothies, fish and other easy stuff to chew as I have a hole in my mouth. No more chia seeds, hemp seeds, small nuts, oatmeal, etc. that usually make up a large part of my daily meals.

Possibly, a small positive, besides physical healing, has been that I am Xfinity cable subscriber and that company is offering free shows this week. I have become somewhat of a fan of Game of Thrones. I was aware of its popularity, but don’t subscribe to HBO. Now, I have sampled it. I am very impressed with the writing and production values. So, I have experienced a small entertainment plus. It is disappointing to see the bad guys winning, and the evil characters thriving, though. I have seen only Season One.

My girlfriend sent me this wonderful fruit bouquet to help healing. Is she great or what?

Hoping to get back out there soon, but currently biding my time with my enforced sedentary situation.

Tony