I have just enough knowledge of medical terms to scare myself silly most of the time. I was worried about a report I got from some ex-rays done on my neck. It said something about my carotid arteries. It says there are atherosclerotic calcifications in them.

I worried a lot. I tried to tell myself that it must not be all that big a deal since the doc who ordered the tests didn't saying anything. But I kept worrying. Finally, I sent the report to my regular doctor to see what she thought.

Her nurse called me back and asked me some questions about family history. I told her that every male on my mother's side has died young of heart disease - her brother at 48, my cousin at 52 and her father at 59. I told her the results of my mother's recent MRI. Her memory doc says she has a number of dead spots or calcifications in her brain from lack of blood flow.

Since the carotid arteries supply the brain with blood, I want them wide open. She said the doctor wants me to have an ultrasound. Oh, and another cholesterol check. It's been over a year.

Maybe an EKG would be in order? It's been about 5 years. I might just leaf through my insurance booklet to look for other tests that are covered.

I think I'll pass on the fries.