It's been a tough year thus far on many of my friends, all close to my age. Three of them had prostate surgery, another a hip replaced, and a third, the first of two ankle surgeries (rheumatoid arthritis).

Another friend slaved away at helping me split some wood with his machine last Jan. Then, after eating a bowl of pea soup two months later, he had a heart attack! Go figure.

So I've made the effort to go see them, extending my sympathy for their misfortune. It's not easy seeing my peers laid up. It makes me feel old and vulnerable. Perhaps that's why I've been so concerned about my health, esp. blood pressure. I bought a monitor cuff and check it twice daily. My numbers are still higher than I'd like, despite pills. But I feel great.

I certainly don't want to join my friends in the hospital. Prostate cancer and hip replacements can't be helped, but maintaining good health habits can prevent many other problems.. Fellow bloggers--get off your duffs and exercise!