A much-appreciated shout out

 

My right foot has been killing me. Since February. It's Achilles tendonitis. My recovery has been steady but slow – chiropractic adjustments, massage, laser treatments. I'm trying to avoid anything more drastic (like cortisone treatments). I shared this with my yoga instructor, Rachel, and she gave me a new move ("nerve flossing") to add to my morning stretches.

During yesterday's yoga class, Rachel was discussing how yoga can help forestall or even avoid surgery altogether. She told us about her brother-in-law, who seems to view elective procedures as a quick way to relief but she wished he would try movement instead.

"Of course, to move through the pain you have to be a warrior. Like The Gal over there."

I'm a warrior! I like that.

  

 

Illustration by Muhammad Afandi on Unspl

I'm sorry I looked

I went to the dentist yesterday. It was a quick, painless appointment. X-rays, a cleaning, a baggie filled with free toothpaste and mouthwash, and I was on my way. This may seem run-of-the-mill to you but it was a cause for celebration for me. I haven't had a dental appointment this uneventful since 2019.

I've had teeth pulled ... gum surgeries ... root canals ... implants ... veneers ... That's countless hours in the chair.

And $22,506.25. That doesn't include meds.

Now I have had good dental insurance – both through my employer and now on my own. (But dental is not included in Medicare.) And it still came to $22,506.25.

When I worked I had paid time off. If I didn't have good insurance, if I didn't have sick days, I couldn't have afforded to do what it's taken to get my oral health in order. While I'd be lying if I didn't admit some of this dental work was handled the way it was because I wanted a nice, white smile, it's also true that oral health is important to one's overall health. Diabetes, heart disease and sepsis have all been linked to untreated dental issues.

Well, my dental issues have certainly been treated. To the tune of $22,506.25. (Or $3,215.15 a year every year for 7 seven years.*) I hope that the hardest work is over and, from here on out, all my dental appointments will be quick, painless and uneventful.

  

*If I'd invested that every year in a HYSA earning 2.5%, I'd have an extra $35,000. Like I say, I'm sorry I looked.

Photo by Quang Tri NGUYEN on Unsplash