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Being self aware is to know you own personality, psyche and
mentality, and not being surprised at it yourself.
Flemming

Being self-aware can occasionally descend into
navel-watching which may be misinterpreted by others as
cephalic constipation. But generally speaking, there is no
such thing as being too self-aware. Just be aware that
other people may not be on the same level of awareness;
this may give rise to misunderstandings.
Are you conscious of your own motives when you say or do
something?
Are you conscious of the underlying reasons for these
motives or impulses?
Have you thought through your own assumptions and rules of
behaviour, your entire framework of references and
guidelines for dealing with reality (IOW, your 'weltbild')?
Are you aware of your own preconceived notions, bias and
prejudices?
Do you question yourself before giving in to an impulse?
Can you define your wishes and preferences in terms of what
you *want* rather than what you *don't* like/want?
If the answer is "yes", you are self-aware.
Do beware though that this is not an easy task to set
oneself, nor will it ever be completed. It's a lifetime
occupation.
Alex -- who suspects Tom has been at the James Joyce again.

Is being very self aware the same as "walking 'round with yer head up yer
ass"?
What is being self aware?

KS-er's:
As far as spine exercising goes, I have a partial solution. Gravity Boots -
or, as its more properly known, Inversion Therapy. Supposed to be great for
the spinal column. [My brother's got one (but does not have KS)]. See:
www.inversiontherapy.com : for more info
~
robert

Hello Jerry,
Can I ask how long you've been on T treatment for the KS?
Thanks,
Tom.

Hi Jerry,
I'm glad you had a scan, but I'm sorry about the results.
At least you know what you are up against now.
Spine worse than hip is following the trend for our OP.
Next pieces of advice :-)))
a) Don't expect quick results from the Fosamax.
Your next bone scan in about a year's time may still show a slight
worsening of results. The bisphosphonates (e.g. Fosamax) seem to take
a while to turn the results round.
If I remember rightly, it takes about 7 years for us to completely
lose the old skeleton and gain a new one? It is a continuous cycle of
bone loss and renewal. Certainly a lot slower than new hair,
fingernails or skin :-)))
b) Keep up the good work with the exercise and weights.
Without them your results could have been much worse. Seek out a
physiotherapist who can show you the special exercises for the
thoracic spine which is the most vulnerable area.
c) Posture!, posture!, posture! - no slumping allowed.
Stand tall, sit tall.
Alexander Technique exercises are worth looking into. Protect the
spine.
d) Don't rely on milk products as a source of calcium.
Check out the vegetable sources too such as beans, soy products etc.
Many people have a slight (or worse)lactose intolerance which means
that the milk products are not well absorbed. Cover all sources.
e) See if there are ways of shortening the T cycle.
f) Join your local Osteoporosis society and campaign for better
research/diagnosis/treatment of men's osteoporosis.
g) Do not depair :-)))
You are doing the right things.
Keep on keeping on :-)))
Enjoy life.
Look after yourselves :-)))
Jan - off for a weekend's walking - weather permitting ;-)

OK guys, a warning to you all!
I had my first DEXA bone scan last week. Here are the results. The
T scores are as follows:
Lumbar: -3.1
Hip: -2.9
Femoral neck: -2.9
It's osteoporosis time! My internist is starting me on Fosamax,
vitamin D and calcium. I already exercise and lift weights regularly.
I'm now jumping on Janet's bandwagon. All guys on this list- you
MUST insist on a bone scan!!! I had one endo tell me it wasn't
necessary since I am already on testosterone. WRONG! The damage is
done much earlier in life. I found a new endo who agreed to do the
scan. You should do the same.
I guess I figured this would happen, especially since I could hear
the technician whistle to himself in disbelief as I was being scanned!
Jerry

Holy Cow!
Is this something to be concerned about? Yikes!
I've been sort of ignoring the whole osteoporosis thing, but, oh my
gosh!
Exams are coming up so I'm in a stressed-out phase anyway, but do we
really have to worry about osteoporosis on top of the rest!?
Chris

Hmmf. I just posted this info a few hours ago, but it doesn't seem
to have appeared on the list. So here goes again. Sorry if I end up
posting the same stuff twice.
I had my first ever DEXA bone scan last week. Here are the results:
T-score at lumbar spine: -3.1
T-score at hip: -2.9
T-score at femoral head: -2.9.
I have osteoporosis!!! My internist is starting me on Fosamax,
vitamin D and calcium. I already exercise and lift weights pretty
regularly.
Janet, I'm jumping on your band wagon. All guys out there- you MUST
insist on a bone scan. Don't be disuaded. One endo told me I didn't
need one because I was already on testosterone. WRONG. I found
another endo who agree to a bone scan. So should you.
I guess I knew something was wrong when I heard the technician
whistle to himself in disbelief during my scan! He also seemed
surprised to see a 36 year-old man (who looks more like 25). I asked
him, "I bet you don't see too many young guys here, do you?" "Nope."
Jerry

You know, I watched a docco on people with Asperger's and I
sat there wondering whether I might not have a mild version
of it myself. Very good point.
Why do you mess up a perfect pumpkin soup with chives? If
you want something green, chop some parsley over it.
Your guest was probably green with envy at your husband.
No leftovers, ever. No containers of tupperware with bits
and bobs of last week's dinner. No mystery soup once a
week.
Alex