Two Eight – Superbowl Eve

Notes:

• Going to Farris house for Superbowl
• buying some exercise equipment
• doing dumbbell exercises at home
• over 10,000 steps

=====

AST (SGOT) Test: What It Is, What It Shows, and How to Read It

What Is the AST (SGOT) Test?

The Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) test, also known as Serum Glutamic-Oxaloacetic Transaminase (SGOT), is a blood test that measures the level of AST enzyme in your bloodstream. AST is primarily found in the liver, but it is also present in the heart, muscles, kidneys, and brain.

Doctors order this test to assess liver health and detect liver damage, but it can also indicate muscle or heart conditions.

What Does the AST Test Show?

The test measures AST enzyme levels in the blood. When cells in the liver or other organs are damaged, they release AST into the bloodstream.

High AST levels can indicate:

• Liver diseases: Hepatitis, fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, or liver damage from alcohol, toxins, or medications.
• Heart problems: Heart attack or muscle damage.
• Muscle injury or disease: Muscle trauma, strenuous exercise, or muscle breakdown conditions.
• Kidney damage or infections.
• Pancreatitis or other conditions affecting multiple organs.

How to Read AST Test Results

• Normal AST Range: Typically, 10 to 40 U/L (units per liter) in adults (may vary slightly by lab).
• Mildly Elevated (40-100 U/L): Could be due to fatty liver, alcohol use, or mild muscle injury.
• Moderately Elevated (100-300 U/L): May indicate chronic liver disease, hepatitis, or muscle disorders.
• Severely Elevated (>300 U/L): Suggests acute liver disease, significant muscle breakdown, or a heart attack.

Interpreting AST in Context

• AST/ALT Ratio: AST is often tested alongside Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT).
  • AST > ALT (AST/ALT ratio >2): Suggests alcohol-related liver disease.
  • ALT > AST: More common in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and hepatitis.
  • Both very high: Can indicate acute liver failure or severe muscle breakdown.
• Other Factors That Can Affect AST Levels:
  • Recent exercise or muscle injury
  • Medications (statins, antibiotics, aspirin, etc.)
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Heart attack or muscle disorders

Next Steps if AST Is High

• Mild elevation? Your doctor may monitor and retest.
• Significant elevation? Further tests like ALT, bilirubin, ALP, and imaging (ultrasound, MRI) may be needed.
• Very high levels? Immediate evaluation for acute liver disease or muscle breakdown is crucial.

=====

What Do Low CO₂ Test Results Mean?

A low CO₂ (carbon dioxide) level in a blood test usually refers to decreased bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻) levels, which can indicate issues with acid-base balance in the body. This test is typically part of an electrolyte panel or blood gas test and helps assess lung function, kidney function, and metabolic health.

Possible Causes of Low CO₂ Levels

A lower-than-normal CO₂ level (below 22 mmol/L) may suggest:

1. Metabolic Acidosis (Too Much Acid in the Blood)

• Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA): Seen in uncontrolled diabetes when the body produces excess ketones.
• Kidney Disease or Failure: The kidneys regulate bicarbonate; dysfunction can cause acidosis.
• Lactic Acidosis: Can occur due to shock, infection (sepsis), liver disease, or strenuous exercise.
• Severe Diarrhea or Dehydration: Loss of bicarbonate through excessive diarrhea.
• Toxin Ingestion: Such as aspirin overdose, methanol, or antifreeze poisoning.

2. Respiratory Issues

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Pneumonia
• Lung diseases affecting gas exchange

3. Addison’s Disease

• A disorder where the adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones, leading to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

4. Overuse of Diuretics or Certain Medications

• Some diuretics (water pills) and laxatives can lower CO₂ levels by increasing bicarbonate loss.

How to Interpret Low CO₂ Results

• Mildly Low (18-22 mmol/L): Could be due to temporary dehydration, mild acidosis, or medication effects.
• Moderately Low (10-17 mmol/L): Suggests a more serious metabolic or respiratory imbalance.
• Severely Low (<10 mmol/L): May indicate a life-threatening condition like severe acidosis, kidney failure, or shock.

What to Do if CO₂ is Low?

• Look at other lab values: Your doctor will check pH levels, anion gap, kidney function, glucose, and lactate levels to pinpoint the cause.
• Hydration and diet changes: If due to dehydration or an electrolyte imbalance, fluids and dietary adjustments may help.
• Further testing: If kidney disease, diabetes, or lung disease is suspected, additional tests and medical evaluation are necessary.

=====

Your hand stiffness over the past three years could be caused by diabetes, arthritis, or both. Here’s a breakdown of how each condition could contribute:

1. Diabetes-Related Causes

• Diabetic Stiff Hand Syndrome (Diabetic Cheiroarthropathy): Common in long-term diabetics, this condition causes thickened skin, limited joint mobility, and difficulty extending fingers.
• Peripheral Neuropathy: Nerve damage from diabetes can weaken grip strength and cause discomfort or a “clumsy” feeling.
• Trigger Finger: Inflammation in the tendon sheaths can cause fingers to lock or stiffen, making typing difficult.
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Common in diabetics, leading to hand pain, stiffness, and weakness.

2. Arthritis-Related Causes

• Osteoarthritis: Wear-and-tear arthritis can cause stiffness, joint pain, and swelling, especially in the fingers.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune condition that leads to chronic joint inflammation, stiffness, and deformity.
• Psoriatic Arthritis: If you have psoriasis, this could be another possibility.

3. Could It Be Both?

Yes, diabetes increases the risk of arthritis, and the two conditions often coexist. High blood sugar levels contribute to joint inflammation and damage over time.

What Can You Do to Improve Hand Stiffness?

Lifestyle Adjustments

1. Improve Blood Sugar Control: Keeping blood glucose levels stable can reduce inflammation and prevent nerve damage progression.
2. Reduce Inflammation Through Diet:
   • Stick to your carnivore/keto diet (as you’ve been doing) but ensure you get enough omega-3s from salmon, sardines, and beef liver.
   • Consider adding bone broth for collagen support.
3. Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can worsen joint stiffness.

Hand Exercises & Stretches

1. Daily Finger Stretches:
   • Finger Extensions: Open and close your hands slowly, holding each stretch for 5 seconds.
   • Finger Lifts: Place your hand flat on a table and lift each finger one at a time.
   • Grip Strengthening: Squeeze a soft stress ball 10–15 times.
2. Wrist Rotations: Improve flexibility and circulation by rotating your wrists clockwise and counterclockwise.

Heat & Cold Therapy

1. Warm Compress or Paraffin Wax Therapy: Helps relax stiff joints.
2. Cold Therapy: If you experience swelling, apply ice for 10 minutes.

Supportive Tools

1. Ergonomic Keyboard & Voice Typing: Try a split keyboard or dictation software like Google Voice Typing or Dragon NaturallySpeaking.
2. Compression Gloves: These may improve circulation and reduce stiffness.

Medical Options

1. Talk to Your Doctor:

• A blood test can check for inflammatory markers (RA, C-reactive protein).
• X-rays or ultrasounds can help assess arthritis severity.
• Consider physical therapy or cortisone injections if pain becomes severe.

=====

I’m sorry you’re experiencing difficulties accessing your Social Security account due to an outdated phone number. To resolve this issue, you have a couple of options:

1. Contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) by Phone:
   • Call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Inform the representative that you cannot access your account because your phone number has changed. They can assist you in updating your contact information and restoring access to your account.
     ssa.gov
2. Visit Your Local Social Security Office:
   • You can locate the nearest office using the SSA Office Locator. Visiting in person lets you verify your identity and update your contact information directly.

Please note that while the SSA offers online services to update contact information through the “my Social Security” account, this requires access to your current phone number for verification purposes.

Since you’re unable to receive verification codes due to the outdated phone number, contacting the SSA by phone or visiting a local office are the most effective methods to resolve this issue.

For more information on updating your contact information, you can visit the SSA’s official guidance here:

ssa.gov

If you have further questions or need additional assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to the SSA directly.

======

Analysis of “Ikigai, Kaizen & Hansei – The Triad of Timeless Japanese Secrets” by Makoto Saito

Introduction

“Ikigai, Kaizen & Hansei – The Triad of Timeless Japanese Secrets” by Makoto Saito is a self-improvement book that combines three foundational Japanese philosophies—Ikigai (finding purpose), Kaizen (continuous improvement), and Hansei (self-reflection). The book is a practical guide to achieving personal growth, inner peace, and productivity through daily habits, goal-setting, and mindset shifts.

Given the rising global interest in Japanese wisdom for self-improvement—particularly after the success of books like Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles—Saito’s book attempts to expand the framework by integrating Kaizen and Hansei, making it a more holistic system for transformation. The book has found a niche among readers seeking structured, actionable guidance in achieving long-term happiness, productivity, and mindfulness.

1. Strengths: What Sets This Book Apart?

• Combines Three Powerful Japanese Philosophies: Unlike standalone books on Ikigai, this book integrates Kaizen and Hansei, offering a more comprehensive self-improvement framework.
• Action-Oriented Approach: The book provides structured exercises, goal-setting workshops, and daily routines that give readers tangible steps to apply the concepts in real life.
• Practical Application: The morning and evening routines help readers implement these philosophies daily, making the book more than just theoretical discussion.
• Inspirational Case Studies: Real-life examples of people successfully implementing these principles add credibility and motivation for readers.
• Cultural Authenticity: The book is written from a perspective that respects Japanese traditions rather than just repackaging them for a Western audience.
• Engaging Writing Style: The language is simple yet motivational, making complex ideas accessible to a broad readership.
• Evergreen Topic: As personal growth and mindfulness remain in high demand, the book has long-term appeal.

2. Weaknesses: Areas for Improvement

• Lack of Scientific Backing: While the book provides compelling anecdotes, it lacks scientific studies or data to support the effectiveness of Ikigai, Kaizen, and Hansei in improving happiness and productivity.
• Repetitive Content: Some readers might find the book repetitive, with similar messages presented in different ways without significant new insights.
• Surface-Level Coverage: Each principle is explained well but could benefit from deeper exploration, particularly Hansei, which is less known outside Japan.
• Minimal Cultural Context: While it respects Japanese traditions, the book could have included more historical context or references to traditional Japanese practices that align with these principles.
• Overuse of Motivational Language: Some readers might feel the book leans too much into motivational writing rather than focusing purely on actionable strategies.
• Lack of Unique Differentiation: The book covers well-known principles, and while it integrates them well, it does not introduce radically new ideas to the genre.

3. Why Did They Buy? (What Did They Like About the Book?)

• Desire for Purpose and Growth: Many buyers were searching for direction in life and saw this book as a roadmap for long-term happiness and success.
• Interest in Japanese Wisdom: Readers drawn to Eastern philosophies for self-improvement found the combination of Ikigai, Kaizen, and Hansei appealing.
• Practicality Over Theory: The exercises, daily routines, and actionable steps provided a structured way to implement these principles.
• Easy-to-Read Format: The book’s simple language, clear structure, and engaging style made it accessible to a broad audience.
• Holistic Self-Improvement: By addressing productivity, purpose, and self-reflection, the book appeals to those wanting a well-rounded approach to personal development.

4. Why They May Not Buy? (What Did They Dislike About the Book?)

• Too Similar to Existing Books: Some readers felt the book covered similar ground as other popular books on Ikigai and Kaizen, making it feel redundant.
• Not Deep Enough: More advanced readers in the self-help genre might find the book too basic or lacking in-depth insights.
• Missing Scientific Evidence: Skeptical readers wanted more research-based validation of the claims made about these philosophies.
• Repetitive and Overly Inspirational: While some appreciated the motivation, others found the tone overly repetitive, preferring more substance over encouragement.
• Limited Appeal for Western Readers: The concept of Hansei, in particular, is less known outside Japan, and the book could have provided better context for Western audiences unfamiliar with it.
• Could Be More Concise: Some readers mentioned that the book could have been shorter and more to the point, reducing unnecessary repetition.

Recommendations for Self-Published Authors Writing a Competing Book in This Market

For self-published authors looking to enter this niche, here are 7-10 critical elements to include (or mistakes to avoid) to stand out and capture reader attention:

Critical Elements to Include:

1. A Unique Angle or Differentiation: Instead of just summarizing Japanese philosophies, bring a fresh perspective—such as integrating them with modern psychology or neuroscience.
2. Scientific Backing: Support key claims with studies on mindfulness, productivity, or happiness to add credibility.
3. Deeper Exploration of Hansei: Since this principle is less explored in Western self-help books, providing a well-researched and in-depth look could be a strong selling point.
4. Practical Implementation Guides: Offer structured plans, step-by-step exercises, and real-life applications for readers at different life stages.
5. Cultural and Historical Context: Explain the origins of Ikigai, Kaizen, and Hansei with historical examples and how they evolved in Japanese society.
6. A Clear and Concise Structure: Ensure the book is well-organized and avoids unnecessary repetition to keep readers engaged.
7. Western and Eastern Perspectives: If targeting a global audience, provide comparisons or adaptations of these philosophies for different cultural contexts.
8. Real-Life Success Stories: Include diverse case studies that show how individuals from various backgrounds have successfully applied these principles.
9. Avoid Over-Motivation Without Substance: Balance inspiration with depth, ensuring that the book does not feel like just another self-help cliché.
10. Engaging Writing Style Without Fluff: Keep the language engaging yet concise, making complex ideas digestible without excessive filler content.

Integrating these elements allows a self-published book in this niche to offer more value than existing works and stand out in the competitive self-improvement market.

======

To get Amazon to show your Amazon Associates link for promoting a book, follow these steps:

1. Join the Amazon Associates Program

• If you haven’t already, sign up for the Amazon Associates program at Amazon Associates Central.
• Log in to your account once approved.

2. Find the Book on Amazon

• Go to Amazon.com and search for the book you want to promote.

3. Use the Amazon Associates SiteStripe

• When logged into your Amazon Associates account, the SiteStripe bar appears at the top of every Amazon product page.
• Click “Text” (for a simple link) or “Image” (for a clickable image link).
• You can also click “Text+Image” for a combined display.

4. Generate the Affiliate Link

• Copy the generated short link or full URL.

The link will look something like this:
arduino
CopyEdit
https://amzn.to/3xyz123

5. Promote the Link

• Blog or Website: Add the link in a blog post or sidebar.
• Social Media: Share on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or Pinterest.
• Email Newsletter: Include the link in an email (if compliant with Amazon’s guidelines).
• YouTube or Podcast: Mention and add the link in the description.

6. Check Your Performance

• Track clicks and conversions in your Amazon Associates Central dashboard.

Note: Ensure your content complies with Amazon’s Associate Program Policies, including proper disclosures (e.g., “As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.”).

Let me know if you need more help setting it up!

If your Amazon Associates SiteStripe is not showing, try these troubleshooting steps:

1. Make Sure You Are Logged into Amazon Associates

• Visit Amazon Associates Central and log in with your account.
• Then, go to Amazon.com and refresh the page.

2. Enable SiteStripe in Your Account Settings

• Go to Amazon Associates Central.
• Click on “Tools” > “SiteStripe”.
• Make sure SiteStripe is enabled.

3. Check if You Are Using the Correct Amazon Account

• Sometimes, users have multiple Amazon accounts.
• Ensure you’re logged into the same account that is registered for the Associates Program.

4. Disable Browser Extensions

• Some ad blockers, privacy extensions, or script blockers can interfere with SiteStripe.
• Try disabling these extensions or using a different browser.

5. Clear Cache and Cookies

• In your browser settings, clear cache and cookies.
• Then, restart your browser and log in again.

6. Try a Different Browser or Device

• If SiteStripe isn’t appearing, try using another browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, etc.).
• You can also try accessing it from a mobile or tablet.

7. Check for Program Suspension

• If you haven’t made any sales in 180 days, Amazon may have deactivated your account.
• Check your email or log into Associates Central to verify your account status.

8. Contact Amazon Support

• If nothing works, contact Amazon Associates support at:
  • Help > Contact Us in Associates Central.

Let me know if you need more help! 🚀

=====