The last time some ten years ago when I choked and jumped out of bed before dawn and those few seconds seemed like an eternity until my body threw out some phlegm and brought my breathing back, I, too. was scared to sleep. So I did visit emergency where the doctor told me what you're telling me is an anxiety attack. I said, "me, I'm retired, why I'd have anxiety?" I said but what if it happens again tonight? She said we can observe you for an overnight stay. Of course I slept well -- aware that staff would run to save me.

Later in the day I saw my family doctor and told her my story and the fear of waking up choking. She said we can book you for anxiety to see a therapist for Cognitive Behavior Therapy. I said, I know what CBT is and can do myself. She said, it's not the same. I said let me try first. But what what if I've attack at night again? She prescribed a medicine that would bring back my breathing in few seconds. I kept the pills at arm length, never to use.

But I had to sit with Myself and tell myself: Sometimes in life years of good work you think you've found (a non-medical, lifestyle solution to obesity that had turned into a book-long text) which no book agent even bothered to look at was causing my background anxiety. It was a slow acceptance -- but a quick exit from anxiety -- for ever.

It still bothers me when I read the news is only worsening rates of obesity, even the latest one being among children's severe obesity rising. So I curse loud in my four walls, lamenting the human propensity for medical interventions first and not realizing that human body has had wisdom to heal itself for a far longer time.

BTW (Not a proof) I'm in my 80s, haven't seen my doc for over ten years now, no meds, avoided colonoscopy, sleep well, healthy and reasonably strong body with good sleep. Working hard to find robust social connections.

I'd love to know your progress.