There are indications that the nearly universal economic downturn is going to last much longer and probably get even worse than most economists and other experts will officially proclaim.

Have these abysmal economic conditions altered the way in which you cope with your alopecia?

In other words, do you now find yourself spending less on wigs, make-up, counseling, or perhaps even travel to distant support group meetings?

Or, do you now find yourself trying harder…

Well, it was bound to happen to me, and today was the day.

Cheryl and I went for a walk and stopped at a local restaurant to order water.

While I was paying, Cheryl stepped away to get a couple of straws just as an older woman tried to touch her and say, "God bless your heart."

Realizing that I saw her, the woman smiled at me and asked without pause, "Does she shave her head, or does she have cancer?"

I immediately responded, "Neither. She has alopecia areata, a…