"how are you doing?" is a conversation starter but also a cheat, because instead of thinking of something to bring up, you're asking the other person to think of something for you.
@thor it would be weird to start with "hi, I had diarrhea last night".
@thor this is only a suggestion. But have you considered replying in the syle I mentioned? ;)
@gpowerf i have one friend who *almost* does that, and brings up his blood pressure in casual conversation, and i have no idea how to respond that