wherein we protect ourselves

How do I go about getting an exoskeleton?
How do I grow a chitinous plate over my abdomen in order to protect myself?
Is it a matter f ingesting all the right proteins and polysaccharides? Does the mind force the body to process and extrude the right misture so that a glass green plate comes into existence?
I am without physical grace? Will this thick, heavy armor exacerbate the situation or will I be able to compensate as I do now?
Will I find that the thickness and strength will protect me from most things, but ultimately will prove fatal if the blow is hard enough to crack it? Will I be unable to heal it?
how DO we cover the soft spots?