Daily Thoughts & Issues

IN THIS ISSUE:

SEPTEMBER 23

Days left until the next millennium 01.01.3001

Photo of the Week
Tom Sanders/Adventure Photo & Film
Achieve Your Dreams

It's Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Remember to visit "Today" during the week of September 19-25. It's Prostate Cancer Awareness Week and we will feature a different issue each day concerning prostate cancer.

September 23 - Deaf Awareness Week. Nationwide celebration to promote deaf culture, American Sign Language and deaf heritage. Activities include library displays, interpreted story hours, Open Houses in residential schools and mainstream programs, exhibit booths in shopping malls with "Five Minute Sign Language Lessons," material distribution. * Innergize - a day set aside for anyone who has said "I don't have time to do the personal things I want to do for myself." Today is the day to set time aside for yourself to do anything you want to do. Annually the day after autumn. * Autumnal Equinox Day, national holiday in Japan. Day Japanese Buddhists mark the time of change by meditating on the impermanence of life. Marks the beginning of Autumn and point of equal daylight and darkness; celebrates the county of the earth with feasting and aiding those in need. * Planet Neptune Discovered (1846) 2,796,700,000 miles from the sun (about 30 times as far from the sun as Earth). It takes 164.8 years to revolve around the sun. Its about 31,000 miles in diameter compared to Earth at 7,927 miles. * The Taoist Festival honoring the Shen of Winds, West, and Autumn. The unity of Yin and Yang make up the psyche-matter-energy of the eternal all-encompassing Ch'i. Taoists seek enlightenment and live in harmony with Nature. * Day Japanese Buddhists mark the time of change by meditating on the impermanence of life. The Mystic's Wheel of the Year. * Baseballs greatest dispute (1908) in the decisive game between the Chicago Cubs and the New York Giants. Bottom of the ninth with the score tied at the Polo Grounds in New York. Two men on, end of the ninth, the batter hit safely to center field, scoring the winning run. Chicago claimed that the runner on first, Fred Merkle, seeing the winning run scored, headed toward the dugout without advancing to second base, thus invalidating the play. Days later, the head of the Baseball Commission, decided to call a tie. In the playoff, the Cubs won. Fans invented the terms "boner" and "bonehead" in reference to the play and it has gone down in baseball history as "Merkle's Boner." * In the Checkers speech (1952), VP candidate Richard Nixon declares he will not return Checkers, a cocker spaniel, because it was a gift to his daughter. * Independence Day in Saudi Arabia. Birthdays: Mickey Rooney, Friedrich Paulus, Walter Pidgeon, Jason Alexander, Ray Charles (Robinson), Tony Joseph Mandarich, Larry Hogan Mize, Paul Petersen, Mickey Rooney (Joe Yule, Jr.), Bruce Springsteen. *SPECIAL BIRTHDAY: Ken Byers

DAILY THOUGHTS

National surveys confirm that retirement is one of the most troubling passages in adult life for Americans. The younger the retiree, the harder the transition. An the higher the status one's work conferred, the steeper the slide to anonymity. New Passages

I wish she knew how great it is when she starts kissing and fondling me when I'm not expecting it - Gary, 31. Best of 1001 Sex Secrets Every Man & Woman Should Know

As we evolve as individuals, so do we cause our society evolve. The culture that nurtures us in childhood is nurtured by our leadership in adulthood. Those who achieve growth not only enjoy the fruits of growth but give the same fruits to the world. Evolving as individuals, we carry humanity on our backs. And so humanity evolves. The Road Less Traveled

Children today are tyrants. They contradict their parents, gobble their food and tyrannize their teachers. - Socrates. Dr. Buff's 365 Day Parenting Calendar

No matter how unrealistic in relation to the structures of life, no matter how illusory and dangerous, romantic love is as important to the soul as any other kind of love. Soul Mates

Communications begins with understanding others. Achieve Your Dreams

Things to Be Happy About: Waiters balancing trays. Michelangelo's architectural drawings. Little towns with funny names. 14,000 Things to Be Happy About

Whenever you find yourself intolerant of someone, ask yourself, " What is the feeling underneath this judgment that I don't want to feel?" It might be discomfort, embarrassment, insecurity, anxiety, or some other feeling of diminishment that the person is evoking in you. Focus on actually feeling that feeling so that your intolerance can evaporate, and you can embrace both your own emotions and the actions or behavior of the person you are judging.  If Life is a Game, These are the Rules

Even babies like to grab for things just beyond their reach. Really Important Stuff My Kids Have Taught Me

Safeguards:  Some ways to eliminate the top kitchen hazards:  Make sure appliance cords do not dangle over the edges of counters. Keep counters free of knives and glassware. Never allow children under age 8 to use the microwave. Store cleaning products, toothpicks, and plastic bags in locked cabinets. Turn pot handles away from the front of the stove. Keep hot foods and liquids away from the edges of tables. Install safety locks on drawers with sharp objects like scissors. Make sure you set your water heater at 120 degrees F to prevent scalds. Put childproof covers on stove and oven knobs. Parents Tips & Tricks

As a principle-centered person, you try to stand apart from the emotion of the situation and from other facts that would act on you, and evaluate the options. Looking at the balanced whole - the work needs, the family needs, other needs that may be involved, and the possible implications of the various alternative decisions - you'll try to come up with the best solutions, taking all factors into consideration. Seven Habits of Highly Effective People

Get in touch with your intuition. Learning to trust it will help keep your life in balance.  Simplify Your Life

"When written in Chinese, the word 'crisis' is composed of two characters. One represents danger, and the other represents opportunity."  John F. Kennedy. Which one you choose to see is the one you get!  Stress Busters

Drop Whoppers into a mug of hot chocolate. You can also add whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles on top. To Do Today

Our goals can only be reached through a vehicle of a plan in which we must fervently believe and upon which we must vigorously act. There is no other route to success. - Stephen A. Brennan. Win the Day!

El fin de semana (FEEN deh sehMAHnah) Weekend. Que tal tu fin de semana? How was your weekend?  Living Language

*SPECIAL BIRTHDAY: Ken Byers (1939) Great-great-great grandson of Philipp, Great-great grandson of Jacob, Great grandson of Daniel, Grandson of Noah, Son of Fred, Father of Brian and Jamey, Grandfather of Jacob. "Man In Transition" and "Who Was That Masked Man Anyway" are widely acknowledged as primers for men seeking deeper knowledge of creating awareness and understanding of the masculine way. More information on Ken and his work can be found at: www.etropolis.com/coachken/ or E-Mail.

TODAY'S ISSUE: SYMPTOMS AND TESTING FOR PROSTATE PROBLEMS

The disease often causes no symptoms at all until it reaches an advanced stage and/or spreads outside the gland. Or it could be one or more of the following: Pain or a burning sensation during urination, frequent urination, a decrease in the size and force of urine flow, an inability to urinate, blood in the urine, and continuing lower back, pelvic or suprapublic discomfort. However, these symptoms most often are caused not by cancer but by benign enlargement or inflammation of the prostate. That’s why professional evaluation and diagnosis is so necessary.

The rate of prostate cancer in the U.S. is rising. In part, this is due to the aging of our population. Just a generation ago, the life expectancy for white men was sixty-five years; today, it is close to eighty years. However, the rate of prostate cancer is rapidly rising in all men, even those under fifty. This is significant because, in general, the younger a man is when he is diagnosed with prostate cancer, the worse his prognosis. The increase in prostate cancer among younger men points to the role of diet and exposure to environmental toxins in the development of the disease.

African-American men have the highest incidence of prostate cancer, while Asian-American have the lowest. Men with a family history of prostate cancer also run a higher risk of developing the disease. The incidence is higher among married men that it is among unmarried men. Also at increased risk are men who have had recurring prostate infections, those with a history of venereal disease, and those who have taken testosterone. Researchers have also found a link between a high-fat diet and prostate cancer. This may be due to the fact that heavy fat consumption raises testosterone levels, which could then stimulate growth of the prostate, including any cancer cells it may be harboring. Exposure to cancer-causing chemicals increases risk as well. Some experts believe that vasectomy may increase a man’s chances of developing prostate cancer. And, while it isn’t conclusive, some medical professionals are recommending to have the vasectomy reversed.

Testing

It is believed by most that there is no way to prevent the disease, but early detection can make it possible to catch the cancer before it spreads to other parts in the body. A careful rectal exam of the prostate is the simplest and most cost-effective approach for detecting prostate cancer. The American Urologic Association recommends that ever man have an annual exam beginning at least by age forty. The American Cancer Society no longer recommends testing. They suggest discussing the options with your health care professional. (Wonder what that's all about? When early detection clearly saves lives, who gains from not being tested except those who know they don't have prostate cancer. And, without symptoms, who knows? Maybe the doctors and hospital and funeral homes gain? Families sure don't. Gives one something to think about!) A blood test to detect elevated levels of a substance called prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is an excellent screening test for prostate cancer. PSA is currently the most valuable "tumor marker" available to diagnose and evaluate the effectiveness of therapy for prostate cancer. A PSA test result between 0 and 4 is considered to be within the normal range; a PSA over 10 is assumed to indicate cancer until proven otherwise. High PSA levels can be caused by factors other than cancer, including benign enlargement or inflammation of the prostate, an activity as innocuous as bicycle riding, or even the rectal exam itself. If a man’s PSA level is found to be high, the test should always be repeated, because it does yield false-positive or false-negative results an estimated 10 to 20 percent of the time. Having the test repeated every year may help a physician to better interpret the results; in healthy men, PSA levels tend to remain relatively stable, rising only gradually from year to year, while cancer causes the levels to rise more dramatically.

Ultrasound scanning of the prostate is often done to follow up on an abnormal rectal exam or PREA test. Other diagnostic tests, including computerized tomography (CT) scans, bone scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be necessary, but are costly. Ultimately, if test results point consistently to the presence of cancer, a tissue diagnosis must be done to confirm it. This can be done only by microscopic examination of a needle biopsy, preferably directed under ultrasound control. Repeated biopsies may be needed in some cases. This invasive procedure may itself cause complications. Bleeding, urinary retention, impotence and sepsis (blood poisoning) have been reported.

Hey Man: Did you make a difference yesterday? Let us know at Contact Us.

Free Reminder for next year: On the first of September, we will send you a reminder to schedule a checkup during Prostate Cancer Awarness Week. Sign up here. mailto:menstuff-prostate-reminder-subscribe@topica.com

We will review treatment and after/side effects of various prostate problems on Wednesday, and Living Life After Treatment on Thursday. There will also be a discussion of impotency and treatments like Viagra on November 1, the beginning of National Impotency Awareness Month.

To learn more about Prostate Cancer: www.pcaw.org or Issues, Books, Resource

BOOK OF THE WEEK

 

I'm Outnumbered: One mom's lessons in the lively art of raising boys by Laura Lee Groves. I'm Outnumbered: One mom's lessons in the lively art of raising boys. Only a mom of all boys can really explain what life is like when you are surrounded by men. From one "boy mom" to another, this book offers sound advise and encouragement for every mom ho has more than one son, even if there is a girl in the mix. The author guides moms to see their role as proactive parents with insights gleaned from her own experience, from other boy moms, and from parenting experts. Laced with touching and humorous stories, this practical manual will show boy moms how to escape the expectation trap, handle sibling rivalry, foster leadership and teamwork, maintain order, celebrate their individuality and much more. A Christian perspective. Kregal Publications, 2010 ISBN 978-0-8254-2739-8

SPECIAL URLs

 

MENSTUFF COLUMNS BY AUTHOR

  • The Advice Diva - The Advice Diva - relationship and sexuality issues discussed - www.menstuff.org/columns/advicediva/archive.html
  • Peter Alsop - Song of the Month - www.menstuff.org/columns/alsop/archive.html
  • Reid Baer - A Man Overboard - Interview of the Month - www.menstuff.org/columns/overboard/archive.html
  • Reid Baer - Poetry - poetry read on YouTube - www.menstuff.org/columns/baer/archive.html
  • Molly Barrow - Shrink About This - www.menstuff.org/columns/barrow/archive.html
  • Peter Baylies - At Home Dads - on at-home-dad issues that impact fathers who stay at home to raise their kids - www.menstuff.org/columns/baylies/archive.html
  • Tom Blake - Middle-Age Relationships - from an expert on dating after 50. www.menstuff.org/columns/blake/archive.html
  • Mark Brandenburg - Great Fathers - on fathering issues - www.menstuff.org/columns/greatfathers/archive.html
  • Ted Braude - BoysWork - a columnist in the The Detroit Free Press "Body and Mind" section www.menstuff.org/columns/braude/archive.html
  • Armin Brott - A Father's Guide - hosts "Positive Parenting" on radio www.menstuff.org/columns/brott/archive.html
  • Dan Bulf - Get Real - weekly pod cast on men's issues - www.menstuff.org/columns/bulf/archive.html
  • Ken Byers - Transition - on men's life transitions - www.menstuff.org/columns/byers/archive.html
  • Sandra L. Caron - Sex Talk - college students get answers to their questions - www.menstuff.org/columns/sextalk/archive.html
  • Neil Chethik - Relationships - www.menstuff.org/columns/chethik/archive.html
  • Otto & Susie Collins - Susie and Otto - relationship issues discussed - www.menstuff.org/columns/susie&otto/archive.html
  • David Copeland - How to Succeed with Women - www.menstuff.org/columns/howtosucceed/archive.html
  • Forrest Craver - Spirituality & Social Change - www.menstuff.org/columns/craver/archive.html
  • Layne & Paul Cutright - Powerful Partnerships - relationship issues - www.menstuff.org/columns/cutright/archive.html
  • Ron DesMarais - Cavemen in the Kitchen - great recipes for men - www.menstuff.org/columns/desmarais/archive.html
  • Jed Diamond - Irritable Male Syndrome - www.menstuff.org/columns/diamond/archive.html
  • Doc Love - Women Don't Lie, Man Don't Listen - answers to relationship issues - www.menstuff.org/columns/doclov/archive.html
  • Barry Durdant-Hollamby - Creating Change - creating change in your life - www.menstuff.org/columns/durdant/archive.html
  • Irv Engel - The Real Deal - www.menstuff.org/columns/engel/archive.html
  • Nancy Fagan - Expert Dating Advice - with Nancy Fagan - www.menstuf.org/columns/fagan/archive.html
  • Warren Farrell - Men's Issues: Facts and Perspectives www.menstuff.org/columns/farrell/archive.html
  • Leonard Felder - Wake Up or Break Up - www.menstuff.org/columns/felder/archive.html
  • Marty Friedman - Strong Men, Strong Marriage - www.menstuff.org/columns/friedman/archive.html
  • Kim Garretson - Mansgland - using humor to encourage prostate exams - www.menstuff.org/columns/mansgland/archive.html
  • Lion Goodman - How to get Women to Love You - www.menstuff.org/columns/goodman/archive.html
  • Liz Halliday - In a Man's World - www.menstuff.org/columns/halliday/archive.html
  • Rick Hanson - Your Wise Brain - www.menstuff.org/columns/hanson/archive.html
  • Tim Hartnett - Daddyman Speaks - being a father www.menstuff.org/columns/daddyman/archive.html
  • John Hershey - Blood, Phlegm & Bile: Parenting with Humor - He writes a syndicated biweekly humor column about parenting and family life. www.menstuff.org/columns/hershey/archive.html
  • Gary Hoeber - Psychotherapy as Soul Work, www.menstuff.org/columns/hoeber/archive.html
  • Patrick Houser - Fathers Make a World of Difference, www.menstuff.org/columns/houser/archive.html
  • Paul Joannides - The Guide to Getting It On - on sex - www.menstuff.org/columns/getiton/archive.html
  • Jack Kahn - NOMAS Boston - www.menstuff.org/columns/kahn/archive.html
  • Patrick Kennedy - Seniors - www.menstuff.org/columns/kennedy/archive.html
  • Joe Kort - Gaydar - to increase understanding between gay and het men - www.menstuff.org/columns/kort/archive.html
  • David Kundtz - David Kundtz - presents seminars, workshops, retreats, and conference presentations in the areas of men's emotional health, stress management, and spirituality. www.menstuff.org/columns/kundtz/archive.html
  • Bruce Linton - Dr. Dad - on fathering - www.menstuff.org/columns/drdad/archive.html
  • Ron Louis - How to Succeed with Women - www.menstuff.org/columns/howtosucceed/archive.html
  • Tom Matlack - Tom Matlack - Good Men Project - www.menstuff.org/columns/matlack/archive.html
  • Wendy McElroy - Wendy McElroy on Feminism, www.menstuff.org/columns/mcelroy/archive.html
  • Robert N. Minor - Minor Details - on GBT sexuality - www.menstuff.org/columns/minordetails/archive.html
  • Robert L. Moore - Man & Mythology - www.menstuff.org/columns/moore/archive.html
  • Dennis W. Neder - Being a Man - general questions about men's lives - www.menstuff.org/columns/neder/archive.html
  • Marty Nemko - Worklife - general questions about men and work - www.menstuff.org/columns/nemko/archive.html
  • Eli Newberger - Eli Newberger - general information on men's lives - www.menstuff.org/columns/newberger/archive.html
  • Linda Nielsen - Embracing the Father - working with the father/daughter relationship. www.menstuff.org/columns/nielsen/archive.html
  • Kathy Noll - Bullies and Youth Violence - working with schools, teachers and parents to end school violence - www.menstuff.org/columns/noll/archive.html
  • Mark Phillips - Stay-at-Home-Dads - helping men maintain that which makes us men, instead of becoming hairy Mom-substitutes - www.menstuff.org/columns/phillips/archive.html
  • Carey Roberts - Socialism & Feminism - is a social commentator on political correctness. www.menstuff.org/columns/roberts/archive.html
  • Perry Rose - Dating, Relationship, Sex
  • Glenn Sacks - His Side - on fathering - www.menstuff.org/columns/sacks/archive.html
  • Trudy Schuett - Domestic Violence - serving the under-represented www.menstuff.org/columns/schuett/archive.html
  • Carl J. Schutt - Circumcision - social commentator on circumcision - www.menstuff.org/columns/schutt/archive.html
  • Hugo Schwyzer - A Pro-feminist's Response - www.menstuff.org/columns/schwyzer/archive.html
  • Michael Shaffran - Men's Issues - www.menstuff.org/columns/shaffran/archive.html
  • Judith Sherven - Judith & Jim - discussion and answers regarding relationship issues - www.menstuff.org/columns/judith&jim/archive.html
  • Judith Sherven - The New Intimacy - www.menstuff.org/columns/newintimacy/archive.html
  • George Simons - Bellicose Veins - is a US specialist in intercultural and gender communication who hangs out in Mandelieu - la Napoule, France, as well as in Santa Cruz, CA. www.menstuff.org/columns/simons/archive.html
  • Andy Smith - Hard Hat Brotherhood - www.menstuff.org/columns/hardhat/archive.html
  • David B. Smith - Fighting Father Dave - www.menstuff.org/columns/smith/archive.html
  • Jim Sniechowski - Judith & Jim - discussion and answers regarding relationship issues - www.menstuff.org/columns/judith&jim/archive.html
  • Jim Sniechowski - The New Intimacy - www.menstuff.org/columns/newintimacy/archive.html
  • Reena Sommer - Custody - is an internationally recognized relationship and divorce consultant. www.menstuff.org/columns/sommer/archive.html
  • R. Don Steele - Don Steele - relationship questions answered -
    www.menstuff.org/columns/steele/archive.html
  • David Steinberg - Comes Naturally - on sexuality - www.menstuff.org/columns/steinberg/archive.html
  • Mary Lou St Lucas - A Mother's Love - www.menstuf.org/columns/stlucas/archive.html
  • Surprise - Surprise Author - From a new columnist every month - www.menstuff.org/columns/surprise/archive.html
  • Steven Svoboda - Fatherhood, Activism and the Law www.menstuff.org/columns/svoboda/archive.html
  • Michael Taylor - A New Conversation with Men - www.menstuff.org/columns/taylor/archive.html
  • Bruce Van Horn - Yoga for Men - issues around the health benefits of yoga for men - www.menstuff.org/yoga/archive.html
  • Michael Webb - Secrets of Blissful Relationships - on relationship - www.menstuff.org/columns/bliss/archive.html
  • Stuart Wilde - Spirituality - www.menstuff.org/columns/wilde/archive.html
  • Dr.Williams - Sex Health - on sexual health - Dr. Williams, www.menstuff.org/columns/sexhealth/archive.html
  • KC Wilson - On Gender Politics is a social commentator and author. www.menstuff.org/columns/wilson/archive.html

Plus

  • Health Tips - on general health - www.menstuff.org/columns/healthtips/archive.html
  • Independent Means - resources for raising financially fit kids - www.menstuff.org/columns/independentmeans/archive.html
  • Numbers - www.menstuff.org/columns/numbers/archive.html
  • Questions - www.menstuff.org/columns/q&a/archive.html
  • Surprise - from a new columnist every month - www.menstuff.org/columns/surprise/archive.html
  • Words Can Heal - helping children grow up healthy - www.menstuff.org/columns/wordscanheal/archive.html
  • Wuzup?! - National or international events happening this month - www.menstuff.org/columns/whassup/archive.html

AWARENESS EVENTS THIS MONTH

September is Baby Safety Awareness, Children's Eye Health & Safety, Children's Good Manners, Christmas Seal, Cholesterol Education, Fall Hat, Gay Square Dance, Library Card Sign-up, Little League, Organic Harvest, Pediculosis Prevention, Piano, Pleasure Your Mate, Project Aware, Prosperity Creation, School Success, Sea Cadet, Self Awareness, Self-Improvement, Shameless Promotion, and Sickle Cell Month.

9/15-10/15: Hispanic Heritage Month. 8/29-9/4: National Sobriety Checkpoint Week, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, www.madd.org; 9/1-7: Childhood Injury Prevention; Self-University Week. 9/4-10: Full Employment Week, Mental Health Workers Week.. 9/5-9: Play Days. 9/9-16: National Five-A-Day Week. 9/10-16: National Suicide Prevention; Substitute Teacher Appreciation; National Brainstorming and Mind Mapping; Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week: 9/14-20 Dementia Awareness Week (Australia) 9/17-23: *Constitution; Balance Awareness; Love a Mensch; Farm Safety and Health; Historically Black Colleges and Universities; Rehabilitation Awareness; Single's Week. 9/19-25 - Prostate Cancer Awareness Week; 9/23-30: Banned Books, Religious Freedom Week. 9/23-29 - Deaf Awareness, National Dog Week; 9/23-24: Family Health & Fitness. 9/10: Swap Ideas Day. 9/17 *Citizenship Day. 9/19: International Day of Peace. 9/22: National Centenarians, Proposal Day. 9/23: Kiwanis Kids', *National Hunting & Fishing, Smash Out Suicide Day, 9/24: *Gold Star Mother's, National Good Neighbor, World Heart Day. 9/27: Ancestor Appreciation Day. 9/28: Cabrillo Day

* Means a Presidential Proclamation has been made.

 *    *    *
Men are so competitive that we even "out-die" women in all 15 of the major causes of death in the U.S. Most of these deaths are preventable with a positive change in life-style, eating habits, and/or general health care. Let's not strive so hard to hold on to this record. See what you can change now to live a healthier life.
Contact Us | Disclaimer | Privacy Statement
Menstuff® Directory
Menstuff® is a registered trademark of Gordon Clay
©1996-2023, Gordon Clay