What do you really know about prostate cancer?

Everyday it seems there is new information and sometimes conflicting information about cancer. There are headlines daily about breast cancer which affects so many women of all ages, but what do we really know about prostate cancer. What I know is that you never seem to hear about prostate cancer. While it affects mostly older men, we cannot forget screening of younger men as well. Prostate cancer is on the rise for men between 30-45 years old and is the 3rd most common death from cancer in men. We also are learning that yes it does run in families, but it is also largely common among men who eat large amounts of red and animal meats as well as processed and fried foods. Perhaps the reason we don't hear much about this type of cancer is men don't tend to be as vocal as women when championing causes. Or, maybe it goes back to the modesty notion that kept breast cancer patients suffering in silence for so many years. The syptoms of prostate cancer can be blood in the urine or semen, difficulty urinating, or weak or interrupted flow of urine. Like most cancers screening and early detection is the key to staying healthy. Additionally, there are so many options for treatment you absolutely have to be your own advocate and go with the treatment that feels right for you. September is prostate awareness month and I urge you to get your screening done! Ladies you might have to bug your guy to set up that appointment, but it's worth it. This is just another disease that can be prevented and caught early with simple lifestyle and behavioral changes. Get checked out today and pass it on to your friends, brothers, fathers, grandfathers, and uncles. If you are interested in more information about how you can help the fight against prostate cancer and get more information go to The Blue Cure Foundation, set up by a young man diagnosed with prostate cancer who is determined to get the word out.

Is Your Perception Reality?

It's definitely been proven your mood and ultimately your outlook can and does impact what you encounter on a daily basis. If you expect things to go well they most likely will. It's interesting to me how 2 people can perceive the same situation differently. This really started to make me think a few years ago when I really discovered my husband's propensity to always see the bright side of things. He tells me he's optimistic and I am negative. I have always thought, "no, I am just realistic". What I am learning now is maybe if you aren't positive you are negative. Is there really such a thing as realistic? What is realistic? Isn't it subjective?

I think now, it really is how you view things that determines what the outcome will be. I think it's difficult for us to always assume the best, because we naturally want to prepare ourselves for the worst. The last few years have thrown me a lot of changes, stressors, and unexpected curve balls. So, I think I have a tendency to wait for the other shoe to fall so to speak.
Each day I am learning that I can change the outlook of my life with my attitude. It is a tough thing to re-wire your brain. But then again, what is our other option?
I believe that unwelcome things are going to happen to all of us at some point. But what's the harm in believing the best is always going to happen?
I empower you to try it for just one day. No matter what life hands you, no matter what happens, who gets you annoyed, keep a postitive perspective. Give people the benefit of the doubt. Make the best day of your life be today. Why not?