Canada Needs a National Seniors Strategy

This is written in support of the CMA of Canada and their campaign for a National Seniors Strategy. I received this email from the Canadian Medical Association of Canada and I thought I would share.

Today Sunday, October 1, is National Seniors Day in Canada. While we reflect on the countless contributions made by our seniors over the years to help build this country, let’s remind ourselves – and everyone who will listen – that they deserve better

You’ve heard the stories. From accessing medication to proper long-term care services, our health care system was not designed to meet the needs of an ageing population. As such, we must now work together to create and implement a national vision for senior’s care in Canada.

Therefore, we ask you to share a letter with your elected officials, your friends and family in your community and help us build this movement, which is already 51,000 strong, and call on our federal government for a commitment to our seniors.

Providing the best care for our seniors should not be an ambitious goal. Our seniors deserve better and we must work together to get there.

Thank you,

Canadian Medical Association

Medical issues can change your life

My son's best friend just heard some bad news about his father and was quite upset. The father had a problem with his leg and went into the hospital tomorrow for an operation, where he was told he may lose his leg. 

Evidently, Barry had been feeling pain in his leg for a while but only went to the doctor, when the leg became too painful and was turning purple. I have heard of Barry over the years but had never met him until a few weeks ago, when we spent an evening together. I appreciated his wit, positive outlook and reflection about life. 

I hope that the operation is successful and they repair the problem without Barry having to lose his leg. I saw that my son was upset as over the years he had grown close to Barry. It is distressing when a friend is going through a difficult medical situation, as it is tricky to know what to do to help.

We have a good medical system so we know that Barry will have the best of care, and he will over time recover. My thoughts go out to Barry, and his son James and his family as they face this upcoming medical crises, and we will be there for them in any way we can.

Update, Barry had his operation and it was a blood clot that was causing his problem, his leg is saved, and he is on the road to recovery. They just have to find out and get rid of the blood clot problem. Good News

Who are you?

You have retired or are thinking of retiring, time to set new goals and start off on another great adventure on this road of life. Maybe it is time to define or re-define who you are. So with that in mind, here are some questions for you to think about: (Pay close attention to the last two questions)

So who are you?

Are you your name?

Are you your job?

Are you your gender? Your age? Your race? Your sexual orientation?

Are you the daughter/son of.... or mother/father of....?

How do you see yourself?

How do you want the world to see you?

Prostate Cancer Blogs that help

When I am giving my workshop on “Getting to Know your Bladder” one of the questions asked by the men in the audience is about the prostate. I have had several friends who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer and I know that this diagnosis is one that causes them much pain and fear.

While everyone finds their own way to cope with a diagnosis, there are a number of prostate cancer blogs may help you to feel as though you are not alone. The Medical News Today Team have selected the best prostate cancer blogs.

Although around 26,730 yearly deaths occur from prostate cancer among U.S. men, most men who are diagnosed with the condition do not die from the disease; more than 2.9 million U.S. men who have received a prostate cancer diagnosis at some point are still alive today.

Healthcare providers will help you to determine the most effective course of care for your condition. However, prostate cancer blogs can help you to connect with people who understand what you are going through.

Harvard Health Blog: Prostate Health

Harvard Health Blog is run by Harvard Health Publications, the publishing division of the Harvard Medical School of Harvard University. Harvard Health Publications draw on the expertise of more than 11,000 physicians, researchers, and faculty members to deliver up-to-date information that is trustworthy and accessible.

Prostate Cancer Foundation

The Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) was founded in 1993 to harness more financial and human resources in the mission to develop new breakthroughs and find a cure for prostate cancer.

Journey to ZERO

ZERO is a national non-profit organization with a mission to end prostate cancer and have a future with zero prostate cancer deaths. They aim to advance prostate cancer research, help to improve the lives of men and their families, and inspire action against prostate cancer.

ZERO provide educational resources and are funding research for early prostate cancer detection methods. They hope to motivate a passionate, like-minded, and multigenerational team of advocates to put an end to prostate cancer.

Sperling Prostate Center

The Sperling Prostate Center is based in New York City, NY, and offers advanced noninvasive imaging to detect prostate tumors, and prostate treatments with a goal of minimal side effects, a low rate of recurrence, a near non-existent risk of impotence or incontinence, and preserving the quality of life.

Prostate Cancer 911

Prostate Cancer 911 is a website by Dr. David Samadi and his team. Dr. Samadi is the chairman of urology and chief of robotic surgery at Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan, NY. He is a world-renowned prostate cancer specialist. He aspires to bring global awareness to prostate cancer.

Renew | Repurpose

Renew | Repurpose replaces the blog Cancer Adventures that Marlys Johnson initially set up with her husband Gary after he received a prostate cancer diagnosis. Marlys says that Gary was the "same witty, courageous wry-humored kind man until [his death in] November 2014."

Marlys explains that an unspeakable loss could happen through a serious illness or disability, loss of meaningful work, an empty nest, a divorce, unwanted location, financial setbacks, or the death of a loved one.

Dan's Journey through Prostate Cancer

Dan's Journey through Prostate Cancer is the blog of Daniel E. Zeller. Dan started an unplanned and unexpected journey into the world of prostate cancer in 2010.

Dan says that having first-hand knowledge from other people with prostate cancer was invaluable to him, and the intent of his blog is to help educate, increase awareness, and provide insight for those who are newly diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Vital Jake

Janet Worthington is the writer of the blog Vital Jake. Janet started writing about prostate cancer in the early 1990s after her husband's father had died from prostate cancer at age 53. Janet's father was also diagnosed with prostate cancer, and Janet says that having the radical prostatectomy saved his life.

Janet's heart lies in writing articles about men's health. Her mission is to be that of a patient advocate, to write for the typical person who visits the doctor. She writes in an easy-to-understand way and shares information with individuals who need it the most.

Living with Prostate Cancer

Living with Prostate Cancer is a blog created by Todd Seals. Todd was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer in 2006, at age 42, and he shares his story to inspire others. Before cancer, he says that he took life for granted and that cancer gave him a second chance.

Todd's blog is about living with cancer and focuses more on the living than the cancer itself. He says that while cancer will always be a part of his story, it will never be the focal point.

Prostate Cancer Institute of Los Angeles

The Prostate Cancer Institute of Los Angeles specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of prostate cancer of all stages.

They offer an expert team of urologists, oncologists, radiologists, and radiation oncologists to provide prostate cancer patients with the best treatment options and outcomes