I would like to thank Rich Vos, of Crossfit Hustle, for opening his doors and donating his time to host the Sufferfest in late March. Without his facilities, this could not have happened.

I would also like to thank both Jack Gordon, of Turfway Racetrack, and Mark Ball, of Velocity Bike and Bean, for donating door prizes for our hearty participants. It is always nice to have an incentive while you are dropping gallons of sweat on the floor, wishing for a cool ocean breeze and questioning your sanity.

We appreciate all of your donations and hope to host another fun event in the near future. Thank you for your support and your belief that we can make a difference.

The first is in Northern Kentucky…..

   DAY OF SUFFERING

Looking for a one-of-a-kind workout? How about a workout that raises awareness for men’s cancer?

On Saturday March 31st Personal Impact Training of Florence and CrossFit Hustle in Erlanger, KY will be hosting the first ever “Day of Suffering”.  This challenging event was created by “The Sufferfest” cycling training video company.  The “Day of Suffering” is being held in over 100 communities worldwide!

What is “The Sufferfest” you ask?    Their mission is abbreviated  “IWBMATTKYT”, which stands for

I Will Beat My A** Today To Kick Yours Tomorrow

Okay, but what will the “Day of Suffering”  actually entail?  Come prepared for a workout like you’ve never experienced!  You can try a specially designed Cross Fit Workout to suffer through, and/or you can bring your bike (and an indoor trainer if you have one) and try one of the hardest cycling workouts you’ve ever experienced, guided by  “The Sufferfest” videos.

What is the cause you are suffering for?  save the tadpoles is a foundation that raises awareness for not only prostate cancer, but penile & testicular cancer as well.  Part of the mission of save the tadpoles is to raise money so that those who can’t afford their much needed medication can receive it.

What does it cost to be part of the “Day of Suffering”?  A $20 donation will allow you take part in one of the two hour blocks of Suffering.  The first is 9 am to 11am and the second is 1 pm to 3 pm.  Believe me, you won’t want to try both sessions, but hey I’ve been wrong before, just ask my clients!  For your $20 donation, you will not only receive a day of suffering, but also a T-shirt to commemorate your “Sufferfest” experience!  For a $25 total donation, you will receive your workout and two t-shirts!

We have new sponsors joining the effort all of the time. There will be prizes and more to be awarded.

Register Here:

http://www.meetup.com/Sufferlandrian-National-Day/Florence-KY/617022/

If you have questions, contact Ryan Smith at Ryan@PersonalImpactFitness.com

The second is in Lexington……

If  you aren’t busy on March 31st you can join a cadre of enthusiastic runners at Keeneland Race Track in Lexington and raise some money for a local chapter in addition to burning calories, expanding your lung capacity, and challenging your endurance.

The link to his site is http://www.runthebluegrass.org/about-runthebluegrass/sams-prostate-cancer-free-running-team

This website is full of information about Run the Bluegrass race, sponsors, organizers, and whatever other question you might have. Expectations of 2000+ participants means that this is no small feat of organization. It is also coordinated  with the Papa John’s 10-miler in Louisville, making March 31st Kentucky’s Statewide Day of Running. There really isn’t anything more beautiful than a spring day in the Commonwealth, so sign up and join the crowds running through the lush green Bluegrass.

http://vitals.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/03/14/10688400-regular-prostate-screening-reduces-deaths-study-finds-now-what

There is so much work which has to be done in order to find the test that actually distinguishes between the two types of cancerous growths — one, the slow but usually not fatal kind; the other, a killer. Talk to you doctor and decide what works best for you. Do it early and go in with all the knowledge  you can garner. After all, this is your life that is being discussed. Make sure you understand all the options and ramifications of treatments before you sign on the dotted line. You have a choice ….give yourself the gift of making one.

We are joining forces with Ryan Smith, an exercise physiologist and certified personal trainer, who will help with exercise information and nutritional guidance. He will be blogging as he prepares for marathon training, so you can follow as he works outs. You can link to his website and ask questions that might help you build a stronger body, adding another defense against the onslaught of cancer.

We hope to have our new front page, with links and video embedded, by the middle of March.  Please be patient with us as we rearrange and expand our knowledge base. Our blog areas will have time sensitive information. Check back periodically and see what else is going on.

Spring is a time of renewal of life and growth. Let us know what we can do to help.

I had the honour of speaking to Sam Dick, from Lexington, a local news person who has had personal experience fighting the battle against prostate cancer. He is doing some great things in Lexington centered around triathlons, marathons, and half-marathons, building and strengthening against the disease. In addition he is raising money for prostate causes in his area.

If  you aren’t busy on March 31st you can join a cadre of enthusiastic runners at Keeneland Race Track in Lexington and raise some money for a local chapter in addition to burning calories, expanding your lung capacity, and challenging your endurance.

The link to his site is http://www.runthebluegrass.org/about-runthebluegrass/sams-prostate-cancer-free-running-team

This website is full of information about Run the Bluegrass race, sponsors, organizers, and whatever other question you might have. Expectations of 2000+ participants means that this is no small feat of organization. It is also coordinated  with the Papa John’s 10-miler in Louisville, making March 31st Kentucky’s Statewide Day of Running. There really isn’t anything more beautiful than a spring day in the Commonwealth, so sign up and join the crowds running through the lush green Bluegrass.

We are also going to be featuring a link in our blog space to a personal trainer, Ryan Smith, with links to his site. He is going to be keeping track of his training techniques, provide insights on food and health items, amoung other things. More on this to come as we are still in the design phase.

It is also time to remake our pages, updating items that have passed their expiration dates, and creating new pages for additional information to help you find your way on this journey.

Lots of things to change but overall a positive direction. Good luck in the New Year (even though it’s now February). Oh well, better late than never!

]]> http://www.savethetadpoles.org/newsletter/?feed=rss2&p=114 1 http://www.savethetadpoles.org/newsletter/?p=108 http://www.savethetadpoles.org/newsletter/?p=108#comments Tue, 20 Dec 2011 23:34:08 +0000 Anne http://www.savethetadpoles.org/newsletter/?p=108 Here is an interesting article about the option of watchful waiting and active surveillance.

http://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/12/20/opting-to-track-not-treat-early-prostate-cancer/

Something else to think about when the diagnosis is finally made and you have treatment options presented. Make sure you discuss these options with your doctor and, between the two of you, decide what works best for you.

In my life there has been a bit of both plus the days when we are just in survivor mode. Trying to get through the daylight hours with enough energy left over to drag ourselves home and collaspe into bed, only to start the cycle over again. There have been days filled with sadness and days graced with joy; long moments of reflection and introspection, self-discovery and revelation. Every once in a while we have days where it all works, miraculously fitting together into a cohesive picture of where I imagine my life could be. Of course, reality sets in and it’s back to the drawing board for option number 2, 32 or 657, depending on what the day has been like.

Overall, the year has been blessed – there is much work to be done and not enough hours in the day to see it all through. The new year approaches with a list already too long to complete — but, perhaps, enlightenment will find ways to solve those complex taxing problems. If not, then there are always friends and family to share those magic moments and the grace of God to get us through the rest.

Wishing you all the best for the holidays, peace to guide your soul, and love to fill your hearts.

It has opened the door for discussion, controversy, and the perhaps the first step towards the development of a  more valid test for this cancer. As always, you should discuss this with your doctor and make conclusions on what is best for your own health regime.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/25/sunday-review/the-side-effects-of-prostate-surgery.html?_r=1&scp=3&sq=prostate%20cancer&st=cse

Just one more reason to talk with as many people as you can before making any decisions. Men’s help groups are registered in many cities — there is an excellent one in Northern Cincinnati, associated with the Wellness Community in Blue Ash — and men can share their experiences with those making life changing decisions.

Ask for help, seek advice, challenge statistical outcomes and how they might apply to your treatment, and talk candidly to your spouse. Make sure she is involved, as it will impact her life as well.

10 MYTHS AND MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT PROSTATE CANCER

By Dan Zenka, Senior Vice President, PCF, June 2011

With the identification of more than 25 types of prostate cancer by PCF-funded scientists in the past 24 months, and the fact that it remains one of the least talked about cancers, it’s no wonder there remains a great deal of confusion surrounding this disease.

Ask any group of men about prostate cancer. If they don’t abruptly change the subject or take the opportunity to crack a few wise remarks, chances are you will get a wide variety of answers when it comes to what it is, how it should be treated and whether or not (and when) one should be screened for this disease. Against this reality, it is always a good idea to review some of the more popular myths and misconceptions about this disease that claims the lives of more than 32,000 men in the U.S. each year.

Myth #1: Prostate cancer is an old man’s disease.

While it may be true that the older you are, the more likely you are to be diagnosed with prostate cancer (65% of cases are diagnosed in men who are 65 or older), the fact remains that 35% of those diagnosed, or more than 76,000 each year, are diagnosed at an earlier age. I was diagnosed at age 51 and I have met many men who were diagnosed in their early 40s. Although only 1 in 10,000 men under age 40 will be diagnosed, the rate skyrockets up to 1 in 38 for ages 40 to 59, and 1 in 15 for ages 60 to 69.

There are many risk factors to consider. Your race, family history, physical health and lifestyle—even geographic location—are all factors that can increase your likelihood of developing prostate cancer.

Myth #2: If you don’t have any symptoms, you don’t have prostate cancer.

Wrong. Prostate cancer is one of the most asymptomatic cancers in oncology, meaning not all men experience symptoms. Many times symptoms can be mistaken or attributed to something else. Signs of prostate cancer are often first detected by a doctor during a routine check-up. Common symptoms include a need to urinate frequently, difficulty starting or stopping urination, weak or interrupted flow of urination, painful or burning urination, difficulty having an erection, painful ejaculation, blood in the urine or semen, or frequent pain and stiffness in the lower back, hips or upper thighs. If you experience any of these symptoms, be sure to tell your doctor.

Myth #3:  Prostate cancer is a slow growing cancer I don’t need to worry about.

The answer to this one is sometimes, yes. Sometimes, no. With the 25 types of prostate cancer discovered by PCF-supported researchers, we can confirm that there are those prostate cancers a man may die with and not of, while others are very aggressive. Once a biopsy confirms the presence of cancer in the prostate, a physician uses the data contained in the pathologist’s report to characterize the potential aggressiveness of the cancer and make recommendations for treatment based on many factors, including a patient’s age and health status. There are many treatments available for patients and one approach does not fit all cases. Patients need to understand the complexity of this disease and make treatment decisions that are right for them in consultation with a trusted medical professional.

The good news is that we believe, with the accelerated pace of scientific discovery, we will soon be able to identify the specific cancer a patient has at time of their diagnosis and match the most effective treatments for their prostate cancer and their biological makeup. This will enable us to cure more and overtreat less.

Myth #4:  Prostate cancer doesn’t run in my family, so the odds aren’t great that I will get it.

Wrong. While a family history of prostate cancer doubles a man’s odds of being diagnosed to 1 in 3, the fact remains that 1 out of 6 American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. This compares to 1 in 8 women who will be diagnosed with breast cancer. African-American men are 60% more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer and 2.4 times more likely to die as a result.

Family history and genetics do, however, play a role in a man’s chances for developing prostate cancer. A man whose father or bother had prostate cancer is twice as likely to develop the disease. The risk is further increased if the cancer was diagnosed in a family member at a younger age (less than 55 years old), or if it affected three or more family members.

In 2010, approximately 218,000 new cases were diagnosed in the U.S. and more than 32,000 men died as a result of this cancer. The number of new U.S. cases could exceed 300,000 per year by 2015.

Myth #5:  The PSA test is cancer test.

Incorrect. The PSA tests measures levels of prostate-specific antigen in the prostate, not cancer. PSA is produced by the prostate in response to a number of problems that could be present in the prostate including an inflammation or infection (prostatitis), enlargement of the prostate gland (benign prostatic hyperplasia) or, possibly, cancer. Think of it as a first alert smoke alarm, instead of a fire alarm. The PSA test is the first step in the diagnostic process for cancer. It has made detection of cancer in its early stages, when it is best treated, possible. Experts believe the PSA test saves the life of approximately 1 in 39 men who are tested. Personally, I believe the PSA test saved my life and will continue to save it as we track my response to treatment.

Myth #6: A high PSA level means that you have prostate cancer and a low PSA means you do not have prostate cancer.

Although prostate cancer is a common cause of elevated PSA levels, some men with prostate cancer may even have low levels of PSA. PSA can also be diluted in men who are overweight or obese, due to a larger blood volume, and a biopsy should be considered at a relatively lower number (i.e. 3.5 instead of 4). Again, elevated levels can be an indication of other medical conditions.

Myth #7:  Vasectomies cause prostate cancer.

Having a vasectomy was once thought to increase a man’s risk. This issue has since been carefully researched by epidemiologists. Vasectomy has not been linked to increasing a man’s chance of getting prostate cancer but has led to the prostate being checked by the urologist more often and prostate cancer consequently being detected in the clinic.

Myth #8: Treatment for prostate cancer always causes impotence or incontinence.

While erectile dysfunction (ED) and urinary incontinence are possibilities following surgery or radiation therapy for prostate cancer, it is not true that all men experience complications. These side effects can also be highly dependent on age and physical condition. Numerous therapies and aids can improve erectile function and limit incontinence following treatment and nerve sparing surgical procedures have improved outcomes for patients as well. When selecting a surgeon, patients should inquire about the surgeon’s outcomes for ED and incontinence as well as the number of surgical procedures (open or robotic) performed.

Myth #9: Sexual activity increases the risk of developing prostate cancer.

High levels of sexual activity or frequent ejaculation were once rumored to increase prostate cancer risk. In fact, some studies show that men who reported more frequent ejaculations had a lower risk of developing prostate cancer. Ejaculation itself has not been linked to prostate cancer.

Myth #10: You can pass your cancer to others.

Prostate cancer is not infectious or communicable. This means that there is no way for you to “pass it on” to someone else.

What men can do about prostate cancer.

The first step in dealing effectively with prostate cancer is knowing the facts and eliminating confusion. Recent studies have shown that lifestyle decisions such as maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise, such as walking 30 minutes a day, may also play a pivotal role in reducing the risk of getting prostate cancer and surviving it if you get the disease. Talk to your family and friends about prostate cancer and, if you are over 40, talk to your physician to develop a prostate health and screening plan that is right for you.