24 North Shore Towers Courier n July 2016 Men’s Club BY PAUL NETTLER On June 9th, about forty members of the Men’s Club were held in rapt attention by a tutorial given by two eminent Long Island Urologists, Jeffrey Lumerman and Gary Oshinsky. Dr. Lumerman’s topic was on BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia); in layman’s language, urinary problems. Dr. Oshinsky’s topic was on prostate cancer. The lectures were accompanied by slides of the male internal organs both healthy and diseased. The fact that physicians have these visual analyses is fascinating. Both physicians quoted some very interesting statistics. In the case of BPH for instance, in the United States, the number of men eligible for treatment between the ages of 50 and 79 increased from 5.6 million in 2000 to a projected 11.2 million in 2020, and 1 in 2 men over 50 has BPH. In addition to being basically uncomfortable, symptoms can affect quality of life, such as limiting driving times or outdoor activities. Symptoms can worsen over time. Potential complications can include urinary retention, infection and stones. Fortunately, there are treatments that range from watchful waiting to surgery. Dr. Oshinsky’s statistics were quite sobering. It is estimated that in 2015 there were 220,800 new cases of prostate cancer and 27,500 deaths. Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in men and is the second most common cause of death, killing 1 in 7. Risk factors involved include age, race, family history, diet (animal fat) and elevated PSA. Diagnosis is reached by digital rectal exam, PSA, ultra sound or a new MRI technology. Early detection is essential. Survival rate for those with cancers contained within the gland after 5 years is 99%, whereas it is only 31% for those not so contained. Treatment for prostate cancer can vary. Among the options are watchful waiting, hormone ablation, surgery, radiation and cryosurgery. To sum up, whether it was the discussion of BPH or prostate cancer, our speakers left us with a great deal of knowledge. For some, it may have meant that the things they are concerned about are normal. For others, it might have awakened an alarm bell. After the presentation we had a Q & A session. Questions were submitted anonymously and “live.” Some questions were male gender specific, which was an area our speakers did not address… this time. Our speaker next month will once again be Dennis Rappaport. His topic will be most timely. He will speak about his relationship with Muhammad Ali. It should be a treat. On June 2nd, 19 of us met for lunch at the Governors Comedy Club in Levittown. Two comedians and the host performed and though they were no Alan King, they were quite funny. One of our new members, Paul Betkin, sat near the stage and engaged in a bit of a repartee with one of the comedians. Speaking of new members, we now have eight. Including Paul, they are Allen Chale, Martin Israel, Paul Berk, Eugene Prashkin, Daniel Kremin, Hal Etkin and Irving Nemetsky. Welcome aboard! We have a rather long list of activities planned for the summer months. On June 22nd, we are going to a Mets game at CitiField at 1 p.m. For information, contact Arnie Rabinowitz at 515-317-6705. On June 23rd, a lunch is scheduled at Bamonte in Brooklyn. For information, call Terry Feit at 347-235-4931. Also, on June 23rd, a Poker Tournament will be held in the lower level card room at 7 p.m. For information contact Arnie. Another Bingo Night will be held on June 26th at 7 p.m. in the large card room near the theatre. There will be door prizes. All our neighbors are invited. On June 29th, we’re having a “Day at the Races” at Belmont Park, where we’ll have lunch. For information, contact Steve Weiland at 516-697-5140. On July 6th, we’ll be having CPR classes in the Coleridge lounge from 4 to 6 p.m. For information, contact David April at 718- 423-5140. On July 12th, we’ll have lunch at Mario’s on famous Arthur Avenue in the Bronx. Jerry Gilbert will be our guide. You can reach him at 516-242-7429. On July 28th, at 7 p.m. we’ll show the movie, “President Ronald Reagan.” Because of the size of the room, we’re limited to 35 people, so if you’re interested, contact Arnie Rabinowitz. On July 21st, there will be another Poker Tournament, and on July 31st, another Bingo Night. An evening cruise to the Statue of Liberty, including dinner and dancing is planned for August. We have to reserve well in advance, so if you are interested contact Art Rose at 718-352-2885. On June 16th, the Book Group met to discuss “The Final Storm,” by Jeff Shaara, about the end of the war in the Pacific on Guadalcanal. The book to be discussed at the next meeting on July 25th is “The Art of Racing in the Rain” by Garth Stein. The leader will be Tony Kemelor and he can be reached at 347-502-7101. As usual, the books are being held in reserve at the Glen Oaks library. The Current Events Group met on June 13th with Lee Hiller leading the discussion. Obviously, the major topic was the murders in Orlando. The consensus of the group was to question the necessity for allowing high powered assault weapons and therefore some sort of gun control is desperately needed. Unfortunately, the Speakers Dr. Gary Oshinsky and Dr. Jeffrey Lumerman gun culture is so ingrained in so many parts of this country, that it might be impossible. The thinking also was that the FBI did not do enough in the case. As it will be, ad nauseum, until November, the next topic, was of course the Presidential Campaign. There were more than a few unfavorable comments regarding “The Donald,” including his lack of qualifications. But there were a few comments pointing out some redeeming qualities. Unfortunately, his attack on the free press came after our meeting was over. Otherwise we really would have had some raw meat to chew on. Other topics touched upon were Israeli politics, the boycotting of Israeli products and growing tensions with China regarding their activity in the South China Sea. The next meeting will be held on July 11th in the Coleridge Lounge at 10:30 a.m. to noon. And don’t forget our weekly breakfasts every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday in Buffy’s at 9:15 a.m. Where else can you get your oatmeal flavored with camaraderie and Jerry Gilbert’s great jokes? Don’t belong yet? Give our president Toby Horowitz a call at 718-279-0082. He’ll sell you.
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