- Talk to your kids about drugs, alcohol and cigarettes. Don’t bury your head in the sand and pretend that these issues will go away.
- Adolescents will experiment with sex. If they want to behave like an adult, they have to be held accountable as an adult.
- You can’t talk down to your teenagers like you did when they were younger. Yes, they are still kids, but you have to talk to them at a more mature level.
- Set firm rules for your teenagers, and make sure they understand what those rules are. They must also understand that when they are punished, it is because THEY broke the rules. It is important that you follow through with punishments; otherwise, they will learn that they can get away with things.
- Don’t fight with your kids; remember, you are holding all the Aces. Don’t get dragged into a yell-match. Calmly enforce the rules. Actions speak louder than words.
- Give them some personal space (usually their room) in the house and respect that space; but let them know that their space is a privilege contingent upon them obeying the rules.
- Get your kids in the habit of wearing a seat belt even if it’s for a trip down the block. Most automobile accidents happen near home. One the leading causes of death for adolescents is car accidents.
- Privileges are only received when they are earned. If your teenager breaks the rules, gets poor grades or won’t work around the house, then you must restrict their privileges appropriately.
- If your teenagers are hanging out with the wrong crowd, you need to pick their friends. You need to remove them from the influence of that crowd.
Testicular Self-Examination (TSE)
What are the testicles?
Testicles are the male reproductive organs. They produce and store sperm. They also produce testosterone, the male hormone that causes men to have facial hair and a lower voice. Testicles are smooth, oval shaped and firm to
the touch. The testicles normally move from the abdomen into the scrotum (sac) before birth. Parents should have their infant sons checked by the doctor to make sure the testicles are in the scrotum. If they are not, surgery can easily be done to correct this problem.
Why do a Testicular Self-Exam (TSE)?
Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men ages 20 to 35. It can occur any time after the age of 15. It is a very curable cancer if found and treated early.
Who has a risk of getting testicular cancer?
White men are 4 times more likely to get testicular cancer than black men. Men whose testicles have not gone into the scrotum are also at greater risk for testicular cancer.
What are the symptoms of a testicular problem?
Men must be familiar with their testicles, so that any changes will be found early. Symptoms that may indicate a problem with the testicles include:
- A lump
- Pain in the testicle
- A change in the size of one of the testicles
- A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
- A feeling of fluid
These signs may also be caused by an infection or other problems that are not cancer.
How is a Testicular Self-Exam done?
Do a testicular self-exam once a month after a warm bath or shower. The heat causes the scrotal skin to relax, making it easier to feel anything unusual.
Stand in front of a mirror. Check for any swelling on the scrotal skin.
Examine each testicle gently with both hands. The index and middle fingers should be placed under the testicle while the thumbs are placed on top. Roll the testicles gently between the thumbs and fingers. One testicle may feel longer than the other, this is normal. Feel for changes in the testicles that were not there before.
The epididymis is cord like and can be felt on the top and back of the testicles. It stores and moves sperm and it may be tender to the touch. It is the location of most non-cancerous problems. Do not confuse the epididymis with a lump.
What do I do if a lump is found?
If you feel a lump, call your doctor. Not all lumps are cancer, and some can be caused by infection. Your doctor will decide what type of treatment is needed, if any. Testicular cancer almost always occurs in only one testicle and the other testicle is all that is needed for full sexual function. Regular testicular self-exams are important. Your doctor also should do an exam of your testicles when your yearly physical is done.