I read within a poet’s book
A word that starred the page:
“Stone walls do not a prison make,
Nor iron bars a cage!”
Yes, that is true; and something more
You’ll find, where’er you roam,
That marble floors and gilded walls
Can never make a home.
But every house where Love abides,
And Friendship is a guest,
Is surely home, and home-sweet-home:
For there the heart can rest.
Let’s talk about a topic that deserves way more attention—prostate health. Whether you’re in your 30s or your 70s, giving your prostate the nutrients it craves can go a long way in keeping things running smoothly down the road.
And the good news? The best support doesn’t come in a pill—it comes from your plate.
Here are 4 powerhouse foods that promote a healthy prostate (and they taste pretty great, too):
Tomatoes are loaded with lycopene, a mighty antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation and may lower the risk of prostate cancer.
🧠 Pro Tip:
Cook ’em! Lycopene becomes even more absorbable when tomatoes are cooked. Think pasta sauce, tomato soup, or roasted cherry tomatoes tossed into a grain bowl.
Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage contain sulforaphane, a natural compound with cancer-fighting potential.
🧠 Why it matters:
Sulforaphane helps your body detox and may target abnormal cell growth in the prostate. Basically, these veggies are your green bodyguards.
These crunchy little gems are rich in zinc, a mineral the prostate depends on to function properly.
🧠 Fun fact:
Low zinc levels have been linked to prostate enlargement. So sprinkle some pepitas on your salad, oatmeal, or trail mix for a zinc-packed punch.
Salmon, mackerel, and sardines are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, known for reducing inflammation.
🧠 Why it works:
Less inflammation = happier prostate. Plus, omega-3s are heart-healthy and brain-boosting—so it’s a win all around.
Not a fish fan? Try ground flaxseed, chia seeds, or walnuts for plant-based omega-3s.
A healthier prostate doesn’t have to come from a medicine cabinet—it can come from your kitchen. So load up on these natural power foods, and give your body the gift of nourishment that lasts.
Because taking care of yourself today is the best way to keep the future feeling strong, steady, and full of life.
When people in healthy relationships discuss problem issues they use “I” Statements Instead of Blame
Healthy communicators take ownership of their feelings. Instead of blaming or accusing, they speak from their own experience.
“I feel overwhelmed when the dishes pile up. Can we make a plan to tackle them together?”
Much better than, “You never help with the dishes!” Right?
One of the biggest fears many people have is that of loving someone. When we love someone we are giving them a precious gift, ourselves. We are also making ourselves vulnerable. When we lose that love viz a vie rejection, breakup, death, move, or something similar, we have a tendency to build walls around ourselves to protect ourselves from being hurt. My take is that the rewards of loving and being love far outweigh the personal hurt we feel if we lose that love. Love is a mighty health tonic and vital for our well for our emotional, physical, and spiritual well being. Don’t fear love. Embrace it. Allow yourselves to be open to it.
Since August, we’ve had just over 5 inches of rain. That’s not just weather—it’s a mirror of what life feels like sometimes. It is the third lowest rain total for that period since readings have been recorded. No question, we are in a severe drought. One day the drought will end and in Texas style we will get an over abundance of rain in a brief period. It’s a good metaphor for life. Each of us goes through drought periods where we wonder if anything good will come our way again. Sometimes our droughts can appear to be endless. Hang in there, your drought, like my South Texas drought, will end. Maybe you’ll have a Texas sized downpour of good news coming at you all at once. Never quit.
Life can get loud, fast, and a little overwhelming—but nature offers gentle ways to soothe our bodies and minds. What we eat. Certain foods can help calm the nervous system, reduce anxiety, and promote a steady, peaceful mood.
These vibrant greens are rich in magnesium, a mineral known to regulate the nervous system and ease stress.
Why it helps:
Magnesium supports neurotransmitters and relaxes muscle tension. When your magnesium levels are balanced, it’s easier to feel calm—even in chaos.
Add a handful to your morning smoothie or sauté them with garlic and olive oil for a soothing side dish.
This creamy fruit is more than just delicious—it’s loaded with healthy fats, B vitamins, and potassium, all of which support a calm, focused mind.
Why it helps:
B vitamins, especially B6 and folate, play a key role in serotonin production—that “feel-good” brain chemical that keeps anxiety at bay.
Try avocado on whole grain toast or blended into a green smoothie for a calming nutrient boost.
Okay, not exactly a food—but this gentle herbal tea deserves a spot on the list. Chamomile contains apigenin, a natural compound that binds to receptors in the brain, encouraging a sense of peace and drowsiness.
Why it helps:
It’s like a warm hug for your nervous system. Perfect before bed or after a long day.
Brew a cup in the evening, take a few deep breaths, and let calm settle in.
These tiny powerhouses are packed with magnesium, zinc, and tryptophan—an amino acid that helps the body create serotonin.
Why it helps:
A small handful can help elevate your mood, settle your nerves, and even improve your sleep.
Sprinkle them on salads, oatmeal, or eat them on their own as a mindful snack.
Nourishing your body is one way of saying, “I deserve peace.” These calming foods don’t just support your nervous system—they support your spirit too.
Try adding just one of these foods to your day this week, and notice how your body responds. Sometimes, calm begins on the plate.
The trees along this city street,
Save for the traffic and the trains,
Would make a sound as thin and sweet
As trees in country lanes.
And people standing in their shade
Out of a shower, undoubtedly
Would hear such music as is made
Upon a country tree.
Oh, little leaves that are so dumb
Against the shrieking city air,
I watch you when the wind has come,–
I know what sound is there.
Personal note When my wife was alive, these ways of communicating were part of our everyday life. They weren’t techniques—we didn’t read about them in a book. They were simply how we cared for each other.
Healthy communication is the heartbeat of any strong relationship. Whether it’s with a partner, a friend, or a family member, how we talk—and listen—makes all the difference. Here are five simple but powerful ways people in healthy relationships communicate, along with everyday examples you can relate to.
In healthy relationships, people listen with their whole heart. That means putting away distractions, making eye contact, and showing they care about what the other person is saying.
“I’ve been really stressed at work lately.”
“I hear you. That sounds tough. Do you want to talk more about what’s been going on?”
Listening isn’t about solving the problem—it’s about being present.
“If you’re brave enough to say goodbye, life will reward you with a new hello.” —Paulo Coelho
Personal note: I’ve learned to say goodbye a number of times. I’ve never found it easy. I also found Paulo Coelho is right, I discovered a new hello I didn’t know existed.
