INPUT ARTICLE: Article: A cystoscopy is one of the primary means of detecting bladder cancer. A doctor will insert a cystoscope (a very thin, flexible tube) into your urethra and push it up into your bladder. The doctor then uses the tube to fill your bladder with sterile water, enabling them to look at the lining of your bladder with the camera on the cystoscope. This will allow the doctor to detect any visible signs of cancer in your bladder.  The procedure should take about 5 minutes, and you’ll probably need to urinate after it’s been completed. Prepare for this procedure by avoiding taking any blood-thinning drugs. If you’re unsure if any prescription drugs that you routinely take will thin your blood, ask your doctor. When performing a rigid cystoscopy, your doctor will insert a slightly larger and less flexible tube into your urethra, through which the doctor can pass small tools to aid in their diagnosis of bladder cancer. The doctor will perform a rigid cystoscopy if the results of the initial cystoscopy were inconclusive, or if they want to take a tissue sample.  The cystoscopy is not painful, although you will probably be given some local anesthesia at the beginning of the procedure. Do not take any blood-thinning drugs before the rigid cystoscopy procedure.  In some cases (for both a cystoscopy and a rigid cystoscopy), your doctor will discuss the results with you immediately after the procedure. If tissue samples need to be sent to a laboratory, your doctor will contact you once the results have been returned. If the doctor sees what could be visual signs of cancerous cells in your bladder during the cystoscopy, they’ll likely want to take a biopsy sample. If you consent, the doctor will pass small tools through the cystoscope which allow them to scrape small amounts of tissue off of the lining of your bladder.  Like the cystoscopy itself, this is a relatively mild outpatient procedure. However, the doctor may request that you not eat or drink for up to 6 hours before the biopsy. You will also likely be placed under a general anesthesia for the procedure.  In medical terminology, this bladder biopsy is known as a Transurethral resection of bladder tumor, or TURBT.

SUMMARY: Undergo a cystoscopy. Consent to a rigid cystoscopy, if needed. Provide tissue samples during the cystoscopy.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: so you’re physically ready. If you’re serious about cross country, you’ll need to train every month of the year, even during off-season. In addition to running 5 days a week, cross-train by doing a different sport on the days you do short runs. Additionally, lift weights or do bodyweight exercises to keep your muscles primed. For instance, you might swim, dance, or shoot hoops on the days you do short runs. Running a race is hard because your body will start to hurt and the course may get challenging. Staying positive is the best way to keep yourself motivated to finish. Practice staying positive while you’re training for the race by trying the following:  Visualize yourself winning the race. Tell yourself you’re a success. Say, “I’m a fast runner,” or “I always finish strong.” Adopt a mantra to keep you going, like “Run strong,” “I’m a winner,” or “Go champ.” Counter your doubts with positive self-talk. Say, “I can do this,” or “I get better with every run.” Find out how the course will be marked, and see what the terrain is like. Additionally, look for hills and make a note of where they are in the course.  Look over the course map provided in your race packet. Walk the course before race day. Do a training run on the course, if you can. Preview the course using online mapping tools, such as Google Maps. Talk to someone who’s run the course before. Normally, simple carbs aren’t the best foods to include in your diet, as your body burns through them quickly. However, quick energy is exactly what your body needs to finish a long, challenging race. Build your meals around simple carbs on the day before and the morning of your race to make sure your body gets the fuel it needs.  Simple carbs include foods like fruit, milk, vegetables, pasta, and bread. You can also find simple carbs in processed foods and desserts, but these foods aren’t the best choice for your body, as they lack nutrients.  For instance, on the day before your race, you might eat egg whites with sauteed veggies and a side of fruit for breakfast, a sandwich with fruit for lunch, and spaghetti for dinner. On the morning of your race, you could eat cereal with a chopped banana and milk. race. You need to be well-rested before a race, so get in bed early. Additionally, use a bedtime routine to calm yourself down, such as reading before bed, turning off screens, and cooling down your room. Ask your friends and family members not to bother you after a certain time, such as 8:00 p.m. That way, you can ease off into sleep without any stress. You don’t want to get dehydrated during your race, and it might be hard to replenish your water stores while you’re running. Start sipping on water when you wake up in the morning, and try to drink about 16 fluid ounces (0.47 L) before the race actually starts.  In the days leading up to the race, make sure you’re drinking plenty of fluids. It’s also helpful to take sips of water during the race, even if you’re just getting your mouth wet.

SUMMARY: Train for the race Create a positive mindset to help you push through the pain. Get to know your course before the day of the race. Eat simple carbs the day before your race and for breakfast on race day.  at least 8 hours the night before your race. Drink 16 fluid ounces (0.47 L) of water the morning of the race.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Gay bars, lounges, and clubs are the traditional places for LGBTQ people to meet. Even if your town is not large enough for a gay bar, local bars may have a "gay night" or LGBTQ-friendly events throughout the year. Talk to local bartenders about organizing their own LGBTQ night if no bars in your town currently hold one. Some small towns hold annual pride festivals, parades, or events. If your town holds an annual festival, attend the event and reach out to the attendees or volunteers.  The most popular time for towns to hold pride-related events is June, or LGBTQ history month. Volunteering at pride festivals is another great way to get involved in the queer community and meet gay men. Many towns have queer organizations where members can meet and support one another. Search for local queer groups or check for chapters of these popular queer organizations in your area:  Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Family Equality Council Parents, Family & Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) The GLBT National Help Center Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) If your town doesn't have an LGBTQ organization, make one yourself. Advertise for the group online and in person, involve any queer friends you already know, and set up frequent get togethers to make a space for queer men in your town to mingle and spread LGBTQ awareness! Making an LGBTQ organization in a small town is a slow, steady process. Focus on building your group one member at a time, and don't get discouraged if it takes time to find new members. If you're out to any loved ones, ask them if they know any gay men in your town. They may give you their gay friend's contact information or, if both of you are comfortable, arrange for both of you to meet. Even if your loved ones don't know any single gay men, they may be able to set you up with queer friends or mentors.

SUMMARY:
Go to local gay bars or clubs. Attend local pride festivals or events. Get involved with LGBTQ organizations in your area. Start your own LGBTQ group. Get referrals from friends, family, and co-workers.