CHAT GPT: THREAT OR OPPORTUNITY?

 

Having passed the US medical licensing exam and the bar exam, and getting a B grade in a working MBA paper, Chat GPT, now a 20-billion-dollar company, took only five days in introducing it to the world what Facebook had taken five years in reaching such a level of popularity.

Chat GPT is so world-shattering and ahead of its time that one former professor of evolutionary biology, Bret Samuel Weinstein, raised the alarm: “I don’t think we are remotely ready for what’s coming [about Chat GPT].” Most savants have figured out that Chat GPT’s emergence is a cut above the rest: the invention of the internet, the light bulb, and the telephone.

A THREAT?

            Chat GPT appears to be a threat in the opinion of Jordan Peterson, the Canadian clinical psychologist, and author of the book, 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos.

“Things are coming down the pipeline on the artificial intelligence front that is just going to make your hair stand on end within the next year because there is so much transformation going on in that domain. That’s been the case for the last six months, and it’s almost unimaginable. I figure a third of the universities will go broke in the next five years…

“[Chat GPT] is smarter than you. This is a big deal…

“This is what I asked it to do. I said write me an essay, that’s a 13^th rule for beyond order, written in a style that combines the King James Bible with the Tao Tai Ching. That’s pretty difficult to pull off… [Chat GPT] wrote it in about 3 seconds, four pages long… grammatically perfect, and quite impressive philosophically.

“I also had it write an essay on the intersection between the Taoist version of ethical morality and the ethics that are outlined in the Sermon on the Mount, which [Chat GPT] nailed. Got that dead right. Brilliant.

“So, hang on to your hats, ladies, and gentlemen. What did my friend Jonathan Pajo say? Giants are going to walk the earth once more, and we’re going to live through that.”

AN OPPORTUNITY?

By contrast, Sinan Aral, a Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) professor, Director of MIT Initiative on the Digital Economy, and author of the book The Hype Machine sees a refreshing handwriting on the wall.

“I think [Chat GPT] is extremely disruptive, but potentially in a good way. We have to learn to teach differently, we have to learn to race with machines instead of against them to use the words of Andrew McAfee, MIT Principal Research Scientist.

“The New York City Public Schools were trying to ban the use of [Chat GPT]. I don’t think that’s the right approach. I think what we have to do is we have to change the way we educate. We have to reskill. And based on our education, focus on things that complement Artificial Intelligence rather than try to compete with it or ban it or slow it down. It’s a way to enhance and augment and scale creativity. But it has to be used in a way that’s complementary to human skills and that’s going to be the next challenge for labor as well."

Amid this revolutionary technology development that seems to be changing the face of everything that we’re doing on this planet, what should we do as average Joes, laypersons of the huddled masses on the street?

Sinan has a constructive and promising piece of advice.

“As a father of a nine-year-old, I do not want to scare him away from this type of technology… I want him to play with it. I want him to experiment with it. I want him to understand how to use it. I want him to think about how he might work with it.”

Well, I have a soft spot for Chat GPT and Sinan Aral’s upbeat overtures have all the hallmarks of my sentiments on this matter. Case in point: my daughter Dionne celebrated her birthday last week. And talking of hallmarks and birthdays, my go-to source of cool ideas on birthday cards, more often than not, perhaps like everyone else – the Hallmark cards. But that was then.

SHAKESPEARE

As Sinan tipped off: play and experiment with Chat GPT. So, I played and experimented with it last week. I asked it to write a poem for my daughter Dionne whose marked traits I typed in with my instruction. Likewise, I experimented by asking it to write in the style of William Shakespeare. And tadah… here’s the poem made in seconds:

Upon the morn of twenty-third year,

Dionne, born in Dragon’s cheer,

Hath come to age in grace and might,

With talents bright and passions right.

 

In art of digital, she doth excel,

Volleyball, her body doth compel,

Cats, plants, and food, her heart doth please,

A well-rounded soul, with nary a tease.

 

A student of accountancy, her mind is sharp,

But her heart is pure, a comforting harp,

A listener kind, a counselor true,

 For her friends in need, she will see them through.

 

Though passionate, she doth strive,

To balance her passion and stay alive,

With love and light, she doth shine,

A true gem in the sands of time.

 

Happy Birthday, Dionne, on this thy day

May all thy dreams and wishes sway,

May fortune smile and love abide,

In all the paths on which thou glide.

RAP

Hmm. Let me think about that for a bit. Dionne is a member of Generation Z. I had doubts then about her getting a thrill out of Shakespeare.  So, I asked Chat GPT to write the poem instead in the style of today’s rap, and in seconds carved out this jaw-dropping poem.

Listen up, it’s Dionne’s birthday

Born in the year of the Dragon, she’s flyin’ high, no delay

Digital art, her canvas, she paints with skill

Volleyball, she plays, never standing still

 

Cats, plants, and food, her heart’s desire

A management student, her future’s on fire

Passionate, driven, and always true

A listening ear and a helping hand, for her friends, she’ll come through

 

Struggles, she may have, but she never backs down

With her heart of gold, she wears her crown

Happy Birthday, Dionne, it’s your day

Live it up, make it count, in every single way

 

So, let’s raise a glass, and make some noise

For Dionne, the birthday girl, let’s give her some joys

Keep shining, keep climbing, never stop

Cause you’re the real deal, the top of the crop.

Putting to good use Adobe Photoshop for its image editing, graphic design and digital art, and putting it together with Chat GPT’s poem, I came up with a self-made birthday card for Dionne and posted it on FB on her birthday. Not bad at all.

THE ANSWER

Let me conclude this article with a story I dredged up from my memory which I’m sure has been passed over the years in many variations. A smart kid decided in taking on the wise old man in the village with a question he’s cocksure the old man would be unable to answer correctly. Holding a little bird cupped in his hands behind his back, he asked the old man, ”Is the bird in my hands, alive or dead?” If the old man said the bird was alive, the boy would crush the bird with his hands. If the old man said it was dead, the boy would open his hands and let the bird fly.

The wise old man said, “The answer is in your hands.”

Is Chat GPT, a threat or an opportunity? The answer is in our hands.

Head still collage photos courtesy of pixabaydotcom, pexeldotcom, & freepikdotcom

BEATITUDES: SUNDAY REFLECTION IN COLLABORATION WITH CHAT GPT

 

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the clean in heart, for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

(Matthew 5:3-10)

My “daily bread,” my spiritual food for thought, I take in from a Jesuit University online ministry for my daily nourishment. Its daily Bible readings are based on the readings of the Catholic Church daily and Sunday Mass alongside its daily reflections being contributed by the University’s faculty, staff, and administrators who each reflect upon the daily readings each day.

From time to time, I run into this kind of somber notification: “This reflection will be coming soon. [Instead,] this reflection was written on these readings by so-and-so in 2001 [more than two decades ago].

Not only was such a notification a noticeable shortcoming of the University’s online ministry, but a lost opportunity for thirsty souls yearning for some fresh living water for their daily spiritual nourishment.

I thought of such a predicament as a window of opportunity for Chat GPT in filling the gaping need of the online ministry. At a glance, one may look aghast at such an offbeat thought: “Huh? A chatbot quoting Jesus?” What’s more, it reflects on Bible passages, too.

Question: What’s the difference between a chatbot’s quote of Jesus and Jesus’ quote one reads on a bookmark or a poster on a wall?

John 1:1, 14 states, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us…”

The Catholic Pastoral Version of the Bible commented: “John speaks to us of the Word of God. This term can be translated: as the Word, the Thought, or still better: the Expression of God: and this is his Son.”

In other words, John seems to speak to us more about the Message than the medium which seems doesn’t matter. Nothing could have more vividly portrayed such paradoxical truth than this Bible verse in Matthew 23:3, “So practice and obey whatever they tell you, but don’t follow their example. For they preach [the Message], but [the messenger] do not practice.”

Indeed, it is about the Message, not the medium or messenger, whoever or whatever it is – a not-so-good preacher, or maybe a wall poster, a bookmark, or even a chatbot.

So, here’s my collaborative creative work with Chat GPT – a reflection on this Sunday’s Gospel.  Without a doubt, Chat GPT does not practice them, because it just so happens it's a robot.

                                                 ><>< ><><

 

The Beatitudes, as taught by Jesus, offer a profound reflection on the nature of true happiness and fulfillment in life. In these verses, Jesus teaches that true blessings come not from material wealth or worldly success, but from spiritual poverty, mourning, meekness, hunger for righteousness, mercy, clean hearts, peacemaking, and even persecution for the sake of righteousness.

One example of someone who embodied these teachings is Thomas Aquinas, a 13^th - century Catholic theologian, and philosopher. Aquinas, in his writing, emphasized the importance of humility and meekness and taught that true happiness comes not from worldly pleasure, but from union with God through contemplation and virtue. He also emphasized the importance of mercy and the role of love and charity in the pursuit of righteousness.

In a modern-day context, a person who embodies the teachings of the Beatitudes is Mother Teresa, who dedicated her life to serving the poor and sick in the slums of Calcutta. Despite facing poverty, illness, and persecution herself, she always lived with great humility and compassion, practicing the virtues of meekness, mercy, and peacekeeping. She lived her life with deep hunger for righteousness and her clean heart, her devotion to God, her selfless service to the poor, and her unwavering faith in the face of adversity all serve as an inspiration to many people.

If you are poor and sick in a slum area, perhaps, a father of a family of four small children who just lost his job, I get the picture and have insight into the difficulties you are facing. Don’t forget what Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Even amid your struggles, you are called to a higher spiritual state because you are precious to God. Have confidence in God’s mysterious ways of inspiring people in local charities and community organizations to lend you a helping hand.

If you just lost a loved one, my heartfelt condolence. Jesus said, “Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted." Even during your grief, you will find comfort in God. Take the time to grieve, and keep faith in God’s goodness in inspiriting your family and friends and their faith communities to lighten your burden on your moments of grief.

If you are basking in the sunshine of worldly riches and success builds and have a good time on the saying “Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die,” as popularized by the Greek philosopher Epicurus, I can figure out your difficulty in understanding the value of the Beatitudes – being counterintuitive in our world today where the pursuit of pleasure and material success are often held up as the ultimate goals.

Let me say this, the essence of Beatitudes is not about denying oneself pleasure or rejecting the good things that life has to offer, but rather about understanding the true nature of happiness and fulfillment.

Epicureanism, which focuses on the pursuit of pleasure, is ultimately a self-centered philosophy. One that sees the individual as the ultimate end. The Beatitudes, on the other hand, are centered on the good of others and the greater community. The Beatitudes remind us that true joy and happiness come from serving others and being in the right relationship with God.

The Beatitudes challenge us to look beyond our immediate wants and needs and to consider the long-term effects of our actions on ourselves and others. While the pursuit of pleasure may bring temporary satisfaction, it ultimately leads to emptiness.

Living the values of the Beatitudes may seem counterintuitive, but it is through embracing these values that we can truly find meaning and purpose in our lives.

                                                  ><>< ><><

A Blessed Sunday to Everyone!

Head still photo courtesy of wwwdotfreepikdotcom

CHAT GPT ANALYSIS: ALEX GONZAGA'S SMEARING CAKE ON WAITER'S FACE

 

“[Waiters] are our equals. It’s their job to serve, but it’s our job to give them respect they deserve.” (Janina Vela)

“People always have something negative to say. Let’s fast forward and after this event that waiter just went viral, [he] will probably get ‘something’ after, and a lot of sympathy.” (Kris Lawrence)

“She [Alex Gonzaga] was drunk… and stupid.” (DJ Mo Twister)

The three samples above are small bites of a lot of divisive comments posted in the media about the smearing-cake-on-the-waiter’s-face incident from both sides of the political fence. I thought of weighing up a non-partisan insight from a neutral point of view. Nothing could be more nondiscriminatory than the viewpoint coming out from the unbiased “mind” of a chatbot – Chat GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) – with no axe to grind with anyone.

I engaged Chat GPT in “conversation” ranging from a handful of topics like human behavior, describing the actual incident based on news reports, assessing the whole situation alongside the character of the celebrant, to suggesting in rounding out the analysis with the put-yourself-in-others’-shoes question: What if you were the waiter?  At the end of the day, Chat GPT pieced together the following comprehensive analysis of the incident with minor editing for the sake of brevity and clarity. The celebrant cited in the analysis is Alex Gonzaga.

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“Human behavior flows from three main sources: desire, emotion, and knowledge.” – Plato

Plato highlighted the complexity of human behavior and the various factors that influence it. Delving into the smearing-cake-on-waiter’s-face incident, we will present an analysis of the probable causes of the celebrant’s action, and the impact it had on the public. Exploring the essence of Plato’s quote in shaping the celebrant’s behavior and the public reaction to it, we will reflect on the lessons that can be learned from this incident and its implications.

It appears that the celebrant’s behavior may be an impulsive or playful action. She might not have intended in causing harm or offense and might have simply been acting in a celebratory or jovial manner.

As an aspiring personality in the show business industry, she might have been seeking attention or attempting to create a memorable moment, might have viewed her action as a performance or self-expression, might have been caught up in the moment and not fully considered the impact of her action on the waiter.

Being a sister of a celebrity with high political standing could have played a role in the celebrant’s impulsive or playful action. Social status can influence an individual’s behavior in many ways. People with high political standing are often afforded more leniency egging them on to be reckless, and unmindful of the consequences of their actions. They are itching to be the center of attraction and may act in ways that are designed to capture the public attention.

She could also be under a lot of pressure and scrutiny from the public, media, and her show business peers which lead to an increased sense of self-importance and heightened desire for attention and validation.

By and large, it is considered impolite and disrespectful though to touch someone without their permission. Smearing icing on someone’s face is not a typical or socially acceptable behavior -- regardless of her intentions. Given her and her sibling’s political clout -- it is discomforting as it can be perceived as an abuse of power and disregard for the feelings and well-being of others.

The public reaction to this incident may not be a reflection of the incident’s true nature but rather a perception shaped by the current political landscape and the way the media have showcased it to the public.

Political divisiveness can create a tense and charged atmosphere where individuals may feel compelled to take sides and express their political beliefs. The politicized incident – fuming in a heightened sense of awareness and sensitivity to issues of power, privilege, and respect -- might have served as a catalyst for individuals in expressing their support or opposition to the celebrant and her action.

The incident has posed both risks and opportunities to society. On one hand, it stresses the need for individuals with high political standing to be aware of their actions and the potential effect on others. It drives the notion that even small actions can have a big impact on a highly charged and polarized society. On the other hand, it also opens a window of opportunity for individuals to reflect on their behavior and to strive to be more considerate and respectful persons.

What if you were the waiter? Imagine being on the receiving end of such an action coupled with feelings of disrespect and degradation. We must be mindful that every person we interact with, and every action we take, has the potential impact on anyone. Empathy is one of the most powerful values we possess. It allows us to understand and appreciate the perspective of others. The celebrant’s lack of empathy has set ablaze this incident turning it into such a polarizing issue up to the present.

Lest we forget, the world is full of pain and confusion. As we move forward, let us strive to be more considerate and respectful, do our best to understand and appreciate other perspectives, and give our best shot to make a positive impact in the world through our empathy.

Let us draw on this incident as a teaching moment -- to reflect on our behavior, to aspire to be better, more empathetic, and more respectful human beings. Amid our polarized society, the wisdom of singer and songwriter Marvin Gaye’s song "What's Going On" hits the nail on the head, “Father, father, we don’t need to escalate, you see, war is not the answer, for only love can conquer hate.”

Every action we take has the power to shape the world around us. it is up to us to choose to make it a better place. Let us choose love and empathy over hate and disrespect. Let us work toward creating a more just and compassionate society for all.

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Not bad stuff coming from a transformer.

Head still photo courtesy of pixabaydotcom

CHAT GPT HOMILY: CHURCH GIFT OR SACRILEGE?

 “The homily is the touchstone for judging a pastor’s closeness and ability to communicate to his people… [The faithful] and their ordained ministers suffer because of homilies: the laity from having to listen to them and the clergy from having to preach them! “(Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium)

One Sunday morning, my family attended the Mass in one Catholic cathedral. People filled the church to overflowing. Then the priest delivered his homily. I was disappointed because he was unprepared. People were all there, all ears, tuning in earnestly to his homily. He lost the huge opportunity in planting the seeds of God’s love in the fertile hearts of the multitude. A plain truth crossed my mind then: outside that church one could hardly gather a handful of people to listen to what one would say.

Here’s a delicate sensitivity by one Catholic parishioner edited for brevity:

“I’m frustrated at the moment because I attended a wedding this past Saturday: the homily was too long, uninspired, and boring. When the attendees came into the church, they were happy, upbeat, and energized for the day’s celebration…

“Then the preacher beat them into submission. After a few minutes, the body language of the people in the pews screamed, 'just sit tight – it will have to be over soon – won’t it?'

“What a missed opportunity. There were over 100 people at the wedding mass, a good percentage of whom pretty clearly were unchurched. Just imagine if he could have found something to say that would make people say: 'Hmm, never thought of it that way before.' Instead, they were given fodder for yet another round of mass-is-boring and Catholics-can’t-preach.”

The pandemic left us no option but in attending Sunday Mass online. The contrast in the quality of the homilies between the two – delivered online and at the local churches -- is staring us in the face. The homily preparation factor has made the difference. With good reason, the priest delivering the prepared homily online has gotten the drift of the impact of live TV coverage which has chimed in with Pope Francis’s assertion on the value of preparation:

“Preparation for preaching is so important a task that a prolonged time of the study, prayer, reflection, and pastoral creativity should be devoted to it… Some pastors argue… preparation is not possible given the vast number of tasks which they must perform… each week a sufficient portion of personal and community time be dedicated to this task…”

Problem: Priests need time to prepare homilies constrained by their other tasks

Solution: Chat GPT-generated homily

Below is an unedited sample of Chat GPT homily. Generated in seconds in the style of Bishop Fulton John Sheen for the Sunday Mass, it brings to a focus Jesus Christ’s words in the bible: “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19)

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today we hear the call of Jesus to “come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” This call is not just for the apostles of old, but for each one of us in the present day.

As we reflect on these words, we might ask ourselves, what does it mean to be a “fisher of men”? It means to be a soul-winner, a bringer of salvation to those who are lost. It means to be a missionary, spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ to the world. And it means to be a disciple, follow Jesus, and live a life of love and service to others.

But how do we become fishers of men? We do so by first being caught by the net of God’s love and grace. We must come to know Jesus as our Lord and Savior and allow him to transform our hearts and minds. We must be open to the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, and allow him to guide and empower us in our mission.

One powerful example of this can be seen in the life of Mother Teresa. Mother Teresa, a Catholic nun, devoted her life to serving the poorest of the poor in Calcutta, India. She was caught by the net of God’s love and allowed it to guide her every action. She was a true fisher of men, bringing hope and love to those who had none.

Mother Teresa once said, “I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world.” This profound anecdote illustrates the humility and surrender that is necessary to be a true fisher of men. Mother Teresa recognized that it was not her strength or ability that was at work in her ministry, but the power of God working through her.

So, my dear friends, let us answer the call of Jesus to come after him, and let us become fishers of men. Let us be caught by the net of God’s love, and let us cast our nets out into the world, bringing salvation to the lost, and glory to God. May the Lord bless and guide you as you seek to follow him and bring others to him. Amen.

Question: Is Chat GPT homily a gift to the Church?

Answer: Maybe, because it addresses Pope Francis’ concern for pastors about preparing quality homilies by applying pastoral creativity thereby affording them more time for their other tasks in their respective ministries.

Question: Is Chat GPT homily a sacrilege?

Answer: Maybe, because it is, in the words of singer-songwriter Nick Cave, “a grotesque mockery of what it is to be human” – his response to Chat GPT generating his song “in the style of Nick Cave.”

Cave asserted: “Writing a good song is not mimicry or replication… it is the breathless confrontation with one’s vulnerability… it is the redemptive artistic act that stirs the heart of the listener… [that] recognizes in the inner workings of the song their own blood, their own struggle, their own suffering.”

Is Chat GPT homily a gift or a sacrilege? Stay tuned.

Head still photo courtesy of pixabaydotcom

A HARROWING EXPERIENCE

 

“If a story is in you, it has to come out.” (William Faulkner, Nobel Prize in Literature)

Narrating my experience with my prostatitis in my last two ATABAY articles, I was on my way then to recovery. Let me put a backgrounder in a nutshell for those who haven’t read them. Driving home from the airport, I suddenly couldn’t urinate despite the urge flaring up so many times along the way up until I got home. That very day, I was admitted to the hospital and got a catheter to relieve me from the pain of the massing water in my bladder. The doctor prescribed the following drugs for my medication: Duodart, for men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), once a day for 7 days to reduce my enlarged prostate and improve my urine flow, Ciprofloxacin 500 mg twice a day for two weeks to treat any possible infection, and Tramadol for pain relief as needed. After a week my catheter was taken out. Praise the Lord! I could already urinate.

Three days later, a doctor’s prescription glitch popped up: the doctor prescribed only 7 capsules of Duodart. The nurse explained why it’s only 7 capsules for 7 days (vs. antibiotics for 14 days) because she said the doctor would have to give some instruction. Never such instruction did come. Lots of debate in our family chat group took place on the issue: of whether I will continue taking Duodart or not. As a patient, I was then compliant with whatever the family would settle upon because I could already urinate and rid of the catheter – that’s my main concern. A subordinate issue – how to obtain additional Duodart since we needed the doctor’s additional prescription. Asking for such a prescription seemed odd and would beg these questions: Why didn’t the doctor put in his prescription the whole treatment plan of Duodart in the first place? Why only 7 capsules?

The whole issue was so driven to a corner that ultimately, I have no option but to miss taking the Duodart capsule after the day I took its last capsule. The consequence was devastating. Never did we know the following warning:

“Do not stop using Duodart suddenly.” (medical.net) “Stopping suddenly can make your condition worse as your symptoms may return.” (nhs.uk)

Coming forth to what the warning above laid out, late at night of such a day I had missed taking the Duodart, my prostatitis symptoms came back and more intense than my first prostatitis episode. I barely got some sleep the whole night. The next morning, I could not urinate and got a second catheter. Then, the other shoe dropped: the nurse relayed to us the doctor’s phone message: “See you next week!” Just like that.

My wife thought enough is enough. She tried in finding a way to buy Duodart without a doctor’s prescription which she was able to do. Right there and then, I took the Duodart capsule once again and have resumed taking it to reap the benefits of its full treatment which may take 3-6 months to reduce my enlarged prostatitis volume by 50%.

Yesterday my third catheter was taken out. Yes, it’s my third catheter because my second catheter leaked and had to be replaced. All in all, I got three catheters in a row inserted in my manhood in two-week time. How’s that for the record? Yikes!

WHAT SHOULD HAVE HAPPENED

I could not urinate. I got the catheter. I would take Duodart for a long-term treatment plan, and antibiotics for two weeks. After a week my catheter was taken out. I could urinate. I would be on my way to recovery. That was in the first week.

WHAT HAPPENED

The doctor’s prescription glitch popped up after a week. I missed taking Duodart and my prostatitis bounced back and got` worse. I got the second catheter which leaked and was replaced.

PERSONAL INSIGHT

The doctor’s prescription was like a booby trap -- for the unwary (unaware of possible danger), rearing its head, wittingly or unwittingly, to be triggered (to continue taking the drug or not) by its unsuspecting victim.

Three potential patients:

One, are patients who religiously abide by doctors’ prescription especially those who have no access to the internet for needed information. By not taking Duodart, prostatitis would worsen. The consequence would be surgery.

Two, patients who have knowledge and resources in accessing the internet for requisite information needed to make a crucial decision. But the family would remain divisive and indecisive. The consequence would be like my second catheter case.

Three, patients who have knowledge and resources in accessing the internet AND a family member (my wife in our case) who doesn’t trust the doctors based on experience and past anecdotal stories. He or she may look and sound belligerent, yet only his or her exceptional kind of character could safeguard a patient from any “scheming” doctor.

TODAY

I am dealing with the stinging-ness and soreness of the after-the-catheter-is-taken-out period which may last for two days. For the expected laceration of my urethra, I have to put up with it for 5 days by looking out for symptoms of possible infection.

I am sharing this personal story so that others may steer clear of similar harrowing experience I went through. Amid this distressing situation, I couldn’t help asking myself this soul-stirring question: Why me, Lord? I’m not that too bad a person to deserve such a harrowing experience. I’ve discerned the profound answer rooted in the Bible:

“Because he himself was tested through what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.” Hebrews 2:18

Head still photo courtesy of pixabaydotcom

HOLISTIC PROGRAM FOR CHRONIC PROSTATITIS

 

[Disclaimer: I am not a medical doctor. I am an engineer by profession. The views expressed in this article are from the point of view of a typical conscientious patient. With minor editing and follow-up questions, ChatGPT broke down, got down to basics, and put in a nutshell the encyclopedic internet knowledge from scientific papers, medical texts, and websites, to tip me off of what I needed to restore my normal life.]

I am 68 years old male and now afflicted by chronic prostatitis. I had my medical checkup and I’m now under antibiotic medication. Having said that, could you write a holistic program for me to restore my enlarged prostate glands so that I could live normally for the remaining years of my life? Write this article with an introduction by letting me understand the causes and symptoms of my enlarged prostate glands. Conclude this article by answering the question: Is there hope for seniors afflicted with chronic prostatitis to live a normal and healthy life?

HOLISTIC PROGRAM FOR CHRONIC PROSTATITIS

Chronic prostatitis, also known as chronic pelvic pain syndrome, is a common condition that affects men of all ages, including seniors. It is characterized by inflammation of the prostate gland, which can cause a range of symptoms such as urinary frequency, urgency, and pain during urination or ejaculation. Chronic prostatitis can also cause discomfort or pain in the lower back, abdomen, or pelvis.

The causes of chronic prostatitis are not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to a range of factors including infections, inflammation, and physical or emotional stress. It is important to work with a healthcare provider to determine the specific cause of your chronic prostatitis and to develop a treatment plan that is appropriate for you.

DIET

1.    Eat a healthy and well-balanced diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

2.    Include sources of healthy fats such as avocados and olive oil.

3.    Limit your intake of red meat, processed meats, and high-fat dairy products.

4.    Drink plenty of water to help flush out toxins and maintain healthy urine flow.

5.    Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as they can irritate the bladder and worsen symptoms.

PHYSICAL FITNESS

1.    Regular exercise can help reduce inflammation and improve overall health.

2.    Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise on most days of the week. This can include activities such as walking and swimming.

3.    Strength training exercises, such as lifting weights or using resistance bands, can also be beneficial for prostate health

4.    Avoid high-impact activities that may put extra strain on the prostate glands, such as running or jumping.

      DAILY ACTIVITIES

1.    Practice good hygiene by washing your hands regularly and wiping from front to back after using the toilet.

2.    Wear loose-fitting clothing, especially in the pelvic area, to reduce irritation.

3.    Try to empty your bladder when you go to the bathroom.

Avoid holding in your urine for long periods.

NATURAL REMEDIES

1.    Saw Palmetto. This herb is commonly used to treat prostatitis symptoms and is thought to work by blocking the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, which may help reduce inflammation.

2.    Zinc. This mineral may help reduce inflammation.

3.    Vitamin D. Its low levels have been linked to an increased risk of prostate problems. Vitamin D can be obtained through sunlight exposure, or through fortified foods or supplements.

4.    Omega-3 Fatty Acids. These healthy fats, found in foods such as fatty fish and seeds, have anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce inflammation.

5.    Quercetin. This plant pigment, found in foods such as onions, apples, and berries, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects.

6.    Green Tea. This beverage contains antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation and improve prostate health.

STRESS MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES

Stress management techniques can be helpful for seniors with chronic prostatitis because stress can exacerbate the symptoms and make them more difficult to manage. It is important to note that stress management techniques may not be a standalone treatment for chronic prostatitis and should be used in conjunction with other treatments prescribed by a health provider.

1.    Deep Breathing. Taking slow, deep breaths can help relax the body and mind.

2.    Progressive Muscle Relaxation. This involves tensing and relaxing different muscle groups in the body, which can help reduce muscle tension and stress.

3.    Meditation. This involves focusing the mind on a single point of reference, such as your breath or a mantra, which can help calm the mind and reduce stress.

4.    Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. This type of therapy helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns that contribute to stress.

There is hope for seniors with chronic prostatitis to live a normal and healthy life. While the condition may not be curable, it can be managed with a combination of medication, supplements, lifestyle changes, and natural remedies. By following a healthy diet, exercising regularly, practicing good hygiene, and managing stress, you can improve your symptoms and maintain a good quality of life.

It is important to work with a healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan for your individual needs. With proper treatment and self-care, you can manage your chronic prostatitis and live a fully active life.

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“We need to broaden the definition of medicine to be more than a drug. Medicine is found in many different forms, from a kind word, a hug, a plant, an herb, or a quiet place to think or be in nature. These are all forms of medicine, and there’s little to no cost for many of them.

“My mission is to support families who seek a holistic model of health care. To help my patients restore health and harmony by integrating traditional medical practices with modern medicine. To encourage parents to make informed choices on behalf of themselves and their children, help reduce the use of ineffective and harmful drug treatments, and empower parents to build healthy bodies and spirits…”

 (Robin Ray Green, L.ac., MTCM. “Heal Your Child from the Inside Out”)

“Fruit trees of all kinds will grow on both banks of the river. Their leaves will not wither, nor will their fruit fall. Every month they will bear fruit because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing.” (Ezekiel 47:12)

I conclude this article with a Prayer:

“Heal me, Lord, and I shall be whole; save me and I shall be safe, O you, my hope!” (Jeremiah 17:14)

A.

Head still photo courtesy of pexelsdotcom

2023 SENIOR RESOLUTIONS

 

“Those things that hurt, instruct.” (Benjamin Franklin)

I was driving my car home before the crack of dawn after I had dropped off at the airport my son James heading back to Manila after spending his Christmas break with our family. My headlights illuminated the rear of the car ahead of me tailgating a convoy of slow-moving vehicles led by a ten-wheeler truck.

Suddenly, I spotted two fast public utility vehicle vans pulling ahead of the convoy which set me off to tag along behind the pair. Halfway through my high-speed drive home, all at once, I felt the urge to take a leak in the middle of nowhere. I slowed down, stopped my car with its headlights on at the side of the road, got out of the car, and boldly took a leak under the cover of darkness.

For the first time in my life, I could not urinate.

I moved on shrugging off my leaking trouble due to my fast driving stress aggravated by the cold interior of my air-conditioned car. But, not far from where I had stopped, another urinating urge quickly turned up. Since it was broad daylight by then, I stopped by the next gas station. But, just the same, I couldn’t relieve myself of the water massing in my bladder. Time and again, I stopped by several gas stations along the highway to take a leak, but, all the way, I was unable to urinate in any of them.

When I got home, I was feeling the pain in my bladder intensifying and figuring out something nasty was taking place in my groin. I drove to the nearest hospital with my wife and made our way to the emergency room.

“Your husband acted just in time,” the resident doctor said. “It’s a serious medical condition.”

 After the patient admission paperwork routine, a nurse led me to lie down on one ER hospital bed enclosed by all-around curtains for privacy.

“Nurse, I can’t urinate. Please get rid of this thing immediately,” I told the nurse.

“Sir, this may be painful,” she said. “You may inhale and exhale deeply to reduce the pain.”

Catching sight of the medical tubes being fit out by the nurse, I got scared stiff for the first time in getting the picture that a urinary catheterization would be applied in my manhood. Since not a single instance had I been admitted to the hospital throughout my sixty-eight years of existence, I was not psyched up and ready in facing the painful reality of my situation. Just as I would be pricked with a dextrose needle into my vein for the first time in my life, so too would I be hit upon by the naked truth for the first time that I'm truly old.

“Nurse, please be gentle,” I uttered just as though it could lessen the pain.

 I stared at the ceiling and took the suggested deep inhale-exhale breathing while she was inserting the tube in my manhood which lasted for less than a minute. Funnily enough, had it not been for the urinary catheterization, the scene would have looked erotic rather than traumatic. The twinge of insertion felt “outlandish” -- for lack of a better word.

I stayed in the hospital overnight and was released the next day. With a catheter and a urine bag attached to my body, I drove our car back home with my wife.

Let me rewind this story a bit.

A few years ago, I went through “dribbling” bouts in my urinating trouble. Some mornings, right after I woke up, by then, I went through such bouts that only fell in drops. I took it for granted because after I had moved around the house doing some menial jobs, my morning “warm-up” seemed to have cleared the passage for my urination. I figured out such positive incidents as a clue in managing my urinating trouble in the long haul. Also, I tried recently online food supplements that promoted health and potency for men with prostate problems, but couldn't carried on in reaping their supposed benefits because they're costly.

My family members took notice of my urinating frequency and, there and then, pressed for me to undergo a medical checkup. My last checkup was way back over two decades ago – during my final year in my corporate job.

Sad to say, neither did I pay attention to my symptoms nor heed my loving family’s advice for me to undergo such a checkup.

Fast forward to the present.

This morning my doctor took out my catheter after a week of being attached to my body. The forthcoming fearsome question: Could I urinate now? A “No” answer means another catheterization procedure would be applied to me right away after which my doctor would put in the picture for me of my next stage of treatment which could be direful. Praise the Lord! The answer has been “Yes”. The very moment I've been able to urinate for the first time today without the catheter, I felt “heavenly.” Figuratively speaking, it’s manna from heaven to my answered prayer for another chance. Literally, I felt I was on cloud nine – a state of thankful divine bliss.

I get the drift, being among the seniors in the “pre-departure area,” that this episode is just the beginning of my “launch countdown.” Like an actual launch of a space shuttle, the purpose of a countdown is to make the needed last-minute adjustments before the liftoff. One crucial life adjustment is embedded in this soul-stirring question: Why me? A question, prompted by murmurings in hushed prayers or shouts in the open, engendered by the restless hearts of countless sufferers – ranging from acute arthritis to melanoma, to Zieve’s syndrome disease.

In some humanly unguarded moments, I have been asking myself the same question. Why me? For the answer, I have been hanging on to the words of Jesus: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Cor 12:9)

Nothing could have more vividly and profoundly illustrated the essence of those words than the photo posted by my friend Anecito Diamante (Tok) on FB: an old black & white photo of him with three deceased friends that stirred up the following comments:

Tok: Pwera buyag, sa among upat ako na lang ang nabilin. (Knock on wood, among the four of us, I’m the only one left.)

Merlita Opena: Naa pay mission, Tok. (You still have a mission, Tok.)

Living by God’s mission in the remaining years of our lives, we need His power which, paradoxically, is anchored in our weakness.

When all’s said and done, here are the three resolutions I hope seniors will do in 2023:

1.    Have your annual medical checkup

2.    Do not ignore your symptoms

3.    Keep in mind the worst scenario, if you disregard 1 & 2.

So common are the three resolutions above that you can read them anywhere. I hope my personal experience will turn the above trio into crucial ones.

As I was reading the final copy of this article, one profound thought has kept crossing my mind: How I wish I could have read an article like this one written by someone so that I could have been forewarned of the urinary catheterization looming down the road.

A Blessed and Healthful New Year to Everyone!

Head still photo courtesy of istock by Getty Images & Noelle Otto