Today many young men prefer to sit, because according to current medical research it is better for men to sit rather than stand while urinating. Does this have cleanliness benefits for the people who have to clean? Absolutely. Sitting improves the aim. And sitting makes it easier for muscles to work. For older men, standing may be difficult and sitting is definitely better for those with prostrate problems. This medical research may lead to more accessible stalls in men’s bathrooms.
“A 2014 study by researchers from the department of urology at Leiden University Medical Center found that men who sat down to pee were able to empty their bladders faster and more effectively. That’s because when you stand, you activate muscles in your pelvis and spine, but they’re completely relaxed when you sit. Probably the reason for the huge, relaxing ahh sound men over 40 make when they sit down to whizz.
Sitting down to pee also obviously also helps with aim issues, allows men to evacuate the bladder fully and is a better option for men with other health issues.
‘Sitting down is a better option for men with prostate conditions or men who just can’t stand up for a long time,” according to Dr. Jesse N. Mills, Associate Clinical Professor at the UCLA Department of Urology.
For the disabled of either sex, for those who use wheelchairs or walkers, an accessible unit is essential. Because their medical aids will not fit into a normal-sized public bathroom. So when a non-disabled person uses an accessible bathroom even when regular units are available, they may be harming the disabled.
I witnessed such an event at a recent musical performance in San Francisco. A woman in a wheelchair was waiting patiently, if not eagerly, for the person using the accessible unit to leave. That person emerged in her high heels with no embarrassment. The disabled woman asked why she was using a accessible stall when others were available. She replied that she liked the bigger bathroom.
***
In these days of confusion, political convulsions, many feel helpless.
What can they do to express their concerns? Last Friday a grassroots movement called for a “No Shop Day.” Was it a success? Did enough people participate to impact the economy for at least one day? Prices seem to be soaring on everything from gas to food. That’s not what many voters were promised. Tomorrow, March 4, the League of Women Voters and other organizations are planning a peaceful protest at local city halls during President Trump’s Address to a Joint Session of Congress.
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***
Last month Keith Weber, city of San Mateo, died of cancer. He was an ardent historic preservationist especially when it came to downtown San Mateo. He knew the homes of the very early mayors and was dismayed that so many of these homes had been torn down. His wife, Maxine Terner, carried the cause to the ballot box. She started the campaign for Measure H which created height and density limits in the downtown. I don’t know what Weber would make of downtown today. He would be happy it was successful and that there were many housing units but probably less happy that the city looked more modern than historic.
***
Last week, there was also an obituary of Sylvia Nelson, former San Carlos councilwoman. She was in real estate and pro-development. But both she and Weber were devoted to their respective cities despite their opposite views. I was lucky to know both.
***
In this era of big money and greed, I thought about a passage in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “A Diamond As Big As The Ritz.” The Ritz refers to the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. Not the one in Half Moon Bay but the legendary one in Paris, France. The man who owns the diamond as big as the Ritz sees that his life of riches and splendor is coming to an end. He climbs up a tall diamond peak, gets down on his knees, not to pray, but to try and bribe God.
***
San Mateo’s head librarian, James Moore, is moving to Quebec for a library position there.
Sue Lempert is the former mayor of San Mateo. Her column runs Mondays. She can be reached at sue@smdailyjournal.com.
I appreciate Ms. Lempert’s effort to highlight an issue that affects the disabled community. I encourage her to opt for more modern terminology when referring to bathroom stalls designed for individuals with disabilities. “Accessible bathroom stall” is preferred. The County of San Mateo adopted a resolution a few years ago that removes the term “handicapped” from their ordinances, and so forth, and replaces it with “accessible”.
Wow, Ms. Lempert, you’re really hitting below the belt on today’s column…in an informative manner. I never thought too much about standing vs. sitting but apparently others have. It’d be interesting to know what faster and more effectively translates to, and whether they’re meaningful. For instance, are we talking seconds or minutes and are we talking whether folks make 5 vs 10 trips/day? Regardless, it may be better to highlight cleanliness (splashiness?). And how far your toothbrush is away from the business at hand.
As for the peaceful protest at local city halls during President Trump’s Address, what exactly is being protested? Trump exposing waste, fraud, and abuse? I’d like to remind folks that soaring prices on everything from gas to food are due to Biden and his America Last policies. Remember, it’s only been a little over a month since Trump has taken over. It’ll take time to fix Biden’s mess. BTW, it should be noted the majority of Americans continue to approve of Trump and his actions to Make America Great Again.
Ms. Lempert only a mother of a son like you could have the courage to write about this subject. The women in my life always relate with disgust the facilities they have to use and spend much time cleaning the seat or hunkering over the filthy commode. I am not sure how many men will go for this in public places but their female partners will like insist on their squatting at home. If this were to become more common, get ready for long lines for the men's stalls as there are now for the female facilities. BTW, one of my brothers received his PhD in Urology at the Leiden University so let me ask him if this is a lark or a true medical finding.
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I appreciate Ms. Lempert’s effort to highlight an issue that affects the disabled community. I encourage her to opt for more modern terminology when referring to bathroom stalls designed for individuals with disabilities. “Accessible bathroom stall” is preferred. The County of San Mateo adopted a resolution a few years ago that removes the term “handicapped” from their ordinances, and so forth, and replaces it with “accessible”.
Wow, Ms. Lempert, you’re really hitting below the belt on today’s column…in an informative manner. I never thought too much about standing vs. sitting but apparently others have. It’d be interesting to know what faster and more effectively translates to, and whether they’re meaningful. For instance, are we talking seconds or minutes and are we talking whether folks make 5 vs 10 trips/day? Regardless, it may be better to highlight cleanliness (splashiness?). And how far your toothbrush is away from the business at hand.
As for the peaceful protest at local city halls during President Trump’s Address, what exactly is being protested? Trump exposing waste, fraud, and abuse? I’d like to remind folks that soaring prices on everything from gas to food are due to Biden and his America Last policies. Remember, it’s only been a little over a month since Trump has taken over. It’ll take time to fix Biden’s mess. BTW, it should be noted the majority of Americans continue to approve of Trump and his actions to Make America Great Again.
Ms. Lempert only a mother of a son like you could have the courage to write about this subject. The women in my life always relate with disgust the facilities they have to use and spend much time cleaning the seat or hunkering over the filthy commode. I am not sure how many men will go for this in public places but their female partners will like insist on their squatting at home. If this were to become more common, get ready for long lines for the men's stalls as there are now for the female facilities. BTW, one of my brothers received his PhD in Urology at the Leiden University so let me ask him if this is a lark or a true medical finding.
i think she is jealous.
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