Gay & Lesbian Medical Association and National Coalition for LGBT Health Applaud Institute of Medicine Study on LGBT Health
The Institute of Medicine has recently released its long-awaited report, The Health of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender People: Building a Foundation for Better Understanding. The National Institutes of Health commissioned this groundbreaking report, and a distinguished panel of experts dedicated more than a year to evaluating the state of LGBT health research and crafting recommendations for improving the health of the LGBT community…..read more
New Program Addresses needs of LGBT People with cancer.
Are you facing cancer as an LGBT person or do you know of someone who is?
Out with Cancer is the worlds first program for Gay, Lesbian, BI and Trans men and women who are diagnosed with cancer. With Out with Cancer you can:
- Learn about Clinical Trials....
- Find a circle of friends who share your diagnosis, or, simply, care about you
- Write your own blog
- Learn from or mentor others dealing with cancer
- Post photos and profiles
- Promote your own event or attend other members' events
- Chat live in online support groups, clubs and one to one sessions
- Make new friends...OutWithCancer is your place to connect -- how is up to you.
November is National Diabetes Awareness Month
Are LGBT at Increased Risk?
When you think about populations affected with higher rates of diabetes you may not automatically think about the LGBT community.
It’s true that there isn’t a lot of data out there, but just because it isn’t directly measured, doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. Take into consideration:
- If 5-10% of the population is LGBT, at least 4.25 million LGBT people have diabetes.
- Cigarette smoking rates are very high in the LGBT community: 47% of gay youth, 27% of gay men (50% higher than men in general community) and 32% of lesbians (triple that of women in general community). Cigarette smoking is a known factor for increasing insulin resistance, a known precursor for type 2 diabetes.
- Lesbians have the highest rate of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome of any subgroup of women. PCOS is a leading risk factor for type 2 diabetes in adolescent and young adult women.
Find out more about diabetes and what steps you can take to reduces your risk.
CDC http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/
Beyond Pink: Lesbians and Breast Cancer
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and lesbians have just as much reason to be concerned about breast cancer as other women -- and there are some indications that lesbians may be more likely to have certain risk factors for the disease
If you would like more information about lesbians and breast cancer, try The Mautner Project: The National Lesbian Health Organization; the National LGBT Cancer Project's archive on lesbians and cancer; any of the LGBT health centers listed on Mautner's Resources page; or the Lesbian Cancer Initiative of the New York LGBT Community Center. Fenway Community Health in Boston also has a page of resources about transgender health, including a brochure about breast cancer.
And because one of the key health issues for LGBT people in general is that we often do not get the regular preventative care we need -- either because of lack of LGBT friendly providers or inadequate health insurance -- note that you can find local, LGBT friendly cancer screening services through the National LGBT Cancer Network, and can search for general LGBT-friendly health care providers in New York State at www.lgbtservicesdirectory.com
September is Healthy Aging Month---SAGE is on the Job!
Our country is facing an impending and tremendous challenge as baby boomers start aging into their senior years. If you are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT), the challenge is compounded because of widespread homophobia, transphobia, racial injustice and economic inequity. Currently there are an estimated 3 million LGBT elders in the United States. By 2030, that number will nearly double.
Compounding the challenges in addressing these issues is a critical lack of research about LGBT seniors. In addition, older LGBT people increasingly face the unknown dimensions of aging with HIV/AIDS as the first generation of survivors to navigate the impact of HIV on aging.
We are beginning to see new movement toward the awareness of the health needs of aging LGBT people. Around New York State, there are programs that are specifically designed to offer support and assistance as well as a sense of community to this important part of the LGBT community.
Programs like SAGE become an important "safety net" for LGBT elders. Incorporated by lesbian and gay activists and aging service professionals in 1978 as Senior Action in a Gay Environment, SAGE (now Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders) is the world's oldest and largest non-profit agency addressing the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender elders. SAGE works with LGBT elders to address and overcome the challenges of discrimination in senior service settings, while also being an essential component in the creation of informal caregiving support, and development of new "family" networks. SAGE's programs include:
- The nation's first Friendly Visiting program for frail and homebound LGBT seniors
- The country's first support group for LGBT seniors with HIV
- The nation's first program dedicated to caregiving services for LGBT seniors.
- The nation's first LGBT Senior Drop-In Center,
- The creation of the first national conferences devoted to LGBT aging concerns
- The only Robert Wood Johnson Foundation "Faith in Action" grantee (of more than 2,000 nationwide) specifically targeting LGBT older people for supportive services,
- The recipient of a three-year, $900,000 grant from the Department of Health and Human Services and the Administration on Aging to create the nation's only national resource center on LGBT aging.
Today, there are a growing number of retirement communities, senior housing and other high-end housing options targeting LGBT seniors. But for hundreds of thousands of LGBT seniors who will be aging in place in their own communities, SAGE programs and services provide the link they need to a safe and welcoming community.
Visit SAGE at: www.sageusa.org
Find out more:
Download
Improving the Lives of LGBT Older Adults here : http://www.sageusa.org/specialevents/home.cfm?ID=71
Family Health History at your Family Reunion
The more we know about health and medicine, the more it seems we need to know. Learning about your family's past can be good for your health, so you may want to incorporate family health history activities into your family reunion this summer!
To interest members in their health and family health history, offer a short workshop about family health. Family photos and ancedotes combined with information about illness and wellness within your family will educate members about taking charge of their own health. Together you can diagram your family history and trace health issues through several generations.
Knowing your family health history and journaling medical information about yourself and close blood relatives -can be valuable in many ways. Such history can help identify your own risk factors for heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer, and other health problems.
Make a Family Health History a discussion at your family reunions for years to come!
June is Pride Month
Let's be proud and stop smoking!
The LGBTQ community in New York State smokes at approximately three times the rate of the general adult population. Therefore, we also experience three times as much tobacco-related disease and death.
For information and resources about why LGBTQ smoking is so common, visit:
National LGBT Tobacco Control Network
www.lgbttobacco.org
April is Alcohol Awareness Month
Some studies show that at least two million gay men and lesbians abuse alcohol and as many as 30 percent of them will need chemical-dependency treatment at some point in their lives -- three times the odds facing the general population.
Clearly, problem drinking and alcoholism is a critical problem in critical proportions for LGBTQ people.
To find an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting in your area, www.gayalcoholics.com/aa-meetings.html
The LGBT Services Directory includes the names and contact information for several LGBTQ welcoming counselors and physicians that can help.
March 2010: NY LGBT Health Month “31 Ways in 31 Days”
The National Coalition for LGBT Health has announced that March 28th through April 3rd, 2010 will be the 8th annual National LGBT Health Awareness Week….but we know our community’s health is too fabulous (and important) to fit into just one week! So we’ve named March 2010 as the first annual “New York LGBT Health Month.” We’re encouraging LGBT New Yorkers to think about their health throughout the entire month of March leading into National LGBT Health Awareness Week.
Obviously, being healthy won’t fit into a week or a month alone, but it’s a place to start. LGBT health is a big issue for each of us individually and as a community. Our health needs are sometimes the same as everyone else’s and sometimes different; and there’s a lot to consider. To get us all moving in the right direction, we’ve come up with a list of very basic facts, tips or issues to think about this month…one for every day in March. So here are 31 Ways in 31 Days to become a healthier LGBT person and community…
- Check your levels.
- Take a multivitamin.
- Care for LGBT Seniors.
- Commit to quit smoking.
- Know your health insurance options.
- Support LGBT teens.
- Keep your vaccinations current.
- Buckle up.
- Floss your teeth.
- Screen for breast cancer.
- Know your family health history.
- Get an anal pap smear.
- Take the stairs.
- Check your batteries.
- Wash your hands.
- Try eating healthier.
- Drink responsibly.
- Come out to your doctor.
- Use hormones safely.
- Be cancer-conscious.
- Support an LGBT-friendly church.
- Know if you’re depressed.
- Protect yourself.
- Report violence.
- Get involved, Get connected.
- Get regular eye exams.
- Support safe schools.
- Use clean needles.
- Use sunscreen.
- Reduce stress.
- Get enough sleep.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. Get your cholesterol levels and blood pressure checked regularly by an LGBT-friendly healthcare provider. Learn to understand what these levels are and how to manage them through diet, exercise, if necessary, medication(s).
Vitamins can be good for anyone…but for pregnant women, a multivitamin that includes folic acid is an important part of prenatal care to prevent birth defects. Many lesbian & bisexual women today are deciding to become pregnant and start families. If you are one of them, consider this tip for your health and the health of your baby.
LGBT people come in all ages…and our community’s seniors are an important part of who we are, but services for them are often lacking. Find a group for LGBT seniors in your area or a program that serves them and donate your time, money and/or support.
Studies show that LGBT people are 40-70% more likely to smoke than non-LGBT people, which is one of the highest smoking rates---even compared to other disproportionately affected communities. LGBT-specific cessation groups are increasingly available – find a group in your community to help you quit, or encourage and support loved ones in their efforts to quit.
Studies show 1 in 4 gay and lesbian adults have no health insurance (twice the rate of heterosexuals). Lack of health insurance is a serious concern. Learn about the kinds of insurance that might available to you and those you love---and support and advocate for health coverage that includes LGBT people and their families.
LGBT youth face great challenges. They are at greater risk for academic failure because schools are neither safe, healthy nor productive places for them to learn. A serious lack of role models in schools and other public spaces contributes to feelings of isolation and depression. Offer support to local organizations that provide services to LGBT youth, or mentor and model a sensitive and encouraging approach with LGBT teens in your own life.
Vaccinations are an important preventive health measure. Talk to your provider about what vaccinations are best for you. If you are a gay/bisexual man, you are at increased risk for both Hepatitis A & B, so specifically talk to your doctor about getting those vaccinations if you haven’t yet.
Automobile accidents are the leading cause of death in people under the age of 29. Automobile-related deaths are preventable with smart driving behavior and seatbelts----so no matter who you are, LGBT or otherwise, don’t drive away until everyone in the car is buckled up!
Oral health is important health for everyone. Harmful, disease causing bacteria can start in the mouth and lead to serious illnesses or even increase the risk of STD’s through oral sex. Take care of your teeth and see an LGBT-friendly dentist regularly!
Lesbian and bisexual women share a collection of risk factors that may increase their likelihood to develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Some of these risks include: elevated levels of tobacco and alcohol use, higher rates of obesity, and nulliparity. Speak with your health care provider about your personalized risk for breast cancer, age-appropriate routine screenings and mammograms, and learn how to perform self-exams.
Whether you are LGBT or not, your family health history is one of the most important things in determining your potential for future health problems. Knowing this information can help you and your physician determine disease risk and develop personalized health strategies. This is particularly important for LGBT people who may already have elevated risk for certain diseases and often face financial, cultural and personal barriers when trying to access adequate health care.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) can cause anal cancer and rates among gay/bisexual men are 29 times higher than the general population. An anal pap smear can provide early detection & treatment options. Find a provider who understands the needs of LGBT patients so you can access this important screening.
Almost everyone can stand to think about ways to improve their overall fitness level and the Gay & Lesbian Medical Association lists fitness among the top ten health issues for both LGBT people. Thinking fitness doesn’t always have to mean major life changes or expensive gyms. Make small changes like taking the stairs or choosing a farther parking spot to get your heart working and help maintain strong bones and muscles.
Every year, 3000 people die in house fires. Having at least one functional smoke detector on every floor of your home and near bedrooms can save lives. Check the batteries on your smoke detector regularly.
Clean hands save lives…including LGBT lives! In fact, there is a whole day (October 15, Global Hand Washing Day) dedicated to raising awareness about the health benefits of hand washing. LGBT or not, washing your hands is one of the most important preventive measures you can take to support your immune system, and protect yourself from getting sick and/or spreading illness to others.
Lesbians are nearly twice as likely to be overweight than straight women, and young gay white men are a leading risk group for eating disorders. Based on these statistics alone, it is clear that eating healthy has specific significance for the LGBT community. But eating healthy doesn’t have to be about strict regimens or depriving yourself of foods you love. In fact, food should be a source of pleasure. Learn some basics about nutrition and incorporate them into your routine in a way that works for you. Eat more local, fresh vegetables, try more grains, legumes, and fruits you don’t normally eat, drink more water.
Drinking responsibly includes much more than not driving drunk. Substantially higher numbers of LGBT people use alcohol and other substances and about 30% develop problems with alcohol. Additionally, alcohol affects decision-making and lowers inhibition, which can lead to other health risks such as increased sexual risk. If you or anyone you know has a problem with alcohol, seek out LGBT-affirming resources and supportive services in your community to help you overcome it.
A 2005 survey of gay/bisexual men found that 39% had never disclosed their orientation to their healthcare provider and studies have shown similar patterns among lesbian/bisexual women. If you have never come out to your provider, do it. If you don’t feel comfortable doing so or think you’re provider will react negatively, seek out a provider with whom you can have a more honest and healthier relationship.
Hormone therapy can be an important part of daily health for some people of trans experience. Transgender individuals who wish to use hormones are best advised to do so under the supervision of an LGBT-affirming medical provider who is clinically competent in transgender health issues because using hormones can put you at risk for high blood pressure, liver disease, blood clots and other serious health risks.
Getting regular routine screenings for different kinds of cancers (breast, testicular, lung, cervical, ovarian, prostate, colorectal and skin) may help to find them early when treatment is most likely to work best. Routine screenings and exams are important for everyone, but many LGBT individuals may have increased risk for certain cancers and are often less likely and less able to access adequate health care. Learn more about the importance of routine screenings and early detection, and locate a health care facility near you that provides cancer screenings in a safe, LGBT-affirming environment.
Many LGBT people are also people of faith…and more and more communities of faith are opening their doors to LGBT communities. If faith is part of what keeps you healthy, find and participate in a spiritual community that embraces you.
A 2000 survey reported that 70 percent of lesbians and 60 percent of gay men admitted having sought mental health counseling in some form. It’s normal to feel “down” sometimes, but if those feelings persist or become too extreme, consider talking to a professional about it. There are also free, anonymous depression screening tools available online like the one at www.depression-screening.org
Anyone can get HIV and other STDs, but LGBT individuals may be at increased risk. Gay and bisexual men of all races continue to be a risk group severely affected by HIV; transgender communities are estimated to have HIV infection rates ranging from 14 - 69%; and STDs such as herpes and Chlamydia are just as common among lesbians as other women. No sexual activity is 100% safe, but you can protect yourself if you’re sexually active by using protection properly and consistently, getting tested regularly for HIV and STDs, and communicating with your partner(s).
LGBT people often become the target of violence---sometimes from strangers and other times even at the hands of people we love and trust. Violence against individuals because of real or perceived sexual orientation is one of the most prevalent forms of hate-motivated violence in the US; and intimate partner violence affects same-sex and same-gender partners at the same rates it does opposite-gender partners. If you or anyone you know is dealing with any kind of violence, whether physical, emotional, verbal, sexual, etc., contact an LGBT-affirming anti-violence program in your community.
Many LGBT people report feelings of isolation---especially youth, seniors and those in rural communities. Connecting with other LGBT people and building community can be the foundation of a healthy life. Seek out
Regular eye exams are important – much more happens during an eye exam than you might think! Your doctor checks your eyes for common eye diseases, assesses how well your eyes work together as a team, and evaluates your eyes as a telling indicator of your overall health. Whether you’re an LGBT person or not, taking the best care of yourself (every part of yourself!) that you can is a crucial step toward health and wellness.
A 2007 study found that in NY State, 64% of LGBT High School students reported feeling unsafe in their schools. Help make schools in your area safer by supporting LGBT youth and the agencies that serve them…and advocate for school change by supporting organizations like GLSEN (Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network) and/or legislation to make LGBT students safe like the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA).
Sharing needles spreads HIV and Hepatitis C and dirty needles can cause other infections. If you use needles for drugs, hormones or prescription medicines like insulin, make sure they’re new and/or clean. Find an LGBT-friendly syringe exchange program in your area or a pharmacy in NY’s Expanded Syringe Access Program (ESAP) where you can buy them.
1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer, the most common cancer in the U.S. and the most common cause is the sun. So, yes, even in March in New York, thinking about sun protection is important…because sunscreen isn’t just for the beach! Whether you’re planning a trip to warmer climates or hitting the slopes, use it any time you are outside.
Everyone deals with stress in their life. As LGBT people, there are aspects of our experience that can create more stress for us on a daily basis: homophobia, transphobia, discrimination, coming out. Find healthy ways to reduce stress: talk to a friend, go for a walk or bike ride, or engage yourself in a hobby you enjoy.
When people get less than 6 hours of sleep each night, their risk for developing certain diseases begins to increase. There are known benefits to getting enough sleep: it supports heart health, it reduces stress, it may help prevent cancer, keeps you more alert and may help strengthen memory, to name a few. Not getting enough can impair judgment, reaction time, vision, concentration, and short-term memory. So get a good night’s sleep!
Promoting an Awareness of Family Health History and Future Health in LGBT Families
LGBT families are created in many unique ways. Our identified families share history, traditions and values and common medical backgrounds. This website was created to help LGBT families to understand how health, family history, health beliefs, healthy living and genetic background are an important part of future health.Healthy Communities Require Healthy Individuals.
It is important to see a healthcare provider that you can trust and to get and stay healthy.
It can be hard to talk about our intimate life with anyone. To make sure we stay healthy, we need to help our health care providers help us by talking openly and honestly about our lives and who we are. Coming out is crucial to helping our health care providers help keep us healthy. We need to come out to our providers about our sexual orientation or gender identity. We need to let them know when we are fighting depression, challenging substance use, and trying to manage our sexual health.
Knowledge is powerful tool in keeping us healthy. Below are six important topics that we all need to talk about with our health care providers.
Six important topics we all should talk about with our health care providers:
- Mental Health (including depression and anxiety screening)
- Sexual Health (including STD and HIV screening)
- Substance Use (including tobacco and alcohol)
- Heart Health
- Fitness (including diet and exercise)
- Domestic Violence and Safety
Adapted from the National Coalition for LGBT Health 2008 Health Awareness Week
Healthy People 2010
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) health is emerging as a national health concern because of a growing body of evidence of health disparities experienced by LGBT people. Some agencies of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services are broadening their focus on populations who experience health disparities to include those defined by sexual orientation and gender identity. For the first time, the ten-year federal plan for improving the nation's health, called Healthy People 2010 (HP2010), includes sexual orientation in 29 health objectives. Concerned with the lack of knowledge about LGBT health among the general population of health care planners and providers, HRSA (Health Resources and Services Administration) awarded the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association (GLMA) a contract to gather experts from across the country to write a HP 2010 companion document on LGBT health.
Visit The National Coalition for LGBT Health: http://www.lgbthealth.net/side_hp2010.shtml
Download PDF of Healthy People 2010:
http://www.lgbthealth.net/downloads/hp2010doc.pdf
The LGBT Family Toolkits are Here!
"Does it Run in The Family?", our brand new toolkits which assist LGBT families in collecting and recording family health histories are now available. These booklets are full of information and tools that will help you keep track of important medical and health information that can make a big difference in the future of your family.
We are mailing a free copy of "Does it Run in The Family?" to everyone on our mailing list. If you are not on our list, but would like a copy, contact us and we will send one to you within 7 - 10 working days.
We are pleased to announce that The LGBT Healthy Families Initiative, a project of the Lesbian and Gay Family Building Project was recently chosen by the Genetic Alliance to receive a Community Centered Family Health History Program Award.
This award has enabled us to survey LGBT families about their attitudes concerning the importance of family health history. With this information, we were able to create customized toolkits to assist LGBT people in collecting and recording their family heatlh history information.
The LGBT Healthy Families Initiative Has Tools and Information to Help You on the Journey to Future Health
Health care professionals have known for a long time that common diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes can run in families. New studies show that even families who are not biologically related often share health concerns that stem from behavior and lifestyle choices. Your personal health is influences by your family health history.
Do you ever wonder:
- How will my grandmother's health conditions affect my health?
- Does diabetes or heart disease run in my family?
- How will our sperm donor's medical history affect our child?
- How do my partner's health beliefs affect our family's health?
If you have, then you are in the right place!
Ask a Genetic Counselor!
Our grant from the Genetic Alliance is offering a time-limited free genetic counseling information service. This is your opportunity to review your family health history and if a question or concern arises regarding genetics and heredity, you may complete the form below and a genetic counselor will contact you.
Same-Sex Marriage and Health
"A large body of scientific research indicates that the denial of marriage rights to gay men and lesbians can negatively impact their health and well being and that of their children."
View the complete study
- GLMA Marriage Initiative
The Gay and Lesbian Medical Association (GLMA)