Health

FIGHT FOR EQUALITY … LIVE TO APPRECIATE IT

The Center’s Healthy Living program works with doctors, hospitals, health care practices, and the community to instill greater knowledge of and sensitivity toward the unique health care needs of the GLBT community, and to ensure higher-quality health care for all gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people in Colorado. For more information about community and healthy living programs from The Center, please email Christi Stafford or call 303-733-7743 x120.

The results of The Center's Colorado GLBT smokers survey are in!

Cigarette smoking is roughly twice as high among GLBT adults compared with heterosexual adults. The Center has developed a public health initiative to
reduce smoking among GLBT people. Part of that initiative included conducting a survey of Colorado GLBT smokers to determine motivations to quit and attitudes toward and access to cessation resources and programs.
The survey was conducted from January to July 2007 by The Center and seven partner agencies – Lambda Community Center, in Fort Collins; Western Equality, in Grand Junction; Boulder Pride; El Futuro, Brothas4Ever, Kaleidoscope, and the Pride Center in Colorado Springs.
A total of 2,062 questionnaires were received, including 414 that were completed online. Ultimately, a total of 1,768 questionnaires were available for analysis.
GLBT smokers showed several social disadvantages compared with heterosexual smokers. The social stigma of GLBT identity also contributed to smoking habits, according to the report.
To read a summary report on the survey, click here.

Thanks for your mammogram pledges!
The Center launched a community pledge drive in April to get 500 commitments from our family, friends and loved ones to get mammograms in 2009. We reached our 500 pledge goal during the first week in August. Thank you to everyone who pledged to improve women's health!

Did you know that higher rates of excessive alcohol use, consumption of high-fat, low-fiber diets, and obesity all increase the risk of breast, uterine and ovarian cancer? In fact, lesbians have a greater risk of cancer than you might think ... but there are things you can do to decrease your risk and improve your chances.

Learn how to beat the odds

Know your family history.
Get an annual pelvic exam and regular Pap test.
Come out to your healthcare provider.
If you are experiencing any symptoms or changes in your body, see your healthcare provider.
Have regular mammograms (age 40-50, every two years; annually thereafter; more often if your provider recommends it or if have a family history of breast abnormalities.)
Perform self breast exams every month; have an annual exam by your health care provider every year.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Drink fewer than four alcoholic drinks per week.
Exercise more than 4.5 hours per week.
Eat a low-fat, high-fiber diet.
Quit smoking - for information on how to quit, visit the SmokeFree section of the website.