June Wellness: LGBTQ+ Health and Be Lyme Smart

In honor of June being Pride Month, we will be focusing on LBGTQ+ Health. “People who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) are members of every community. They are diverse, come from all walks of life, and include people of all races and ethnicities, all ages, all socioeconomic statuses, and from all parts of the United States. The perspectives and needs of LGBT people should be routinely considered in public health efforts to improve the overall health of every person and eliminate health disparities.

In addition to considering the needs of LGBT people in programs designed to improve the health of entire communities, there is also a need for culturally competent medical care and prevention services that are specific to this population. Social inequality is often associated with poorer health status, and sexual orientation has been associated with multiple health threats. Members of the LGBT community are at increased risk for several health threats when compared to their heterosexual peers [1-5]. Differences in sexual behavior account for some of these disparities, but others are associated with social and structural inequities, such as the stigma and discrimination that LGBT populations experience” (Source: About LGBT Health, www.cdc.gov/lgbthealth/about.htm).

Stigma and discrimination have a negative impact on LBGTQ+ mental health causing increases in major depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety disorder. Acceptance in the workplace and access to resources such as EAP- Employe Assistance Programs serve to support all employees. Having a supportive group of friends and family members is often key to successfully dealing with the stress of day-to-day life and maintaining good mental health.

Be Lyme Smart

As we enter a month full of sunshine and warmer weather, we all should be headed into the great outdoors of New York. When you are headed outside be sure to screen for ticks that can transmit infection only after they have taken a “blood meal” from their host.  Preventive measures include wearing long pants and sleeves, applying insect repellant, showering within two hours of outdoor activity, throwing your clothes in the dryer for one hour on high heat, and checking your pets.

See the attached flyer for more information on symptoms of Lyme’s disease and what to do if you find an attached tick? We recommend carrying a tick kit in your car with fine-tipped tweezers and alcohol wipes. A sticky lint roller across all your clothes after finishing a hike but before entering your car can help remove some hitchhikers who haven’t found open skin.