MARCH‘2006 II Ilntnthe mountains ‘5 HEALTH BEAT . Access to Quality Healthcare LGBTQ Health Awareness Week Events at RU12? The National Coalition forLesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgen- der Health is sponsoring the third annual National LGBT Health Awareness Week from March 12-18. The theme this year is “Own Your Health, Get Checked Out.” One way to get checked out is to visit the R.U.1.2? Queer Community Center in Burlington for a variety of events. Or check the website listed below for more ._»,, information. LGBT people often face finan- cial, personal and cultural bar- riers when attempting to access health care. Further, we often withhold personal information abotit our sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, sexual practices and behav- ioral risks from health care providers because we fear dis- crimination. And as many of us know only too well, there is a lack of knowledge about LGBT health among health care plan- ners and providers. These problems are compounded because: - LGBT people are at in- creased risk for certain forms of cancers including (lung, cervical, breast, and anal cancer) due to a higher prevalence of smoking, be- A ing overweight, and inad- equate risk assessment and health care screenings. ° LGBT people also have in- creased risk of stress-relat- ed mental health problems and substance abuse. ° LGBT couples are at a disad- vantage in obtaining medi- cal insurance compared to heterosexual couples since ma.ny insurance companies and employers do not pro- vide domestic partnership benefits. ' Older LGBT people in same- sex relationships are at high risk of economic devasta- tion due to an absence of Medicaid spend-down pro- tections afforded to legal- ized partners. 0 Transgender care is not taught in US. medical schools. ' Here are some things that you can do to upgrade the quality of your health care: 0 Be proactive! Test for HIV. Men should consider screen- ing for prostate and anal can- cer. Women should screen for cervical and breast can- cer. And if you smoke, make a real effort to cut down or quit completely! 0 Find an LGBT-friendly pro- vider. Ask your friends, call your local LGBT community center to inquire about re- ferrals, or log on to services such as www.gayhealth.com to research in greater detail. 0 Consider coming out to your doctor. It is the most effec- tive way to make certain your health concerns are ad- dressed completely. ° If your state or locality has enacted domestic partner- ship benefits, find out if you may be eligible to access health care and other ben- efits. 0 Inquire whether your health plan has LGBT cultural com- petence training required of the health professionals pro- viding services under their plan. V Reprinted from National Coalition for LGBT Health website. For more informa- tion, please go to wvvw. lgbthealth.net MONDAY, MARCH 13 1-4 pm: Five-minute chair mas- sages by Sergio Corrales (call for appt.) 5:45-7 pm: Potluck! Bring a healthy dish to share — along with the recipe. 7:15-9 pm: Movie: Supersize Me! TUESDAY, MARCH 14 QUEER VISIBILITY DAY at the Statehouse, Montpelier 12-6 pm: Drop-in Oral HIV Testing Free Yoga Class, sign—up re- quired. Time TBA WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15 3-9 pm: Drop-in Oral HIV Testing Ladies First: TBA 6-9 pm: Volunteer Training THURSDAY, MARCH 16 1-3 pm: Blood pressure screening 6:30 pm: Bereavement Support Group 7 pm: Green Mountain Leather Club FRIDAY, MARCH 17 2-9 pm: Drop-in Oral HIV Testing 1-2 pm: Hepatitis C Testing at ' Safe Recovery, 275 College Street, Burlington (802) 860- 3567 7 pm: Sapphic Cinema: The Journey Please note: All events listed will be held at RU12? Queer Community Center, 34 Elmwood Ave, Burlington, across from the main post office, unless otherwise noted. FOR MORE INFO: Shawn Lipenski, Health & Wellness Program Director, R.U.1.2? Queer Community Center, 802.860.7812, www.ru12.org. A . V-S nificant other. ignificantly better future. l05D94RllA(expI Z07|Mll(-ll] .. . LIFE. AUTO. HOME & RETIREMENT You and your partner are ready to face anything life has to offer. So let Metlife make it easier for you. With an Insurance plan to fit your needs, you'll have the security to let you truly enjoy all that your hard work has brought you. Call your local representative today. Scott D. Gordon-Macey, MBA Financial Services Representative 603-352-2246 Ext.21 802-275-8130 (Cell) sgordonmacey@metllfe.com ,' g gt, , i‘1.3,’v.‘-IE3‘ you tmzi M42 t