Each week HuffPost Gay Voices, in a partnership with blogger Scout, LGBT HealthLink and researcher Susana Fajardo, brings you a round up of some of the biggest LGBT wellness stories from the past seven days. For more LGBT Wellness visit our page dedicated to the topic here.
Good Relationships Prevent Eating Disorders
A recent study of eating disorders among men found that for bi and gay men, being in a good relationship lowered the chance of an eating disorder 10 years later. Single men or ones in bad relationships had a higher chance. Relationship status made no difference for straight men.
Las Vegas Is Successful Reducing LGBT Smoking
If you’ve ever hit the bars in Las Vegas, you might’ve run across the innovative tobacco-free social branding campaign called CRUSH. Now, there’s evidence CRUSH has been effective in reducing smoking. A new analysis shows those with highest exposure to CRUSH messaging and social events had 37-48% lower odds of current smoking.
LGBT Elders Americans Act Introduced in Congress
Senator Michael Bennett introduced the LGBT Elders Americans Act in the Senate, a bill aimed at helping with the housing and health needs of older LGBT folks—and it’s badly needed. We know that aging can be harder for queer people because of stigma, fewer family ties and inadequate care. This bill should help.
Med Students Not Well-Prepared for LGBT Care
A new study found most med students felt comfortable caring for LGBT patients but did not feel prepared. Alarmingly, 67% rated their medical school training as fair or worse so there’s a lot of work to do there.
New Jersey Universities Add Trans Health Care
Trans students at publicly funded universities in New Jersey can now access transgender health care! The change is expected to not only help with physical health, but also boost mental health and academic performance.
Bi Erasure is a Problem, Hurts Health
Bi erasure, ignoring or glossing over bisexuality, is still an all too common problem, even within the LGBTQ communities. Steve Williams makes the smart point this week that this isn’t just a social issue, it actually hurts health. Bi folk tend to have worse health and more substance use, cancer and tobacco use. Erasure is already a problem -- let’s not continue ignoring it.