LGBT Wellness Roundup: Dec. 19

Do We Know Enough About HPV?

Each week HuffPost Gay Voices, in a partnership with blogger Scout, LGBT HealthLink and researcher Michael G. Bare, 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.

1
Do We Know Enough About HPV?
Jose Luis Pelaez Inc via Getty Images
A new systematic review found that many gay and bisexual men have misconceptions and limited knowledge of HPV and it’s role in cancer. Only 39% were aware an HPV vaccine existed, which is a pity because most were willing to take it. Also an Australian study of lesbians found that many didn’t think they were at risk for HPV and could forego Pap smears. Clearly we all need a little more education.
2
Do We Trust Tobacco Quitlines?
Claro Alindogan via Getty Images
LGBT HealthLink was able to work with five different LGBT community centers and the Michigan Department of Health to conduct a wellness needs assessment for the state of Michigan. Preliminary results just came out, among other things showing we smoke at higher rates than others and unfortunately our knowledge of/or trust in cessation resources is so low that even among the smokers who wanted to quit, almost none though to call the state quitline.
3
Don’t We Count in Substance Abuse Research?
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A new systematic review of substance abuse research found in 2012 under 7% of studies reported sexual orientation and less than 3% reported gender identity. As LGBT people have higher rates of substance abuse, couldn’t this info help us shape better programs? If it were collected.
4
Good News: PrEP
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None of the 500+ users of PrEP in San Francisco who obtained the prescription through Kaiser Permanente became HIV positive; while there was some decline in condom use, this study bodes well for PrEP being used as an HIV prevention method.
5
Bad News: Syphilis
jarun011 via Getty Images
Unfortunately, numbers of syphilis infections have been steadily growing among gay and bi men in recent years. This review of literature of syphilis among gay and bi men suggests more screening is needed.
6
Trans Health And Dignity
Tetra Images via Getty Images
Kudos to an Edmonton news outlet for their story on trans discrimination in health care and also to The Atlantic for their story on how some are questioning the ethics of requiring two separate mental health professional evaluations before genital surgery. Also researchers using VA data just found high rates of suicide among trans veterans compared to others. Luckily, awareness is increasing; Moorehouse School of Medicine, and the AAMC, are working on the “first ever guidelines to train physicians” in not only LGBT health care, but also for gender nonconforming peoples and those with Differences of Sexual Development.
7
Only Open Until Feb. 15!
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There are so many reasons to love the Affordable Care Act (ACA); this HuffPost blog talks about all the reasons LGBTQ adults should sign up for ACA insurance coverage and why healthcare is so important to our community!

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