Diversity Family Health BLOG
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March 31 is Transgender Day of Visibility , a day to honor the strength and resilience of transgender individuals while advocating for inclusivity and access to care. At Diversity Family Health, we recognize that health is a vital part of living authentically. Let’s explore steps transgender individuals can take to prioritize their health and well-being.
Establish Regular Primary Care Visits
Regular visits with a primary care provider (PCP) are essential for overall health. These visits help monitor for common health concerns, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol, which can impact anyone, regardless of gender identity. For transgender individuals, PCP visits are also an opportunity to ensure gender-affirming care aligns with your overall health goals.
Keep Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy (GAHT) Monitored
If you are on GAHT, regular monitoring of hormone levels and associated health markers like liver function, bone density, and cardiovascular health is critical. Maintaining the right balance in therapy not only supports your gender-affirming journey but also reduces risks of potential side effects.
Stay Up-to-Date on Cancer Screenings
Transgender individuals should follow cancer screening guidelines based on anatomy and hormone use. For example:
Your healthcare provider can tailor a screening plan that works for your body and unique needs.
Protect Your Mental Health
Mental health is just as important as physical health. Transgender individuals often face unique stressors, such as discrimination or lack of support, that can lead to anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges. Seeking affirming therapy or joining LGBTQ+ support groups can make a big difference in maintaining emotional well-being.
Stay Current on Vaccinations and Preventive Health
Vaccines, such as HPV, hepatitis A and B, and influenza, are crucial for preventing disease. Discuss any additional vaccines you might need, such as meningitis or COVID-19, with your provider. Preventive measures, like PrEP for HIV prevention, can also be vital for some individuals.
Your Health is Worth Celebrating
Transgender Day of Visibility is a reminder to celebrate who you are and take charge of your health. At Diversity Family Health, we’re proud to provide comprehensive, gender-affirming care in a supportive environment. Your health journey is unique, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Let’s celebrate you—today and every day!
Additional Resources:
Aging is inevitable, but looking older than you feel doesn’t have to be. With the right skincare routine, you can maintain a youthful appearance and keep your skin healthy for years. But with so many products promising miracle results, it’s important to separate fact from fiction. Here’s what actually works when it comes to anti-aging skincare.
1. Sunscreen Is Non-NegotiableFinal Thoughts Anti-aging skincare isn’t about looking younger at all costs; it’s about maintaining healthy, radiant skin as you age. Focus on proven ingredients, protect your skin from the sun, and adopt a holistic approach to skincare. With the right habits, your skin will thank you in the years to come.
When we think about being healthy, we often think about our bodies, like making sure we don’t get sick or going to the doctor. But did you know that our health is also affected by things in our daily lives, like where we live, if we have enough food, or if we feel safe? These are called *Social Determinants of Health*, and they can have a big effect on how healthy we are.
In this post, we'll talk about what these “social determinants” are, how they affect your health, and how you can talk to your doctor or nurse about these problems so they can help you find resources to make things a little easier.
What Are Social Determinants of Health?
Social determinants of health, or SDOH, are things in our lives that aren’t directly related to our bodies but still affect our health. They include:
1. **Money and Jobs** : If a family has a low income or if someone doesn’t have a job, it can be hard to afford things like healthy food, medicines, and trips to the doctor.
2. **Home and Neighborhood** : This includes things like housing (where you live) and the safety of your neighborhood. If a neighborhood doesn’t feel safe or clean, or if there isn’t reliable transportation, it can make it harder to stay healthy or go to the doctor.
3. **Education** : If someone hasn’t had access to much education, it might be harder to understand health information or find ways to stay healthy.
4. **Social Connections** : This means the people around you, like friends, family, and neighbors. If someone doesn’t have much support or if they face discrimination, they may feel more stressed or even sad.
5. **Access to Healthcare** : This means being able to see a doctor, get medicines, and find hospitals or clinics close by. If someone doesn’t have easy access to these things, they may struggle to stay healthy.
How Do Social Determinants Affect Your Health?
Social determinants of health can create *health disparities*, which are differences in health outcomes among different groups of people. Here are some examples:
Low Income: If a family doesn’t have enough money, they might skip doctor’s visits or can’t buy medicines they need. This can lead to health problems getting worse over time.
When we’re dealing with things like housing problems, money worries, or lack of food, it can be hard to focus on staying healthy because the focus is on just surviving the day.
How to Talk to Your Provider About These Problems
Your provider wants to help you with your overall health, which includes understanding the challenges you face outside of their office. Here are some tips for talking to them about these things:
Resources That Can Help
If you’re dealing with challenges related to social determinants, there are programs and places that might be able to help:
Remember
Social determinants of health can make a big difference in how healthy we feel. But if you talk to your provider about the problems you’re facing, they can help you find support and resources. You don’t have to go through it alone—there are people and programs that want to help you succeed, not just in your health but in your life.
Beginning in 2025, our clinicians will start asking about topics like your mental health and social factors that might impact your health during follow-up visits. This information will help us better understand any gaps in resources within our community and identify ways to improve support. Your comfort is our priority, so please know that it’s completely okay if you choose not to answer these questions. We want our clinic to be a safe, open place where you feel comfortable sharing and receiving care. Our goal is to keep providing you with the best possible support and healthcare.
January marks Cervical Cancer Awareness Month , a time to highlight the importance of screening and prevention. While cervical cancer awareness is often focused on individuals with a cervix, it's crucial to expand the conversation to include anal cancer, particularly in the LGBT+ community.
Cervical Cancer Screening for Trans Men and Nonbinary Individuals
For transgender men and nonbinary people with a cervix, cervical cancer screenings can be challenging due to discomfort, gender dysphoria, or previous negative experiences in healthcare settings. At Diversity Family Health, we prioritize trauma-informed and affirming care to ensure all our patients feel safe during these critical screenings.
The Link Between HPV and Anal Cancer
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the leading cause of cervical and anal cancers. Individuals who are HIV-positive or engage in receptive anal sex may have an increased risk of anal cancer, making regular screening and prevention a priority.
How You Can Protect Yourself
By taking these steps, you can reduce your risk of HPV-related cancers and live a healthier life. Contact us today to schedule your HPV vaccine or screening!
As the seasons change and days get darker earlier in the afternoon, many people begin to feel their mood shift. While it’s normal to feel down or anxious every now and then, it’s important to be able to recognize when these feelings are not normal. Knowing the signs and learning some easy ways to cope can help you or someone you care about manage these feelings better.
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety often shows up as intense worry that’s hard to control. It can make you feel nervous or even panicked, with signs like a fast heartbeat, trouble focusing, feeling restless, and sometimes a hard time falling asleep. Anxiety might also cause you to worry about things that aren’t likely to happen. Sometimes anxiety can also cause feelings of nausea, abdominal cramping, headache, and tense muscles.
What is Depression?
Depression, on the other hand, is more about feeling sad or hopeless for long stretches. It can make you lose interest in activities you usually enjoy, and you might feel overly tired, lack motivation to do activities, or have trouble sleeping or eating. Depression can also cause you to feel isolated from others or think negative thoughts often. With depression, this may cause you to be more irritable and easily overwhelmed.
Easy Coping Skills You Can Try
Dealing with anxiety and depression can take time, but here are some simple tips to help manage these feelings day by day:
When to Get Help
Sometimes, anxiety and depression need more help than self-care can offer. Here are signs it may be time to talk to a counselor or therapist:
Counselors and therapists can help you learn new ways to manage these feelings. You can start by talking to a parent, teacher, or your provider, who can help you find a professional.
Getting Support
If you or someone you know needs immediate help, call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which is available 24/7. Remember, recognizing that you need support is a strong first step, and there are people ready to help you feel better.
Learning about anxiety and depression and using some of these tips can help make day-to-day life easier and brighter. You don’t have to go through it alone—support is always available when you need it. If you feel like you are struggling with your emotions and moods don’t hesitate to reach out to your provider at Diversity Family Health.Cancer is often detected at a late stage, limiting treatment options and impacting outcomes. However, when discovered early, there may be more treatment possibilities and improved prognoses. We are proud to now offer the Galleri® multi-cancer early detection test* to our patients.
Galleri is a groundbreaking test that screens for a shared signal across dozens of different cancers, including many that currently lack recommended screening methods. In clinical studies, Galleri detected cancer signals from over 50 types of cancer through a simple blood draw.
KeyPoint's to remember:
To learn more about the Galleri test, visit galleri.com or watch this informational video.
Empower your health decisions by contacting us for an appointment to see if Galleri is right for you.
*The Galleri test is recommended for adults at increased risk of cancer, typically those aged 50 and older, and should be used alongside existing cancer screening methods, not as a replacement.
* The Galleri test is not commonly covered by insurance and current cost is $900 to perform.
The holiday season can be a time of joy, but it can also bring added stress, anxiety, and depression, especially for those in the LGBT+ community. These months can feel isolating for individuals who may not have supportive families or those struggling with mental health issues.
How are You Feeling?
If you're feeling down, it's essential to reach out for help. Mental health screenings for depression and anxiety can be done quickly in your provider’s office. Symptoms such as persistent sadness, lack of interest in activities, fatigue, or anxiety may indicate that it’s time to talk to someone.
Treatment Options:
There are various treatment options available:
Managing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD):
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that occurs during the winter months when there’s less sunlight. Symptoms include low energy, sleeping too much, and feeling hopeless. Treatment options include light therapy, vitamin D supplements, and regular physical activity.
Remember, mental health is just as important as physical health. Reach out to your provider if you're struggling this holiday season.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to promote
the importance of breast cancer screenings and early detection, especially
within the LGBT+ community. While breast cancer predominantly affects cisgender
women, it's essential for everyone, including transgender patients, to be
vigilant about their breast health.
Breast Cancer Screenings for Trans Patients:
Mammograms and Self-Exams:
Support for Patients Undergoing Breast Cancer Treatment:
If you're diagnosed with breast cancer, remember that you're not alone. Support groups, counseling, and patient advocacy services are available to help you through treatment, whether it's surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation.
Remember, early detection saves lives. Schedule your screening today!
Smoking disproportionately affects the LGBT+ community, and individuals living with HIV are at even higher risk for smoking-related illnesses. It’s time to take control of your health and quit smoking.
Smoking in the LGBT+ Community:
According to the CDC, approximately 20.6% of LGBT+ adults smoke , compared to 14.9% of heterosexual adults. This disparity may be due to stress, stigma, and targeted marketing by the tobacco industry toward the LGBT+ community.
Take Control of Your Health:
During your next visit, talk to your healthcare provider about smoking cessation. Providers can screen for tobacco use and provide resources such as:
Resources for Support:
There are numerous resources available to help you quit:
Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health, especially if you’re living with HIV. Reach out for support today—your future self will thank you!
Learn more about our team and other specifics at your nearest DFH location.