For many of us, the importance of nutrition for a healthy mind and body has been emphasized to us since we were very young. However, many Americans struggle to meet their nutritional needs. With LGBTQ Americans being more likely to experience food insecurity than the general population, this challenge can be exacerbated for our community. In light of March being National Nutrition Month, let’s discuss what we currently know about nutrition.

On theme with Valentine’s Day occurring during February, February is also National Heart Month. What you may not realize is that LGBTQ people are at an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases that increase the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes. 

Did you know January is National Blood Donor Month? Blood donations are incredibly important to our healthcare system. Blood donations are needed for a variety of reasons, including childbirth, cancer, certain blood conditions, and serious injury. Every two seconds, an American needs a blood donation. Since we all have different blood types, it’s important that there is compatible blood available when we are in need. Blood donations tend to be less frequent in the winter months, but it’s important to donate all year-round, if you’re able to donate.

This past Sunday, December 1st, was World AIDS Day. World AIDS Day is an annual, global day to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, mourn those we’ve lost to AIDS complications, and recognize the medical advancements we’ve made since HIV’s emergence. While I’ve previously written on the advancements currently available to us, this column will be about the potential future of an HIV vaccine.

November is Lung Cancer Awareness month, so let’s take some time to discuss one of the leading causes of lung cancer: tobacco.

It’s the time of the year when people typically receive their annual flu shot, often alongside their updated COVID-19 vaccine. Often referred to as “boosters,” these shots are more accurately described as “updated vaccines” as the term “booster” is often used to refer to an additional dose of a previous vaccine; these COVID-19 doses are different because they are updated to address newer strains of the virus.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Suicidality disproportionately affects the LGBTQ community, often because of the higher levels of trauma, stress, and discrimination we experience. However, suicide is preventable. This month, here’s a few things you can do to promote positive mental health and prevent suicide in your community.

August is National Immunization Awareness Month. Immunizations, or vaccines, have been incredible medical advancements that help protect us against a myriad of diseases. While it’s common to receive vaccinations during infancy, there are a few that adults should also keep in mind.

July 21st is Zero HIV Stigma day. Our understanding of HIV has changed dramatically in the past 40 years, thanks to scientific and medical advancements around the virus. Despite these advancements, the use of stigmatizing language around HIV is still frequent.

In honor of Pride month and in light of last month’s article on mental health among the LGBTQ community, we would like to highlight one particular protective factor that leads to more positive outcomes for the mental health of LGBTQ people: social support and community connectedness.

May is nationally recognized as Mental Health Awareness month, and so we would like to take the opportunity to talk about why mental health disorders disproportionately affect LGBTQ individuals.

You may have heard the news this past July that the FDA has approved the sale of a birth control pill that does not require a prescription. This is great news for folks seeking affordable and accessible contraceptives, and sales have already begun in Cortland pharmacies. It is known as the “Opill” and commonly nicknamed the “minipill,” but its generic name is norgestrel.

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month. Endometriosis is a common, but not commonly understood illness. It affects around 1 in 10 people with a menstrual cycle.

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. Intimate partner violence, or IPV, is more common than you may think. Approximately 1 in 3 teens and young adults experience physical or emotional abuse from a romantic partner, and this percentage increases with age; about half of college-aged women report experiencing IPV.

If you follow the Center on social media, you may have noticed the “Queer Health is Power” campaign from National LGBT Cancer Network. The leading cause of cervical cancer is the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), and January is Cervical Cancer Awareness month. HPV can also causes other cancers, such as cancer of the throat, penis, and vulva, and anus. Luckily, we have multiple ways to protect ourselves from HPV.

This past Sunday, December 3rd, was International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Did you know that 1 in 4 Americans have a disability? Disabilities include many things, including both physical and mental health conditions, as well as learning disabilities. Many disabilities are also “invisible” - meaning they may not be obvious to other people. This is often the case for disabilities such as chronic pain and mental illness. You can’t always “tell” if someone has a disability or not.

The second week in November (13th - 19th) is recognized as Transgender Awareness Week to bring education and visibility to issues that affect the transgender community, such as discrimination and health disparities. You may be familiar with Transgender Day of Remembrance, on November 20th, which is an annual day to recognize the lives lost to transphobic violence in the past year.

Did you know October is health literacy month? Health literacy is the ability to find and understand information about your health. It’s important to have trusted sources to go to when you have questions about your healthcare. 

Did you know September is known as Substance Use Recovery Month? Recovery is possible, and it’s possible for everyone. Substance Use Disorder (SUD)  is a chronic but treatable illness characterized by a pattern of substance use leading to noticeable impairment or distress in your life. While some people may think that SUD stems from a personal failing or weakness, the reality is more complex. Like other mental health conditions, SUDs are treatable, but the shame and stigma associated with substance use can make it difficult for people to seek treatment. 

You may have recently heard the news that a couple of weeks ago, the FDA approved a form of the birth control pill to be purchased over-the-counter (OTC), without a prescription from a doctor. Here are some fast facts about this birth control pill…