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Gay Mens Health CrisisHealthy RelationshipsContact Us |
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Gay Mens Health CrisisThere is a gay mens health crisis not only in Palm Springs, but across the country that must be addresses immediately. Too many men are falling subject to risky behavior and suffering consequences they may not have foreseen. Substance abuse, unchecked mental disorders, and poor sex life choices are leading to repercussions that can be life altering or worse life ending. Reality is that the gay men's community has different health concerns and face different health risks than the general population that can only be addressed through education and awareness. The first and most important step to battling the gay mens health crisis is education. Without the knowledge of the consequences of their choices men will continue to suffer. The most obvious health concern would be the transmittal of STD's and HIV. Everybody knows they should be practicing safe sex with condoms or other approved latex barriers, but they may not know exactly how some diseases can be transferred from one person to another. They may even know that their partner does have an infection, but believe that if there are no outward signs than they are not at risk. Some diseases may not even test positive for days, weeks, or months so neither partner is aware either of them is infected. Protection from STD's doesn't only mean condoms. They can be transferred through secondary contact of open sores or cuts as well. The gay mens health crisis also deals with substance abuse of alcohol, drugs, or tobacco. Gay men show a higher than usual tendency to be substance abusers usually because of the discrimination they may face or abuse that was suffered as a child. They use to hide the pain they experience or to deal with the depression they may have. Little do they know that many substances are depressants themselves and can only add to the problem. To conquer the gay mens health crisis there must be open and honest discussions of what life may bring because of choices that are made. Professionals such as doctors and therapists must put themselves out there to educate the public. Positive relationships are also a large part of the equation. Everybody always feels safer discussing difficult subjects with people they are comfortable with, and men that have suffered the consequences of risky behavior have to be willing to talk about their experiences to help the next generation. The gay mens health crisis is a serious reality that has to be faced head on in order to stop the unnecessary suffering in the gay community. Palm Springs Gay Health - Mens Sexual Health - Gay Mens Health Crisis |