For a variety of reasons, gay men have different health concerns and face different health risks than the general population. These pages focus on some of the more important behaviors and lifestyle choices that affect the physical, mental, emotional and sexual health of gay men in unique ways.

• Discrimination and documented high rates of child abuse among gay men results in higher-than-average rates of depression, stress-related conditions and suicide than the general U.S. population.
• Higher-than-average drug, alcohol and tobacco use and abuse among gay men increases the risk of many serious health problems.
• Widespread sexual practices, such as unprotected anal sex, create unique challenges for gay men in maintaining their sexual and general health and wellness.
• Obesity is now the most important eating disorder among the general U.S. population, but other eating disorders are more prevalent among gay men.
• In addition, as the average age of the gay population begins to increase, new concerns related to aging are coming to the forefront, especially here in Palm Springs.

These gay men's health and wellness education pages attempt to address major areas of concern for gay men, but if there are topics of interest not found here, please contact us with your questions and comments.

Crystal Meth (methamphetamine)
Methamphetamine, a stimulant drug, is also called crystal, crystal meth, tina, crank, meth, "party favors", tweak, ice or speed, but is chemically different from the speed found in diet pills (amphetamine).   Read More >

Hepatitis C (HCV)
Acute symptoms similar to HAV and HBV are relatively rare for those infected with HCV, so a vast majority of those infected with HCV are not aware of it. The infection rate is approximately equal to the number of HIV/AIDS related deaths in the U.S. each year.  Read More >

HIV & AIDS
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that damages the body’s immune system. This diagnosis means that the body’s immune system is no longer able to effectively fight off illness. Because of these other illnesses, an individual may become very sick or possibly die.   Read More >

Syphilis
If left untreated, syphilis can proceed to the latent stage during which there may be no visible symptoms, but irreversible damage to the brain and other internal organs can still be going on.  Read More >

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