Top Ten things to do in the New Year

Happy New Year! So what is your resolution this year? Are you going to finally get your house clean or run that marathon? Well here are the top ten things you should do this year, when it comes to your resolution.

1) Know your status:

Everyone has an HIV status. This is so important in the fight against the disease. Knowing your status is one of the healthiest things you can do. Find out today! In most cases it will only takes about 30 minutes to finish the test. (www.hivtest.org or text your zip code to 566948)

2) Get help for substance abuse:

That one is pretty self-explanatory. If you feel that you need help, please get help. Just remember that the people who are involved in recovery programs are there to help, not judge. (http://www.samhsa.gov/)

3) Depression and Anxiety:

Depression and Anxiety can be a serious mental illness. Both of them have distinct characteristics. Check out WebMD for more information, however, remember that nothing can replace the valuable advice of a trained medical professional. (http://www.webmd.com/)

4) Hepatitis:

Hepatitis is a disease that affects the liver. There are five forms of Hepatitis, but you should know that you can get immunized against A & B. To get more information on Hepatitis (http://www.cdc.gov/HEPATITIS/)

5) Sexually Transmitted Diseases:

Gay and Bi Men do not just get HIV. There are slues of other diseases that you can contract such as Syphilis, Chlamydia, etc. If you are sexually active you should get check for STDs. 1 out of every 2 people will contract an STD by 25. (http://www.findstdtest.org/)

6) Cancers:

Make sure get checked for Prostate, Testicular, and Colon Cancers. These tests should occur across the life span. You can do a Testicular Self Exam (http://tcrc.acor.org/tcexam.html). Check it out!

7) Alcohol:

I know we talked about substance abuse issues, but alcohol safety is key as well. Make sure that you always have a sober buddy! That way you know that you can get home safely. Try not to drink too much, and stay hydrated but drinking water between drinks. (I often finish my drink and then eat the ice, before get some water).

8) Tobacco:

You knew this was coming. If you use, try to stop. It could be the healthiest thing you do all year. 1-800-QuitNow is a great resource. They could even send you gum or patches. You can also check out http://www.nicotine-anonymous.org/.

9) Diet and Exercise.

This is everyone’s favorite resolution. “I want to lose weight!” I say great, just make sure that you are doing it in a healthy, productive way. Your doctor can help you and even refer you to a nutritionist. Make sure that you take a healthy path. I know that it is easier to do “Fad Diets” or take pills. Just be careful these things could have some serious side effects. If you feel that you may have Bulimia or Anorexia please seek help. (http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/anorexia-nervosa/default.htm)


10) Anal Papilloma:

This could be a serious problem. Anal Papilloma can lead to anal cancers in men. This is something that you talk to you doctor about. Many experts believe that you should have an anal pap smear like women have every year. (http://aids.about.com/cs/conditions/a/analpaps.htm)

So make your appointments, and make 2010 the healthiest year of your life!

(This list is adapted from the GLMA’s
“TEN THINGS GAY MEN SHOULD DISCUSS WITH THEIR HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS” http://glma.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=Page.viewPage&pageID=690)