Same Sex Living

The House passed the new Health Reform Bill by a squeaky margin of 220 for and 215 against after a dramatic session on the floor. The controversial reform measure sparks heated debates on both sides of the aisle, and must still pass through the Senate on the way to President Obama’s desk. Among the contents of this bill are provisions that are key to the equality of access and treatment for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

There are currently no federal protections against discrimination for the LGBT population in the health care world. Worded into this bill is the prohibition against providers and institutions considering personal characteristics in health care. Additionally, data collection and research funding will be available to address specific LGBT health concerns. This will be the first effort of its kind on a national scale.

Another important provision is the funding of a comprehensive sex education curriculum that includes LGBT students. This will not only include abstinence but the information on reducing sexually transmitted diseases. This inclusive effort will provide LGBT youth with the correct knowledge to remain healthy into adulthood.

The bill includes the Early Treatment for HIV Act that, through Medicaid, will fund early treatment instead of the current practice of requiring full-blown AIDS before a patient becomes eligible for medical intervention. Additionally, the bill includes the Tax Equity for Health Plan Beneficiaries Act. This will end the unfair taxation of domestic partner benefits provided by employers. All of these critical provisions are being watched and lobbied by the HRC and other LGBT advocacy groups to ensure inclusion in the final law.

A staggering one in eight women will battle breast cancer in their lifetime. It is the number two killer among cancer related deaths, and holds the dubious position of number one among the Hispanic women population for cancer related deaths. While the exact causes are still as yet unknown, research keeps fighting to find the cause and the cure. There is good news on the horizon though. A recent study, conducted over the course of 29 years, on women between the ages of 20 and 83 has made an amazing discovery. Fitness through exercise can reduce the chances of having breast cancer and can dramatically increase survival rates.

The study rated the aerobic fitness levels of women in the study group with treadmill tests. It was found that women who were more fit were three times less likely to die of breast cancer than their less fit counterparts. A positive correlation was also discovered between fitness early in life decreasing the likelihood of breast cancer later. Although the biological reasons behind the findings are as yet unclear, the speculation is that a suppression of hormones decreases women’s risks. Regardless of the reasons, the study indicates what an amazing machine the human body is and how we can take steps to assist with strengthening its systems.

The study recommended spending 150 minutes per week in a moderate exercise program. Swimming, walking, riding a bike, martial arts and all manner of activities will fit the bill for this requirement. The suggestion for postmenopausal women is 300 minutes per week at the vigorous exercise level. The chances are members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community will be touched by this disease whether personally or with some they love. Take this opportunity to enhance a loved one’s avoidance and/or survival rate with a bit of exercise.

It has been recently “discovered” that nature has provided us with a natural fat burner, green tea! There are numerous products on the market promising quick and easy weight loss. Some are nothing more than stimulants and contribute nothing to your overall health or weight loss goals. Others, however, do contain large amounts of green tea in the mix, usually combined with caffeine. When you read the ingredients (the ones in small print, not the advertisement on front) green tea should be listed as the first or second ingredient.

As with any weight loss product for a slimmer lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender body, it is important to drink lots of water. The nature of these supplements requires extra hydration on your part. This means strictly water and not sodas, coffee or more of your favorite party drink! This assists with absorption and flushing unwanted chemicals from the body. The weight loss benefit from green tea occurs from burning fat and increasing the body’s metabolism.

Green tea is also rich in anti-oxidants. These are the first line of defense for the body’s immune system. Studies have found that green tea anti-oxidants are as much as 200 times stronger than those found in vitamin E. Additionally, this amazing plant has anti-carcinogenic properties to assist the body in maintaining overall optimum health. Green tea has been used for thousands of years in cleansing and purifying rituals and in daily life. Make it part of your routine for weight loss or simply for a healthier you!

Since the 9^th Century, the attributes of an evergreen tree named the camphor laurel have been used for a variety of purposes. Most people are familiar with this ingredient in vapor rubs and steams. However, this is not all this magical herb can do for the overall health of that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender body. It can also calm skin irritants, and rid your body of microscopic fungi and bacteria. The soothing effect of its natural cooling sensation has also been proven to calm those frazzled nerves.

It has been used in religious ceremonies of the Hindu for relaxation and cleansing. Camphor leaves and small twigs are often dried and burned for smoking food dishes during celebration ceremonies throughout Asia. The waxy solid, known as pitch, is perfect for burning or steaming since it does not leave any ash residue behind. Although most people simply purchase this magic herb in some form of pre-packaged rub, it is readily available in its natural form at local herb stores or online.

The most efficient way to experience the soothing and slightly anesthetic effects of camphor is to vaporize it. This method allows better absorption throughout the tissues of the body. This is also the ideal way to naturally alleviate a cough and clear chest congestion. In the eastern world, the most prevalent tree is the Cinnamomum camphora, more commonly called the cinnamon camphor tree. So skip the pharmaceuticals and get a breath of fresh air with the natural healing effects of camphor.

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The healing processes occur as the heat relaxes the muscle tissues and dilates the systems that carry blood throughout your body. This results in higher oxygenation with the increase in blood flow, which in turn speeds healing and decreases discomfort. Often one treatment will last for several days.

There are saunas around the world that offer steam therapy for the treatment of physical discomfort. The spas in Finland, the baths of Turkey and the steam rooms in Japan all cater to the comfort and relief of temporary aches and chronic pain. With a quick look at the information about the spas and saunas in your local area, you can find this option right in your own town. You are guaranteed to be relaxed and rejuvenated at the end of the session, and ready to make your next appointment.

In this day and age it is difficult to avoid foods that may be pleasurable to the palate and harmful to the body. There are those in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community who can name those kitchen appliances in under three guesses, and there are the rest of us who would rather hit the restaurants for our sustenance. Among the second LGBT group are those who live on snacks and processed foods with the occasional supplement known as the well-rounded meal. The trouble here is that we are packing our bodies with preservatives and chemicals that impede or impair its optimum functioning.

The first step is to detoxify your body, primarily the digestive system. There are many natural ways to accomplish this, and your body will thank you for it! These unnatural substances accumulate and can actually cause weight gain and lower your metabolism. The important point to remember is that you should avoid refilling your body with the same old food while you are detoxifying. That would be a bit like sweeping water! If you can manage to eat unprocessed foods and learn how to use that stove, this step will result in the beginning of your weight loss.

The second step requires a bit more thought and planning. Shop the fresh food section and learn to read those labels on packaged foods. If there are unpronounceable words on the back, you should not put them in your body! Local markets and fresh markets are the best resources for foods that have never been near any chemicals. Set a short-term goal with these two steps, give your wallet a break from the restaurant food, and you will see the pounds drop off.

Remember way back in health class when you had to learn about nutrition? The teacher had that chart that showed the four boxes with pictures of food in them? We all had to memorize what were called the “four basic food groups” and you probably can name them even now. These were the items you were supposed to include in the food you consumed on a daily basis for optimum health. As it turns out, the teacher was right! Additionally, following this simple plan is the most natural way to actually lose weight.

Correct portions from the four groups have a very positive effect on the functioning of your lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender body. The old saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” contains a lesson of truth for good health. A well-rounded food intake plan is the best approach to a natural weight loss diet. If you do not need to lose weight, it will keep you in great shape. If you need to shed a few extra pounds, this is the safest and healthiest way to lose and keep off unwanted weight.

Buy whole grain products, fresh fruits and vegetables and drink your milk. Mom was right about that one! Avoid processed dairy and meats and choose the natural options to avoid toxic fillers and preservatives. Add a good night’s sleep and moderate exercise to your balanced meal plan and your body will reap the benefits of a long and healthy life if you follow these simple tips every day.

Most of us have pulled on our favorite pair of jeans and had to stand a little taller and take a deep breath to get that waste band fastened. Now the first thought is that they probably stayed a little too long in the dryer – yes, that must be it. Or for the females, it is simply water retention time and it will pass. Unfortunately, once the denial has abated, it may just be that time and extra weight has crept upon our lovely lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender bodies. Often the first place this appears in around our midsections. The good news is that there are ways to reduce and avoid this unsightly nuisance.

The obvious culprits are the fast foods, delicious junk foods and over-consumption of our favorite libations. All of these are the friends of the taste buds and enemies of the waste lines. As we age, these take a heavier toll on the body, literally. While this is common knowledge, what is not universally known is that there are actually foods that will assist your body in burning stomach fat.

High on the list of fat burning nutrients is protein. An easy and economical source of this is found in eggs. If cholesterol is a concern, simply remove the yolks and still reap the protein benefits of this amazing food source. Eggs also contain vitamin B12, which is an excellent assistant for burning stomach fat. Another dietary help for avoiding the storage of excess fat is fiber. There are many sources for this and it should be included in your daily nutrition. These two simple regular additions to your meals can help you win the battle of the bulge.

We all have those areas of our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender bodies that we would like to improve. If you ask any of your friends and family whether they are completely satisfied with their bodies, the likely answer would contain some portion they would like to change. Often this can be accomplished with a simple exercise routine. Before you listen to that little groan in your head, consider the following basic tips for shaping up while looking and feeling better.

The first step for any exercise program is setting goals. Decide what you would like to achieve, and break down the process into steps. This way you can see your progress and diminish the chances of getting discouraged. Fitness, like any end result, is a process where each part is a small success on its own. Be reasonable and realistic. That is to say, leave the super model look to the super models!

The next step for improving the success of your workout is to warm up. This is often the most overlooked part of the program, but one that will speed your results and protect you from injury. Simple stretches are the easiest way to elongate and warm your muscles, preparing them for those reps and sets. Most injuries happen when we overwork muscles that are not prepared for the task. Warm up stretches will ensure that your body is working with you and not against you.

Regardless of which method you pursue for those firmer LGBT thighs, be patient with yourself. The final step is to pay attention to the signs your body is giving you. The old adage, “No pain, no gain,” is no longer applicable. Pain can equal injury, which will do nothing for your overall fitness levels. You are unique, and you should never compare yourself to anyone else. Stick to your goals, and most importantly – do not give up!

Among all the “four-letter words” in our vocabulary, many people think “diet” is one of them! Since the concept was first conceived, most people have had a negative connotation of what it means to be “on a diet.” The first thought is that you have to give-up something to be successful. The next thought is that nagging concern of having to watch every little thing you eat. Both these ideas are myths and misconceptions if you choose a balanced approach to losing some weight from those lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender bodies. 

The first stop on the path is a visit to your kitchen cabinets, refrigerator and pantry. Take a good hard look at the types of food you are buying. Do many of them contain sugar, salt and fats? If so, do you also have foods that do not contain these LGBT body-unfriendly ingredients? Choose foods that are high in whole grains and unsaturated fats. These designations will be on the packages, so read the labels. Also, make a conscious choice to bring home fewer of the unfriendly foods from your next trip to the grocery store. Start by out-numbering the “junk” food with healthier choices while decreasing your portions and frequency of eating the former groups.

The second phase of weight loss should be an increase in hydration. This does not mean order the grande mocha latte, it means drink more water and 100% fruit juice! Water and juice flush the toxins from your body and cleanse your digestive system, which results in natural weight loss.

The last tip is to try eating mini-meals throughout the day instead of two or three “big” meals. This will have two bonuses: increased energy and fewer calories converted to fat. All these simple steps will result in weight loss that is likely to stay gone.

Everyone’s in a hurry and virtually no one sits down to eat a meal with the family anymore. Why is that? Is it passé and old-fashioned with no redeeming quality? Perhaps the answers are simply a matter of opinion? One unfortunate result of the hustle and bustle of eating on the go is weight gain. The worst offender battling you for the bulge is fast food. These tasty treats are all fluff and filler signifying nothing – to greatly rephrase Faulkner! The regulations on fast food are, well, all but none existent in the nutritional information category. They are simply not required to share with consumers the vital statistics of the food going into your mouth. Since they do not, we must assume that the news is “bad.”

The same can be true for the food you purchase in a grocery store. Be aware that seeing the words “Natural” or “Pure” printed on a product bears no resemblance to what is actually in the package. There are very few or no regulations on the use of these two terms. It is mainly very slick advertising. The trick here is it to take a few seconds and read the fine print on the back. Look for sugar, salt, MSG, flavor enhancers and those unpronounceable names to see how “natural and pure” the product really is!

Take a stroll through the fresh fruit and vegetable aisles – these are located in that section of the store you whiz through on the way to the pre-packaged stuff! It may require an extra stop or two at the store during the month, but buying fresh is by far the healthier choice for your lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender body.

There are many ways today to stop the aging process. One way is to not have any more birthdays! While that stops the years you are counting, it doesn’t really stop the fine lines and wrinkles.

There are many treatments on today’s market that help to slow down aging. Injections in the lines and wrinkles of the face are one way. There are also the thousands of products over the counter that help slow down the aging process for those beautiful lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender faces. Before you use anything on your face, you should test the produce to make sure you are not allergic to any of the ingredients.

There are also the natural home remedies. These natural ingredients are found in plants, flowers and other sources of nature. These remedies are the best by far because there are no added chemicals. You should be cleansing your face nightly and also using a toner followed with a nightly lotion for smooth skin.

Lets take a look at nature’s way to help us slow down the aging process. Start with a good cleanser for your skin type. One of the best cleansers for the skin is a recipe that calls for 1 ¼ cup boiling water over Lemon balm (seeped for 30 minutes) which smoothes the wrinkles. Another herb that is good for the skin is Rosemary. Using the same recipe, this tightens the skin. The most effective way is to eat right and get at least eight hours of good sleep. This has been proven to be the most effective measure against pre-mature aging.

Colds have plagued humans for as long as we have been around. Colds are fairly easy to catch. There are over 200 different strains of the common cold virus. All include a wide range of symptoms - tickle or scratchy throat, a runny nose, sneezing and in some cases watery eyes. Everyone knows a cold when they catch one. What we don’t know is how to cure it. They have shots for the flu and vaccines for most illnesses, and there are many over the counter medicines that help relieve cold symptoms, but there is no known cure for the common cold. 

A cold usually lasts around seven days and in some cases can last as long as 14 days depending on which strain you contract. While the common cold is usually caught during the winter months, a summer cold can make you feel worse than one in the wintertime. The reason for this is the hot days of summer drain your body of energy. A virus along with the hot days can make you feel listless while the cold seems to last longer.

One of the best things to do for a cold is drink plenty of fluid. Water replenishes the body and will help flush out the virus faster. Along with this there are many herbal medicines that can help you get back on your lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender feet faster. Herbal medicines work to help build up your immune system to help not only fight the virus, but to also help prevent the return of a different strain.

Calling all lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender sun worshipers out there in the world! Summer is upon us and we are looking forward to bronzing that beautiful body. The beaches and the lakes are calling our names. It’s time to oil it up and get that beautiful tan. During the luxurious process though, you must remain mindful of caring for your skin. Gone are the days when we slathered ourselves with baby oil, or nothing at all, and baked for hours under the glare of the rays. We now know there are better ways to tan without sacrificing our skin or our health.

One way to achieve that healthy glow, and keep it healthy is to use sunscreen with SPF 30. This will block the harmful UV rays while allowing you tan. There is nothing wrong with getting a tan at a slower pace. It will take extra time, but that just means more trips to the beach and the lake! Remember, if you are among the darker complected members of the LGBT family, you should also use sunscreen. Everyone should use SPF 50 on the nose and shoulders if you plan to stay in the sun for an extended time period. You really don’t want to look like Rudolf in the middle of summer!

According to the health professionals, the safest tan you can get is out of a bottle or from the spray-on option at the salons. This may cause you to hesitate because you remember the beautiful “orangey” glow from the products of the past. Halloween pumpkin is definitely not a good color for skin! These products have come a long way from the old days. Today’s tanning lotions and sprays will give those biceps and six-pack abs just the natural bronze glow you desire.

Most people have a misconception about the nature of organic living. Often the first thought is, “What do I have to give up?” The answer is – nothing. All you have to do is give a little thought to the choices you make every day. A nice byproduct is that thinking is actually good for you, too! An organic life simply means pay attention and make healthy choices.

The first, most obvious area to focus on is food. The value of good nutrition cannot be overstated. Before your eyes glaze over as you flashback to elementary school health class, consider this. All the ingredients you need are in that section of the grocery store you whiz by on the way to the processed foods! Buy fresh fruits and veggies. When you get to the pre-packaged foods, and you will, read the labels. Reading – also good for you! Avoid the stuff with lots of unpronounceable preservatives.

At this point you have already done three things that will benefit your health – thinking, reading and buying fresh! If you have the opportunity at a local market, buy Fair Trade items. These could be coffee, tea, cocoa, clothing or produce found in the fresh food section you just spent time in. This designation means that the items come from the sustainable practices of Earth-friendly farmers. At present, over 800,000 farmers across 48 countries are participating in Fair Trade indigenous practices to protect the environment. You have just added a fourth to your list – the planet is healthy; we are healthy.