| Christopher Hetzer, RN

IN TODAY’S MODERN MEDICINE Google is both a blessing and a curse when it comes to self-diagnosis. Patients are more informed about a condition or illness before they even enter the hospital. However, they do not have all the information about medications, possible interventions, and prognosis, nor do they know of all resources available. It is the responsibility of both the medical team and you as the patient to establish an open and honest dialogue. You, as the patient, must take ownership of your health. I’ve put together a list of questions that will help you direct the course of your health.

Are you aware that I am LGBT?

Knowing that you are LGBT will allow your doctor or nurse to tailor your health care needs. (If you think this information is too personal, just wait until he/she has to stick a finger up your backdoor without buying you a drink first.)  Most importantly, if your physician doesn’t seem comfortable with your sexuality, don’t hesitate to find another doctor.

For what sexually transmitted infections should I be tested?

- Know your status! According to AIDS. gov., 50,000 people are diagnosed with HIV every year.
- You need to ask for a comprehensive screening for Syphilis, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Hepatitis, Herpes, and the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV),the other leading STI’s.

Do I need to be screened for HPV?

Yes, because this virus affects both men and women. Women are at risk for Cervical Cancer and men are at risk for Anal Cancer and genital warts. Vaginal and anal Pap smears should be considered. (Everyone needs a good sphincter stretch now and then!)

What extra vaccinations should I consider?

- Hepatitis A and B      
- Flu and Pneumonia    
- HPV and Meningitis     
- Childhood vaccinations need to be up to date.

Am I exercising and eating appropriately?

Obesity is an epidemic in the United States and, contrary to popular belief, gay men are not immune to this. Eating right and exercising can help prevent many serious health issues: stroke, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and cancer.

How do I stop smoking?

I am not going to be a broken record because we all have heard the risks of smoking; but trust me when I say that you are going to wish you had quit smoking when a nurse is suctioning out your lungs through your tracheotomy site. Ask your physician about different medications to help with the cravings and cessation of smoking. You NEED to STOP smoking!

How does drinking and drug use affect my health?

We all like to party! Be honest with your doctor; you’ll be surprised to know that many doctors and nurses work hard and party hard. These substances may not be a problem for you now, but talk with your doctor about the long-term consequences of alcohol and drug use.

What screenings do I need at my age?

Preventative screening and care is key!
- Blood pressure check, once every 6 months     
- Cholesterol check, once every 2 years
- Colorectal Cancer at age 45                                   
- Prostate Exam at age 45

Is there something wrong with my head?

LGBT individuals are more susceptible to anxiety and depression than the general public.  Just because you don’t think you’re depressed or feel “blue” doesn’t mean you don’t suffer from some degree of depression.

Are there any risks when I use herbal remedies and/or supplements?

Make sure you provide a complete list of herbal supplements. Some can cause significant side effects or have negative interactions with other medications. For example:
-Ginkgo Biloba can cause bleeding; therefore, Aspirin and other blood thinning medications should be used with caution.
- St. John’s Wort can cause increased fatigue, dizziness, confusion, or severe allergic reaction; therefore antidepressants need to be used with caution.

Have Some Condom Sense!

| Christopher Hetzer, RN


Should Kink be considered in our ever so all-inclusive acronym? There are three fundamentals to consider: Physiology of sex, culture, and kink.

Physiologically, sex can be boiled down to two ever erotic terms: Neurotransmitters and hormones. Each take their spot light on center stage in the realm of the bedroom, dungeon, shower; wherever you feel most comfortable.

The first dynamic duo is Dopamine and Phenylethylamine (PEA), both have effects similar to cocaine. These are the key reasons to our lustful attraction, pleasure, and they power our desire. If the release of dopamine during orgasm didn’t evolve with us throughout our human existence, the human species would never have survived. Think about it, who would want to deal with the headaches of Scruff games and dating if there was no pleasure incorporated with it?

The Prefrontal Cortex (PFC), “Modern Brain,” allows us to consider cause and effect, and judgment. (In males, it does not mature until 25yrs. Need I remind us of our college years?)  After an initial infatuation, Dopamine and PEA effect the PFC, causing a decrease in judgment. This causes the Limbic System, an ancient part of the brain controlling primal drives and emotions, to fire up. (Why do you think bars have shirtless gymnasts selling test tubes of alcohol? They are capitalizing on our primal drive and decreased judgment!) The primal drive is SEX, and it sells!

Oxytocin (the brain’s “Love Juice”) will create feelings warmth, security, and attachment. This hormone is more complicated chemically, which implies it is really relatively more recent than dopamine in our evolution. It allows us to connect to others.

Culture is a complicated system based around learned behavior patterns that identify members of a society ( excluding biological attributes). Culture is defined by its language, traditions, beliefs, and physical artifacts. Within culture you have subculture, and because the LGBT community has these traits- we are a subculture. (I am sure Nina West has some artifacts lurking in her closet that can either be displayed in a LGBT Museum or have need for a microscope… I digress.) 

In regards to culture and human sexuality kink is an umbrella term used to describe “unconventional sexual concepts or practices.”  It is a means for expressing a more heightened intimacy between sexual partners.

Some argue that the Kinsey Scale should account for Kink- I am going to have to put my “rope down” on this. The Kinsey Scale ranks which sex/gender you have an attraction to. It does not rank how freaky you are when you F@$&.

Kink can be romantic, as evidenced by the trendy Fifty Shades of Gray. Some of us may like leather, Submissive/ Dominant roles, whips and chains, nipple play, or ropes/restraints but it does not mean we are in love with those individual(s) with whom we consent. 

 “I am a bisexual woman, ‘kinkster,’ and I am attracted to a top figure- not male or female specific,” states a local CMH resident (and successful professional at one of our leading Forbes companies). She continues to explain that in her current two year relationship she addresses her younger male lover as “sir,” and she is addressed as “pet.”

She has the ability to fall in love with either gender, but expresses that love by being submissive to her dominant lover. She states, “It is about communication. It is knowing his limits and knowing mine… I know he respects me and I him…I consider myself a feminist; and he is pro-choice… Together we heighten each other’s sexual desires while we help each other accomplish our goals and dreams- both professionally and passionately.”

Unarguably, she falls in the category of Bisexual, not because of her sexual expression, but because of her identity. Adding “K” to the acronym would give those Red politicians fuel to say that sexual orientation is based on sex, not love and identity.  If anything, just make another scale… and call it the KINK Scale. I can see the messages on Scruff chats now:

PigBenis: “I just scored a 6 on the Kink Scale. You?”
CallMeMaybe: “I scored a 5... Wanna stretch out my score?”

To some people, there may not be a difference between a cock ring and a wedding ring. However, to most, the difference is between their desire in the sexual release of Dopamine and the security love connection of Oxytocin.

-Be Free      -Be Smart      -Be Safe      -Get Kinky