Queers and Addiction

Courtesy of V-RAG: March edition

My April article is on running and why it is so healthy, with information on local LGBT running groups and training - In honor of Sun Run month :) Read it in print in the current edition of V-RAG Magazine.

Catch my health and wellness column in V-RAG Magazine. Pick it up in coffee shops and lobbies around town. www.v-rag.com

For those of you that cant, here is March's article :)

I have typed the words “gay men” or “lesbians” into Google many times in my life for one reason or another. Once I get past the porn, the most common search results I see are those referencing clubs, bars, and parties around town. Are we really a population of party crazed alcoholics as my computer would have us believe? The popular opinion is that drugs and alcohol are an uncommonly large problem in our community. Publications in the 70’s and 80’s suggested that 20-30% of individuals identifying as lesbian or gay had trouble with alcohol or drugs. Is this true even now?

It seems that individuals in some subcategories of the LGBT community are at higher risk for problematic substance use. For example, at the change in millennium, we saw a dramatic spike in crystal meth use among gay men.

Many professionals have recently attempted to conjure theories as to why addiction is more prevalent in the LGBT community without much success. I read a report that suggested gay youth turn to drugs and alcohol because they are simply exhausted from avoiding harassment and tired of trying to be invisible. A different study tried to link the concept of alienation and powerlessness to a tendency to abuse substances; assuming that LGBT persons are generally alienated or powerless. What they found was that queer individuals actually scored lower on measures of powerlessness. A surprise to the researchers. The concept that all LGBT individuals have a significantly greater likelihood of abusing alcohol or other drugs is under increasing scrutiny. So why the change?

As a counsellor, I believe that behavioural tendencies such as addiction are often the result of developmental influence and sometimes trauma. Historically, lesbian, gay, bisexual or gender-queer kids lacked a proper peer group and didn’t have parents that empathised with the identity struggles we experienced. That was then.

Today, as we work toward a brighter future, many lesbian, gay, bisexual, or gender-queer kids and adults alike have an opportunity for gay-affirming peers and family. A conservative estimate puts the LGBT population in Vancouver at 20,000 people. We are a small city in ourselves. The cure to escapism, alienation, and the trauma of struggling with ones identity is a supportive and active community which provides the guidance and camaraderie one needs.

Groups such as the Health Initiative for Men (www.checkhimout.ca) are building on this support by promoting the concept of gays helping gays. Ours is a diverse community with a million interests. More forums are developing to explore this diversity. We are moving beyond the bars and the parties. Our helping relationships and social venues are more varied.

Regardless of the degree to which drug and alcohol use has permeated the LGBT culture, there is no doubt that many queer individuals are among the tens of thousands of Canadians who suffer from alcoholism and other addictions.

Many LGBT individuals have found success in standard rehabilitation programs. I would not argue that queer persons struggling with addiction need anything more than this. These services simply need to be gay-affirming and run by LGBT individuals or allies of the LGBT community. One such publicly accessible program in our community is the Vancouver Addictions Matrix Program (VAMP). VAMP offers group therapies geared toward gay men and queer persons challenged by addiction. If you are struggling with addiction in any form, seek help from professionals within your community. We are out there and we understand what you are going through. Get in touch with a healthcare professional you are comfortable with and talk about help that works for you.

Courtesy of:

V-Rag

- Jason Keller, Outreach Counsellor and Client Care Coordinator, Vancouver Coastal Health

There is now good treatment for HIV. But where is the treatment for the way the rest of us think?

Feeling inspired by my work today:

HIV is a disease. It is an infection, a syndrome, an illness, a disorder, a condition threatening human life. It is an epidemic, a social crisis, an economic catastrophe, a political challenge, a human disaster.

HIV is known. It has been analyzed assessed assayed tested measured surveyed considered reflected documented depicted exhaustively described. Our knowledge of it is clear and precise.

HIV is unknown. It is guessed estimated projected approximated sketched debated disputed controverted hidden obscured.

Still it is a mere fact, an event, a circumstance, a happening, a reality as present as the ocean or the moon.

There is now good treatment for HIV, but where is the treatment for the way the rest of us think?

All Sex is Healthy

Courtesy of V-RAG: February edition

My March article is on Addiction in the LGBT Community - Read it in print in the current edition of V-RAG Magazine.

Catch my health and wellness column in V-RAG Magazine. Pick it up in coffee shops and lobbies around town. www.v-rag.com

For those of you that cant, here is February's Article :)

All Sex is Healthy

I think we can all agree that sex is fun. You might think of simple pleasure, erotic relief, or intimacy with your partner when you fantasize about dancing the horizontal mambo. But did you know that sex improves your health? There is a lot of good information out there on sexually transmitted infections and the necessity for safe sex, but there is something about the way that information is presented that makes it easy for one to think of sex as taboo. What about the benefits of sex? The truth is that, when it’s done right, sex is good for you.

Sex Boosts Immunity – Doctors measure your immune systems strength by levels of something called Immunoglobulin A (IgA) in your blood. IgA detects pathogens and calls on the immune system to destroy them. Studies have shown that individuals with a higher level of sexual activity have higher levels of IgA in their systems then those who abstain. Sexual activity exercises your immune system and, much like your muscles, your immune system gets stronger when it is used.

Sex Reduces Risk of Prostate Cancer in Men – In 2004, an 8 year study showed that high rates of ejaculation decreased the prevalence of prostate cancer by one third. This works by clearing toxins from the tissue and micro deposits from the ducts of the prostate.

Sex Prevents Alzheimer’s and Osteoporosis in Women – Sex has the same effect as Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for women in that it increases the body’s level of Estrogens. HRT has been found to decrease ones chances of being afflicted by Osteoporosis or Alzheimer’s disease.

Sex Reduces Pain – Sex has the ability to reduce physical pain to the point of irrelevancy. During sex the sensations you are experiencing trigger your brain to send chemical messages to your endocrine system and endorphins are released. The endorphin release is highest during climax, but they stick around afterward and continue to have a pain relieving effect.

Sex Burns Calories – Our bodies can burn about 13 calories for each minute of sex. 20 sweaty minutes will burn over 250 calories. That beats the treadmill.

Guys, if you find yourself lacking a partner to burn those calories with, you might want to try working up a sweat in a different way. Health Initiative for Men has free yoga classes on Friday nights and regularly runs fitness groups for various levels of ability. Check it out at www.checkhimout.ca

Sex Relieves Stress – People who have more frequent sex have been shown to have a lower baseline blood pressure and a lower negative biological response to major life stressors such as public speaking. This seems to suggest that you might fare better in big presentations at the office or important exams if you have sex more often. Stress is also eased through proper sleep. This brings me to my next point.

Sex Helps Sleep – Soothing, sensual sex right before bed can be a great sleep promoter. Vigorous sexual activity during the day also promotes sleep for the same reasons that exercise during the day does. When the endorphins leave your system, a compound is released in the brain that actually promotes sleep.

It is evident that it does not matter what your sexuality is to enjoy the health benefits of sex. All sex has adaptive value because it is an important part of what balances our biology. A rigorous romp can do wonders for you both physically and psychologically. Now you can tell your partner that sex is not just fun, but your lives may depend on it.

-Jason Keller, Outreach Counselor and Client Care Coordinator, Vancouver Coastal Health

* Read other informative mens health articles at www.checkhimout.ca *

7 Tips For a Depression-Free Vancouver Winter

Has it really been 4 months since I wrote in here? It's a little sad, but I have been busy making waves elsewhere in my life. I am going to try to write here more. For now I will plagiarize myself and leave you with an article I wrote in December... because I'm lazy. You can now read my monthly Health and Wellness column in V-RAG magazine. Pick it up in coffee shops, book shops, and lobbies around town or check it out here:

http://www.v-rag.com/archives.php

SAD? 7 Tips For a Depression-Free Vancouver Winter

Many people, after a few months of very little sun, find themselves thinking that life is just divided between the horrible and the more miserable. It’s natural to an extent.

Health surveys have found that depression is one of the most serious health concerns facing the queer community today. Are you depressed? Depression differs from natural sadness in that it is a very persistent feeling of unhappiness. The symptoms can be emotional or physical. Is your sleep disrupted? Do you have trouble concentrating? Do you feel persistently hopeless? Talk to your doctor. If your trigger is the winter gloom, your doctor might call it Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Whether you are depressed or just want to take preventative steps to stay healthy, here are some tips to get you living life to the fullest.

1) Replace the sun and take Vitamin D - High dose Vitamin D (2000IU per day or equivalent) will help your body produce substances called catecholamines which help with mood. Vitamin D works together with sunlight. So get a tanning package. Yup, I’m recommending tanning to help with depression. Just don’t overdo it! You might also try a light therapy device. These provide harmless bright light which has been proven to increase mood in people who are sunlight deprived.

2) Eat lots of greens – Leafy green vegetables increase the amount of folate in your system. This will help your body produce serotonin, a neurotransmitter which boosts your mood. Drop the coffee and replace it with vegetable juices. Dehydration can also mimic depressive symptoms.

3) Get regular sleep – Too much sleep is just as detrimental to your mood as not enough. The real key is to get your regular 6-8 hours at the same time each night. Don’t provide your body with more challenges by messing with your internal clock and your body’s cycles.

4) Exercise – Keeping your blood flowing goes a long way to helping depression. Your routine doesn’t have to include hardcore gym workouts. Go for a walk or just dance around in your living room. I bet you have never felt worse after a little bit of exercise.

5) Socialize and make friends – Studies show that the number of quality friendships one has is an important determinant of health. Isolation is a bit of an issue with some queer folks. Begin by attending events in a safe social environment. Guys, kill two birds with one stone. Try attending Gay Men’s Yoga on Friday nights at Scotiabank Dance Centre provided by HIM. Pay by donation. Details at www.checkhimout.ca

6) Relax and unwind – Free your mind every once in a while. Stress contributes to depression and confuses recovery. Consider meditating. Phone QMUNITY at 604 684-5307 to ask about their weekly mindfulness group or look up your local Shambhala centre. Use this time to reacquaint with your fundamentals. Knowing yourself and your direction is essential to cultivating hope.

7) Seek Counselling – Counsellors can provide a well needed perspective. Cognitive and psychodynamic therapies are proven effective in treatment of depressive symptoms. You may have an EAP program through work or extended health benefits which will cover the cost. There are also community agencies which provide low cost counselling services.

- Jason Keller, Community Counsellor, Vancouver Coastal Health

Vancouversary

So today I have lived in Vancouver for 5 years. I spent a little time reflecting on how stressful and exciting that move was today and appreciating my city. The sun is shining brightly over the water as I type this.

September 30th 2005, after selling my house and a few months of planning, I drove my big ass Uhaul across the border into BC through the mountains. I stopped to reflect at the border, right in front of the "Welcome To Beautiful British Columbia" sign.

I got out and took my time to look forward at what awaited me. When I glanced back all I saw was a huge wall of snow on the Alberta side. A storm was approaching like a stampede of bulls kicking up dirt in it's wake. I got back in the truck and floored it. I outran the snow and drove straight into the sun and my new life ahead.

AIDS WALK FOR LIFE

In this time of political upheaval, economic hardship, and pop-culture supremacy, events like the AIDS walk which took place today across Canada are critical to refocus our country's attention, and re-engage this disease, which continues to ravage our nation's most-vulnerable populations.

Advances in treatment options, as well as natural limitations on our society's collective attention span, have contributed to a general decline in the public's sense of urgency when it comes to HIV/AIDS.

But while the epidemic has largely fallen off the general public's radar screen, a cure continues to elude medical researchers, and infection rates remain alarmingly high. Those of us in the movement are often left wondering what can be done to make people listen.

The number of people living with HIV (including AIDS) in Canada continues to rise, from an estimated 57,000 in 2005 to 65,000 in 2008 (a 14% increase).

It has long been recognized that HIV/AIDS follows marginalization like a guided missile and that, by definition, those who are most at risk for HIV/AIDS are the most marginalized in our society.

Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM) continued to comprise the greatest proportion (44%) of new HIV infections in 2008, which was only slightly lower than the estimated 45% they comprised in 2005.

In 2008, the proportion of new infections among persons who inject drugs (IDU) was slightly higher than in 2005 (17% compared to 16%).

The proportions of new infections were unchanged from 2005 in both heterosexual/ non-endemic (20%) and heterosexual/endemic (16%) exposure categories.

The proportion of all new infections among women was unchanged from 2005 to 2008 (26%).

Aboriginal persons also continue to be over-represented in the HIV epidemic in Canada, and comprised 12.5% of all new infections in 2008, higher than the 10.5% of all new infections in 2005.

But there is hope.

Education on the transmission of HIV can make a difference.

Lessons on proper nutrition can help people live healthy, normal lives longer.

Access to medicines and quality care can ensure people infected with HIV and those caring for them can continue to work and go to school.

Education and protection for children orphaned by AIDS and other vulnerable children can give them the strength to become survivors – not victims.

Savings and loans groups can help people living with HIV and AIDS access the money they need to provide for their families.

To face this challenge, there emerges private and non-profit organizations who use a multi-faceted and community-based approach to HIV and AIDS that seeks out the root of the problem, as well as the effects. These agencies need your support. Give if you can, exercise your right to vote for those public figures who lend their support, and just take a moment to reflect on this issue.

$150,524 was raised today in Vancouver alone. Thanks you very very much to those of you who sponsored me and the many other people who went out, walked, and created awareness about the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

http://my.e2rm.com/personalPage.aspx?registrationID=958094

Catherine White Holman - A Light to So Many

Tomorrow I will walk at the front of the pride parade with my colleagues and friends of Three Bridges Community Health Centre to honor and represent a very special lady who was elected posthumously as the Grand Marshall of this years pride ceremonies.

I have the honor to be given the opportunity to continue Catherine's work. A job which comes with everyday rewards, but giant shoes to fill.

The following is an excerpt from an article written in the Vancouver Sun about Catherine:

"

Social worker Catherine White-Holman was a pioneer in Vancouver's Downtown neighbourhoods, bringing health services to the most marginalized people in the city, according to long-time colleague Trevor Corneil.

"Catherine was a remarkable person," said Corneil, a physician at Three Bridges Community Health Centre where White-Holman was a founding staff member. "I have worked with Catherine for 15 years, since I started out as a resident, and I have seen her help thousands of people."

White-Holman was among the six people killed when their seaplane crashed soon after takeoff near Saturna Island. The other victims were Kerry Telford and her infant daughter Sarah, Tom Glenn of White Rock and Richard Haskitt and Cindy Schafer of Huntington Beach, Calif.

White-Holman was a strong advocate for her clients at the clinic and an activist for the Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender community and was openly lesbian. She is survived by her spouse Shaira Holman.

"Her marriage was a great celebratory moment for her," said Corneil. "It was the one time she enjoyed what she always insisted on for her clients, equality."

White-Holman was a founding staff member at the Three Bridges clinic and worked on the frontlines of the HIV epidemic when the disease began to spread among IV drug users in the 90s.

The clinic employs several physicians, social workers, counsellors and advocates working on a model that combines medical services with a entire suite of mental health and community support services, from counselling to finding a place to live or securing disability benefits and finding childcare.

She wrote the book, literally, on best practices in the care of GLBT patients, when she penned Guidelines for Transgender Care and Care of Transgender Adolescents, which describe standards and practices for care used by medical professionals all over the world.

"I wouldn't use the word driven to describe her," Three Bridges mental health counsellor Margaret Drewlo. "She was more joyous high energy."

"Working with her was great, a privilege," Drewlo said. "When she was at work she was totally at work and when she was off work she was having huge fun in the other part of her life."

"She lived big and she loved big," said Drewlo. "She was always so expressive of her love for her partner, Shaira," she said.

White-Holman was an instructor at the University of British Columbia, teaching medical students social work practices. Wednesday would have been her last class of the term.

"

Catherine worked tirelessly and played hard outside of work. Have fun this weekend. Be BIG and be PROUD! Catherine would approve.

To donate to Catherine White Holman's legacy fund (a fund to help queers in need. Those who have experienced marginalization as the result of being who they are) please visit this site:

http://sdholman.com/walkforlove/donate