Vancouver Home Health Care Agency

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Obesity

LGBT Disparities

1 Comment / Disparities, LGBTQ, Mental Health, Obesity / By

What are the LGBT Health Care Disparities? The LGBT community, while making leaps and bounds in social arenas, has a long way to go in health care. There are a number of disparities for this community in the area of health care, with some of the reasons simply being the slow change in health care away from old practices to new acceptance. LGBT Community as a Mental Disease Unfortunately, health care as a whole has a bias against the community. This isn’t to say that an individual health care provider will be prejudice, but the fact that transgender behavior is listed as a mental illness highlights the bias. Gay and lesbian behavior was classified as a mental illness as late as 1973 in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM. In the past, electrotherapy and castration were normal treatments for these “diseases”, and while such practice has fallen out of favor, some health care professionals still harbor a bias toward this community. In fact, in a survey conducted in California, and reported on the lgbthealtheducation.org website, found that one fifth of doctors in 1990 expressed homophobic viewpoints. In 2002, 6% of the nation’s doctors remained uncomfortable giving health care to a homosexual person. Revealing gender identity and sexual orientation is important in health care, however, because of these numbers, many patients are reluctant to reveal this information to anyone in health care. Cultural Disparities While it is true that there no longer remains any LGBT-specific diseases in America, clinicians must have a person’s sexual orientation information because some health differences do affect this community. The Institute of Medicine Report and the Department of Health and Human Services Healthy People 2020 initiative have unearthed these disparities, and call for the medical community to address them. Disparities come from legal and structural factors, a big lack of culturally competent health care, and social discrimination. Again, these disparities have root in health insurance. Since the Federal government has legalized gay marriage nationally, this will change over time, but the biggest reason this community goes without is due to limited access to health care. Gay men, especially, were once penalized in the insurance arena, so many simply went without. Additionally, a homosexual or transgender’s level of comfort also kept him or her away from the doctor. As stated above, the general attitude in some offices leaves the LGBT community feeling uneasy, so some just never return to any practitioner. Difference in Diseases While it’s true that the straight community is as likely to have the same issues as LGBT, there are some diseases which are more commonly found in the LGBT community. Unfortunately, HIV is still a disease showing higher incidences in LGBT, with the transgender community showing the highest rates. Obesity tends to be higher for lesbians, while eating disorders and body image disorders are being noticed among gay men. What Does This Mean for the LGBT Community? This means that you have a right to health care and you need to understand that right. While it is embarrassing and devastating to feel that attitude come from a doctor’s office when you reveal your sexuality, you must move on and realize that you have a right to health care. You have a right to change your provider at any time in your life. If you feel uncomfortable, shake it off and move on. You do not have to return to an office that makes you feel bad for who you are. Remember, it is your right to receive the best care, but it is your responsibility to make sure that care is comfortable to you. If you’d like to talk any more about the disparities of the LGBT community in health care, call Vancouver Home Health Care Agency today. At Vancouver Home Health Care Agency, Caring and Compassion is our business.

Trans fat and Obesity in America

Leave a Comment / Obesity / By

Trans fat and Obesity in America The link between trans fat and obesity in America has been a point on contention since the 1990’s. Before that time, America wasn’t aware of what trans fat could do and their link to the growing obesity epidemic. Understanding trans fats, how they interact with the body, and how they are tied to weight gain is the first step in a healthier lifestyle. What Are They? Trans fats are found in two different varieties: naturally-occurring and artificial. Trans fats occurring in nature are produced in an animal’s stomach area, and move into the foods produced from that animal, such as cheeses, milk products, or meats. Artificial trans fats are also called trans fatty acids, and they are created within the food industry by adding hydrogen to a liquid vegetable based oil to create a more solid product. People ingest trans fats in a number of processed foods containing partially hydrogenated oils. These oils are listed on an ingredient list on the food packaging. It is important to understand that the FDA has labeled partially hydrogenated oils as no longer GRAS, or Generally Recognized as Safe. Why are They Still in Production? Trans fats, or trans fatty acids, are cheap to make and last for a very long time. The food flavored by trans fats has a more desirable texture and taste. Many businesses will use trans fats for deep frying because the oil can be used multiple times before cleaning or changing. However, there are a number of countries and areas in the United States who have reduced or banned the use of trans fats. Washington State is not one of these areas. How Does This Affect Me? Trans fats will raise the bad cholesterol in the body, or the LDL, while good cholesterol, or HDL, is lowered. The risks of stroke and heart disease increase with these fats, and type 2 diabetes risk elevates. Trans fats also cause a redistribution of fat cells in the abdomen, increasing those cells, and therefore increasing weight. In a comparison of two diets, both with the same amount of calories, the diet with more trans fats will always result in more weight gain than one with less trans fats. Where are Trans Fats Found? A number of foods contain trans fats, even with voluntary and government forced regulations. Fried foods are highest in trans fats, with baked goods coming in second. Stick margarines or spreads will contain trans fats as well. Luckily, packaged foods must contain a nutrition facts label, so the amount of trans fats will be available for review. In America, products are allowed to label products as 0 grams of trans fats when the product contains less than .5 grams of trans fat per serving, so searching the ingredient list for partially hydrogenated oils is also a good idea. These oils are trans fats. What About the Natural Trans Fats? Nature holds some trans fats, such as small amounts in meat and dairy products. There are not enough studies available to determine if natural trans fats affect obesity in the same manner as artificial trans fats. Lowering the daily intake of trans fats is the best way to help control weight and bad cholesterol. Reading labels and eating more lean meats reduces both artificial and natural trans fats in the diet. Vancouver Home Healthcare Agency can find professionals to help coach and educate clients on proper eating. At Vancouver Home Health Care Agency, Caring and Compassion is our business.

Binge Eating Disorder

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Binge Eating Disorder: An Overview Binge-eating disorder is a very serious disorder where the person frequently consumes high amounts of food. The person is unable to stop eating, in fact, he or she feels that stopping is not an option. This is not simple overeating; this is eating to a point that is out of control. It is a daily activity, not restricted to the big holiday meals. Many people are embarrassed by the amount of food consumed in the face of this disorder, and want to stop. However, many people cannot stop without help. The emotional and behavioral signs and symptoms include: Feeling that eating is out of control Eating after being full Eating a large amount of food in a short amount of time Eating rapidly and binging Hiding food intake and eating alone Harboring negative feelings regarding eating so much Dieting frequently with no results. Seeking Help Any symptoms of binge-eating disorder should be taken to a doctor. This disorder does not get better by itself, despite the best efforts of its sufferers to try to reverse it. It is more likely to get worse without treatment. Talk to your doctor and a mental health provider about the issue to get the full range of care and help. If professional help is not possible, talk to someone who can help you talk through the issue, such as friends, family, clergy, teachers, or a trusted confidante. What if My Loved One is Suffering? If you notice a loved one is showing symptoms, get ready for secrets. A binge eater is an expert at hiding food and habits so others cannot discover his or her secret. Approach the loved one and have an open, honest conversation about how you feel. Provide encouragement and offer support. Offer to listen and help find a doctor to handle the situation. Remember that the causes are unknown, but psychological issues, family history, and long-term dieting are possible reasons for the disorder. Discover the risk factors and try to help anyone with these factors: Family History Psychological Issues Consistent Dieting over a Long Period of Time Age – younger people are more susceptible Eating disorders are often the most difficult to discover, so there could be permanent physical damage. However, finding the source of the disorder and helping to remove that source is the first step toward a healthier person. At Vancouver Home Health Care Agency, Caring and Compassion is our business.

Trans fat and Obesity in America

Leave a Comment / Obesity / By

Trans fat and Obesity in America The link between trans fat and obesity in America has been a point on contention since the 1990’s. Before that time, America wasn’t aware of what trans fat could do and their link to the growing obesity epidemic. Understanding trans fats, how they interact with the body, and how they are tied to weight gain is the first step in a healthier lifestyle. What Are They? Trans fats are found in two different varieties: naturally-occurring and artificial. Trans fats occurring in nature are produced in an animal’s stomach area, and move into the foods produced from that animal, such as cheeses, milk products, or meats. Artificial trans fats are also called trans fatty acids, and they are created within the food industry by adding hydrogen to a liquid vegetable based oil to create a more solid product. People ingest trans fats in a number of processed foods containing partially hydrogenated oils. These oils are listed on an ingredient list on the food packaging. It is important to understand that the FDA has labeled partially hydrogenated oils as no longer GRAS, or Generally Recognized as Safe. Why are They Still in Production? Trans fats, or trans fatty acids, are cheap to make and last for a very long time. The food flavored by trans fats has a more desirable texture and taste. Many businesses will use trans fats for deep frying because the oil can be used multiple times before cleaning or changing. However, there are a number of countries and areas in the United States who have reduced or banned the use of trans fats. Washington State is not one of these areas. How Does This Affect Me? Trans fats will raise the bad cholesterol in the body, or the LDL, while good cholesterol, or HDL, is lowered. The risks of stroke and heart disease increase with these fats, and type 2 diabetes risk elevates. Trans fats also cause a redistribution of fat cells in the abdomen, increasing those cells, and therefore increasing weight. In a comparison of two diets, both with the same amount of calories, the diet with more trans fats will always result in more weight gain than one with less trans fats. Where are Trans Fats Found? A number of foods contain trans fats, even with voluntary and government forced regulations. Fried foods are highest in trans fats, with baked goods coming in second. Stick margarines or spreads will contain trans fats as well. Luckily, packaged foods must contain a nutrition facts label, so the amount of trans fats will be available for review. In America, products are allowed to label products as 0 grams of trans fats when the product contains less than .5 grams of trans fat per serving, so searching the ingredient list for partially hydrogenated oils is also a good idea. These oils are trans fats. What About the Natural Trans Fats? Nature holds some trans fats, such as small amounts in meat and dairy products. There are not enough studies available to determine if natural trans fats affect obesity in the same manner as artificial trans fats. Lowering the daily intake of trans fats is the best way to help control weight and bad cholesterol. Reading labels and eating more lean meats reduces both artificial and natural trans fats in the diet. Vancouver Home Healthcare Agency can find professionals to help coach and educate clients on proper eating. At Vancouver Home Healthcare Agency, Caring and Compassion is our business.

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