Ask the Doc
By Dr. Rebecca Smith The non-judgmental place that you can bounce your medical questions off an MD, without a copay!
Publisher:
Editor-in-Chief
The Delta Foundation of Pittsburgh
Victoria Bradley-Morris
Board Members “I feel fine… so why do I need to regularly see a doctor?!” First of all, I admit my bias. I’m a physician, so o f course I’m gonna tell you to make time for a check-up, right?! But there are some really good reasons that you should make sure that you see a primary care doctor at least once a year. 1. You are fabulous and worth it. You wouldn’t buy a Ferrari and not take it to get the oil changed, now would you? Your health is what allows you to love and live your life to the fullest. Regular check-ups screen for breast and testicular cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, anemia, and sexually transmitted infections. All of these things could potentially make your life far less fabulous and, most, when caught early, are very treatable. Schedule an appointment. Make it for your birthday (or your half birthday). 2. Doctors are not as scary as they used to be. The old white-haired guy who lacks sensitivity training is quickly becoming a thing of the past. Young doctors are being trained 10
E q u a l M a g a z i n e. o rg
to treat YOU and ME. Training especially aimed at folks who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered is becoming part of the curriculum at medical schools across the country. There are online sites that can give you suggestions for gay or gay-friendly physicians (glma.org or glccpgh.org). 3. Paying for basic medical care is getting easier and easier. Even if you don’t have insurance, many local family practice offices, community health centers, or Planned Parenthood offices have a sliding scale payment for a simple check-up. And, getting insurance is becoming more affordable by way of The Affordable Care Act (www. healthcare.gov). With this new law, more and more employers will be offering options for insurance, and state-based insurance plans have already started to become available to low-income and chronically ill individuals. Got a question? Email doc@ equalmagazine.com (Your questions will remain anonymous and no topic is off limits.)
Gary A. Van Horn Jr. President Steven R. Herforth Vice President Brian J. Stankavich Secretary Peter J. Karlovich Treasurer Samuel C. Badger Michael G. Bartley Daniel M. Catanzaro James R. Sheppard Louise F. Stutler
Emeritus Board Members Charles W. Honse William R. Kaelin Donnie R. Thinnes Charles P. Tierney
Art Director Jonathan Fobear
Advertising Director Chris Bryan
Emotional Support My gay husband Jenn Shawn Mark Coffee & wine Vodka Edward Marc Chocolates (so good) For questions, comments, and advertising inquiries, please email info@ equalmagazine.com EQUAL Magazine, PO Box 100057. Pittsburgh, PA 15233.
The mission of the Delta Foundation of Pittsburgh is to increase awareness and understanding of and improve the quality of life for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community in the Pittsburgh region. Opinions and claims made by advertisers are those of the advertisers ONLY. Equal accepts no liability for claims made by advertisers. All rights reserved. ©2012-2013 Delta Foundation of Pittsburgh.