SAGE Upstate promotes the well-being of older gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning people in CNY through health programs, socials, support groups, & education.
Did you know
that the Food Bank
of Central New York offers a
co-op for everyone?
No qualifications,
no subscriptions,
no requirements
to participate.
Food $en$e is a monthly food buying co-op for anyone who wants to stretch their grocery dollars. The program provides a monthly box of 12-15 staple grocery items at a discounted price.
Each package costs $20.50. There is no limitation to the number
of packages you may buy. While the items vary from month to month,
the package always includes:
-
4-5 meat items like chicken, ground beef or fish
-
4-5 staple pantry items like pasta, soup, and rice
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2 fresh produce items like apples, carrots or oranges
All of the cool kids are doing it -- colorectal cancer screenings
It might be the time to have "the talk" with your younger relatives and friends. You can see it in action in the video here, entitled "The Bums and the Bees." Regular screening, beginning at age 45, is the key to preventing colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon or rectum). If you’re 45 to 75 years old, get screened for colorectal cancer regularly. If you’re younger than 45 and think you may be at high risk of getting colorectal cancer, or if you’re older than 75, talk to your doctor about screening. Colorectal polyps and colorectal cancer don’t always cause symptoms,
especially at first. That is why getting screened regularly for colorectal cancer is so important
Monkeypox
What is Monkeypox?
A rare, viral infection that does not usually cause serious illness. However, it can result in hospitalization or death.
Symptoms include rashes, bumps, or blisters on or around the genitals or in other areas like your hands, feet, chest, or face. Before or after the rash appears, there may be Flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headache, muscle aches, chills, and fatigue.
How does it spread?
Monkeypox is spread through close, physical contact between individuals. This includes:
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Direct contact with monkeypox sores or rashes on an individual who has monkeypox,
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Respiratory droplets or oral fluids from someone with monkeypox, particularly for those who have close contact with someone or are around them for a long period of time.
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Contact with objects or fabrics (e.g., clothing, bedding, towels) that have been used by someone with monkeypox.
Protect yourself with simple steps, which are especially important for those who may be at higher risk for severe disease, including people with weakened immune systems:
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Ask your sexual partners whether they have a rash or other symptoms consistent with monkeypox.
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Avoid skin-to-skin contact with someone who has a rash or other monkeypox-related symptoms.
-
If you are exposed or experience symptoms, make sure to reach out to a health care provider.
-
Follow reputable sources of health information, including NYSDOH, CDC, and your local county health department.
If you experience symptoms:
New Yorkers who experience symptoms, such as characteristic rashes or lesions, should contact their health care provider for a risk assessment. This includes anyone who traveled to countries where monkeypox cases have been reported or has had contact with someone who has a similar rash, or who received a diagnosis of suspected or confirmed monkeypox.
STDs and Older Adults
STD/STI Awareness Month is a CDC campaign to bring visibility to Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Sexually Transmitted Infections and how they impact people's lives, and the importance of testing and prevention. People in LGBTQ+ individuals and communities face a Lack of adequate medical care and discrimination in healthcare leaving them at higher risk.
STDs are often thought of as concern for young people, but they affect people of all ages. In 2018, people age 50 and older made up 20% all new chlamydia cases. Also, syphilis cases among older adults increased by 50%. Half all peope living with HIV/AIDS are age 50 and older, and they make up 17% of new cases. Your doctor may not think to ask you about STDs and STIs. If you have a concern, ask.
For more info on the CDC STD/STI Awareness month, see
https://www.cdc.gov/std/saw/resources.htm
For info on older adults and sexual health, see
https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/aids/general/publications/docs/sexual_health_older_adults.pdf
Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month -- Talk About It
The facts below are not the easiest things to slide into conversation. Usually, you need to be direct -- but you should do that.
Maybe you know all there is to know about Colon Cancer, but do your friends? Talking about it could save someone's life.
Regular screening is one of the most powerful tools in preventing colorectal cancer.
Your risk increases as you age
45
People with average risk should start regular screenings at age 45.
People with type 2 diabetes are at higher risk for colorectal cancer.
People with personal or family history of colon cancer should talk to their doctor about when and how often to screen.
Screening can allow for early detection and a higher survival rate. For example, if found before it has spread elsewhere in the body, five year survival rates can be as high as 91%.
Lifestyle changes, like quitting smoking, losing weight, exercising, eating well and being active can lower your risk.
There are a lot of factors involved in reducing risk and finding out when to screen. It's important to talk to your health care provider to see what is best for you. Talk to your friends and family too. For more info:
cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer.html