Men come in all shapes and sizes.   Within gay/bi/queer men's culture, the somewhat larger, more furry and cuddly members of our community are often referred to as "Bears."  The Bears are a great example of a community of folks who come together to celebrate and share their true selves---and many men have found this community to be a place of support, caring and socialization.  What many people may not realize is that another potential value of this community is their ability to share health information with one another---and there are some health concerns that our Bear brothers should definitely stay  on top of!!

Though you don't have to be a Bear to think about these health conditions/diseases (they certainly are found throughout the population), the following is a list (borrowed, in part, from our friends at Safeguards in Philly, PA) of some of the health issues that seem particularly common in the Bear Community:

*  Sleep apnea - One of the most common bear-related ailments. The principle symptom of sleep apnea is loud snoring, caused by a blockage of the breathing passages usually due to having a few extra pounds here and there. The most serious consequences of untreated sleep apnea are high blood pressure, which can lead to strokes and heart attacks, and chronic fatigue, which can lead to traffic accidents and poor performance of many tasks. So if you always seem to be sleepy, or folks say you snore like a buzz-saw, you might want to consider being checked out by a sleep disorder specialist. For those of you who have health insurance, treatment could be arranged by your carrier or primary physician. Sleep apnea can be treated with various breathing devices worn at night, or with surgery to reduce the blockage.
 

*  Arthritis - Arthritis is just what most of you know it to be: a painful condition of the joints which can be deforming. It is common as we get older, especially for us big boys. The type of arthritis related to weight (osteoarthritis) most often affects the hips and knees. Losing weight will decrease the wear and tear on the joints. Aside from weight loss, the discomfort can be managed with Tylenol, exercises, and use of a cane. A physician can prescribe stronger pain medications if Tylenol doesn't help. Surgical joint replacement can also be considered if arthritis is really interfering with your life.
 

*  Diabetes Mellitus - There are two basic types of diabetes. The first, type 1, is that which usually develops in early childhood or young adulthood. Type 2 is far more common and typically develops in mid-life and in the elderly. It is linked to being overweight and inactive. Mild cases of Type 2 diabetes may very well be controlled by weight loss and exercise. If these changes don't do the trick, the next line is oral medications, and after that insulin injections. If untreated, diabetes can lead to stroke, heart attack, blindness, leg amputation, and kidney failure. Even if you have no symptoms, consider having your blood sugar checked at least annually.
 

*  Cancers - Some kinds of cancer seem to be related to being overweight. But it's generally believed that the relationship between being overweight and developing certain kinds of cancer is due to people's diets, not simply to being overweight. For example, colon cancer seems to occur more frequently in people who have high fat, low fiber diets. People with that kind of diet are also more likely to be overweight. It seems that the most important thing for avoiding cancer is to eat a diet that is low in fat, high in fresh fruits and vegetables, and high in fiber.

*  Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) - What used to be called "hardening of the arteries". This refers to the phenomenon of plaque build-up in the arteries due to cholesterol and other fats in your diet. This plaque eventually blocks off blood circulation to parts of the body. If the blockage is of an artery that leads to the brain, it will cause a stroke. If an artery in the heart is affected, it will cause a heart attack. And if the artery is to the leg, it may cause pain during walking and, eventually, amputation of the limb. ASCVD is ubiquitous--most folks have it to a greater or lesser degree, but it's most common in folks who tend to be on the chunky side and who eat diets high in saturated fats found mostly in animal products. The blockage caused by ASCVD develops more rapidly in people who have high blood pressure or diabetes, or use tobacco. Having more than one of these four problems is particularly serious. Regular exercise, a diet low in animal fats, quitting smoking, and keeping your weight under control will all help reduce the risk of ASCVD. Some people will also need to take medication to reduce their cholesterol. Once arteries are already blocked by ASCVD, some form of surgery ("bypass" or "angioplasty") may be required to restore circulation to the affected areas.

*  Sexually Transmitted Diseases -  Of course for many bears, a big part of being in the Bear community is partnering with other bears.  All men, bears or otherwise, can get sexually transmitted diseases and STDS! The same diseases are out there regardless of body type or body hair...diseases like HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, herpes, hepatitis, and others. If staying sexually healthy is important to you, practicing safer sex (such as using condoms, gloves, etc.), regular screenings, and having open and clear dialogue with your partner(s) can greatly reduce your risks for STDs.

*  Gastroesophageal reflux disease - Here, too large of a meal, especially a fatty one, can result in the reflux of partially digested and very acidic stomach contents back into the esophagus, and from there into the mouth. This problem primarily manifests during sleep when stomach muscles are relaxed. So you might wake up, if not with actual vomit in your mouth, with a simple acidic taste, or just with a bad case of heart burn. Antacids and other medications can help, as can sleeping with the top legs of your bed on blocks a few inches tall so that your whole body is on a slight slant while you sleep. Cutting out late night snacks and eating low fat foods may do wonders too. Have a chat with your doctor. If this goes untreated, it may lead to cancer of the esophagus.

*  Crabs & body lice - Talk to any bear who is in frequent contact with other hairy bears and you'll find out that body lice and crabs are more common in our furry population than others. Treatment regimes such as Kwell lotion, Pyridine A200 and others are some suggestions. If problems persist, talk to a doctor right away.

*  Hypertension - High blood pressure or hypertension is probably the most common side effect of being "pleasantly plump". Like diabetes, it is so common that it must be continually looked at, especially when we enter our middle years. It is the principle risk factor for heart attack and stroke, and is often silent without symptoms until very late in its development. By then it has already done a good deal of damage. Therefore, you might want to think about having your blood checked regularly, even if you feel great! Hypertension treatment options include regular aerobic exercise, weight loss, reducing salt in your diet, and if necessary, medication.