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Words to Understand Anabolic steroid: An artificial form of testosterone that some athletes use illegally for the purpose of gaining muscle. CDC: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a government agency that conducts research about many types of diseases and their prevention. Self-destructive behavior: Any action people take that is harmful to themselves—anything from eating poorly to actively harming oneself. Self-image: The way persons perceive themselves, whether it’s accurate or not. Of course, there are plenty of health issues that LGBTQ people share with others. Healthy living is healthy living, and a lot of what you will learn in health class in school applies to LGBTQ people in exactly the same way as to everyone else. Everyone needs to be aware of their diet and levels of physical activity. Diet and exercise affect most aspects of a person’s health, even their mental health. Of course, staying active and eating healthy are sometimes more easily said than done. The key to staying physically active is finding an activity you genuinely enjoy. For some, that’s a team sport like football, soccer, baseball, or many others. Others find solitary activity more enjoyable, like running or hiking. Of course, it’s also possible to mix the social element with non-team sports, like running with a friend or joining a gym buddy to encourage each other’s weight lifting. Gym-based fitness is a popular route for gay men to take. LGBTQ sports teams are also becoming increasingly common, which can be a great way to connect with other people, find community, and get exercise at the same time.

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Healthy Living