Gay Life Volume 34, Number 7

My dad has often said that there is nothing worse than car problems—apart, of course, from health problems. This quip is often heard in the context of check-engine lights, breakdowns, mechanic's estimates, and upon the overall realization of one's ultimate helplessness when totally dependent on a car. I've thought of this as I've become increasingly dependent on my computer for everything from doing my job to paying bills. So now when my computer crashes I think: There is nothing worse than computer problems—apart, of course, from health problems.

I've come to measure life's obstacles and frustrations in the shadow of something much bigger, because when my health or the health of my family and friends is in question everything else fades.

We can't choose our health problems—present or potential. But we can educate ourselves. Not only can we learn how best to handle our afflictions, but also our risk levels for other illnesses. Many local health centers and resources are available to help. See what some experts advise in our three-part health feature (p. 14). Because when it comes down to it, nothing is more important than our health.

Maggie Beetz
Editor