HEALTH: Jonathan Van Ness Gets a Healthcare Makeover

Headlines for a healthier you

By Daphne Lee, News Editor

Our First Digital Issue Cover Star: Jonathan Van Ness

Jonathan Van Ness has been using their platform to fight HIV stigma ever since revealing they are HIV positive in 2019. But the "Queer Eye" superstar wasn't always staying on top of their health before receiving their diagnosis at 25. "I wasn't the most frequent preventive-doctor-visit queen," they say. "But now, I take it very seriously—I even go to the dentist regularly, honey."

Homophobia and transphobia can scare people off from getting HIV screenings, Van Ness says. The shame surrounding the virus also prevents many people from accessing PreP, a drug that can help reduce HIV risk by 99%.

Know More

The most important long-term investment in preventive health is sex education. Van Ness says we should teach young people how to have a healthy sex life, especially from a queer perspective. But many states have failed to do so, and even aggressively pushed for anti-trans and anti-LGBTQ bills.

Feel Better

On top of their advocacy work, Van Ness takes care of their body in a holistic way. They've gotten into figure skating, gymnastics, and nutrition. Read more about our conversation with the 35-year-old queen in our first-ever digital issue.

What Else Should You Know

Why You Should Get on Track With Routine Healthcare Visits

Early in the pandemic, roughly 40% of people skipped their annual physical exams for fear of COVID-19 exposure. Some even missed essential cancer screenings. Rochelle Collins, DO, a family physician, says her office is still playing catch-ups with patients who are now coming back with issues like high cholesterol.

The Fitness Industry Enters a New Normal

As society tries to live with coronavirus, people want to leave their exercise bikes and yoga mats at home—and return to the gym. Peloton saw a drop in profits as fitness enthusiasts abandoned their at-home workouts. But some experts think that post-pandemic fitness might take on a hybrid model, splitting time between the gym and the living room.

HEALTH TIP OF THE DAY

"Primary care doctors are your cheerleaders. We care about preventing issues with your health. You need your cheerleader to keep you on track, and that requires prioritizing your healthcare visits."

Rochelle Collins, DO

Read the Interview