HEALTH: Are you at risk for anal cancer?

You've stepped on the scale, had your blood pressure checked, maybe even had some blood drawn for a medical test.

But for sexually active gay men, the exam isn't complete until the doctor is asked one important question:

"Am I at risk for anal dysplasia?"


The pre-cancerous condition known as anal dysplasia (pronounced dis-pley-zhuh) is present in 56 percent of men who have sex with men, according to the AIDS Education and Training Centers National Resource Center.  The origin of the disease is unprotected anal intercourse with someone who has human papillomavirus (HPV), which is present in 93 percent of men who have sex with men, according to resource center data.

The HPV infection prevents cells from making the proteins that protect the anus from dysplasia and cancer.

Similar to cervical dysplasia found in women, anal dysplasia is the clustering of infected cells in the lining of the anal canal. These cells form lesions which can lead to anal cancer if left undetected and untreated.

PASSIONS: Let the music play or pay

DJ Victor Rodriguez prefers the warmth of vinyl to the crisp, clear sound
of digital music.

When was the last time you dusted off classic Elton and put him on for a spin?

Or cranked Michael Jackson so loud the music bounced "Off the Wall"?

Remember allowing Richard and Karen Carpenter to get "Close to You"?

Unless you've downloaded digital versions, it's probably been awhile since you've heard this music. For many fans who fell in love with it when it was released on vinyl, their favorite albums now accumulate dust in storage.

Ever wonder what to do with all of those albums you never play anymore?

DJ Victor Rodriguez has a few ideas. Music has been his passion and profession for years, and he has a collection of 10,000 LPs to support them.