Bigender
Bigender is a gender identity which indicates that someone identifies as two or more genders simultaneously. Bigender is widely categorized as a nonbinary identity, but someone who is bigender might not identify as nonbinary. This is because being nonbinary often indicates that someone does not fall on either side of the traditional gender binary, while a bigender person may fall on either side simultaneously.
The word “bigender” was first recorded in 1988 during the 2nd International Lesbian and Gay Health Foundation Conference. It was mentioned in the definition of the word Androgyne, “a person who can comfortably express either alternative gender role in a variety of socially acceptable environments (includes bigenderist).
Bilateral Mastectomy
A bilateral (or double) mastectomy refers to a surgery that removes both breasts. It is most often prescribed as a way to remove breast cancer or prevent it in those who may have a high risk for breast cancer. Bilateral mastectomies are recommended for patients who already have or are at high risk of having breast cancer in both breasts. It can also be performed as a preventative measure to completely eliminate the possibility of developing breast cancer in the remaining breast. This procedure is similar to top surgery, a form of gender-affirming surgery that also removes tissue from the chest, but the two surgeries differ in goals and results.
There are multiple different types of bilateral mastectomies, characterized by the amount of tissue removed. Skin-sparing or nipple-sparing mastectomies remove just the breast tissue, preserving the skin around the breasts and the nipples. After that, there is the total or simple mastectomy, that removes all breast tissue along with the skin and nipples. Finally, in rare circumstances, doctors may suggest radical mastectomies, which remove breast tissue, skin, nipples, sentinel lymph nodes and chest muscles. This is only recommended in scenarios in which it is absolutely necessary.
Binge Drinking
Binge drinking is defined by the CDC as routine drinking that brings blood alcohol content (BAC) levels up to 0.08, which would equate to 5 drinks for men and 4 for women within a few hours. Binge drinking is different from heavy drinking, which is qualified as having 8 or more drinks for women and 15 or more drinks for men in a week. Any excessive alcohol use, including binge drinking, is strongly linked with negative consequences such as higher risk of developing cancer, chronic memory loss, or even death due to alcohol poisoning.
The 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) found that around 61.4 million Americans ages 12 and older reported binge drinking within the last month. This equates to 21.7% of the population ages 12 and older who have recently exceeded recommended alcohol consumption for their group. Of the groups who reported binge drinking, young adults are the most concerning, as 28.7% of adults ages 18-25 reported binge drinking within a month of filling out the NSDUH.
Binge Eating Disorder
Binge eating disorder (BED) is an eating disorder characterized by binge eating, or eating large amounts of food in a specific period of time, up to 2 hours. Eating binges are not strictly defined, but usually include eating until uncomfortably full, eating very quickly, and feelings of immense shame afterwards. Binge eating disorder is more common in people with obesity, but you don’t have to be obese to have BED, and most people with obesity do not have BED.
Binge eating disorder only became a diagnostic category of eating disorder in 2013, and since then, it has become the second most diagnosed eating disorder. Given its prevalence, it is important to stay informed about binge eating disorder. People with BED have an increased risk of developing conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and gastrointestinal issues. Environmental factors are often responsible for someone developing BED, as childhood exposure to unhealthy eating habits could fester and be replicated in adult life.