...Harris Making Sex Education Mandatory in High Schools 1 Harris It is imperative to support the provision of high quality sexual education in schools. Sexual education in high school continues to be a controversial subject in today’s society. It is wishful thinking to assume that young adults do not engage in sexual activity. Many students become sexually active during high school (McKay and Bissel 48). Canadian guidelines describe sexual health education “the process of equipping individuals, couples, families and communities with the information, motivation, and behavioral skills needed to enhance sexual health and avoid negative outcomes” (McKay and Bissel 53). Parents and teachers are the key source of guidance and support for teenagers in regards to sexuality and sexual behavior (McKay and Bissel 50). Comprehensive sexual health education should be mandatory in high school as it can provide students with accurate information from trained professionals regarding pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STI’s) and HIV. Both abstinence-focused and comprehensive sexual education programs agree on the fact that abstinence is the safest method for preventing unwanted pregnancy and STI’s. Those in favor of abstinence-focused programs argue that comprehensive sexual health education programs encourage youth to engage in sexual behavior. Abstinencefocused programs stand behind the notion that one should refrain from sexual activity before marriage (Silva 471). Various...
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...7:30am-4:00pm (404) 448-2852 1365 Rock Quarry Rd Ste 203 Stockbridge, GA 30281 Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:00pm (404) 448-2852 STD Reference Guide Everything You Need to Know! Condoms (both female and male work just fine) Getting regular checkups Don’t drink or use drugs before sex Talk to partner, encourage them to get tested as well Limit your sexual partners Created By: Brittany Nance Gloria Aboagye-Agyeman Megan Jones Lauren Hawkins Moriah Sells What are STDs? Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) are caused by infections that are passed from one person to another during sexual contact. STDs are commonly referred to as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in medical practice. Infections do not show any symptoms and diseases are caused by symptoms. There are numerous types of STDs and STIs. Planned Parenthood reports that more than 50% of people in the U.S. will get an STD at some point in their lives. Risk can be reduced by testing and practicing safe sex. Common Misconceptions If you go to the doctor regularly, the doctor will tell you if you have an STD. False. Many regular annual checkups do not...
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...Teen Sex As a parent of a teenager, I find some of the information on teen sex frightening. It is a subject I read, talk, and learn as much about as I can. The information I gather will help me filter fact from fiction. I want that knowledge to help my teenager thrive in this difficult time. In reading about this problem, I have learned that there are many sources of information. This information helps understand the scope of the problem, the consequences on youth, and the effects on families, schools and the community. It also explains the relationship between sex and other at risk behaviors and, thankfully, ideas on ways to prevent it or at least intervene if it has already happened. When I read the 2005 Wisconsin Youth Risk Behavior Survey Executive Summary and found that 40 percent of teens surveyed have already had sex, I was astonished (Wisconsin). The survey is a questionnaire that 2,389 students in 52 public high schools completed anonymously. Although the statistics are frightening, the reality is that many more teens are experimenting with sex. One way they are experimenting is with oral sex. In fact, oral sex is more common than intercourse. “Oral sex is often viewed so casually that it needn’t even occur within the confines of a relationship…it can happen at parties, possibly with multiple partners” (“Teens” 1). Donna Jolley, a psychotherapist who treats families, agrees that oral sex among teens is on the...
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...Human immunodeficiency virus infection / acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is a disease of the human immune system caused by infection with human immunodeficiency virus . During the initial infection, a person may experience a brief period of influenza-like illness. This is typically followed by a prolonged period without symptoms. As the illness progresses, it interferes more and more with the immune system, making the person much more likely to get infections, including opportunistic infections and tumors that do not usually affect people who have working immune systems. HIV is transmitted primarily via unprotected sexual intercourse, contaminated blood transfusions, hypodermic needles, and from mother to child during pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding. Prevention of HIV infection, primarily through safe sex and needle-exchange programs, is a key strategy to control the spread of the disease. There is no cure or vaccine; however, antiretroviral treatment can slow the course of the disease and may lead to a near-normal life expectancy. While antiretroviral treatment reduces the risk of death and complications from the disease, these medications are expensive and may be associated with side effects. Genetic research indicates that HIV originated in west-central Africa during the early twentieth century. AIDS was first recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 1981 and its cause—HIV infection—was identified in the early part of the decade. Since its...
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...between the partners so things are clear and each individual can make an informed decision regarding their own personal sexuality. Another important aspect has to do with the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STI’s) and self-examinations in regards to parts of the body that may change due to a cancer or some other type of infection or disease. Topics Discussed in a Premarital Counseling Session The other topic of sexuality in a relationship that needs to be communicated between partners is the understanding of each other’s sexual response; understanding each other’s sexual responses will help lead to a more satisfactory sexual relationship between the couple. Other important aspects in knowing about the human sexual response cycle is to determine where a sexual dysfunction may come in, allowing a professional to ask the right questions in order to properly diagnose or offer the best practical advice. “Understanding normal physiological sequences of male and female sexual response is necessary for a knowledgeable understanding of sexual function and dysfunction” (Resnik & Ithman, 2008). Questions to be considered: At what point during the sexual response cycle is the problem happening? Does it happen in the beginning? Are they not able to become excited or sexually aroused? Do they even have the...
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...What is Sexually Transmitted Disease? What are the Common Sexually transmitted diseases? What are the Cause of Each Sexually Transmitted Diseases? What are the signs/symptoms and Diagnosis? What is the complications? What is the Effect of sexually transmitted disease? \ S exually transmitted infection is a broader term than sexually transmitted disease. An infection is a colonization by a parasitic species, which may not cause any adverse effects. In a disease, the infection leads to impaired or abnormal function. In either case, the condition may not exhibit signs or symptoms. Increased understanding of infections like HPV, which infects most sexually active individuals but cause disease in only a few has led to increased use of the term STI. Public health officials originally introduced the term sexually transmitted infection, which clinicians are increasingly using alongside the term sexually transmitted disease in order to distinguish it from the former. STD may refer only to infections that are causing diseases, or it may be used more loosely as a synonym for STI. Most of the time, people do not know that they are infected with an STI until they are tested or start showing symptoms of disease. Moreover, the term sexually transmissible disease is sometimes used since it is less restrictive in consideration of other factors or means of transmission. For instance, meningitis is transmissible by means of sexual contact but is not labeled as an STI...
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...taught about the importance of consent-getting someone’s permission before touching their body-in sexual education classes, or maybe we are taught by our parents or other guardians. Regardless of how we are taught, we all learn that it is wrong to touch other people when we are told “no”. However, we hardly ever take the time to consider that there are more lasting effects of sexual assault than making someone uncomfortable. Sexual assault damages victims’ health physically as well as psychologically (Campbell). It is most common to hear about the physical impacts sexual assault can have on victims. Perpetrators of sexual assault are motivated by feelings of power and control over their victims, and therefore are violent and forceful, which can cause lasting physical damage to the victim. One hundred percent of completed rapes, 39 percent of attempted rapes, and 17 percent of sexual assaults against females result in injured victims. Immediate physical effects a person can experience after a sexual assault or rape include bruising, bleeding, difficulty walking, soreness of the body, disorientation, nausea, vomiting, and tension headaches, among other effects. Some other physical consequences experienced by rape survivors include gynecological damages, pregnancy, and sexually transmitted diseases (“STDs”) (Eby, Campbell, Sullivan, and Davidson). Rape involving physical force can cause tears or cuts in the vagina or rectum, leading to bleeding and/or infections. Female...
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...PAPILLOMAVIRUS 2 In today’s healthcare system, we have made huge discoveries on viruses that cause illness and can contribute to cancer. One of them is a virus that attacks the cervix of young woman, and sometimes mouth and throat, Human Papillomavirus, or HPV (“Genital HPV infection,” 2009). This virus is transmitted through sexual activity, sometimes unknowingly. HPV is carried by men, but there is no test for men to determine if a male has it to prevent them from spreading it (“Genital HPV infection,” 2009). It’s usually caught when woman have their yearly Pap smear exams; the cells of the cervix are tested for abnormalities. “About 8 out of 10 woman will become infected with HPV in their lifetime” states Hpv.com. “In the United States 30 woman are diagnosed with Cervical Cancer every day” (“Get the facts,” 2011). This virus has over a hundred different strands that may contribute to different diseases (“HPV,” 2011). Although most cause no harm, there are 2 classifications of the virus that do cause disease. The “low-risk” strands are the number one cause for Genital Warts, and the “high-risk” initiate Cervical Cancer (“Genital HPV infection,” 2009). The CDC states that HPV, if undetected and untreated can contribute to cancers of the throat, penis, head and anus as well. It is possible to have this virus and display no signs and symptoms. This is the reason why so many contract the virus and have no knowledge of it; which leads to not seeking...
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...Latino Teen Pregnancies By Jennifer Mick June 19, 2012 Cindy Sessler NUR/542 Latino Teen Pregnancies There are many family types that can be considered high-risk. When dealing with these high risk families it is important to not make assumptions, get to know the members of the family, identify family strengths and needs, and implement a plan that has the most benefit the family and can accomplish the best outcomes. Teen pregnancy, especially in the Latino/Hispanic community is on the rise and higher than most other ethnicities and races. This paper will discuss teen pregnancy as a high risk family type, will address common health problems and mortality data for this family type, and will identify three to four health promotion and disease prevention objectives that are applicable to this family type. Summary of Health Profile In the 1990s, in the United States, teen pregnancy and birth rates were on the decline. Data obtained from 2006 indicated that teen pregnancy rates were back on the rise. Latina teens, teens who are in the foster care system, and those who belong to gang groups are populations with a high rate of teen pregnancies. There are many downsides and negativities associated with teen pregnancies such as lack of education, they are more apt to live in poverty neighborhoods, are more likely to be on welfare and public assistance, and more likely to be in poor health. In 2004 teen pregnancy cost...
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...HIV/AIDS AWARENESS Human immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) brings a lot of cruel thoughts to an individual’s mind because of the amount of misconceptions about this disease. An example of this would be that there are a lot of people that will say you shouldn’t share a drink with someone who has HIV or AIDS because of the risk of contracting the virus, which is untrue. A person will not contract the virus from sharing a drink, or utensil or even from kissing. Another common misconception is that sharing a razor can also transmit HIV or AIDS. For hygienic purposes sharing a razor is not a good idea in the first place but you cannot contract HIV from doing so. With this being said there are facts about contracting this disease that is detrimental for individuals to know, such as this virus is mainly spread through sexual intercourse, whether it is oral, anal, or even vaginal. The HIV can also can be transmitted through the sharing of needles, as well as breast feeding. Misconceptions as the ones earlier described are becoming fewer in today’s society, but there still continue to be a a lack of knowledge about this disease pertaining to certain topics like; The history of HIV and AIDS, the signs and symptoms, the shocking statistics, how it is handled and effecting people in other countries and the treatments that are used. The documented history on AIDS started only 33 years ago and since the first diagnosed case in 1981 researchers...
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...African Americans and Chemical Dependency Name: Insitution: African Americans and Chemical Dependency Abstract Chemical dependence is the use of chemicals, which may include alcohol, drugs, and other substances that may affect normal physiologic or psychological processes, in an uncontrolled, compulsive way. It is often referred to as substance abuse. Substance abuse has been the subject of many a discussion, due to the adverse effect it has on human health, relationships, and many other spheres of human life. This paper will evaluate the incidence and prevalence of substance abuse in differing populations, with a special emphasis on African Americans. This paper will also review the steps of care that victims of chemical dependency are taken through in the rehabilitation program, with a focus on Africa American populations. Additionally, the paper will review the professional resources that are used in the treatment of chemical dependency victims among African Americans, and finally, the paper will explore the issues that impact treatment and recovery from chemical dependency among African Americans. African Americans and Chemical Dependency African Americans have historically been consistently ranked among the racial/ethnic groups with the highest rates of substance abuse. In recent years, however, the statistics seem to have improved when compared to overall ratings. According to Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), alcohol use seems...
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...all recognize and fear, but many people do not truly understand the real complexity of the issue or how it spreads and develops. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a retrovirus, meaning it is an RNA virus that undergoes a process called “reverse transcriptase.” This process creates a complementary strand for the RNA, together making a double-stranded line of DNA that is then inserted into the host’s genome. However, in the process of creating a complementary strand, the virus often makes small mistakes. These small mistakes are genetic mutation of the virus, leading to countless strains of the same basic virus and diminishing the hope of one overall cure. Misconceptions or ignorance of HIV and its consequences result in dramatic spread of the virus. It is common knowledge that HIV is sexually transmitted, but not quite as commonly understood that it can be spread by blood contact. Many places in the world are paying the price for the ignorance of this knowledge. Ghana, for example, has a rich culture that includes ceremonial shaving knives which are often shared among men. If one man with HIV nicks himself with the knife and another person uses it and also nicks himself, HIV is spread. More commonly, people who share needles are at extremely high risk of spreading HIV. In addition, HIV...
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...There is also a spiritual aspect of sexuality of an individual or as a connection with others. Experience has shown that adolescents are curious about some or all the aspects of their sexuality as well as the nature of sexuality in general, and that many will wish to experience their sexuality. What is sex education? It is instruction on issues relating to human sexuality, including human sexual anatomy, sexual reproduction, sexual intercourse, reproductive health, emotional relations, reproductive rights and responsibilities, abstinence, birth control, and other aspects of human sexual behavior. Common avenues for sex education are parents or caregivers, formal school programs, and public health campaigns. Sex education ('sex ed'), which is sometimes called sexuality education or sex and relationships education, is the process of acquiring information and forming attitudes and beliefs about sex, sexual identity, relationships and intimacy. Sex education is also about developing young people's skills so that they make informed choices about their behavior, and feel confident and competent about acting on these choices. It is widely accepted that young people have a right to sex education. This is because it is a means by which they are helped to protect themselves against abuse, exploitation, unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases and HIV and AIDS. It is also argued that providing...
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...HIV in Philippines HIV (Human immune deficiency syndrome) is the causing factor for the sexually transmitted disease AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).HIV virus makes the Immune System weakened that result in making the body suspect able and vulnerable to many diseases. When the immune System is weakened the body becomes vulnerable to make diseases. (UNAIDS 2012). The HIV epidemic in the Philippines has been rapidly changing in the past 5 years. The first case of HIV in the Philippines was reported in 1984. During the 30 year time span, the HIV situation has been constantly growing although the prevalence remains well under 1%, at a low 0.04%. The government is trying its level best to make AIDS extinct through education and prevention. Moreover, the cases of HIV are increasing at an exponential rate, so there is a need to give serious attention to the problem. From one new case every three days in year 2000, to one new case every three hours by the end of 2011 (UNAIDS 2012). Those who engage in risky behaviors such as, performing unprotected sex with several partners or intravenous drug users are at risk the most and can possible result in death. Number of infections old and new While the number of cases of HIV has declined substantially in many areas in the world, countries like the Philippines are experiencing the opposite. According to UNAIDS 2012 there were approximately 15,000 people living with HIV. The Philippines is one of the only two countries in Asia...
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...opinions on what should be taught in schools and at what age. One approach is teaching abstinence only programs compared with teaching young adolescence about sex and contraceptives use and the risks associated with being sexually active. We compare the United States that currently has both the highest teenage pregnancies and STDs among young adolescence compared to other industrialized countries. This examination will show what methods of sexual education has been proven to work and why. Additionally we will examine why other countries have greatly reduced teenage pregnancies and what they are doing that has been effective. There is a significant impact on society and its costing our nation as well as the children of the teenager mothers. (Manlove et al., 2002). The first thing we need to look at is educating teenagers in order to reduce teen pregnancies and STDs. Second we will look at the need to being the discussion of sex at home and educate our children starting as the earliest age possible. Finally we will look at how comprehensive sex education as well as abstinence only programs can greatly reduce the risks associated with teen pregnancies and STDs. The more comprehensive sex education we teach our teenagers the greater we reduce the risks on our society and our future children. We need to teach them about the use of contraceptives as well as the...
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