STDs RATES ON THE RISE:
DENIAL IS NO LONGER AN OPTION.
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One in four teenage girls are contracting an STD. The numbers are very clear and the message is we must act now!
Three major events have unfolded recently that tells us that we must become proactive in the area of sexual health. The first we wrote about was several months ago, “Jaime Lynn Spears: Sixteen & Pregnant”.
Following that, the current statistic that teen pregnancies after years on the downslide are now increasing. This current statistics is one that has never gone down and is the most concerning when it comes to long-term physical and emotional health of our children.
Thirdly, Dr. Sara Forthan, a researcher for the Center for Disease Control, has released an alarming study stating that STDs are on the rise, which left untreated can cause infertility and cervical cancer. STDs have been called the hidden epidemic because many of the current infections tend to be asymptotic, which can have long-term physical and emotional consequences.
Through the Birds and Bees Connection I have taught sexual health courses for many years, I have been very aware of the rising STD rates in the United States and the lack of solid information for both teens and parents. We are at the place where we can no longer deny there is a problem. Now the issue is - what are we going to do about it?!
Recently we met with a group of 8th graders over several days and they were very clear and articulate about what information would help them to make good choices in the future. They want information without a “fear factor” attached to it. They want to be educated by someone who is willing to honestly answer their questions and concerns; they definitely want their parents to speak to them, but without the guilt trip or lecture. Kids are smarter than we give them credit for and they need age appropriate information early and then information in their teens to help them with difficult decisions.
The Birds & Bees Connection chooses not to focus on the problem; we choose to focus on prevention. And we truly believe that it takes a village to turn the tide of this epidemic.
The Birds & Bees Connection has an abstinence only approach. This means we strongly believe in supporting abstinence all through our courses, nevertheless we believe in informing and building strong critical thinking. So ultimately, when the teen is faced with difficult decisions they will be able to make good choices from a place of strength.
Our parent/child courses focus on establishing healthy attitudes about the physical and emotional changes associated with puberty. This creates a strong foundation where the teen is prepared to make good choices and the parent is confident about his or her ability to parent.
Here are some solutions:
Parents:
Let’s work together to minimize the number of incidents where our children end up facing a disease that can change their life forever!
Important! If you are familiar with the Birds & Bees Courses and already understand what a difference they can make, then please forward this email to your friends, schools, religious organization and get the word out so we can all make a difference.
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DENIAL IS NO LONGER AN OPTION.
Download This ArticleOne in four teenage girls are contracting an STD. The numbers are very clear and the message is we must act now!
Three major events have unfolded recently that tells us that we must become proactive in the area of sexual health. The first we wrote about was several months ago, “Jaime Lynn Spears: Sixteen & Pregnant”.
Following that, the current statistic that teen pregnancies after years on the downslide are now increasing. This current statistics is one that has never gone down and is the most concerning when it comes to long-term physical and emotional health of our children.
Thirdly, Dr. Sara Forthan, a researcher for the Center for Disease Control, has released an alarming study stating that STDs are on the rise, which left untreated can cause infertility and cervical cancer. STDs have been called the hidden epidemic because many of the current infections tend to be asymptotic, which can have long-term physical and emotional consequences.
Through the Birds and Bees Connection I have taught sexual health courses for many years, I have been very aware of the rising STD rates in the United States and the lack of solid information for both teens and parents. We are at the place where we can no longer deny there is a problem. Now the issue is - what are we going to do about it?!
Recently we met with a group of 8th graders over several days and they were very clear and articulate about what information would help them to make good choices in the future. They want information without a “fear factor” attached to it. They want to be educated by someone who is willing to honestly answer their questions and concerns; they definitely want their parents to speak to them, but without the guilt trip or lecture. Kids are smarter than we give them credit for and they need age appropriate information early and then information in their teens to help them with difficult decisions.The Birds & Bees Connection chooses not to focus on the problem; we choose to focus on prevention. And we truly believe that it takes a village to turn the tide of this epidemic.
The Birds & Bees Connection has an abstinence only approach. This means we strongly believe in supporting abstinence all through our courses, nevertheless we believe in informing and building strong critical thinking. So ultimately, when the teen is faced with difficult decisions they will be able to make good choices from a place of strength.
Our parent/child courses focus on establishing healthy attitudes about the physical and emotional changes associated with puberty. This creates a strong foundation where the teen is prepared to make good choices and the parent is confident about his or her ability to parent.
Here are some solutions:
Parents:
- Know your facts (CDC, Allan J Guttmacker, Kaiser Foundation, ETC).
- Ask questions.
- Find out what your child’s school is doing about this issue. And if nothing is being done ask why not and how can that be changed.
- Remember - knowledge is power.
- Don’t assume the worse, yet plan for potential situations.
- Take courses that help facilitate communication between parents and children. Follow up with continuous education. For more information on courses that can help you get started, click here.
- Education does make a difference. The excuse of being too busy will sound empty when you have to deal with a problem down the road.
- Make sure you know all the current facts that are out there.
- Realize that courses you offer and support in your school can make a difference.
- We might just have to realize that, though academics are very important Life Skills, the overall well being of your students, is also important.
- Invite the Birds & Bees Connection to come to speak to you and share all the Parent/Child centered courses and presentations we offer. The parent/child courses we offer do make a difference, click here.
- Our courses can be seamlessly integrated into your curriculum and customized to suit your needs – and we’ll do all the work.
Let’s work together to minimize the number of incidents where our children end up facing a disease that can change their life forever!Important! If you are familiar with the Birds & Bees Courses and already understand what a difference they can make, then please forward this email to your friends, schools, religious organization and get the word out so we can all make a difference.
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