|
|
|
|
Pediatricians: Make Condoms Available to Teens
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has updated its recommendations concerning condoms, and its recommendations include making condoms easily available to sexually active adolescents at low or no cost.
The AAP policy statement points out that there is new evidence of condom effectiveness in preventing STIs, including HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infection.
Making condoms available to adolescents does not hasten the onset or increase the frequency of adolescent sex. Parents and policymakers can be reassured by multiple studies that show either no change -- or improvements, with delay of onset of sex.
Sexual activity has declined among American teens, but risky sexual behavior is all too common: 51.6% of Texas high school students are sexually experienced. By the time Texas students are in 12th grade, 72% have had sex. Nearly half of high school students who have had sex did not use a condom the last time they had sex.
In addition to encouraging abstinence, pediatricians are encouraged to actively support correct and consistent use of condoms as well as other reliable contraception. Parent communication with their adolescents should also be encouraged.
AAP recommends removal of restrictions and barriers to condom access for adolescents. Condom availability programs should be developed with communities and ideally accompanied by sexual health education with parental involvement, counseling, and positive peer support. The statement recommends that schools be considered as appropriate sites for condom availability programs.
|
|
Thanks, Birth Control!
The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy is using the month of November to say "Thanks, Birth Control!" and to draw attention to the importance of contraception to the health and well-being of American families. In our country, 99 percent of women who have had sex have used birth control in order to plan their families and their futures.
Pregnancy planning and using birth control are linked to many benefits for women, children, families, and society as a whole. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) counts contraception as one of the 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century.
Careful and consistent use of effective contraceptive methods means fewer unplanned pregnancies and abortions. The ability to plan when and if to have children allows young women to advance their education and employment.
Planned pregnancies are linked to better health for both the mother and the infant, as well as improved parent-child relationships and less conflict in parental relationships. Pregnancy planning also means less chance of the child growing up in poverty, and planning saves tax dollars. Every $1 in public funding spent on contraceptive services saves nearly $6 in medical costs.
Close to half of U.S. pregnancies are described by women themselves as unplanned, and better use of more effective birth control can help reduce these high rates.
Public support for birth control is widespread. Nine in 10 adults (including 95% of Democrats and 91% of Republicans) agree that, for those trying not to get pregnant, using birth control is taking personal responsibility. Nearly 3 in 4 adults agree (including 78% of Democrats and 68% of Republicans) that policymakers who are opposed to abortion should be strong supporters of birth control.
|
|
Save the Date, 12/10: New Teen Pregnancy Report
On December 10, Metro Health's Project WORTH will hold a press conference to release the much anticipated 2012 Bexar County Teen Pregnancy Report.
San Antonio and Bexar County have been leaders in teen pregnancy prevention, with a dramatic decline in teen birth rates over the last few years. Health professionals, social service agencies, educators, parents, and teens are looking forward to knowing the latest statistics. Teen pregnancy affects our whole community because it affects women's and children's health, educational and economic outcomes, and family cohesion.
Bexar teen birth rates fell nearly 30% from 2007 to 2011, but we still have much to do. The 2,952 children born to teen mothers in 2011 will fill 134 kindergarten classes in the year 2016!
The press conference event will be held at 11:00 to 11:30 AM at the Central Library auditorium, 600 Soledad St. Please call 207-8850 to RSVP.
|
 Aurora Garcia Aurora will be graduating from the University of Texas at San Antonio this December with a B.S. in Community Health. She graduated from San Antonio College in 2010 with an A.S. in Liberal Arts and an A.S. in Applied Science. Aurora was born and raised on the west side of San Antonio, where she saw that teen pregnancy was a huge problem in her neighborhood. This was when she decided that she wanted to do something to decrease teen pregnancy rates. Aurora became a teen mom in 2007 and is aware of the struggles that teen parents go through. She is a single mother of a 6 year old son and a 2 year old daughter. Aurora wants to use her own life experience and challenges as a teen parent to educate adolescents about healthy relationships and safe sex so that they can pursue their goals and dreams without any delays. Aurora loves to spend time with her children and their puppy Conejita. She also enjoys doing arts and crafts during her spare time. |
 Tenisha Brown Tenisha is originally from Indianapolis, Indiana. She moved to Houston, Texas in 2004 where she attended high school. After graduating she moved to San Antonio where she attends the University of Texas (UTSA). She is pursuing a bachelor of science in health, with a concentration in community health. She loves to interact with youth and be involved with the community. She has a passion for making a difference in the lives of those in need and she believes that today's youth are the faces of tomorrow. She is dedicated to educating youth as much as possible to ensure that they have a healthy and successful future. |
Healthy Futures of Texas is committed to reducing teen and unplanned pregnancy in San Antonio
and Texas by providing and promoting science-based and culturally appropriate approaches.
We are working toward a community where every young person is able to reach their potential, and
every child is wanted, loved, and cared for.
2300 W. Commerce, Ste. 203
San Antonio, Texas, 78207
210.223.4589
info@healthyfuturestx.org
www.HealthyFuturesTX.org
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
