General | Planned Parenthood

Talking About Sex With Openness and Love

Way back when, people didn’t like to talk about out the facts of life. You know, sex. It’s a pretty important thing to know about, yet no one was willing to even sit down and be honest about it. They danced around it with talk about the “birds and the bees”. The menstrual cycle was made to sound like some unspeakable horror show, even though it’s the most natural thing in the world. It was all treated as something that had to be hidden away. Some adults even made it sound as though a boy just had to breath on a girl to make her pregnant. Then they’d have to get payday loans to pay for an abortion, and their lives would be ruined forever. Crazy stuff. It was a funny way to deal with one of most important aspects of our lives and relationships, but that’s how it all went.

Today the topic still brings feelings of embarrassment and self-consciousness to many adults, but at least there is a general social agreement that it’s okay to discuss sex openly. Avoiding an honest conversation with your son or daughter is not a winning strategy. They are hearing about sex from their friends, from the media, and from other adults. It’s important that you are part of the conversation.

Stay relaxed when you talk to your child about the big issues relating to sex. You’ll convey your message more easily and let them know by your attitude that sex is completely natural. Let them know about reproduction in a way that’s understandable for their age. Think through your own attitudes about the larger issues — birth control, sexually transmitted diseases, and teen pregnancy – so you can discuss them from a place that is comfortable for you.

Most importantly, know that speaking honestly with your child about sex is a loving and responsible act.

Filed Under: General, Sexual Health, Sexual Life Tagged With: Sex education, Sexuality, Sexually transmitted disease, Teenage pregnancy

Opposition to Planned Parenthood a Contradiction

Planned Parenthood offers medical services to some of the most disadvantaged people in society. Looking at the organization from this standpoint, it is difficult to understand the amount of opposition to the organization. Until the word abortion is brought up.

Planned Parenthood was a trailblazer. The organization began as the American Birth Control League and can trace its origins to a clinic founded by Margaret Sanger in 1916. Women did not even have the right to vote at that time. Since women did not enjoy the full privilege of citizenship it is not surprising that the federal government did not recognize a woman’s reproductive rights.

Advocating change put Planned Parenthood into the crosshairs of conservative politicians and religious organizations. Birth control remains taboo in the eyes of the Catholic Church, and even though Protestants and Catholics remained divided on many issues, a hatred of abortion and Planned Parenthood is not one of them.

The anti-abortion movement can trace its roots to religious origins. When religion mixes with extremism the results often become deadly. Planned Parenthood clinics have been targeted by pipe bombs, and doctors that perform abortions have been murdered by assassins.

Once religion becomes part of a debate facts no longer matter to some. It is doesn’t take studying morality in an online masters program to see the contradiction of using murder to prevent abortion.

While the abortion debate cannot be settled by fact alone, researchers have found that there are social benefits to legal abortion. The popular book “Freakonomics” discussed studies that showed a decrease in crime rates in societies that have legalized abortion. Legal abortion also prevents the practice of women seeking illegal abortions in unsafe or unsanitary conditions. Antiabortion advocates could argue that these benefits are outweighed by ending the lives of fetus. What cannot be debated is that the use of contraception decreases the amount of unwanted pregnancies.

Filed Under: General, Parenthood Tagged With: Health, Planned Parenthood, Reproductive health

World Sexual Health Day

September fourth of 2010 was World Sexual Health Day. This celebration was sponsored by many large organizations and businesses. The WAS, or World Association for Sexual Health, started the initiative to have a day to celebrate sexual health in order to encourage and participate in open public forums concerning sexuality and acceptance of others. Open and respectful discussions were had at the 2010 meeting, as in past years. More than 30 cities from all over the globe have participated in the events and sponsored visitors and guests. This includes three Islamic countries, and many other nations that are popularly considered too prudent to study sexual health. Though, their participation proves that they are more forward-thinking than other nations like the United Kingdom about sexual health.

Local volunteers and staff members of the World Association for Sexual Health implemented tactics to bring in big crowds. The visitors were entertained with bizarre and fascinating activities, games, and films. Singing and dancing were also part of the events at World Sexual Health Day in September. More activities are being planned for the annual events to come. Volunteers are constantly on the look out for original and innovative ways to teaching sexual health skills.

The topics covered by discussion groups on World Sexual Health Day are as varied as the types of sharks in the world. From important, serious discussions to the light-hearted debates about topical aspects of human sexuality, there is something for everyone to get involved in, and to be passionate about. Films being shown on World Sexual Health Day consist of new submissions, older educational films that have been seen by previous guests, and web-isodes of information that are meant to entice younger audiences into paying attention. The World Association for Sexual Health is interested in helping people to be healthier, safer, and better informed.

Filed Under: General, Sexual Health, Sexual Life Tagged With: Education, Health, Reproductive health, Sexuality

Monitor Your Teen’s Activities Online

The internet has opened up a wide variety of new opportunities for people looking to meet other people. Unfortunately, this means that is has become easier than ever for teenagers to meet new friends near and far. It is important that you, as a parent, learn how to keep an eye on your teenager’s activities on the internet. While it is not a wise decision to spy, you should find ways to be aware of what your teenager is doing online. Even the most innocent websites, like online casino games, can be foundations for your teenagers to meet others.

Be honest and open with your teenagers about their internet use. Rather than spying, snooping, or being secretive, simply take an active approach to knowing what your teenager is into. Ask questions the right way. “Who are you talking to?” is a direct question that can make your teenager feel more secretive. But asking your teenager what their favorite websites are online is a much smoother and friendlier way to find out what they are doing online without causing the opposite of the intended reaction. You should not scare your teenager into being more secretive online. Let them know you are curious what they are doing online, but do so in an interested way rather than a concerned way.

There is nothing wrong with your teenager wanting to make friends online, but those friends should stay online. Your teenager should be online chatting, making friends, and enjoying himself or herself, but never at the cost of personal safety. Make sure that your teenager knows what is and is not okay when it comes to communication online. Set ground rules so that your teenager can stay safe online, regardless of whether or not you are always there to monitor their actions and activities online. Taking an active approach is always the right way to go.

Filed Under: General Tagged With: Child Safety, Facebook, Website

Work and Rewards (Like a Free Ringtone) for Teens

When children are young, they are willing take a sticker as a reward. Stickers make them extremely happy and because of this, they are willing to work for them. Strange as it might seem at first, the same type of concept applies to teenagers as well. Although the coveted prize might not be a sticker, making a teen work for a reward can help turn them into a highly motivated and hard working member of society. If only because of these residual effects, working towards a reward is always better than merely giving someone what they want.

Helping teenagers develop a healthy work ethic can reduce problems in school and behavior issues. Some of the biggest areas where studies have proven the benefit of a work and reward system include conflict management and study habits. Just as no two teens are alike, neither are any two programs. However, the basics remain the same: Set up a prearranged system where expectations are clear and everyone knows that certain work will lead to certain rewards.

Rewards for teenagers can be anything from spending money to presents like a new cell phone that they can customize with a free ringtone. Talking to each teen and figuring out just what motivates him or her is extremely important for the success of each work and reward system. Once the system is in place, an authority figure, whether a boss, a teacher, or a parent, can work out with the teen just what type of work will earn what type of reward. In order for trust to be established on both sides, the authority figure must be willing to recognize the teen’s work and to promptly help teens reap the benefits of their labor.

While work and reward systems are not foolproof, they can go a long way in helping teens learn the value of hard work and build self-esteem.

Filed Under: General Tagged With: Mobile phone, Reward system, Ringtone

Parenthood: Not like Getting a Free Ringtone

“Becoming a parent” is a term that slips easily from the tongue when discussing imminent parenthood. Yet it’s no accident that it’s becoming the norm to characterize parenting in this way: parenthood is not instantaneous, happening the moment you learn of the pregnancy, or the moment you first hold your baby in your arms. Parenthood is not like a free ringtone that you can download and voila — you have a new cell phone identity.

Parenthood is a process; a process that requires the understanding that yes, everyone can contribute sperm or eggs to the reproduction process and create a baby, but that in and of itself does not make you a parent. Even having your child does not necessarily make you a parent in any way other than the legal definition. Becoming a parent means trying your best, from the very beginning. It means learning — however quickly or slowly — that there is another person who is as important as you are.

Becoming a parent is both an amazing, loving, phenomenal experience; and a sometimes terrifying, confusing and depressing experience. And therein lies one of the first things you realize when becoming a parent: that such disparate feelings can arise. What else have you experienced in life in which this was the case? What other thing contained such wonderfulness, coupled with such anxiety? Parenthood defies easy categorization because it is utterly unique. The process of becoming a parent requires acting like a loving parent…sometimes it’s necessary to put the cart before the horse, so to speak. If you are not entirely certain how to go about being a parent, do those things which give your baby the feelings you know you would like: safety, being loved, protected and appreciated. By doing so you are becoming a parent; the parent you want to be and the parent your baby needs you to become.

Filed Under: General Tagged With: Family, Parent, Pregnancy

How Planned Parenthood Serves the Community

Regional affiliates govern and guide local branches of Planned Parenthood, though their central offices are located in New York City and in The District of Washington. In the United States, there are currently approximately 863 health and education centers of Planned Parenthood. Services provided to community members differ depending upon the region, as necessary, though they all strive to support the needs of their guests.

In Washington, there is a program for women who live below the national poverty line. In this program, the women receive free annual check-ups and also a year’s supply of birth control pills. In other states, like Delaware, coaches are available to educate the public on things like vitamins and Medicaid forms and procedures. There are even those locations that do teach and train doctors on how to give abortions in the safest possible way, in those regions where hospitals and medical schools forbid the lessons.

Most patients, statistically, go to Planned Parenthood for contraceptives and sexual health information. Annually, the 863 branches typically see more than 3.1 million visitors! The morning after pill, as it is commonly known, is available to people for emergency contraception. This is a program that could save the government a lot of money, as the cost of contraceptives is far less expensive than the cost of children born onto the welfare system.

Another reason why people visit Planned Parenthood is to be tested and treated for sexually transmitted diseases and also, infections. This accounts annually for 29 percent of the people who go to Planned Parenthood. Along those lines, pregnancy tests are also popular, and sometimes abortion services. Though only one percent of the business at Planned Parenthood, they do offer adoption placement services and referrals to adoption agencies. Teenwire.com helps Planned Parenthood visitors via the internet, for greater anonymity. There are so many services at Planned Parenthood, that teens should feel well supported concerning their sexual health and education.

Filed Under: General, Parenthood Tagged With: Planned Parenthood, Reproductive health, United States

Increased Number of Teens Needing Alcohol Rehabilitation

Do you suspect your teenager is at risk for alcoholism? Do you want to understand the causes and risks? Some risks include inadequate supervision and communication. Conflicts within the family, as well as inconsistent or overly severe discipline and a family history of drinking problems, can put teens at risk. Teen alcoholism leads to sex which leads to unplanned pregnancies. Planned parenthood wants you to be informed about the dangers of teens and alcohol.

There are also individual type risks and causes including poor impulse management, thrill seeking, and emotional instability.

Can you recognize the symptoms of alcohol abuse in your teen? Some symptoms include making excuses, ignoring curfews, lying, isolation (staying in his or her room), verbal or physical abuse, smelling of alcohol, changing friends, mood swings, and stealing.

Teens are particularly prone to binge drinking and may experience alcohol poisoning as a result of these actions. Potentially fatal, alcohol poisoning is a result of consuming large amounts of alcohol in a very short period of time. Alcohol slows important body functions such as heart rate, gag reflex, and breathing. Impairment of the functions can lead to choking, heart failure, respiratory failure, coma, and even death.

If someone is experiencing alcohol poisoning, get them to a medical facility immediately. Medical professionals will provide oxygen and fluids as well as any other necessary procedures that may be required to prevent complications.

In order to prevent any negative occurrences due to teen drinking, parents should open the lines of communication and emphasize how alcohol can negatively affect the teen. There should be open discussions about parental expectations. This type of communication can significantly decrease both alcohol and drug use in teens. Teens involved in after-school programs are also less likely to abuse drugs. This may be because teens have been found to drink between the time school ends and their parents arrive home from work.

If you think your teen has a drinking problem, discuss the issue with your physician who can provide recommendations on treatment including alcohol rehabilitation programs and groups.

Filed Under: General Tagged With: Addiction, Alcoholism, Health, Teen Health

Getting Rates for Health and Car Insurance

Just like planning out when to become parents, everyone must decide when and how they will get insurance. Insurance is a strange modern obligation. Often times, it seems like people have to get insurance due to the mistakes of others. It’s not always a nice obligation, but the difference between having insurance and not having insurance can mean the difference between a short stay in the hospital (without second thought) and years spent paying off ridiculously high medical bills for overpriced expenses. No matter how absurd the prices for health care and doctor visits seem, they are as they are, and without insurance we would be paying a lot more than we need to.

Medical insurance has developed differently in different countries, and whether Americans like it or not, paying insurance rates is a fact of life. You can’t drive without car insurance, you can’t own a home without homeowner’s insurance, you can’t work certain types of jobs without life insurance—so why go through life without health insurance?

The short answer is that it’s expensive. Some people manage to get jobs that offer insurance benefits, in which case getting insurance is a no brainer. But for others, with other expenses stacked so high, health insurance is usually sidled for other needs like rent, utilities, and other payments.

However, if you are able to get new quotes and estimates for insurance costs, you may bring your other expenditures down and free up money to be used in other ways—such as covering yourself with a health insurance plan. It doesn’t have to be anything big or grandiose as long as it suits your basic health and medical needs. You may come down with a case of bronchitis and need some antibiotics. You may just need a routine check up. By browsing for reasonable rates from other providers, you can have all your bases covered.

Filed Under: Advice, General Tagged With: Financial Services, Health care, Health insurance

Cancer Screening

Just like an unplanned pregnancy, cancer is a terrifying and still quite unknown disease that is affecting more and more people every day. Many individuals do not think they will be affected by cancer, especially young people. However, cancer patients are of all ages and it can affect nearly any body part. Planned Parenthood clinics are now offering screenings for common cancers, including breast and cervical for women, and prostate for men. All of these cancers are becoming more and more prevalent, and a routine screening can help catch the disease early so that a person who is affected can receive treatment and continue to live a long and healthy life.

Breast cancer screening starts at home; women must perform a self breast exam at least once per month to check for new or changing lumps. Finding a lump while it is new can help to catch cancer before it spreads to the nodes. In this situation, many women simply have to have a lumpectomy to remove the infected tissue but are able to keep most of their own breast tissue. However, if it spreads, full removal of the breasts and/or chemotherapy may be necessary to remove all of the cancer. Cervical cancer is often a result of HPV, which is a sexually transmitted disease. There are treatment options available, but can cause sterility for women in the future. Prostate cancer can often have symptoms in the early stage, and if it is caught early it can be treated through hormone therapy, drugs, or surgical procedures. Men who are over 40 are more likely to be affected, but men of any age should not hesitate to begin their routine screening process. Yearly cancer screenings are crucial, and Planned Parenthood clinics offer them to any patient regardless if they are covered by health insurance. Many clinics offer the services at a discounted rate based on income, so virtually everyone can obtain these necessary cancer screenings at an affordable price.

Filed Under: Advice, General Tagged With: Cancer Screening