Blog 4

     I have three children ages 16, 12, and 6. When my son was in seventh grade, he participated in an abstinence only program. I attended the session for parents who wanted to preview the presentation first.  Although I am completely aware of teenage sexual behavior, I thoroughly support abstinence only education. The program presented facts and visuals of STD’s, interviewed many teenagers about their experiences with sex, explained biological processes of pregnancy, sexual behavior, and transmission of diseases. Importantly, the program was holistic in presenting sexual behavior as an expression of love in a committed and mature relationship, not just as an instinctual act. I feel the program elevated the self-worth and choice making ability of the individual. Resources, tools, teenage thought processes, and techniques to make critical “in the moment “decisions were presented in an engaging way. The truth is, if your only goal is to reduce teenage pregnancy and STD’s, yes abstinence plus , which is really comprehensive sex education , may provide a means to that goal by educating teens in contraceptive use. What about the long lasting emotional and relational effects, even if a pregnancy or STD does not occur? Yes, the numbers can show “success” in terms of avoiding some negative outcomes of teenage sex, but these can also be very real and damaging experiences as one is forming values and expectations for future relationships. The portion of an abstinence plus program that truly promotes abstinence is a very small percentage, and is negated by the focus on contraceptive use. It is reported that on average only 4.7% of abstinence plus page content is devoted to the topic of abstinence and 0% to healthy relationships and marriage (Martin, Rector, Pardue, 2004). Over twenty eight percent of the page content is used to describe and encourage contraceptive use. This computes to six times more content to promote contraceptive use than the goal of promoting abstinence (Martin, Rector, Pardue, 2004). However, I do think everyone should be educated on the biological process, success, and failures of contraception. I feel this should be done thoroughly and factually in a mandated health class, not alongside abstinence education. If you really feel this is the best goal for all teens, you cannot degrade it by assuming it won’t work and then offer abundant contraceptive use information. Alarmingly, abstinence plus programs are essentially encouraging teen sex by not discouraging it and giving a false sense that as  long as it is “safe”, it is a normal and acceptable activity.

                “While comprehensive sex-ed curricula do not overtly encourage teens to engage in sexual activity, they do not really discourage it. The focus is on reducing the risks of STDs and pregnancy among teens. Abstinence is presented as one technique for avoiding immediate risks, but the predominant emphasis is on using contraception, especially condoms. For the most part, teens are not urged to avoid sex per se, but to avoid sex without contraception. As long as the teen feels “comfortable” with the activity, protected teen sex is not criticized, but is presented as commonplace, healthy, and largely unproblematic. The decision to use contraception during sex is almost always presented in a very favorable light, while teen sexual activity itself is rarely questioned or criticized.” (Martin, Rector, Pardue, 2004 )

            One poll showed that 94% of adults and 92% of teenagers feel society has a responsibility to send a strong message to  teens to wait until they are  graduated from high school before engaging in sex (Martin, Rector, Pardue, 2004) Of the nine abstinence plus curriculum  reviewed (942 pages), not one stated this view. Of the same curriculum, only 9 weakly written sentences encouraged teens to wait before they begin sexual activity (Martin, Rector, Pardue, 2004). I and many others feel teenagers in high school are not mature enough to engage in sex. Do you think they are conscientious enough to purchase condoms, store them correctly, have them available and use them (correctly) every single time? Do you think the majority of girls are ready to educate themselves on their monthly cycle, ovulation, and side effects of birth control? Are they ready to monitor their health, and watch for sign of STD’s? Are they completely aware of the effects of alcohol and drugs on contraceptive use and efficacy?  In conclusion, knowing that some teens will not remain abstinent, parents can make the choice to provide contraception for their child or the medical community may provide education and resources as well. I think schools as a whole should not offer abstinent plus education, but teens should have access to help if they choose to have sex despite best efforts to encourage them to choose abstinence. 

References

Martin, S., Rector R., Pardue M.G. (2004). Comprehensive Sex Education vs. Authentic

            Abstinence.  The Heritage Foundation. Retrieved November 22, 2009 from

            http://www.heritage.org/Research/Welfare/upload/67539_1.pdf

Blog #3

 This topic was very timely for me, as I have realized several areas of my health that I need to address. As far as physical safety and the avoidance of dangerous practices, I am consistent with myself and my family. Seat belts, helmets,  the avoidance of alcohol, drugs, and cigarettes, as well safety when driving with others are natural habits for me. I have recently developed a chronic health problem, which has forced me to stay on top of, as well as prompted me to seek preventive care. This whole issue has actually caused me a great deal of stress due to confusion and differing opinions about the diagnosis and source of problems, and undesirable effects of medication. The behaviors I need to change are regular exercise and stress reduction. I do exercise, but not as often as I should. I personally know from experience I need to have some of physical exercise every day. I think I am too busy, but I can no longer keep from attending to my needs. Also, my stress has increased, or at least I have become more aware of it and its negative effects. I try to eat healthy, but need to moderate my portions and continue to be conscience of my eating habits and choices. I think by changing these behaviors, I will dramatically improve my quality of life, be able to handle things that come my way more effectively, and set a good example for my children. I am starting right now by journaling. I bought a notebook and am taking the time to write things down. How I feel, mini-lists of ways to make it a better day, and positive words of affirmation and encouragement. I think this strategy will be beneficial to me because I love to write things down, read over things, put ideas on paper, and make lists.

Amy

HS Blog #2

Hello!
Wow, after reviewing some of the information on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Agency for Health Care Research and Quality website, I have some comments to make. Heart disease is now the number one killer of both men and women, yet women are less likely to use low dose aspirin therapy (62% of women and 76% of men), although it is recommended for those with heart disease in almost every case (HHS, AHRQ, n.d.). Also, it seems strange that the U.S. Preventive Task Force does not recommend screening for BRCA1 or BRCA2, which poses risks for breast and ovarian cancer,  unless there is a "specific family risk" (HHS, AHRQ, n.d.). I have two friends with absolutely no family history that have been diagnosed with late stage breast cancer. I was shocked to learn that intimate partner abuse can occur at any age. One study showed that of the women participating age 65 and over, 2% reported some type of abuse in the last year, and 3.5% in the last five. Half of the women were ages 65-74 and the other half over age 75 (HHS, AHRQ, n.d.). I think basic health care is a right. It is a way to provide dignity, care, and value to all people. Because if it offered, available, and affordable for some, then how can one decide or justify who cannot have it? How can a government or individual decide by including some and not all in matters of life and death. I am realizing lifestyle choice is a major factor in the health of Americans, so outcomes are not always favorable. I think the biggest problem right now in healthcare is insurance reform, and stabilizing and standardizing prices so those with any type of health care can afford to use it, including preventative care.
Thank you,
Amy

Reference

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Agency for Health Care Research and Quality. Priority

     Populations. Women's Health. (n.d.). Retrieved September 8, 2010 from

     http://www.ahrq.gov/research/womenix.htm

HS Blog #1

The most critical health issue for a dear friend, who I will name "D.", is achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. She is in her mid-thirties and has just started her family. With two girls ages 2 and 6 months, she is concerned that she teaches and models great health habits. Mothers desire the energy to keep up with the demands of a busy lifestyle, as well as pass on a legacy of the importance of taking charge of one's health.


I also talked with a female young lady, age 12. I will name her "L." She commented on the stress and busyness of her day to day life. She says she is often tired. She feels that while many of her peers are keeping physically active with extracurricular activities, there is often mental and emotional pressure. I think this is a very important issue that people of all ages need to be aware of. Our society encourages girls growing up entirely too fast. They will need responsible, sensitive, and caring adults to help them with time management, prioritizing or simply saying "NO" to some activities, and ways to keep well emotionally and socially, as well as the signs and symptoms for depression and other mental illness.

These two issues are high on my priority list as well, knowing physical and mental health go hand in hand. I feel I am also affected by the absolute necessity, not an option, to maintain a healthy and safe weight, as well as keep stress levels down.