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.

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.

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.

Abortion is a heavily debated issue within America. However, a woman’s right to choose for herself is a right that has been fought for in courts for many years. Planned Parenthood clinics are one of few locations where women can obtain an elective abortion. In many cases, a woman who chooses abortion will go to any measures necessary to make it happen. More than 30% of American women have had an abortion by the time they are 45 years old. However, offering this procedure in a medical clinic is a much safer option for women who want to have an abortion. It is performed by a trained physician, and can protect the woman’s ability to conceive a baby in the future. Having an abortion in this setting can also help to educate women about birth control options to avoid further unwanted pregnancies, since the clinic offers a wide range of contraception and counseling. The clinics follow all state laws regarding abortion, including age limitations and required parental consent. Some women also must have an abortion for medical reasons, such as the baby could damage the mother’s health or potentially be fatal. Whatever the reason for the abortion, Planned Parenthood clinics can help women make the decision.

Many Planned Parenthood clinics provide education about the process, and offer multiple ways to have the abortion. Women have the option of a medication abortion or procedure, and a staff member will help determine which choice is best for each individual. Some clinics also will provide a free ultrasound to mothers who desire this option. The clinics also have on-staff counselors who help women understand all choices available, and what will be involved in each. Offering abortions in Planned Parenthood clinics gives women a safe place to choose abortion, and continues to fight for a woman’s right to choose what is best for her situation and her body.

There are many sexually transmitted diseases in the world, and many individuals are simply not aware of just how prevalent they are. In fact, many older people in the United States are contracting these diseases because they just don’t know of their existence and how easy it is to get one. All it takes is one instance of unprotected sex to be at risk. The most common STDs are chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital herpes, and human papilloma virus (HPV).

Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that can affect genitals, eyes, or throats. It often has no symptoms, but can cause serious damage to the body if not treated immediately. Around 3 million new cases in the U.S. are diagnosed each year. Gonorrhea is also a bacterial infection, but it is less common; around 600,000 individuals are infected per year. Genital herpes can be spread even when the affected partner is not having an outbreak; it consists of small and painful sores on the genitals. Another type of herpes virus can be spread to the mouth, eyes, and nose. Once a person has herpes, it will be in the body for life. There are treatments for symptoms and outbreaks, but no cure. HPV is rapidly becoming more common for several reasons: it can be transmitted via skin contact, it is virtually impossible to test for, and there are almost no symptoms. However, it can lead to cervical cancer in women so it can be very dangerous. The only way to know if a woman is infected is if she has an abnormal pap smear. HIV is less common, but if a person is infected they have virtually no immune system and must be on treatment for symptoms for their lifetime. All sexually transmitted diseases can be dangerous and painful, and safe sex should always be practiced to avoid becoming infected.

Two friends were talking about birth control. One friend was trying to discuss the various options like condoms and birth control pills, when the other announced, “I use a fail-safe birth control.” “What do you use?” the first friend asked. The other’s reply was simple. “It’s called a pair of pants!”
That’s a simple solution, but for most teens it is not that simple. There is so much pressure and influence on teens to be sexually active—and it is not all from their peers. Movies and television have normalized the idea of teens having sex. Sex is sung about and talked about openly. Advertisements for the HPV vaccination make it sound like it is just assumed that teens will have sex.
In great-grandmother’s day, the most common form of pre-marital birth control was a chaperone. It was difficult to do more than hold hands with Aunt Harriet looking on. Queen Victoria’s mother slept with her every night until she was married. Unless she was a heavy sleeper, this would definitely have prevented the little princess from sneaking out at night.
Boys and girls today have more freedom, more choices, and more danger. Sex education should include information on how to use those choices responsibly. Any program we endorse, whether as educators, church leaders, or parents, should have the welfare of teens as the first consideration.
Teens need to be empowered to say no to sex if they want to, and to respect the boy or girl who says no. They need to be taught safety measures to prevent rape or sexual abuse—and what to do if it happens.  They should be taught the emotional consequences of sexual activity and pregnancy. They should also be taught about birth control and disease prevention and treatment, not in a scare tactic way, but as facts.
Let’s not play “Truth or Consequences” with sex ed. Let’s teach the truth, the facts, in hopes of avoiding dangerous consequences of uninformed sexual activity among teens.

Knowing the history of your family’s health problems can help you stay healthy and maybe even save your life…that’s according to health experts and the US Surgeon General. The federal government has created a program called the “My Family Health Portrait.”  That’s a way for Americans to research and document the illnesses, diseases, longevities and physical ailments of their ancestors and relatives.  Doing so can lead to a healthier you.
That’s because once a health care provider knows what’s in a patient’s history, he or she can better assess what risks the current patient has for those, and other health issues.  It also helps the provider look out for early warning signs of disease.
There’s even a website that helps people create their own family health portrait, kind of like a family tree, except it includes Great-grandfather Oscar’s cause of death and Aunt Mildred’s diabetes instead of their places of birth and death. The website is completely private, and allows users to print out their family health trees to keep for their own records, or to share with a doctor.
Even if someone doesn’t know much about his or her family health history, from a doctor’s perspective, every bit helps.  Imagine the difference in a doctor’s care or instructions if he knows his female patient’s mother died of breast cancer when she was in her late 30s.
For those who prefer not to use the internet, a couple of phone calls or visits to siblings, parents or relatives should allow you to compile a family health history of your own to take to every doctor’s visit. It is recommended to keep this compilation of records in an organized, safe place with other documents related to health, like insurance.
It obviously won’t act as a crystal ball for your future health problems, but talking to your relatives might identify trends you and your family didn’t realize existed.

Sexual intimacy is a fundamental part of being human. Affection, love, and sex can contribute to personal well-being and a healthy relationship with a partner. While there are many positive aspects of sexual intimacy, there are also many sexual illnesses and negative consequences that can affect a person’s health.   Learning about the factors that impact reproduction and sexual function is extremely important in preventing unwanted pregnancies and STD’s. The unwillingness of people who choose not to educate themselves about sexual health, nor discuss their personal sexual concerns can face serious sexual health disorders.  Sexual health disorders can include:  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases, such as: HIV/AIDS, Chlamydia, Herpes, Genital warts, Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Trichomoniasis  • Infertility problems • Cancer • Pelvic inflammatory disease • Endometriosis • Urinary tract infections • Incontinence • Painful intercourse • Erectile dysfunction • Diminished sexual drive  Sexually transmitted diseases are the most common communicable diseases in the U.S.A today. There are 13 million men and women who are affected by STD’s in America each year; two-thirds of those who are affected are teenagers and young adults under the age of 25. Almost every STD can effectively be treated if diagnosed and treated in the early stages.   Safe and effective birth control options include:  • Abstinence • Birth Control Pill • Birth Control Patch • Birth Control Sponge • NuvaRing • Depo-Provera shot • Diaphragm • Cervical Cap • Male Condom • Female Condom • IUD • Spermicide • Morning After Pill   Sexual disorders can impact not only the physical health of an individual, but also their mental and emotional health. Poor self-image and relationship problems may arise as well. Being responsible by arming yourself with proper knowledge on birth control options and STD prevention is the best defense for unwanted pregnancies and sexual disorders.

Many couples encounter problems with their relationships on a daily basis. Some do not know what is okay when dealing with relationship troubles, such as those involved in abusive relationships. Some Planned Parenthood clinics offer relationship counseling for individuals or couples who need guidance from a trained professional. There are many ways people can be hurt in relationships; emotional, verbal, sexual, and physical abuse are more common in many relationships and should never be tolerated. However, some do not understand that what they are experiencing is classified as abuse. Counselors at Planned Parenthood clinics can help individuals understand what constitutes abuse.

If a person at any point feels that they are being abused in any way by their partner, they should not question this instinct. They should instead immediately get themselves (and children, if they are around) into a safe environment, such as a friend or family member’s home, hospital, a center for abused women and children, or a Planned Parenthood clinic. Staff members can help these individuals to discuss the situation and get any necessary treatment. For example, if a person is sexually abused, they may need to be physically examined to remove DNA from their abuser to help protect them in the future, as well as be tested for STDs and pregnancy. No matter what type of abuse is occurring in a relationship, a zero tolerance policy should always exist and no one should have to live with this kind of pain and suffering. There is always a safe place to turn, and a partner who is abusive will almost never change. Individuals who are involved in an abusive relationship deserve better, even if they do not agree, and every person deserves emotional and physical safety. Planned Parenthood staff members are trained to handle these situations, and can help to remove a person from a dangerous situation and find a safe place for them to be away from the abuser.

With so much incorrect information on sexually transmitted diseases going around, it’s no wonder many teenagers are confused and contracting STD’s at an alarming rate. In fact, teenagers account for the largest group of people with STD’s.
Here are some common misconceptions about sexually transmitted diseases:
Myth: You cannot get STD’s by having oral or anal sex – FALSE!With ANY type of sex, or simply even sexual contact, there is the possibility of contracting an STD. STD’s are spread by viruses or bacteria that enter the body through tiny tears or cuts in the genitals, anus, or mouth. Certain STD’s, such as genital warts or herpes, can be spread through skin-to-skin contact with infected sores or areas.
The best way to protect yourself is by using a condom or dental dam when engaging in oral or anal sex.
Myth: If you or your partner has an STD, it will be visible – FALSE!The truth is that you can never tell if a person has an STD just by looking at them. Since STD’s rarely cause symptoms, those who don’t regularly get checked out by a doctor will never know that they have an STD. It’s possible that a person carrying the virus can spread it to their partner without ever having a visible outbreak.
It’s extremely important to see a doctor before you have sex, even if you and your partner think you’re clean. Get tested for STD’s thereafter on a regular basis and always use protection.
Myth:  Having sex in a hot tub or pool is ideal because the chlorine will kill any bacteria or viruses – FALSE!Nice try. Chlorine will not kill STD-causing viruses or bacteria, nor will it kill sperm. It makes no difference how hot the water is or how much chlorine is in it; you can still get an STD or become pregnant.
There is no substitution for a condom. In order to prevent contracting an STD or pregnancy, always use a condom. Just remember, latex condoms can break down in hot tubs.
Practicing sexual health is the best way to prevent pregnancy and STD’s.

More than 10% of Americans, both men and women, are unable to conceive children. It is a rapidly increasing problem that affects many, and can be an emotionally and physically painful process. Many people just don’t understand why they can’t create a child. Understanding what causes infertility is often the first step in overcoming this obstacle. Some people may practice behaviors that could contribute to infertility, and they are simply unaware. Some examples of this include a history of or current untreated sexually transmitted diseases, other health problems, previous injury, tobacco and/or alcohol use, and carrying excess weight. All of these factors cause a lot of stress on a body and can make it very difficult to conceive and carry a healthy child. Eliminating these behaviors or getting to a healthier weight may help a person conceive a baby. Educational resources at Planned Parenthood clinics are very useful for couples struggling to conceive. Counselors are on staff to help discuss the problems, as well as emotional struggles, involved with infertility. Both males and females can be infertile, and in some cases, both partners may be contributing to the difficulty in conception.

Once a couple has been counseled and has been trying unsuccessfully for a year, testing and treatments can be available depending on the reason for infertility. Planned Parenthood clinics can also offer other options for couples who have exhausted all options and are still unable to have their own children. Hundreds of babies are born every year who will be placed for adoption and would greatly benefit from a loving and stable home environment. Surrogacy is also a viable option, allowing another body to carry a couple’s child for them. Infertility is a common problem among couples, and while the process is extremely frustrating, Planned Parenthood clinics have plenty of resources to make it a little less overwhelming.