Tuesday, April 10, 2012

America’s Most STD-Infested States -

America’s Most STD-Infested States -

U.S. Teen Births Hit Record Low 2009-10-

U.S. Teen Births Hit Record Low -

During 2009-10, through these funds, East Valley provided teen pregnancy prevention services to approximately 16,000 teens and hundreds of adults. Although the drop in teen births is wonderful news, in 2011, millions of dollars worth of teen pregnancy prevention programs were eliminated from the California State budget. It will be interesting to compare the statistics when they are reported for 2011 and 2012 with the absence of hundreds of teen pregnancy prevention programs. Only then will we be able to see if cutting prevention efforts really saved taxpayer money or if it just delayed it and will later be re-routed to pay for an increase in teen births!

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Sex Education Efforts Lagging in Schools CDC Says -

Sex Education Efforts Lagging in Schools CDC Says -

Health Day asks, "...Are our schools to blame for rises in teenage pregnany and STDs, or do we just need to provide more education at home?" The answer to this black and white question is a little more complicated than deciding whether schools or parents are at fault. The 2011 California budget eliminated millions of dollars worth of pregnancy prevention programs and made additional cuts to school budgets. Most recently, a local school district was forced to eliminate all health classes in an attempt to deal with the cuts they have been issued. Some may say, "Then the parent should teach their children". Well, it's a good idea, but who is going to teach the parents? The article reveals that "20 percent of persons aged 18-29 believe incorrectly that a person can become infected with HIV by sharing a drinking glass, or are unsure of whether this statement is true or false." Anyone know a parent who is between 18 and 29 years old? I do.