Don't Forget About Breast Health

This year, nearly 200,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. This is why it is so important to complete a monthly Breast Self-Exam (BSE) and have a yearly clinical breast exam performed by a healthcare provider. Yearly mammograms (X-rays of the breasts) are recommended for women over the age of 40 or for women with a family history of breast cancer.

How Can I Reduce My Risk?

While there is no absolute method of preventing breast cancer, like many different types of cancers there may be ways to reduce the risks of acquiring it. Check out these tips for living a healthy lifestyle:

* Eat a low-fat, high fiber diet
* Eliminate as much of the saturated and trans fats from your diet as possible
* Maintain a healthy weight
* Exercise frequently
* Drink less alcohol
* Take a multivitamin with folic acid


Visit Susan G. Komen for the Cure to learn more about breast cancer risk factors.

Are You Sex Smart?

A recent study conducted by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy found that half of participants, ages 18-29, were not using contraception consistently and many are at least 'slightly likely' to have unprotected sex within the next 3 months. Yikes! You may be wondering just how the education system has failed to provide such basic information about preventing pregnancy...

Could it be that the past years of abstinence-only education are to blame for this severe gap in knowledge among 20-somethings?

1 in 5 participants from the study report not having had any sex education in school which has caused a severe lack of basic knowledge about condoms and other methods of birth control. In fact, many people still believe some common myths about pregnancy. Let’s decipher a few here:

MYTH: Having sex standing up reduces the risk of pregnancy. (18% of men from the study thought this was true.)

FACT: Let’s remember that sperm serve one function – to do everything possible to seek out and fertilize an egg. Even the laws of gravity are no match for their industrious effort. Don’t mess with the mighty sperm – remember it only takes 1.

MYTH: Using two condoms is better than one. (28% of men from the study incorrectly believed this.)

FACT: One condom is sufficient to prevent pregnancy, if used PROPERLY for EVERY act of intercourse. Using more than one can create friction, possibly increasing the chance that the condom will tear. Friction is not a good thing when using condoms, and the more lubrication the less friction there will be, so use a water-based lube whenever possible.

MYTH: Pulling out before ejaculation won’t cause a pregnancy.

FACT: Remember that a man produces a fluid called pre-ejaculate before ejaculation, and often cannot tell when this happens. Each drop of pre-ejaculate contains 20-40 thousand sperm... and how many sperm does it take to create a pregnancy? That’s right…just 1.

Now that we’ve dispelled some common pregnancy myths, it’s your turn to test your sex-pertise. Check out these fun fact quizzes at Sex, Etc.

And to read the full CNN article about the gaps in young people’s sex knowledge click here.

December is AIDS Awareness Month

This month is dedicated to increasing awareness about HIV/AIDS, a global epidemic. It’s important to continue educating the public and funding more research and medical interventions to assist those who are HIV positive and those living with the condition known as AIDS. While treatment options have gotten better over the years, there is still work to be done.

World AIDS Day was December 1st, but there are still ways to get involved in the cause.

1) Education

Educate yourself and the people you know about HIV/AIDS. If you need help, try these websites for more information:

Planned Parenthood Federation of America
AIDS Delaware
Teens Health
POZ
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

2) Prevention

To prevent yourself from getting the virus, remember to use condoms for every act of intercourse. HIV can be spread through oral, anal or vaginal intercourse and from blood to blood contact (e.g. sharing needles).

3) Testing

HIV testing is a quick and virtually painless process now. Rapid testing at Planned Parenthood of Delaware only requires a finger prick and about 10 minutes to wait for results. Take a friend or partner with you and get tested together!

Early detection is key!

Please call 1-800-230-PLAN to schedule an appointment for a confidential HIV test at Planned Parenthood of Delaware, or visit our web site for locations and information.

Healthier Holiday Eating

The holiday season may be upon us once again, but that doesn’t mean the pounds have to be. Gaining an extra 5-10 lbs during the months of November and December no longer has to be the norm! It’s time to establish a game plan for the big event, in preparation for rich holiday foods to come. Check out these simple tips for cutting the calories while still enjoying the meal during the holidays:

1. Choose a salad or steamed vegetables as a first course – the fiber is filling and will reduce the amount of food you eat later.
2. Choose white meat over dark or red meat, which have more calories and less nutritional value.
3. Drink plenty of water – not only is water a healthy beverage alternative, it’s also filling so there’s less room in the tummy for the rich foods. Try this challenge: for every glass of wine or sweetened beverage you consume, drink a glass of water first.
4. Don’t starve yourself during the day for the big meal in the evening. Skipping meals may cause you to overeat and consume more calories in the long run.
5. Eat slowly - not only will you enjoy the taste of the food more, you’ll eat less as your body recognizes that it’s getting full. It takes about 20 minutes for your brain to get the message from the stomach that you’ve had enough.
6. Snack on raw veggies with a low-fat dip before the meal, instead of cookies or candy.
   

If you are interested in modifying some popular holiday recipes to be a bit healthier without losing flavor, check out this great resource from The Student Nutrition Awareness Campaign.

…and for more healthy holiday eating tips, click here.

Examining the Ta-Tas!

National Breast Health Awareness is winding to a close this month and there is no better time like the present to examine the ta-tas. That’s right - it’s time to stop neglecting the lovely female anatomy up top!

Breast health is important for anyone sporting a pair, so remember to get to know your breasts more closely by completing a breast self-exam every month. The best time of the month is at the end of your period when the breasts are less tender. There are two parts of the Breast Self Exam: Looking and Feeling.

Looking: Stand in front of a mirror and rotate slowly, looking at the breasts from different angles. Look at size, shape, color and texture of the skin, first with your arms down, then with your arms above your head. Next, place your hands on your hips and bend slightly, tensing the muscles of the chest. Look for any noticeable changes in the breasts or surrounding tissue.

Feeling: Lie down with a pillow under your right shoulder. Use the pads of the first three fingers on your left hand to check your right breast by pressing in small circles, using light, medium and firm pressure. Follow an up-and-down pattern from armpit to breast bone, and collarbone to bra line. Repeat for your left breast.

Remember to remind your friends and family about breast self exams, clinical breast exams and mammograms. Early detection of breast cancer is key!

For more information about breast cancer and screening please visit Susan G. Komen for the Cure or call 1-800-462-9273

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

Get involved in a great cause! October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and October 16 is National Mammography Day. There are many ways to get involved and support education and prevention efforts. Check these out:

• Checked your boobies lately? The monthly Breast Self Exam (BSE) is a great way to get to know your breasts! Start now, even if you think you’re too young (calling all 20-somethings). Knowing what is normal for your breasts can help you detect if there’s a problem later on.
• Clinical Breast Exams (those done by a healthcare provider) are recommended every 3 years for women ages 20-39 and annually for women 40 or older, unless other risk factors like family history of breast cancer are present. Check with your health care provider to see if you are at an increased risk for breast cancer and what screening options are best for you.
• Mammograms (x-rays of the breasts) are recommended annually for women 40 or older, unless other risk factors are present. Make sure to check with your health care provider about your risk.
• Remind your friends and family! Hand out BSE shower cards or send email reminders to people you know (remember, men can get breast cancer too). Advocate for early detection and screening.
  

To make an appointment with your local Planned Parenthood of Delaware for a clinical breast exam call 1-800-230-PLAN (7526) or for more information about breast cancer, visit the Susan G. Komen for the Cure website.

FREE HIV Testing!

In commemoration of National Latino AIDS Awareness Day, on October 15, 2009 Planned Parenthood of Delaware (PPDE) and the Latin American Community Center have joined together to increase awareness of the importance of HIV prevention and education efforts in and among the Latino community.

PPDE will be offering FREE HIV testing on October 15, 2009 at our Wilmington location (625 N Shipley St). Join us in our efforts to support prevention, testing and education about HIV!

Fore more information or to make an appointment please call 1-800-230-PLAN (7526)