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.