Lifelong Learning

With the economic downturn, many people are choosing to go back to school in hopes of making themselves more marketable in a tough job market. But of course not everyone can afford to go back to school, nor does everyone want to go back to writing papers and listening to lectures. Regardless of whether one is in school or not, what is important is to keep learning.

Lifelong learning is the idea that if people continue to learn new things throughout their lives, they will be able to keep their minds sharp and deal with change better. It is based on the belief that learning and education are related to life as a whole and not just experiences inside of educational institutions (schools, colleges).

While financial markets can go up and down, the one thing that is constant is change. Things are always changing around us—remember the cordless phone and the VCR? Playing a new game or volunteering and meeting new people are both examples of ways to continue learning after you’ve left the classroom.

Other ways to continue the process of lifelong learning:

• Go to the library and check out books on a subject you’ve always been interested in but never had the chance to learn about.
• Get together with some friends and learn to cook a new dish.
• Spend some time outside learning about nature; plant a garden.
• Teach something to someone else; you may have friends or family members who can benefit from your knowledge of sewing or doing home repairs.
  

And while on the subject of change, it’s important to remember that even our knowledge of the human body is changing. That’s why it is important to keep updated through websites, such as this one, as well as to get regular check ups. If you are interested in scheduling an appointment at one of our medical centers, click here.

Interested in a night out on the town?

Then join Planned Parenthood of Delaware at Mojo 13 this Friday August 14!

There will be safer sex packets, great music and dancing! Bring some friends for a fun night out, while supporting Planned Parenthood!

Mojo 13
Friday, August 14, 2009
9:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
1706 Philadelphia Pike
Wilmington, DE
Cover: $8.00
Questions: 302-655-7296, ext. 20

Back to School Health

Can you believe summer is almost over and school is just around the corner?!

Many schools are now requiring annual physical exams before classes begin, especially for student-athletes. For women, back to school time may be a great reminder to schedule an annual GYN (gynecological) exam as well. The GYN exam is likely to include a breast exam, pelvic exam, tests for sexually transmitted infections, sexual health and medical history questions, and some education about any issues which may come up. Before the exam, it may be helpful to come up with any questions you would like to ask the doctor or any problems you may be experiencing.

After your first pelvic exam, your health care provider will tell you how often you should have gynecological care, including pelvic exams. How often you need exams will depend on your medical history and personal health needs.

Remember that the GYN exam is very important for your overall health.

If you would like to schedule an appointment for a GYN exam at one of our Planned Parenthood of Delaware medical centers, please click here for contact information.

Or for more general information about the GYN exam, click here.

Eating Well While Living With Diabetes

It seems that people today are so busy with their careers and taking care of their families that sometimes forgetting to eat right or even at all has become more common. If you are someone on the go and living with Diabetes it may be even harder to pay close attention to your nutritional intake. In general, try to eat a nutritious, balanced, low-fat diet which can help regulate blood sugar and maintain a healthy weight. Planning meals in advance can really help with healthy eating.

Simple tips for healthy eating:

• Include some Monounsaturated Fats, Polyunsaturated Fats, and Omega-3 Fatty Acids in your diet – these are found in tuna, salmon, nuts, olive/canola/flaxseed oils, and avocados
• Include whole grains, lean meats and lots of fresh vegetables
• Keep Trans Fat to a minimum – these are listed on a nutrition label as hydrogenated oil or liquid oil
• Keep your Saturated Fat intake as low as possible
• Don’t forget about exercise – both weight bearing and aerobic exercise is important
• Losing weight can really make a difference in blood sugar control
  

For some quick meal ideas from the American Diabetes Association, click here, or check out the American Dietetic Association for healthy eating tips.

July is National Purposeful Parenting Month

If you are a mom, dad, grandparent, guardian, or caretaker you probably understand how difficult parenting can be. Raising children is hard work that requires a lot of time and energy. While it can be a thankless job at times, it can also be incredibly rewarding.

In celebration of National Purposeful Parenting Month we’ve listed a few simple tips for great parenting! Check these out:

• Be approachable - Keep the lines of communication open with your child. Listen, ask questions, and show interest in their lives.
• Show love and respect as much as possible - Understand that children are people too and deserve love and respect. Actively showing and telling a child how much they are loved creates an environment of appreciation.
• Praise children often – Focus as much as possible on the good instead of the bad. Reinforcing positive behavior is a helpful technique to use when parenting.
• Be consistent with punishment - Have a plan for addressing poor behavior and stick to it. Children are more likely to abide by rules if they are clear and consistent.
• Take a break - Parenting is not always a walk in the park. When tempers flare, take a moment to step away from a situation to regroup. Take a deep breath and reevaluate what is truly important in the situation.
• Don’t forget to ask for help - If you’re tired and frustrated, call on your support group (friends/family) to help with the kids so you can take some much needed time for yourself.

Although parenting is often frustrating, keep in mind that there are people to talk to about any problems or issues you may be facing. Children obviously don’t come with a manual, so if you’re in need of more information about parenting, check out these community resources:

Child Inc.and Children and Families First are great resources in Delaware for offering parenting classes and workshops. Click the links for more information.

Also, Planned Parenthood of Delaware offers classes for parents and caregivers on a variety of important topics such as healthy decision-making, dating violence, body image, and more. To learn about our classes or individual consultations call: 302-655-7296, ext. 19.

Happy 4th of July!

July 4th is fast approaching! If you are planning an exciting event, full of fireworks, friends and food, check out these safety tips to keep you having a good time while celebrating our Independence Day!

• If using fireworks, make sure they are legal – read directions and use common sense. Don’t set them off close to other people and always have a bucket of water close at hand.
• Having a beach party? Keep an eye out for children in the water, always swim with a buddy, and know CPR just in case of an emergency.
• Water activities, including boating, are a great way to enjoy the 4th of July, as long as alcohol is left out of the equation. Be safe while on the water by choosing not to drink.
• Hanging out near the pool is a great 4th of July activity! Remember to observe “pool safety” by walking (not running) on slippery surfaces, diving only where allowed, and watching for other people before jumping in. Check to make sure a lifeguard is always on duty as well.
• If out in the sun for extended periods of time, remember to reapply sunscreen regularly.
• Make sure meat is well cooked at your barbecue – undercooked meat or certain foods left in the sun too long (i.e. potato salad) can cause illness.
• Is there alcohol at your party? When drinking at parties there are easy ways to reduce risks associated with alcohol - keep an eye out for your friends at your party and have a designated driver ready for anyone leaving after drinking.
• As the sun goes down, be sure to wear reflective clothing especially if walking along roads. Also, walk with a buddy whenever possible.

Try remembering just a couple of these tips for your Independence Day weekend and you may be surprised at how fun (and safe) your event can be!

Planned Parenthood Celebrates PRIDE 2009

Check it out! Planned Parenthood celebrates LGBTQ rights throughout the decades!

PRIDE 2009!

…and congratulations to all who worked so hard for the passage of new legislation in Delaware to protect the civil rights of the gay and lesbian community! Keep up the great work!

Depression and the LGBTQ Community

Unfortunately due to homophobia, discrimination and intolerance, the LGBTQ community is at a higher risk for depression and suicide than the heterosexual population.

If you know someone who is struggling with depression, there are ways to help…

• Listen
• Be empathetic
• Tell them that you want to help
• Express that you love and support them
• Encourage them to talk to a professional (counselor, healthcare provider)
• Give them information on LGBTQ resources in the community

Check out Delaware PRIDE for a list of LGBTQ resources in our state and keep celebrating
National LGBTQ Pride Month!