National Public Health Week continues for a fourth day. This time, we turn the focus on reproductive and sexual health.

Part 4 - Reproductive and Sexual Health

Leslie Terjesen
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It's a topic that many are tightlipped about. However, it's also a part of life and if we turn a blind eye, we could end up with problems. There are plenty of things we all need to know about sex and sexual health. The number of unintended pregnancies is increasing and more young people are giving birth before age 17. There are several risks including low birth-weight, pre-mature births, family stress and other complications including death.

 

Leslie Terjesen at the Ocean County Health Department wants all parents to know it's absolutely vital that everyone become as approachable as possible with this subject. Terjesen says "we don't want our young people learning about these things on the playground, in the cafeteria or in the locker room at school.

Good sexual health begins at home with the parents talking to their kids about the birds and the bees. We've hit a point where babies are having babies. It will keep happening if good and responsible values aren't taught in the home."

The number of HIV and AIDS cases continues to skyrocket each year. At present, there's about a million people in the US living with the incurable disease and that number increases. The Ocean County Health Department is just one of the local organizations that works to promote screenings, prevention and counseling. Staffers constantly go out to schools to give presentations on the growing health threat. Terjesen says "people need to take this seriously."

There's a common misconception among teens who are sexually active that if they use birth control pills, they're safe. While it could help prevent pregnancy, it DOES NOT stop the spread of ANY sexually transmitted diseases. Terjesen says "abstinence is the only way to prevent both but there are places for people to get condoms to prevent problems."

Reach the Ocean County Health Department's web site at ochd.org.

You can also call the department and speak to a live person rather than recordings. That number is 732-341-9700.

 

 

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