Watch the Teen 2 Teen Videos
Thank you to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office for their generous support of our Monroe County Teen 2 Teen program with area middle and high school students this year.Healthy Start Guide for Teens
TEACHERS click here to downloadLegal Guide
TEENS click here to downloadNew MTV series dedicated to providing information for Teens
Making smart decisions is easier than you might think - all it takes is a little foresight and planning before you are in the heat of the moment. Make the effort to safeguard your physical and emotional health, both now and for the long-term. Remember that having sex is a choice (not just the first time, but every time) and your decision is your own. Check out MTV Teen Moms and Itsyoursexlife.com, the official website of MTV. Find reliable information about decision making, learn how to talk openly with your partner, and how to stay healthy by using protection and getting tested regularly for HIV and other STDs. These days what you don’t know about sex can hurt you, so get the facts NOW.TEENS SPEAK ABOUT SEX
Healthy Teen Pop Quiz
When it comes to teen pregnancy—why it happens and how to prevent it—teens get tons of advice from adults. Below are the top 10 answers and opinions when teens from all over the country were asked what they thought about sex, relationships, and pregnancy.
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Thinking "it won't happen to me" is stupid; if you don't protect yourself, it probably will. Sex is serious. Make a plan.
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Just because you think "everyone is doing it," doesn't mean they are. Some are, some aren't — and some are lying.
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There are a lot of good reasons to say "no, not yet." Protecting your feelings is one of them.
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You're in charge of your own life; don't let anyone pressure you into having sex.
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You can always say "no" — even if you've said "yes" before.
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Carrying a condom is just being smart — it doesn't mean you're pushy or easy.
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If you think birth control "ruins the mood," consider what a pregnancy test or a baby will do.
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If you're drunk or high, you can't make good decisions about sex. Don't do something you might not remember or might really regret.
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Sex won't make him yours, and a baby won't make him stay.
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Not ready to be someone's father? It's simple: Use protection every time or don't have sex.
Practice safe sex . . . You CAN get pregnant the first time; including when you are having your period, even if the boy doesn’t ejaculate inside the vagina, if you wash immediately afterward, or you have sex standing up. Making smart choices is difficult — do you want to talk to someone?
- Pediatrics Alliance; Steven Takas, MD/MBA
- Florida Keys Pediatric and Adolescent Center
- WomanKind
Pregnancy Testing
Florida Keys Healthy Start offers free and confidential Pregnancy Testing
1100 Simonton Street, Key West – Contact: 305-809-5654
Wednesdays 9:00-11:00am
Womankind $10.00 for confidential Pregnancy Testing by appointment
THE FACTS
If you are thinking about having sex, it is important to know that the effects can last a lifetime. Here's the facts about teen pregnancy: -
Three out of ten teenage girls in the United States get pregnant at least one before age 20 -- that amounts to 745,000 teen pregnancies each year. Shocking right?
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The United States has the highest teen pregnancy rate in the industrialized world -- twice as high as in England or Canada and eight times as high as in the Netherlands or Japan.
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Two-thirds of all teen pregnancies occur among 18-19-year-olds, but that doesn't mean that you're immune if you are under 18.
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Almost 50% of teens have never considered how a pregnancy would affect their lives.
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Parenthood is the leading reason why teen girls drop out of school. Less than half of teen mothers ever graduate from high school and fewer than two percent earn a college degree by age 30.
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Children of teen mothers do worse in school than those born to older parents -- they are 50 percent more likely to repeat a grade, are less likely to complete high school than the children of older mothers, and have lower performance on standardized tests.
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Pregnant teens are far less likely to receive timely and consistent prenatal care than those who get pregnant at a later age. The children of teen mothers are more likely to be born prematurely and at low birthweight and are two times more likely to suffer abuse and neglect compared to children of older mothers. Teen mothers are also more likely to smoke during pregnancy, and often teen mothers are not at adequate pre-pregnancy weight and/or do not gain the appropriate amount of weight while pregnant.
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Two-thirds of families begun by a young unmarried mother are poor. More than half of all mothers on welfare had their first child as a teenager.
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Teen mothers are likely to have a second birth relatively soon -- about one-fourth of teenage mothers have a second child within 24 months of the first birth -- which can further impede their ability to finish school or keep a job, and to escape poverty.
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Eight out of ten fathers don't marry the mother of their child. These absent fathers pay less than $800 annually for child support, often because they are poor themselves. Children who live apart from their fathers are also five times more likely to be poor than children with both parents at home.
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The daughters of young teen mothers are three times more likely to become teen mothers themselves.
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The sons of teen mothers are twice as likely to end up in prison.
IF YOU ARE PREGNANT
If you are pregnant, you have several options. Pregnancy counseling will help you decide what the right choice is for you. This is also a time to ask your parents for advice … they will be more understanding than you think.
It is extremely important that you visit a doctor as soon as you think you are pregnant. Don’t drink alcohol, take drugs, or smoke so as to not harm (possibly permanently) your baby. You are not alone … there are people and agencies who will help you throughout your pregnancy and beyond.
- Healthy Start Key West 305-809-5654
- Stay in school . . .The teen program at your Monroe County high school can help with parenting and day care issues, call (305) 293-1400 ext. 53388
Upper Keys 305-853-3540- ItsJust4Kids provides assistance in the event of homelessness, loss of a parent, illness, and family financial burden....
See your school counselor for college, vocational, and GED questions.
Monroe County (305) 377-5055 www.dcf.state.fl.us/adoption
(321) 397-3000 www.chsfl.org/pregnancy-services.php- Florida Department of Children and Families
- Resources and support for Birth Mothers and Adoptive Parents
ABORTION & MORNING AFTER PILL
If you are under 18 you have to get a parent’s consent before having an abortion. It should be done within the first 10 weeks of pregnancy. Abortions are regulated by law which could change during any Legislative session.
- Girl Mom www.girlmom.com is a forum for young mothers.
Planned Parenthood (Miami) (305) 285-5535 www.plannedparenthood.org
GETTING MARRIED
The law states that if you are under 18 and want to get married (even if you are pregnant) you will need to get permission from a parent and a county judge.
BIRTH CONTROL
Condoms, birth control pills, DepoProvera shots, and the patch are free and confidential to teens at the Monroe Co. Health Department Clinics.Confidential and free assistance for Teens (Condoms, birth control pills, DepProvera shots) is offered at:
105 Olivia- 305-809-5680
50 High Point Rd – 305-853-3240
3333 Overseas Hwy – 305-289-2708
3142 Northside Dr., Key West, 305-294-4004
HIV/AIDS and other SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES
You can never tell just by looking at someone whether or not they have a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Some STD’s don't even show symptoms. REMEMBER: HIV/AIDS can kill you, STD’s such as chlamydeous and syphilis can prevent you from having a baby in the future, herpes and HPB are with you for life. Testing is anonymous and confidential.
Marathon 305-289-2708 Tavernier 305-853-3239- Monroe County Health Department
- Key West – 305-809-5665 or 809-5664
- Tavernier – 305-809-3240
- Roosevelt Sands Center – 305-809-5680
- AIDS Help, Inc. – Key West – 305-296-6196
- National STD Hotline – 919-361-8488
- Rural Health Network of Monroe County
- Womankind – Key West – 305-294-4004
SEXUAL ORIENTATION, TRANSGENDERED, GAY, AND LESBIAN
It is natural to have close relationships with friends of your own sex, however if you feel confused, wondering if you are gay you can contact the Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays in the Keys for more information.
Key West PFLAG (305) 292-3223
GSA – Gay, Straight, Alliance for Teens
A safe place for students of all persuasions to come and share their experiences. Meets once a week, involved in community based awareness projects, and that we are a safe place for students of all persuasions to come and share their experiences.Lisa Clearman • Key West High School • (305)293-1549 x54413
Think or know you are gay, a lesbian or transgender? Need support in coming out? The Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Key West is an organization that aims to promote respect for and understanding of the LGBT community. Through various activities the center fosters a more unified and tight-knit community that celebrates diversity. Gay and Lesbian Community Center, 513 Truman Ave. Key West 305-292-3223/ 305-393-6610 or e-mail.
GSA – Gay, Straight, Alliance for Teens – E-mail
PFLAG – Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and gays
Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) is here for you. Our members are parents, families and friends of LGBT people and LGBT people themselves. We have been through much of what you are now feeling. We understand. Click here to find a chapter.
ALCOHOL and DRUGS
Alcohol addiction is a disease - Alcoholics that do not stop drinking reduce their life expectancy by 10-15 years. Drug Addiction is a craving for drugs and a dependency upon drugs to find pleasure, relieve pain or feel nothing at all!No, not "everybody's doing it." Most young people in Florida don't drink or use drugs. But some teens do and want others to join them. Although peer pressure can be hard to resist, you're the one in charge. It's your choice and it's your life. Make it a little easier on yourself. Get the facts about drugs and alcohol abuse and learn how to resist peer pressure at the web sites listed below:
Counselors
will help you through the process of adoption including medical
care and housing. -
above the influence.com
Check Yourself Out - A place for teens to check out where they are with drugs and alcohol. -
NIDA for Teens - Get the Real Facts and Hear Real Stories - Get to Know the Science Behind Drugs and Alcohol
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DOWNLOAD THE BROCHURE MYTHS VS. FACTS
Drugs and Alcohol Addition requires ongoing support through recovery.
Teen Help Line – 305-292-8440
Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous
Key West (305) 296-8654
Middle Keys (305) 743-3262
Upper Keys (305) 852-6186
Whether you are driving a car, motorcycle, scooter, boat or riding a bicycle if you are under 21 and your blood alcohol level is 0.02 or higher, your license will be suspended or you will be arrested for DUI.
A DUI conviction means you loose your license for 6 months, be put on probation and pay a fine and court costs, perform community service hours, go to DUI school and possibly go to jail for up to one year.
If you refuse the sobriety test, you will receive a 1 year mandatory suspension of your license.
You may also have to report the arrest on future job applications.
Sexual assault is easier to commit against a victim who is not resisting. Drugs (nicknamed Roofies, Rope, Liquid Extacy, Liquid X, Easy Lay, ‘K’, Special K, Vitamin K, Ket, and Scoop) are used to cause the victim to be incapacitated, unable to fight back or, in many cases, unable to even remember that an assault occurred. Date rape drugs often work quickly and are difficult to spot because they have no smell, taste, texture, or color. They come in liquid, powder, and pill forms that can easily be added to drinks, especially alcoholic, without your knowledge. The drugs cause the victim to become ill, disoriented, very sleepy and unable to move or think clearly.
Protect yourself by using the buddy system with friends you know and trust. Watch out for each other, don’t go home with someone you don’t know, don’t accept drinks where there are strangers (get your own drink), don’t drink a drink that has been unattended (always get a new drink) or from a punch bowl and if someone is “kidding” about date rape drugs consider that to be a warning.
PAY ATTENTION!
For more information contact the
National Women’s Health Information Center at 800-994-9662.Fact or Fiction
Myth: Alcohol isn’t as harmful as other drugs
Fact – Alcohol increases your risk for many deadly diseases, such as cancer. Drinking too much alcohol poisoning, which can kill you.Myth: Drinking is a good way to loosen up at parties.
Fact – Drinking is a dumb way to loosen up. It can make you act strange and say and do things you wouldn’t normally do (like get into fights or have sex)Myth: All of the other kids drink alcohol. I need to drink to fit in.
Fact – It you really want to fit in, stay sober. Most teens don’t drink alcohol. Research shows that more than 70 percent of teen haven’t had a drink in the past month.
Myth: I can sober up quickly by taking a cold shower or drinking coffee.
Fact – On overage, it takes 2 to 3 hours for a single drink to leave the body. Nothing can speed of the process, including coffee, taking a cold shower or walking it off.Myth: Adults drink, so kids should be able to do it too
Fact – A young person’s brain and body are still growing. Drinking alcohol can cause learning problems or lead to adult alcoholism. If you start drinking by age 15, you will be 5 times more likely to abuse or become dependent on alcohol than those who wait until age 21.Myth: Beer and wine are safer than liquor.
Fact – Alcohol is alcohol….One bottle of beer or one glass of wine has just as much alcohol as a one ounce shot of liquor.Myth: I can drink alcohol and not have any other problems
Fact – If you are under 21, drinking is a big problem. It’s illegal, you will be more likely to get poor grades and be at higher risk for being a crime victim.
Smoking cigarettes, cigars, and pipes, as well as using smokeless tobacco are known killers. It is an expensive, addictive habit. The best thing is to not start, but if you have and want to quit there are a number of successful approaches available. The legal age for smoking is 18. If you are under 18 you could be fined, serve community service hours or possibly loose your driver’s license for repeat offenses.
American Cancer Society 800-ACS-2345
Florida Keys AHEC - Keys to Quit Smoking ProgramPartnering with Healthy Start Coalition to help women quit smoking
EATING DISORDERS
Eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating include extreme emotions, attitudes and behaviors surrounding weight and food issues. Living in our culture, there is pressure to look a certain way to be happy. However, proper nutrition and exercise is essential for good health, which will ultimately give you the weight and body image you desire.National Eating Disorders Association 800-931-2237
www.something-fishy.org/
PIERCINGS AND TATTOOS
Tattooing is a trend that has been “in style” for years, but like most things it has its dangers. Some of the risks with tattooing are HIV, Tuberculosis, and Hepatitis B. It is extremely important to get a tattoo with sterile equipment and by an artist who has met local and state health regulations.Remember that tattoos are considered permanent. To remove it is very expensive, much more than getting a tattoo, takes many painful sessions with varying results and leaves scars. Complications due to piercing depend on the body part pierced; infections, extreme swelling, and healing problems. In the case of nipple piercing, milk ducts can be damaged possibly keeping you from breast feeding in the future. The tongue is a strong muscle, piercing can result in permanent damage causing speech impairment, eating difficulties, numbness, altered taste sensation, and increased salivary production causing drooling. Before getting a tattoo or piercing do your research.
Tattoo and Piercing Safety Checklist www.tattoo.about.com
ABUSE
Abuse can take many forms—physical, sexual, emotional, verbal, even neglect or a combination of all. First, remember that it is not your fault. Next, get help, keeping it a secret doesn’t protect you from being abused it only makes it more likely that the abuse will continue.
INTERNET SAFETY
While your knowledge of the internet probably far surpasses that of your parents, you still need to be cautious.
Visit Wired Safety for more info. www.wiredsafety.org
FREE and confidential help (no parent consent needed)
Dealing with Social pressures, academic pressures, life pressures? Suicidal or Depressed?
HELPLINE 296-HELP or 1-800-273-4558
Care Center— Key West 292-6843 and Upper Keys (305) 853-3284
Thanks to Marathon High School Health Careers classes for providing feedback on this!Sources: National Institute for Drug Abuse, USA.gov, National Institute of Health, HHS.gov
Copyright © 2010 • FKHSC • Gardner Design