Preconception
Care and
Planning
Fetal
Alcohol
Spectrum
Disorders
Healthy Start Guide for Teens
TEACHERS click here to download
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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 will do to it.
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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.
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.
- 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
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.
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.
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.• Monroe Co. Health Dept. Key West 305-293-7522 Key West 305-293-7523 Marathon 305-289-2708 Tavernier 305-853-3239
• AIDS Help, Inc. Key West 305-293-6169 Marathon 305-289-0055
• Key West Roosevelt Clinic 305-293-1741
• Marathon Ruth Ivins Center 305-289-2708
• Tavernier 305-853-3240
• National STD Hotline 800-227-8922
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 www.glcckeywest.org
ALCOHOL and DRUGS
Alcohol addiction is simply defined as a compulsive need for an intoxicating liquid that is obtained from fermented grain or fruit. These liquids include beer, wine, and other hard liquors. There are many health problems associated with alcohol use such as brain damage, cancer, heart disease, and diseases of the liver. Alcoholics who do not stop drinking reduce life expectancy by 10 to 15 years.Drug addiction is a condition characterized by compulsive drug intake, craving, and seeking despite negative consequences. Drug addiction has two components: physical and psychological dependency. Physical dependency occurs when a drug has been used habitually and the body has become accustomed to its effects. Psychological dependency occurs when a drug has been used habitually and the mind has become emotionally reliant on its effects, either to elicit pleasure or relieve pain, and does not feel capable of functioning without it.
Addiction is a disease often requiring ongoing support through recovery.
Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous (Anchors Aweigh)
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.
SMOKING
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 www.cancer.org
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.edap.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!
Counselors
will help you through the process of adoption including medical
care and housing. 
Copyright 2008 • FKHSC • Ludlow Production