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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 download
Legal
Guide
TEENS
click here to download
New
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?
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-
- 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?
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
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Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition 305-293-8424
- Healthy Start
Key West 305-809-5654
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Healthy Start Lower Keys 305-293-7515
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Healthy Start Middle Keys 305-289-2730
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Healthy
Start Upper Keys 305-853-1912
- 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
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Need
a job? Contact South Florida Workforce at Key West, 292-6762;
Upper Keys 305-853-3540
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Need
clothing and school supplies? Call Just 4 Kids at (305) 292-6873
- ItsJust4Kids
provides assistance in the event of homelessness, loss of a parent,
illness, and family financial burden....
-
Legal
Services: (877) 715-7464
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Homeless?
Call the Florida Keys Outreach Coalition at (305) 292-2744
See your school
counselor for college, vocational, and GED questions.
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ADOPTION
Counselors
will help you through the process of adoption including medical
care and housing.
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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
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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:
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Key
West - Monroe County Health Department Clinic Roosevelt Sands Center
105 Olivia- 305-809-5680
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Tavernier
– Monroe County Healthy Department
50 High Point Rd – 305-853-3240
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Marathon
– Monroe County Health Department
3333 Overseas Hwy – 305-289-2708
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Womankind
offers birth control information and assistance and Teen Health
Services on a sliding fee scale
3142 Northside Dr., Key West, 305-294-4004
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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.
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Monroe Co. Health Dept. Key West 305-293-7522 Key West 305-293-7523
Marathon 305-289-2708 Tavernier 305-853-3239
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AIDS Help, Inc. Key West 305-293-6169 Marathon 305-289-0055
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Key West Roosevelt Clinic 305-293-1741
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Marathon Ruth Ivins Center 305-289-2708
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Tavernier 305-853-3240
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National STD Hotline 800-227-8922
- 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
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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.
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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:
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-
NIDA
for Teens - Get the Real Facts and Hear Real Stories - Get to
Know the Science Behind Drugs and Alcohol
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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
| NEVER
DRINK AND DRIVE
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.
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DATE
RAPE DRUGS
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. |
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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.
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SMOKING
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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 Program
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Partnering
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/
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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
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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.
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HELPLINE (305) 296-HELP (4357)
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Florida Abuse hotline (800) 962-2873
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Child Help USA (800) 422-4453
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INTERNET
SAFETY
While your knowledge of the internet probably far surpasses that of
your parents, you still need to be cautious.
-
Be careful about posting photos that are identity-revealing or sexually
provocative. Unless you are prepared to have that information attached
to your college/job/ internship/scholarship application—don’t
post it! Once something is posted, written or photo (photo backgrounds
too), you lose all control of it—forever.
-
Don’t believe everything you read … that cute 16 year
old boy may not be cute, or even a boy!
-
Put everything behind passwords and firewalls.
Visit
Wired Safety for more info. www.wiredsafety.org
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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
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