http://www.ursulineneworleans.org/content.cfm?id=431

Why should a condom always be worn during sexual contact?

A condom is the most effective way to prevent the spread of the HIV virus during sexual contact.

A latex condom creates a barrier that is 98% effective in preventing pregnancy, as well as protects against bacteria and certain viruses.

Condoms can reduce the risk of HPV and the risk of cervical cancer.

Condom Facts You Should Know

-           Condoms should be worn anytime there is sexual contact, whether it is vaginal, anal or oral.

-           An animal skin condom is not as effective as a latex condom because there are holes large enough for the HIV virus to get through. Latex condoms offer better protection! 

-           Never use an old condom. Always check the expiration date. If a condom is expired do not use it, because the chance of the condom ripping increases.

-           Do not use two condoms at once. The friction between the two condoms rubbing together can cause a break.

-           Never reuse a condom.

-           Make sure to get all of the air out of the condom once it is applied to the penis. Air bubbles can cause the condoms to break during intercourse.

-           Not wearing a condom can have a negative effect on your life. Remember that wearing a condom is easier (and cheaper!)  than taking care of a baby or treating an STD.

-      If you are a teenager and it sounds like everything I’ve just said is a bit too much to handle, you can decide to NOT have sex and move on to other important issues…

Controversies

One controversy surrounding condoms is whether or not they should be available to teens under the age of 18 and whether or not schools should make them readily available.

A study in Massachusetts would suggest that condoms should be distributed in schools.  In that state, many high schools make condoms available to students.  The state also has a teen pregnancy rate of 22 per 1,000 girls—a rate far below the national average.

What are your thoughts?  Do you think high school students should have access to contraceptives in their schools?  Teens- do you think that access to contraceptives would make a difference in you life?

I am always excited by teens and young adults who have a plan (or are interested in developing one!)

Grace asked a common question:

How can i prepare this summer and during my senior year of high school to prepare me for college and then med school?

When I was in High School, my Dad made me take latin!   I literally cried and begged him to please NOT force me to suffer through such a difficult class with such a difficult teacher!  Sr. Ruth was a teacher I did my best to avoid in the halls between classes…

The first year my Dad made this “suggestion”, I was able to convince my parents a different elective would be better.  It made sense to me that I would perform better in a class I enjoyed, and there was NO WAY I could enjoy latin…

However, when I got into the class I actually enjoyed it! (Go figure, they were right…)  I learned about the history of words.  This gave me a different understanding of what I read, and made me want to read even more.  (Sr. Ruth also became one of my favorite teachers!)

I think the best thing for you to do Grace is read, read, read.

This is something you can start right now and continue throughout your professional career. 

You see, reading is the key to med school and probably many professional programs.  When you get to med school, you may not find any of the topics difficult.  What gets you is the volume!  By reading as often as possible, for school and even for fun, you are getting a running start on what is expected as you advance in acedemics.

Now I am sure my eighth grade english teacher, Ms. Brown, may find a few errors in this blog, but you get my point:)

You are already on the right track Grace just by recognizing that what you do today affects tomorrow…

Please keep in touch and let me know if I can be of help!