Teenagers take sex risk
A new research finds that almost a quarter of teenagers did not use protection the last time they had intercourse
According to Pollster Ipsos-Reid, 24% of sexually active teens at age 14 to 17 did not use condoms or any other kind of protection against sexually transmitted infections the last time they had sex.
"One in four did not," said an adolescent health specialist at Children's Hospital, Dr. Margo Lane. "That translates into 100,000 teenagers not using a condom."
The survey was completed last October for the Canadian Association for Adolescent Health. It also records that a half-million sexually active youths have had three partners on average. The 38% of them have sex accidentally.
The problem reveals to be more complicated with the survey's findings that far too few teenagers look for the sex information to choose lifestyle that is more healthy.
A 17-year-old Winnipeg student, Valerie Cobb-Friesen, recalls what she has seen and heard in high school and neighbourhood in her Fort Richmond.
"There are very abstinent people and there are people who just go - who are reckless, who are promiscuous. They have multiple partners or they have casual sex, or maybe unprotected sex. It's not the sex we should worry about, it's the irresponsible behaviour."
Need to do a bigger effort
About 62% of teenagers confessed they had difficulties to get answers on issue of safe sex. They also felt discomfort in talking about it. The 43% teens pointed to their parents as their best source of information.
Valerie's mother, Margaret Friesen claims that schools and parents have to make a bigger effort to educate teenagers about the risks related to sex, but so does television.
She thinks that such series as "Friends and Sex and the City" should have done more.
"When was the last time your heard the words chlamydia used, or gonorrhea or syphilis? Genital herpes? If you watch Friends, when do they ever talk about anyone getting an STI?"
-Friesen wonders. "They never talk about the consequences of it, and some of these are life-altering consequences."
The study revealed an alarming lack of knowledge about consequences of unprotected sex. However, Lane and other experts claim that despite the fact that one-quarter of teens do not use protection, the survey of 150,000 randomly selected families brings signs of hope.
"Three out of four is a better statistic than people in my age group would have had when we were teens," claims one of the mothers, Connie Smith. Her teenage children have participated in a non-religious sex education program of Unitarian Church. The popularity of the program increases.
"It's just that the risk of the actual behaviour itself has gone up." - Smith states.
Online Pharmacy - PharmacyCenter.org is the online drugstore for FDA approved prescription medications by means of FREE online Internet consultation. Our offer includes most popular medicines available through online ordering.
Paul Douglas
This article was reprinted from PharmacyCenter.org health blog.
Discount Treadmills – Are They Really a Deal!
We all want to save money and buy at a discount. When it comes to treadmills getting the best value is particularly important when you consider the price. A treadmill can cost a small fortune. And if you are not sure it won't end up as an expensive clothes hanger, you want to be cautious on how much you spend.
Whether you buy online or in a retail store, you'll find just about any treadmill is marked down significantly from its list price. List prices have no basis in reality of the true value of the treadmill. It is no different than other products like cars, jewelry, furniture, etc. The problem becomes, what is the real value, and how does that compare to the discount price.
Having worked in the treadmill business for a number of years I know how companies manipulate the prices to give the illusion of value. You'll find some retailers suggesting their prices are reduced as much as 60%. That is absurd.
So how do you determine the true value of a treadmill, regardless of the discount price? By comparison shopping. There are three important factors to consider when buying a treadmill:
Treadmill Features and components
Warranty for both parts and service
Company reputation
Features and Components
Treadmills have a number of features and components that are found on models. Examples are the motor, deck, running service, incline, programs, console and rollers. By comparing the various components and features you can determine how one model compares to another.
For example, you may find a treadmill selling for $1,000 that has a 18"x 52" running surface, ¾" deck, 1.5 hp motor, 4 programs, 1 3/4" rollers, LCD console and weighs 150 lbs. You could find a treadmill at the same price with a 20"x 54" running surface, 1" deck, 2.5 hp motor, 7 programs, 2.5" rollers, LED console and weighs 200lbs. The numbers reveal that the second model is a much better buy.
Warranty
It should be noted that not all treadmill components are equal in quality. And the unfortunate truth about the treadmill industry is they tend to exaggerate on the specifications of the parts. One factor that reveals the true quality of the treadmill is the warranty. An extensive warranty suggests the treadmill is built to last. If it wasn't the company would go out of business with excessive repairs. When purchasing a treadmill look for a minimum 5 year motor, 2 year parts and 1 year service warranty.
Company Reputation
Another important factor in determining the value of a treadmill is the company reputation for quality and customer service. There is a good chance that once you purchase a treadmill you will either have some questions or you may need service. You want to purchase from a company that stands behind their machines, and is there when you need assistance. Check out some of the more popular shopping comparison sites for information on customer satisfaction. There are also a number of sites that review treadmills, including www.treadmill-ratings-reviews.com, www.treadmilldoctor.com and www.consumerreports.org.
So ignore the discount price, which is nothing more than marketing hype. Follow the recommendations above and you will determine the true value of a treadmill.
How Can SAMe Supplements Benefit Me?
What is SAMe?
SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine) is a naturally occurring compound found in all human tissue and organs. It is a "building block" necessary for the production of many compounds produced by your body, and is used in over 35 different biochemical reactions. SAMe actually donates a part of itself to form these new compounds through a process called methylation or transmethylation. SAME is one of the few dietary supplements on the market today that combines the benefits of several nutrients into one, because the body uses the substances produced from SAMe for numerous bodily reactions and processes.
SAMe is a supplement formed in the body by an enzymatic reaction between adenosine-triphosphate (ATP) and methionine. It was discovered in 1952 in Italy and has been researched and manufactured there. SAMe works closely with folic acid and vitamin B-12 and functions as a methyl donor. This nutrient carries and donates methyl molecules necessary to facilitate the manufacture of DNA and brain neurotransmitters.* Tissue levels of SAMe are typically low in the elderly.
How can SAMe help me?
SAMe might be an effective treatment for depression, with fewer side effects than antidepressant drugs. But the real benefits and risks of SAMe are still unclear. In theory, it may increase the risk of heart disease. People with depression or joint pain should seek medical advice before trying SAMe. Supplementation with SAM-e increases levels of serotonin, dopamine and phosphatides, and improves serotonin and dopamine receptor site binding. Some research has shown that SAM-e provides relief from arthritis pain, without the stomach irritation caused by aspirin and similar drugs.
Are there any side effects associated with SAMe supplementation?
SAMe is a very safe dietary supplement. Minor side effects include nausea and gastrointestinal irritation, due to its sulfur content. These were only noted at very high doses (1200-1600mg) and symptoms diminished with continued use. Persons suffering from manic depression (bipolar disorder) should not take SAMe without prior consultation with their physician. If you experience any of the symptoms above for an extended period of time, you may be allergic to SAMe, or it may not be the right supplement for you.
Benefits
• treatment for depression
• improves serotonin and dopamine levels
• relief from arthritis pain
Chester is a health nutrition consultant and is the owner of www.AstroNutrition.com - a provider of premium health nutrition and sports supplements.
