To Pierce or Not to Pierce?

Body Piercing Has Health Risks
Although body piercing has been recorded since ancient times, the practice has regained popularity with some young people. Common piercing sites include the earlobe, ear cartilage, eyebrow, tongue, lips, nose, belly button, nipples and genitals.

But are piercings safe? You should know that all piercings are not fun and games. Be aware that several things can go wrong.

Before you get a piercing, consider these health risks:

• Chronic infection
• Excessive bleeding
• Scarring
• Hepatitis B and C
• Tetanus
• HIV
• Allergic reactions to metal
• Collections of pus that can form under your skin at the site of the piercing
• Inflammation or nerve damage
• Dental damage from oral or tongue piercing

Also, keep in mind that what’s hot and trendy today, may be stone cold tomorrow.

For youths under 18 to get a piercing, Tennessee law (T.C.A. § 62-38-305) requires a parent’s signature.

Are You in an Abusive Dating Relationship?

While every relationship has its ups and downs, there may be a serious problem if there is a pattern of controlling behavior. Take this quiz to see if you may be suffering from dating abuse. Does the person you’re dating:

• Embarrass you with put-downs or gossip about you?
• Look at you or act in ways that scare you?
• Control what you do, who you see, talk to, where you go, or what you wear?
• Stop you from seeing your friends or family members?
• Make all of the decisions?
• Prevent you from working or attending school?
• Act like the abuse is no big deal, it’s your fault, or even deny doing it?
• Force you to have sex?
• Intimidate you with guns, knives or other weapons?
• Shove you, slap you, choke you, or hit you?
• Threaten to kill you or harm him/herself if you break up?
• Monitor your computer or phone use or text and IM you excessively?

If you answered yes to any of the questions above about your relationship or a friend’s relationship, there may be abuse. For more information, call the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline, or go to the Web site listed below.

New National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline

A National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline has been started this year to help teens ages 13 – 18 who are going through dating abuse. You can get immediate, confidential help two ways:

• Call toll free 866-331-9474 – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Or log on to the interactive Web site www.loveisrespect.org -- One-on-one live chat is available from 4 p.m. to midnight Central Standard Time, 7 days a week.

The helpline and Web site are operated by The National Domestic Violence Hotline. The service is confidential.

Arguing with Parents

Do you feel like you are in a constant argument with your parents? Although arguing with parents is natural for teens, it’s not pleasant.
As a child, your parents made most of the decisions for you. Now that you are older, you want to make your own decisions. It’s an adjustment period for both you and your parents, and clashes often occur.

Teens become angry because they feel parents don’t give them space to do what they like. Parents get angry because they aren’t used to not being in control.

When you do not agree with your parents, try these tips:

• Let each person in the argument speak without being interrupted.
• Stick to the topic. Don’t bring up past issues.
• Stay calm. Do not kick, throw or hit anything.
• Do not be sarcastic or roll your eyes.
• Be honest.
• Suggest compromises to show that you have thought about the issue.

What’s Up, Doc?

When you visit the doctor, do you find yourself not knowing what to say? Or do you have trouble understanding what the doctor tells you? You are not alone if you find things confusing at times. Asking questions helps you understand how to stay well or to get better. The Partnership for Clear Health Communication suggests:

Every time you talk with a doctor, nurse or pharmacist, use the Ask Me 3TM  questions:

1. What is my main problem?
2. What do I need to do?
3. Why is it important for me to do this?

Let your doctor, nurse or pharmacist know if you still don’t understand what you need to do. You might say, “This is new to me. Will you please explain that to me one more time?”

Lean, Mean Machines Need Tune-ups, Too

Lean, mean machine is a term sometimes used to describe someone in great physical shape. But like machines, our bodies need proper care to keep running.

Even if you think your body machine is doing great, you should still see your doctor or health department for a checkup every year.

The good news is that the checkup is free if you are a TennCare member under the age of 21. When you call to schedule a checkup, make sure you say it is for a TENNderCare or EPSDT well-care checkup. This lets the doctor know how much time to set for you. It also makes sure you get a complete exam.

About STDs - Commonly Asked Questions

What is an STD?

STD stands for “Sexually Transmitted Disease.” These infections are passed from person to person during sexual activity (vaginal, oral or anal intercourse). Some infections are curable, while others are not. Some STDs can cause serious health problems including blindness, heart disease, mental illness, joint damage and even death. It is estimated that more than 15 million new cases of STDs occur in the U.S. each year. Nearly one-fourth of the new cases occur among teenagers.

Who can get an STD?

Anyone who engages in sexual activity.

How do I know if I have an STD?

Since many STDS do not have any obvious symptoms, the only sure way to know is by having a medical exam and lab tests.

Do latex condoms protect you from getting an STD?

For sexually active people, the most effective strategy for reducing the risk of STDS and preventing HIV/AIDS is correct and consistent use of latex condoms. However, research shows that condoms may not provide as much protections against some STDs such as HPV (genital warts).

How can I prevent an STD?

Abstinence (not having vaginal, anal or oral sex) is the best and only 100 percent effective way to prevent getting a sexually transmitted disease. Only having sex with one person who has been tested and shown not to have STDs is the next best way to prevent getting HIV/AIDS and other STDS.

If I am taking birth control pills, can I still get an STD?

Yes! Birth control pills only protect against pregnancy, not STDs.

What should I do if I think I have an STD?

If you think you have been exposed to an STD, you should go to your doctor as soon as possible to be tested and treated.

When should I have a checkup?

All sexually active teens should be seen by a health provider to be screened for STDs. Teens who have had sex with more than one person are at greater risk of getting an STD or HIV/AIDS.

Source: U.S. Department of Health & Human Services