April is STD Awareness Month

 Did you know?

 1 in 2 sexually active young people will get an STD by the age of 25      and most will not even know it.

However, STDs are preventable! The best and only way to avoid getting an STD is to avoid having vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Here are some tips for safe sex if you plan on becoming or are currently sexually active:

1. Talk

It is important to talk to your partner before having sex and to find out if either of you have an STD. If you are not sure how to start the conversation, here are some great tips:

http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/health-conditions-and-diseases/hiv-and-other-stds/std-testing-conversation-starters

 Begin by discussing if you have ever been tested and if you have any STDs like herpes or Chlamydia. Having sex with only each other and using latex condoms will make sex safer.

 Talk to your doctor about your sexual practices, and get advice on when to get tested for STDs. Check to see if you have gotten your Hepatitis B vaccine and HPV vaccine (for those between ages of 9 and 26). 

2. Test

Most STDs do not cause any symptoms, but they can lead to consequences down the road such as infertility. Therefore, if you are sexually active, it is very important that you are tested. Click here to see when you should get specific tests:

http://www.cdc.gov/std/prevention/screeningreccs.htm

 There are also many clinics across the country that offer free or low-cost testing that is confidential. Find a location near you: https://gettested.cdc.gov/

 

3. Treat

Follow up with your doctor since there are many STDs that can be completely cured with medications such as Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, trichomoniasis, and bacterial vaginosis. Some others that cannot be cured can be treated to decrease the risk to yourself or your baby. It is important to remember to take your medicine but not share it with anyone, and avoid having sex until you or your partner is finished the treatment plan.

 For pregnant women:

Those who are pregnant can become infected with the same diseases as those who are not pregnant. The effects of the STD can be more serious to you and your baby, so it is crucial to get tested early in your pregnancy to identity any issues and have them treated. 

 Additional Resources:

http://www.cdc.gov/std/
www.GYTNow.org

 References:

http://www.cdc.gov/std/sam/2016-individuals.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/std/pregnancy/stdfact-pregnancy.htm
http://www.mayoclinic.org/std-symptoms/art-20047081

 Written by: Tina Hu

Drexel University College of Medicine
April 2016

Oral Health

Did you know that March 20, 2016 was World Oral Health Day?

Oral health is much more than just a smile with sparkling white teeth. The word “oral” refers to your teeth, gums, jawbone, and supporting tissues. These structures are often taken for granted, yet they are the very essence of our humanity! They allow us to speak, smile, kiss, taste, and chew among other things!

We often neglect our oral health, but doing so can have long-term consequences. Poor oral hygiene can lead to health problems, such as cavities and gum disease. Cavities, also known as tooth decay, occur when the good bacteria that naturally live in our mouths use sugars in the food we eat to make acids. Eventually, the acid builds up and destroys the outer layer of our teeth, resulting in cavities. Cavities are preventable but remain the most common chronic oral disease in almost every age group from children to the elderly. Approximately 1 out of 5 children ages 5-11 have untreated cavities. In adolescents, 1 out of 7 has cavities. In adults, 9 out of 10 have some degree of tooth decay.

 Similarly, gum disease occurs when bacteria form a sticky, colorless layer on our teeth called plaque. The plaque can harden and form what is called “tartar.” Be very careful of tartar because it is not easily removed by brushing—only a professional dentist or dental hygienist can remove it. The buildup of plaque and tartar on teeth can become very harmful. The bacteria can trigger inflammation of the gums, which is called “gingivitis.” The gums become red, swollen, and prone to bleeding easily. If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to “periodontitis.” In periodontitis, inflammation caused by the bacteria start to spread below the gum line and destroy the gums, resulting in spaces between teeth (called “pockets”). If periodontitis is not treated, teeth-supporting bones, gums, and tissues are destroyed and the teeth become loose. Once teeth become loose, they have to be removed.

 

Oral health problems sound very scary, but there is good news! All of this is preventable with good oral care. To keep your mouth and teeth healthy and prevent oral disease:

• Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush that fits your mouth comfortably.
• Floss once a day.
• Eat a well-balanced diet. Snack smart and limit sugary snacks.
• Don’t smoke or chew tobacco. Smoking increases your risk for gum disease.
• Visit your dentist regularly for a checkup and cleaning. If you do not have a dentist or dental insurance, visit the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services to find a health center near you: http://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov.

 

Other helpful tips:

• Brush the outer and inner surfaces of your teeth.
• Brush your tongue.
• Store your toothbrush in an upright position and do not store them in closed containers. Remember the bristles are moist and the tiny crevices promote bacterial growth.
• Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months, and even earlier if the bristles are frayed.
• Doesn’t matter if you brush or floss first! As long as you do a thorough job for both. Although, flossing first can potentially allow the fluoride in your toothpaste to reach deeply between your teeth.

National Institutes of Health. (2016, January 28). Taking Care of Your Teeth and Mouth. Retrieved from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/publication/taking-care-your-teeth-and-mouth

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2014, November 10). Children’s’ Oral Health. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/children_adults/child.htm
Mayo Clinic. (2013, May 14). Adult Health. Retrieved from  http://www.mayoclinic.org/dental/ART-20045536?p=1

Written by: Angela Do

Philadelphia Ujima Graduate Student Intern

(Arcadia University)