Tuberculosis 101 

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that is caused by a bacterium (bac’te’ri’um) called  Mycobacterium (my’co’bac’te’ri’um) tuberculosis. TB mostly affects the lungs, but it can also affect organs in the central nervous system, lymphatic system, and circulatory system among others. The disease was called "consumption" in the past because of the way it would consume from within anyone who became infected.

When a person is infected with TB, the bacteria in the lungs multiply and along cause Pneumonia with chest pain, coughing up blood, and is always coughing. Also, lymph nodes near the heart and lungs become big. As the TB tries to spread to other parts of the body, it is often broken up by the body's immune system. The immune system forms scar tissue (fibrosis) around the TB bacteria, and this helps fight the infection and prevents the disease from spreading all over the body and to other people. If the body's immune system is not to fight TB or if the bacteria breaks through the scar tissue, the disease returns to an active state with pneumonia and damage to kidneys, bones, and the meningitis that line the spinal cord and brain.

TB is generally classified as being either inactive or active. Inactive TB occurs when the bacteria are present in the body, but this state is not active and shows no symptoms. Inactive TB is also not contagious. Active TB is contagious and is the condition that can make you sick with symptoms.

TB is a major cause of illness and death worldwide, especially in Africa and Asia. Each year the disease kills almost 2 million people. The disease is also common among people with HIV/AIDS.

(source: cdc.gov)

STDs and Teens:

Unfortunately, STDs have become common among teens. Because teens are more at risk for getting some STDs, it’s important to learn what you can do to protect yourself.

STDs are more than just an embarrassment. They are a serious health problem. If left untreated, some STDs can cause permanent damage, such as infertility (the inability to have a baby) and even death (in the case of HIV/AIDS).

One reason STDs spread is because people think they can only be infected if they have intimate body contact. That’s wrong. A person can get some STDs, like herpes or genital warts through skin-to- skin contact with an infected area or sore. The viruses or bacteria can also enter the body through tiny cuts or tears in the mouth and private parts.

STDs can also spread easily because you can’t tell whether someone has an infection. Some people with STDs don’t even know that they have them. These people are in danger of passing an infection on to their partners without even realizing it.

Five most common sexually transmitted diseases?

                        1. Syphilis

                        2. Chlamydia

                        3. Gonorrhea

                        4. Herpes

                        5. AIDS 

Preventing and Treating STDs

·       Abstain from all types of intimate body contact. 

·       Get regular check-ups with your doctor. Don't let embarrassment stop up from seeking medical attention. Waiting to see a doctor may allow disease to grow quicker and cause more damage. 

Not all infections in the private parts are caused by STDs. Sometimes people can get symptoms that  seem very like those of STDs, even though they've never had intimate contact. For girls, a yeast  infection can easily be confused with an STD. Guys may worry about bumps on their private part  that turn out to be pimples or irritated hair follicles. That's why it's important to see a doctor if  you ever have questions about your health.

Source from www.kidshealth.org/teen  

STDs 101  

STD– Sexually Transmitted Disease (also known as STIs-Sexually Transmitted Infections): Spread from  person to person through intimate contact. It can affect guys and girls of all ages and  backgrounds who are having intimate contact.

What the difference between STDs and STIs?

STDs or sexually transmitted disease, are diseases, viruses and parasites transmitted through fluid  exchange, or occurring through intimate contact between humans. Other names for STDs include venereal disease (VD) and sexually transmitted infections (STI). 

STIs or sexually transmitted infection is currently the preferred term as it includes a wide range of  diseases, including infections transmitted through the sharing of needles used for intravenously  injected drugs. Sexually transmitted infections can be passed from person to person without  showing any signs of infection or disease. 

Teen Violence

Throughout civilization, the advancement and spread of knowledge has led to the growth of freedom.  This is just as true when it comes to dating abuse.  Knowledge and education can empower people, save lives and make a difference.

Abuse can take many forms in a relationship.  Teen in abusive relationships may face unique obstacles when they try to leave the relationship.  Sometimes it can even be difficult just to ask for help.

·         Domestic violence is not a problem just for adults.  Teen experience domestic violence in their relationships too.  In fact, domestic violence is very common in teen dating relationships.

·         One in three teens experience some kind of abuse in their romantic relationships, including verbal and emotional abuse.

·         40% of teenage girls, ages 14-17, know someone their age who has been hit or beaten by their partner.

·         Nearly 80% of girls who have been physically abused in their intimate relationships continue to date their abuser.

·         1 in 4 teenage girls who have been in relationships reveal they have been pressured to perform or engage in intercourse.

Need to know

Recognizing abuse in a relationship is difficult, but especially for teens.  There are many types of abuse that teens often believe are not abusive or are normal in a relationship.  Even though teen relationships may be different from adult relationships in many ways, teen do experience the same types of physical, sexual, verbal and emotional abuse that adults do.

Teens also face unique obstacles if they decide to get help.  Unlike many adults, teens may not have money, transportation, or safe places to go to.  They may have concerns about lack of confidentiality, reports to police and child protective services. 

If you, or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, please call our hotlines below.

Hotlines:

(671) 477-5552

National Dating Abuse Hotline: 1-866-331-9474

National Domestic Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)