STDs, sometimes referred to as STIs, affect more than 12 million Americans each year. STDs can be transmitted through any type of sexual contact and it is important to understand your risks to keep yourself safe from infection. Here are some useful tips to keep in mind when choosing to be sexually active:

-Communicate: It is important to be able to openly discuss potential sexual health risks with your partner. Having an open line of communication builds trust and allows you to learn about your partner’s sexual past, addressing anything that may be an issue when becoming sexually active.

-Get Tested: Several STDs have no noticeable symptoms, so it is easy to assume you are STD-free when you aren’t. The only sure way to find out is to get tested. If you or your partner feel uncomfortable getting tested, go together. This ensures that you are both safe and may give each other some comfort in knowing that you are not alone.

-Practice Safe Sex: Not only is it important to use a condom every time you are sexually active, it is also important to make sure it is used correctly. When used incorrectly, a condom can put you at risk for STDs, so make sure you or your partner are aware of its correct use.

-Avoid Being Sexually Active when Drugs/Alcohol are a Factor: When at a party, you’re bound to have a lot of influence around you. It is hard, if not impossible, to make smart decisions when choosing to be sexually active under the influence. Avoid potential risks to your sexual health by making these decisions with a clear head rather than in the moment.

-Always be Prepared: When heading out, it is always important to prepare yourself for potential sexual activity. Although a female may expect a male to worry about the protection, it’s important for both genders to take caution. Being prepared for any possible situation will help you keep the status of your sexual health in your own hands.

The decision to have sex is an important one, but even more important is the decision to stay safe. Keep these tips in mind to ensure you stay in good sexual health when being sexually active.

• To Help Others – We’ve all had times in our lives when we needed a little extra help. What would you have done if there wasn’t anyone there to help you when you needed it? It feels good to know you are improving someone’s life, even just a little.
• To Learn New Skills – Maybe you’ve always wanted to know more about cooking, or you’d like to try building something. Volunteering can give you a chance to learn all kinds of new skills that can help you as you get older and start looking for a job.
• To Gain A New Perspective On Life – There are many different types of people and places out there in the world. Most teens and young adults haven’t had too much chance to meet people from different backgrounds and cultures, so volunteering is a great way to learn new things and see the world from someone else’s view.
• To Meet New People And Have Fun – Yes, volunteering can be fun! Look for a project that matches your interests. Talk with the other volunteers and even mundane tasks can become fun. Volunteering is a chance to make new, lifelong friends.

No matter what your reasons, you can get a lot out of volunteering. You can learn about yourself, learn about others, and meet interesting people. You can help others as you help yourself.

• Keep a slow and steady speed and allow yourself plenty of room to stop. It is recommended that you allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you; this way, if you have to stop suddenly you can avoid any accidents.
• When the roads seem slick, break gently rather than pressing down once on your breaks. To slow yourself down to a full stop, tap on your breaks numerous times until you come to a full stop. This warns other drivers that you are taking precaution and also prevents you from skidding on slippery roads.
• Be cautious of black ice, which is a thin, nearly invisible coating of ice that can form on the pavement. Just because the road doesn’t look slippery doesn’t mean it isn’t.
• Even if it is daytime, turn on your lights. This increases visibility for yourself and other drivers and could help you see any upcoming dangers in the road.
• Keep distractions at a minimum. With today’s smartphones, it’s easy to pass the time at a red light by texting or using an application. No matter if your car is stopped or not, you should always be paying attention to the road around you. Even when stopped, bad weather conditions may cause another car to skid, and you should be prepared to avoid a collision at all times.
• Always be prepared! Get clear directions to your destination and make sure that you have enough gas to get there. Running out of gas while driving in a storm can cause your car to stall which is potential for a crash or can leave you stranded during dangerous weather. Also, keep winter weather tools in your trunk such as an ice scraper and always keep your windshield wipers in good shape, making sure your car is filled up on wiper fluid and that the blades wipe away as they should.

As we know, you can’t predict the weather and storms can really put a damper on your driving route. Keeping these driving tips in mind will help make sure that you arrive at your destination safe and sound.

The new recommendation comes from the American Academy of Pediatrics, who are leaders in health recommendations for kids and teens. They found that in 2006, 1.1 million HIV-positive people were living in the U.S. and 5% of those were teens. Maybe that doesn’t seem like a lot, but teens are more reluctant to test for HIV, and as a result 1 out of 2 infected teens don’t know they have HIV, and are much more likely to spread it.

The first thing to note is that this new recommendation is for teens who are sexually active – that includes all types of sex, including intercourse. In particular, in areas where HIV is more common, it’s more important to get tested if you are sexually active. If you are having sex and haven’t been tested, it’s a good idea for you and your partner to both go so that you know your status. Knowledge is power and it will help you make better decisions in the future.

In addition, if a teen does test positive for HIV, they can begin treatment, which can help them live a long and healthy life. The sooner treatment starts, the better. They can also take more steps to help prevent the transmission of the virus.

The bottom line is, if you’re sexually active, it’s time to get tested. Make HIV and STD testing one of your 2012 resolutions and become a healthier you!

Food has become such a large part of holiday tradition; however, when you’re around the dinner table with your family or out at a holiday party with some friends, it’s easy to overeat or make unhealthy food choices.

Here’s the good news: you won’t have to give up your favorite holiday pie or pass on that extra piece of turkey in order to remain healthy. There are some traditional holiday favorites that when altered just a bit, can make for healthier choices while still packing your favorite flavor.

• Pumpkin and Sweet Potato, found in many holiday dishes and delicious pies, is a good source of fiber and vitamin A.
• Stuffing can be turned into a healthy dish by adding beneficial ingredients such as nuts, dried fruits, carrots or celery.
• Cranberry contains antioxidants that may help prevent bladder infection and other related conditions.
• Turkey, which is a main course at holiday dinner, is a good source of protein. It lowers the risk of cancer and heart disease and also boosts your immune system.

So what do you do if you make unhealthy choices around the dinner table? You can use this time of year to go out and get active in ways that you will enjoy.

Decorating for the holidays is a tradition that allows you to spend time with your family while staying active. You can also call up a friend and go shopping for some holiday gift ideas. Even if you don’t buy anything, it will provide you quality time with a friend as well as health benefits. While you’re browsing, maybe pick up some healthy gift ideas such a decorative water bottle and encourage someone you know to make healthier choices with you this holiday season.

The most important part about the holidays is sharing it with those you love and enjoying the time you have with them. Keep these tips in mind and share them in order for you and those around you to have a healthier, happier holiday season.