Pornography

During the teen years, young people often become very curious about sex. Sometimes, there may not be a trusted adult to talk to about sex and give accurate and important facts. Unfortunately, during a youth’s quest for knowledge about sex, misinformation may occur. If no one is there to give real information about sex, teens may take matters into their own hands by seeking out pornography to learn more about what it’s all about.

However, the porn industry is not about “education” and is solely focused on making money off the consumer. It’s important to know that porn represents a fantasy and the people are actors. The fantasy situations that pornography often shows have nothing to do with love or intimacy. The porn industry often exploits and objectifies both men and women. Often, these fantasies and scenarios are degrading and abusive. Sometimes, pornography can develop into an addiction to pornography. It sounds weird, but pornography can trigger addictive areas in the brain, just like a drug.

The porn industry wants their viewers to believe that pornography-type sex is the “best sex”. Pornography warps a person’s expectation of how bodies should really look like. What you view in pornography is NOT a natural sexual act done by natural and normal adults. The majority of porn actors and actresses have modified their bodies through cosmetic surgery. Actors and actresses may have undergone breast enlargement, plastic surgery to modify the appearance of the vagina, liposuction, total body hair removal, or have taken performance enhancing drugs to have prolonged intercourse. Basically…there is nothing normal about the sex act you are witnessing! It’s important to know that this is a false portrayal of what sex is really like.

Pornography actors usually do not use protection when they have sex. This may lead viewers to believe that protection is not necessary. In reality, not using protection may lead to the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STD’S) such as; Herpes, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, and HIV/AIDS.

Staggering statistics on pornography

· The porn industry makes $1billion (1,000,000,000) annually!

· Every second $3,075 is spent on porn

· Every 39 minutes a new porn video is being created in the United States

· Every second there are 28,258 internet users that view porn

So before you give in to your curiosity about pornography, think about the risks involved to your emotional and physical health, as well as how you may be contributing to the exploitation of people while keeping the porn industry executives rich!

Chlamydia is a very common sexual transmitted disease (STD) caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. It is estimated that about 1 million people in the United States are currently infected! The majority of people infected with Chlamydia have no symptoms of infection and do not know that they are infected. Even though Chlamydia may cause no symptoms it can cause extensive irreparable damage to the reproductive system.

Chlamydia is spread from oral, vagina, or anal sex. Most women do not have symptoms, however women who do have symptoms may experience

• A burning sensation when urinating

• An abnormal discharge from the vagina

• Lower abdominal pain

• Lower back pain

• Nausea

• Pain during intercourse.

If Chlamydia is not treated, it can progress into Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) in women. The infection may spread from the cervix into the fallopian tubes causing scaring and irreparable damage. This can lead to chronic pelvic pain and infertility, meaning a woman may not be able to become pregnant.

Symptoms may also not be noticeable in men. However, some men may experience

• a white or cloudy discharge from the penis

• pain in the testes

• fever

Since Chlamydia can cause serious damage to the body, it is important for sexually active individuals to get screened at least once a year for Chlamydia. Luckily, Chlamydia is easily treated and cured with a simple dose of antibiotics. If a person discovers they have Chlamydia it is important to tell their sex partners so they can also be treated with antibiotics.

The best way to prevent Chlamydia is to abstain from sex. However, if an individual chooses to be sexually active, it is important to use a condom EVERY time to prevent the spread of Chlamydia and other STD’s.

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Gonorrhea is an infectious bacteria which grows and multiplies very well in the warm, moist, reproductive tract of both males and females! It can also infect eyes, mouth, throat, and anus. If untreated, Gonorrhea can also spread to the blood or joints and become life threatening.

Gonorrhea is spread during sexual contact of the penis, vagina, anus, or mouth. Most women who are infected have no symptoms and women who do have symptoms often mistake them the signs for a urinary tract or bladder infection. Women may experience the following symptoms:

• Painful or burning sensation when urinating

• Increase in vaginal discharge

• Vaginal bleeding between menstruation

If untreated, Gonorrhea infection can advance into Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) in women. PID can damage the fallopian tubes and result in infertility, the inability to get pregnant.

Men also may not have symptoms of a Gonorrhea infection. However, some men may experience:

• Painful or burning sensation when urinating

• White, yellow, or green discharge from the penis

• Painful or swollen testes

It is important for sexually active people to get regularly screened for STD’s. Luckily, if an individual becomes infected with Gonorrhea it is easily treated and cured with a dose of antibiotics. It is important for an infected person to tell their sex partners so they can also be treated with antibiotics.

The best way to prevent gonorrhea infection is to abstain from sexual contact. However, should someone choose to have sex, a condom used correctly every time can help prevent the infection of Gonorrhea and other STD’s.

Herpes

Herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) 1 and 2. Most oral herpes (herpes of the mouth area) is caused by HSV 1 and most genital herpes is caused by HSV 2. Herpes is a very common STD. Approximately 1 out of 6 sexually active people in the United States has Herpes.

Most of the time, individuals infected with Herpes have no symptoms. However, when symptoms or “outbreaks” do occur they appear as painful sores and blisters on the penis, vagina, mouth, or anus. The blisters are filled with fluid which usually break then scab over. The blisters and sores may take 1-4 weeks to heal. When first infected, outbreaks usually occur weeks or months apart, and then decrease over time. Signs and symptoms may include:

• Sores or blisters on the genitals/mouth

• Flu like symptoms

• Swollen glands

The Herpes virus is spread from skin to skin contact with a person who has the Herpes virus. Transmission can occur even if a person does not have a visible sore or blister.

A blood test can determine if someone has the Herpes virus. Unfortunately, there is no cure for Herpes. Antiviral medications might reduce and shorten the occurrence of outbreaks. Stress and poor diet may increase the number of outbreaks. Eating properly and remaining healthy may reduce the number of outbreaks. A person with Herpes should not have sexual contact with others when sores or blisters are present.

The best way to prevent a Herpes infection is to abstain from sexual contact. However, should someone choose to have sex, a condom used correctly every time can help prevent Herpes and other STD infections.

HPV stands for the human papilloma virus. HPV is spread during skin to skin contact usually during sexual activity. There are more than 40 strands of HPV which can infect the genital area of both males and females. HPV is the most common of all sexually transmitted diseases and most people who have HPV do not know that they are infected. About a half of all males and 3 out of 4 females will contract HPV at some point in their lives.

The majority of HPV strands do not cause any harmful effects and cause no symptoms. Some strands of HPV cause genital warts, though these are classified as “low risk” strands. Warts can be treated with an acedic acid treatment. If untreated, warts may go away on their own, remain unchanged, or increase in size and number. Some strands of HPV may cause cells on your cervix to change and turn cancerous. These strands are “high risk”.

Most HPV infections are cleared away by your body’s immune system within 8-13 months, though sometimes the infection will persist undetected. This is why it is often impossible for a person to know who infected them or how long they have been infected.

High risk strands of HPV can cause cervical cancer in women. Cervical cancer is the second leading cause of death for women around the world. If detected early, cervical cancer is easily treated. This is why it is important for sexually active women to regularly see a gynecologist and get annual Pap-exam. Pap-exams look for abnormal cells which may have been caused by HPV infections. If abnormal cells are discovered during your Pap-test your doctor may follow up with a HPV test.

To prevent HPV infection you can abstain from skin to skin sexual contact. Condoms reduce your chances of contracting HPV but are not 100% effective. A vaccine is available which provides protection from most of the most common strands of HPV. Talk to your doctor for more information on the HPV vaccine and to determine if it would be right for you.

Let’s face it - our reputation matters to us. In our day-to-day lives our classmates aren’t handing out sexually provocative photos to everyone they know or saying cruel things about people over a loud speaker. You’re probably thinking, “Of course we don’t do these things. That’s ridiculous!” But remember, the same rules need to be applied to our online lives as well. What we do online also affects our reputation as well as our safety. The pictures we post and the comments we say really can damage lives. Our best advice: “Be smart about what you put on the Internet, because you never know who is looking at what you have on there.”

It’s important to keep in mind that millions of people have access to the information and pictures that you post including: parents, teachers, employers, the police and strangers who could be dangerous. Social networking sites such as Facebook, MySpace and Twitter have made it easy and fun to stay in contact with friends, but it’s important to remember that these very same sites expose you to people with not so friendly intentions. In this article, we give you some general guidelines to help protect your online reputation and identity.

Check your privacy settings. If you have accounts with social networking sites such as Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Google or Yahoo check what privacy options you have. If possible, change your account settings so that nobody but your friends can view your information or your photos. If you don’t have the option to change your settings, consider deleting your account.

Keep your passwords secret. Even from friends you think you can trust – arguments make people do things they wouldn’t normally do. It’s super easy for someone to log in as you and completely trash your identity. If someone knows your passwords, change them.

Remember nothing is temporary online. Even if you change your profile pictures or change your information, people on the Internet still have access to old stuff. It’s hard to remember, but what you post now can affect your chances of getting into college and even getting a job 20 years from now.

Don’t post inappropriate pictures or comments online. Sometimes it feels like there is a veil between the world and us when we get on a computer. Things that you post that seem funny or cool now could really screw your life up later. If you wouldn’t hang the picture up in your family’s living room, it’s probably best not to post. Same goes for comments and information - if you would be embarrassed if your grandma read it then don’t post it!

Check yourself. Chances are you’ve already looked yourself up on-line, but if you haven’t you should. Try searching your name and see what comes up. It’s the best way to see what others are seeing about YOU.

If you aren’t sure that something you want to post online is appropriate or safe, don’t post it! It is best to wait and ask a trusted adult first. There are no second chances on the internet. For more information regarding online guidelines or safety, email TeenLine Hawaii at info@teenlinehawaii.org.

Inhalants are quickly becoming one of the most widespread abused drugs across the country. This is because they are easy to get, cheap to buy and most people don’t know how dangerous they really are. According to national surveys, by the time a student reaches the 8^th grade, one in five will have used inhalants. This article will talk about the different kinds of inhalants and their effects so you can make the best decision for yourself regarding these dangerous drugs.

TYPES OF INHALANTS

Aerosol sprays (contain propellants and solvents) are the most common of the inhalants and include deodorant and hairsprays, vegetable oil cooking sprays, aerosol computer cleaning products and spray paints.

Volatile solvents are liquids that turn into gas at room temperature. These include industrial or household products such as paint thinners, gasoline, lighter fluid and art or office supply solvents such as whiteout, felt-tip markers, and glue.

Gases are found in household or commercial products such as nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”), propane tanks, whipped cream aerosols (whippets), butane lighters and refrigerants.

Nitrites are commonly known as “poppers” or “snappers” on the street and are commonly used as sexual enhancers. They include cyclohexyl nitrate, amyl nitrite, and butyl nitrite.

EFFECTS ON THE BODY

Many times, the short-term effects of inhalants are similar to those of alcohol. This is because all of the inhalants (except nitrites) slow down the body’s functions. People who use may experience slurred speech, lack of coordination, euphoria, and dizziness. In addition, these effects may be accompanied by lightheadedness, hallucinations, and delusions.

• The short-term effects of inhalants include:

• Increased heart rate

• Hallucinations

• Vomiting

• Loss of coordination

• Slurred speech

Most people who use inhalants do not just try it “just this once.” Unfortunately, with continued use, inhalants can have devastating effects on the body. In addition, most of these effects are irreversible meaning that once they occur, they are permanent.

The long-term effects of inhalants include:

• Hearing and smelling loss

• Headaches and nosebleeds

• Depression

• Body spasms

• Bone marrow damage

• Nerve damage

• Brain damage

• Liver and kidney damage

HOW INHALANTS KILL

Inhalants are lethal and in more ways than one. Users can die from inhalants the 1^st time they try, the 5^th time they try, or the 100^th time they try. The following is a list of ways people die from inhalants:

“Sudden Sniffing Death” – Using inhalants can induce heart failure within minutes of use. This is the most common cause of death from inhalant use.

Chocking – Inhalants users can choke on his or her vomit.

Suffocation – When users inhale these drugs, they replace oxygen in their lungs with toxic fumes. This causes the user to lose consciousness and stop breathing.

HOW TO FIND HELP

If you or a friend is using inhalants, get help immediately - it may only be one more time for you to die. With any addiction, it can be difficult to stop without the help of a trusted adult. Talk with a doctor, school counselor, teacher, or family member. They can help support you as well as help you find help. Contact TeenLine Hawaii at info@teenlinehawaii.org to find a treatment facility near you.

THE BREASTS

Breasts come in all shapes and sizes – they are comparable to fingerprints because there are no two breasts that are alike. There is no perfect shape or size for breasts. In fact, normal breasts can be large or small (with the right side being smaller or larger than the left, and vise versa), ranging from smooth to lumpy, and light to dark.

Contrary to what people say, men really do have breasts, except theirs never fully develop. It is not until puberty (once you get your period—or a little before) that female sex hormones, mainly estrogen, promote breast development, which does not occur in men. As a result, women’s breasts begin to grow and become far more noticeable than those of men.

The outer anatomy of a breast is simple. Other than the breast itself, there are two main features: the areola – the darker circle of skin– and the nipple–located right smack in the middle of the areola. Depending on your skin color the areola and nipple will vary in color from light pink, to purplish, to light gray.

As for the areola, it is a muscle, with small bumps (known as sebaceous glands that actually secrete an oily lubricant to protect the breast during nursing), it often has hairs growing out and it may even change in color during your menstrual cycle or during pregnancy. The main function of the areola is to force the nipple to stand out in response to different types of stimulation such as cold temperatures, sexual stimulation and to stimulate the milk glands within your breast. Much like the areola, a nipple also reacts to these same kinds of stimulation—becoming pointier as a result—but for the most part the nipple may lie flat, stick out, or even retract (be inverted). A very important function of the nipple is its ability to excrete milk. It actually contains many tiny openings for milk to pass through.

The rest of the breast anatomy is located inside of your breasts and not visible. This includes the fat, which is responsible for the protection of all nerves, glands, connective tissue, and the size of the breasts (typical bra sizes include AA cup, A cup, B cup, C cup, D cup and DD cup sizes) . Then there’s the connective tissue that provides support and structure for the breasts. The connective tissue is also responsible for holding the milk ducts and milk producing glands in place. Finally, there are the milk ducts (or milk glands) which are, of course, responsible for the production of milk during pregnancy. During lactation (production of milk), the milk glands enlarge and fill with milk. As a woman gets older she produces less sexual hormones, which actually stops the period (this is called menopause). As a result, the milk glands start getting smaller and smaller and no longer serve a function.

As mentioned before, there are several changes that can be considered “typical changes” that happen to your breasts. Some of these changes include color change and slight hardening –almost like goose bumps and caused by stimulation. Even swelling and tenderness may occur during specific times such as before or during your period, or during pregnancy. The connective tissue that is responsible for the flexibility of your breasts may even lose its elasticity as you get older (allowing for more sagging of the breast). But all of these are normal changes.

So how about abnormal changes? What should you look for? Breast problems can be caused by genetic (passed on through the family line), environmental (pollution, pesticides, etc.), infectious (something you “catch” from someone else) or developmental processes (during puberty– the time your breasts are growing). Some breast changes to definitely take notice of include skin dimpling or puckering, sudden concaving of the nipple, redness or scaling of the nipple or breast skin, thickening or bumpy areas throughout the breast, nipple discharge, a painless lump (that may feel attached to your rib), or a sore that refuses to heal. All of these may be signs of more serious problems and need to be checked by a doctor.

Though it may feel awkward to inspect your breasts or look at your breasts in the mirror, it is very important (for both guys and girls) to check your breasts and the surrounding area regularly. “Regular” is the key word here, because if you check your breasts while taking a shower, or look at your breasts in the mirror often you will notice right away if something feels, or looks “not-normal” or “out-of-the-ordinary”. This even has a name: Breast Self-Exam (BSE). To perform a BSE all you need is your hand and some patience. The best time to check is right after your period ends. Please see the article on Breast Self-Exam for more information.

Let’s face it, youth are known for their rebellious acts…mostly toward authority figures, and to some degree it’s expected. But what if your voice and your rebellion can be heard as far as the White House? What if your concern for an issue is so passionate that you are able to get your community, student body, or school to support your issue? Once you have mobilized people to support your cause, you will have created a foundation for a grassroots movement. Through a grassroots movement you may get some legislators’ attention at the Hawaii State Capitol. These legislators eventually could assist in the process of changing laws pertaining to that issue—or any issue. This is a very simplified version of “politics”– meaning the structure, organization and administration of a state - this is what government practices!

As for Politics, it goes even further. Having the ability to create such a movement on an issue, the ability to speak out about the issue in public, to write about it in letters to the government or in articles for your local newspaper… well, in politics, that is called “exercising your rights and freedoms.” In some countries in the world, to exercise these rights and freedoms in public is illegal and may land you in jail, or worse. But in the United States this is something that is unique to our “democratic” government. A democracy, of course, works almost entirely through the people’s vote (which we will talk more about later).

So, why was our U.S. Government created in the first place? Simply put, in the late 1700s, “we the people” created a government in order to secure our property and rights (as stated in the Declaration of Independence—courtesy of our Founding Fathers—which states that all men and women are created equal and have “unaliable rights” to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness). A “right,” of course being something you can do or have because you are a “free” individual (for example the right to travel out of the country, the right to move around, live, and buy property anywhere on U.S. soil, the right to free-speech, the right to free-press, etc.). Overall, the most important function and purpose of having a government, is to protect you and secure your rights as a citizen.

Our Founding Fathers also created the Constitution of the United States in order to ensure these freedoms and rights (those guys had the best ideas!). The Constitution is what the government uses to enforce laws pertaining to our rights and freedoms. In other words, the Constitution is the foundation to “the law of the land.”

But what it ultimately comes down to… if you love freedom and rights, then you must fight to keep it. “Fighting” means being involved, being active in your community, being aware of what is going on with the government and decisions that they make for you, and speaking out when you feel that your rights are jeopardized or threatened. Basically, it is ultimately up to you, not the government, to fight for our rights and freedoms. There are several ways to do this. First, it is your responsibility (and to your benefit) as a citizen to make sure the government enforces and honors both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. You don’t have to be 18 years old to do this…being active in the community, speaking out on issues that affect you and those you love, and being aware of what is going on in the nation and world are all ways to keep the government “in-check” . Also, according to the Declaration of Independence, “whenever any form of Government (in the U.S.) becomes destructive … it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute a new Government”—a government that would technically recognize those rights (every time you vote, you are technically “installing a new government”).

If you are 18, then register to vote! Many youth don’t think it’s very important to vote, but candidates who run often study local statistics on the age groups who actually vote. Then they try to get the support of that particular age group. Majority of the stats show that older people are way more serious about registering and making it out to the polls…so guess who is making the decisions for you? Yep! You guessed it…mom, dad, and grandparents. Voting is a voice, a form of expression, and a critical time to voice your opinions, concerns and selection of political leaders. Not caring will not only cut you from voicing your opinions and being involved, but it contributes to corruption in the system. In order to maintain your freedoms and rights, it is your responsibility as a citizen to get your vote out there (even if it’s for an unpopular candidate—Democrat, Independent, or Republican–ultimately it is about who you think is the best candidate for you, your family, your friends, your community and your country!). For more information about registering to vote and being more involved you can visit www.teenpowerpolitics.com,www.ypa.org/home.php,www.rockthevote.org, www.hawaii.gov/elections/voters/registration.htm, and www.dosomething

Methamphetamine

Ever played Russian roulette with a loaded weapon? Methamphetamine is like that loaded weapon and there’s no telling what the results are even the first time you try it. No matter what you call it…crank, ice, batu, shabu it’s all the same. In fact, even if a person survives the first hit, methamphetamine is so powerful and so controlling that with a few repeated tries it can devastate your life and the lives of those you love in a matter of weeks.

Let’s start off with a little history lesson. In order to know about methamphetamine, we must talk briefly about the synthetic (man-made) amphetamine, which goes back a long time to the late 1800’s, but we will fast-forward to World War I (1920s) when it became a big hit as a medicinal substance used to treat depression and decongestion. But it was not until World War II that methamphetamine was actually extracted from amphetamine and introduced as a stimulant drug in Japan. The crystal powder of methamphetamine was mostly offered to soldiers as a way to ward off hunger and increase energy. Unfortunately, many soldiers returned home with bitter addictions. Even Hitler became a tweaker (addict) and a daily user— known to have specially made chocolates infused with meth. Methamphetamine continued to be widely used in the U.S. until the 1950s, and sold as diet pills to unsuspecting housewives. In the 1960s, the government realized that there was a huge problem with addiction (including an increased bunch of zombiefied housewives) and made methamphetamine an illegal substance. Up until this time methamphetamine came in the form of tablets or inside a syringe. Just as quickly as it was banned, methamphetamine started its long transformation into its smokable form (Ice), becoming one of the most dangerous drugs to ever hit the streets. Soon after, the famous Hells Angels took on both the production and trafficking of the drug inside their motorcycle crank-shafts (thus, the name Crank and Speed were born). The name “Ice” was given later because of its clear crystal look- similar to chipped ice, rock candy, or Hawaiian salt.

After the substance became illegal, it was very difficult to manufacture, so drug-pushers started experimenting with all sorts of dangerous, toxic chemicals beginning with pseudo-ephedrine (one of meth’s main ingredients), mixed with other ingredients like iodine, lighter fluid, paint thinner, gasoline, kerosene, phosphorous (or match heads), rubbing alcohol, sulfuric acid, battery acid and drain cleaner (ever think about what drain cleaner does to the gunk in your clogged drain?, now imagine how it affects your insides). These chemicals will eventually start eating you from the inside out…it is one of the main reasons that people lose their teeth and hair, and experience serious health conditions that can eventually lead to death.

Thinking that it is easy and safe, individuals continue to make Ice, learning an inevitable, permanent, and sometimes fatal lesson, since fumes from some of these chemicals, when mixed together can kill in a matter of seconds by either explosion or asphyxiation. The process of making Ice is also extremely harmful to the environment or to anywhere else it is produced. The materials used to make Ice create toxic waste and for every one pound of Ice created, six pounds of toxic waste are dumped, poisoning our lands and waters.

Not only is Ice dangerous to the makers, but the users are also taking a big risk. It is almost impossible to know the types of chemicals or how much of these chemicals were used to make the drug. Even trying Ice for the first time is enough to experience several short-term effects including insomnia (or not being able to sleep), loss of appetite (with your body rejecting the good stuff in food and accepting the bad from junk food), dry mouth, fever-like body temperatures, convulsions, talking to yourself and much, much more. Each “hit” is unpredictably different. In fact, plenty of individuals have reported being “hooked” to the drug on their first try…after all, it is the Russian Roulette of drugs!

Using Ice over time can permanently damage the parts of your brain responsible for memory and kill your ability to ever feel happy (causing severe depression). It also can make you paranoid and act psychotic, which explains the violent behavior that goes along with the drug.

Unfortunately, Ice doesn’t only affect those who use it. As we see on T.V., read in the paper, and hear on the radio, Ice addicted individuals often end up hurting the people they love the most: their parents, their kids, their families, their friend and anyone who surrounds them. Kids and elderly parents are the ones who are the most susceptible because they are often forced to witness and be exposed to the extreme, abusive and unpredictable behaviors of an Ice user without having any power to stop them. It’s a sad situation.

It is important to know the facts about Ice, but more important is to realize if you or someone you love has an addiction to Ice so you can get yourself, or them, immediate help.

MASTURBATION

Everyone knows about the “M” word, there are hundreds of jokes about the “M” word, parents may cringe at the thought of having talk to you about the “M” word (you might cringe at the thought, too)…aaahhh the “M” word, there are so many taboos attached, but though many deny ever participating in “M” word doings, the fact is the “M” word…or masturbation, is a perfectly natural human activity that has been a part of the animal world since the beginning of time, and nothing…(no matter what anyone says), absolutely nothing to be ashamed of.

Masturbation, in a very simple definition, is the act of self-love, self-pleasure and everything that goes along with it. It is an opportunity to learn about yourself and explore your body without anyone else telling you how to do it, or how it should feel. For many people it is a very freeing and powerful experience. The best thing is that you get to learn about what feels good to you, what touch and techniques you like, and other more personal things.

So how does masturbation work? First of all, there is an initial feeling of “arousal” that you get. This feeling (or sexual excitement) is caused by your brain’s response to images, thoughts, sounds, smells, etc. In turn, your body begins sending significant amounts of blood to the “erectile tissue” found in your pelvic area. This tissue swells up with blood making your penis (especially the head), vagina (especially your clitoris) and even the anus extremely sensitive to stimulation and pressure. The “aroused” feeling may manifest itself as an erection (or hard-on) in guys and having vaginal moistening (or getting wet) for the ladies -both signs that you are sexually excited. With enough stimulation of that area you may experience an orgasm…or “coming.” This is when you feel an overwhelming, unstoppable, and intense sensation inside, which may be followed by ejaculation (for guys) and a flow of moisture for the ladies – though, not everyone has the same outcome.

As crazy as this may sound, though some people find masturbating to be very natural and easy…others find it hard to talk about it, much less imagine even doing it. Some people start masturbating at a very young age (pre-teens), others are late bloomers who may have grown-up in an environment that masturbation was looked down upon, but found out later in life that masturbation is totally normal and a way to learn how to love yourself and your body . Fact is there is no ultimate goal in masturbation or, a wrong or right way to do it. The experience should be all about you and what you like. It’s an opportunity to explore a new territory called “the land of self.”

MALE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS

All living things (including bacteria and amoebas) have the ability to reproduce. Reproduction is just that: to make something else like itself! It is essential to keep a species alive. In most living organisms there are two types of reproductive systems: the female and male. Each is unique, but both have a very similar function: to reproduce. In this article we will be talking about the male reproductive system (MRS).

The MRS is made up of several organs. Unlike the female reproductive system that is found mostly within the pelvic area, the MRS is found on the inside and outside the pelvic region. At first glance the MRS is very obvious. There is a trail of pubic hair that begins at the belly-button area and goes all the way down to the area on top of the penis. This is similar to the mons of a female.

There are two main male genitals found on the outside of the pelvis. The first is the penis that protrudes from the abdominal area (consisting of a cylindrical shaft [or the corpus spongiosum and the corpus cavernosum], a prepuce covering this shaft [or foreskin layer – not as visible in guys who have been circumcised], the glans penis [ the head at the end of the shaft], and finally the urethra [area where urine and sperm-male reproductive cells- are able to exit the body]).

Located below the penis lies the scrotum (made up of two testicles). The scrotum is a temperature regulating pouch (contracting and relaxing in order to keep perfect temperatures) containing hundreds of nerves and two main, large olive sized eggs called testis made-up of a small clump of tubules called seminiferous tubules (where the primary male hormone: testosterone-is produced and sperm is made). In the back of each testis you will find the epididymis responsible for the storage of sperm.

The outside of each testis is connected to a tube called the Vans Deferens (also known as the spermadic cord, or duct). This tube leads all the way inside the pelvis, above the pubic bone, and over the urinary bladder, ending at the seminal vesicle that hides underneath the bladder. The seminal vesicle is an area responsible for the production of semen (a fluid whose main function is to protect the sperm while exiting the body). Also below the urinary bladder, above the rectum is the walnut-sized prostate gland, which also contributes to fluids that nourish the sperm and allow ejaculation to happen. And finally, just below the prostate, to either side of the urethra, you can find the pea-sized Bulbourethral glands (also known as Cowper’s glands), and are responsible for a clear, slippery and lubricating fluid (known as pre-cum) that empties directly into the urethra. This fluid is important because it keeps sperm safe by neutralizing any acidity in the urethra that may have been left behind by urine.

Overall, the skin of the penis and scrotum is loose and elastic to accommodate changes in penis size during an erection. When a man is sexually aroused the inside tissue of the penis floods with blood and becomes rigid (or erect). This erection is necessary for sexual intercourse. During sexual climax (orgasm) all flow of urine is blocked from the urethra, allowing the semen and sperm to meet at a place called the ejaculatory duct, where they mix in preparation to exit the body through the urethra. This process is called ejaculation.

It is important to know that testosterone, one of the most important male hormones produced within the MRS, is responsible for the development of male characteristics (especially during puberty), including muscle mass and strength, fat distribution, bone mass, facial hair growth, voice change, and sex drive.

HOOKAHS

A hookah, narghile, shisha, goza or the hubble-bubble is an upright smoking water pipe. The invention is practically 500 years old and till this day is actively used in countries such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, Middle-Asia, Middle-East, India, Northern Africa, etc. In some of these Muslim governed countries, women are forbidden to partake in hookah smoking.

The hookah is made up of several components. The first component is a bowl. This bowl is connected to the stem or neck of the hookah. The neck, which varies in sizes and heights, is attached to the main smoke or water chamber. This smoke chamber is half full of water and has one to several hoses coming out of it, each with a removable mouthpiece attached at the end. A specially made tobacco, dipped in molasses, and sometimes mixed in fruit pulp, with added flavors such as mint, mango, apple, etc. is placed inside the bowl and heated with charcoal or wood fuel, which is often ignited with lighter fuel. When inhaled, the smoke from the tobacco travels down the stem into the water chamber and through the hose (or hoses) into the mouthpiece, where it finally reaches the smoker.

Hookah smokers often claim that Hookah smoking is safer than cigarette smoking because the toxins from the tobacco are supposedly absorbed by the water– but this is definitely a myth. If you really think about it…putting all statistics and scientific evidence aside—the person is inhaling tons of smoke, much more than just a regular cigarette. They are also inhaling the toxins from the charcoal and lighter fuel. The water does not absorb any of the tobacco or charcoal toxins; the water simply cools the smoke that is inhaled – and that’s it!

But there is plenty of evidence pointing at the dangers of hookah smoking. According to a bunch of different studies the smoke that comes out of the mouthpiece still contains carbon monoxide, tar, nicotine, and heavy metals. These studies suggest that smoke from a single hookah session contains approximately 36 times the tar, 1.7 times the nicotine, and 8.3 times the carbon monoxide as the smoke produced by one cigarette. In fact, those same studies reveal that a smoker may inhale as much smoke during a single hookah session as a cigarette smoker would inhale by smoking 100 cigarettes (all at once). And if this is not enough to deter you from ever trying it, take this into consideration: a typical cigarette takes eight to 12 puffs where the smoker inhales nearly half a liter of smoke during a five-to-seven-minute smoking session - a hookah smoker may take 50 to 200 puffs and inhale up to 50 liters of smoke over an hour.

Hookah smokers are also exposed to other types of risks including addiction. Because hookah smoke contains high levels of toxic carcinogens (cancer-causing) compounds that come from the charcoal, the lighting fuel and the tobacco, smokers may be susceptible to lung and oral cancers, respiratory diseases, heart disease and other serious illnesses. And if you are just simply “hanging-around” a hookah smoke session keep in mind that second-hand smoke is also a risk. If this info is not enough to send you running in the other direction, take this into consideration; even with a new mouthpiece, hookah smokers can be exposed to a dirty hookah hose that may have been used over and over, collecting the saliva of other hookah bar and café customers. If the hoses are not cleaned properly (if cleaned at all), they may accumulate saliva; this saliva may unknowingly be sucked in by the next hookah customer, of course, risking the spread of infectious diseases and viruses such as colds, flu, tuberculosis, and mouth herpes, and any other surprise that may be passed on by sharing saliva.

Many hookah smokers say that smoking from a hookah is simply a way to be social, but the facts are clear – is this type of social gathering really worth the risks?

All living things (including bacteria and amoebas) have the ability to reproduce. Reproduction is just that: to make something else like itself! It is essential to keep a species alive. In most living organisms there are two types of reproductive system: the female and male. Each is unique, but have very similar function: to reproduce. In this article we will be talking about the female reproductive system (FRS).

There is a list of different terms that are related to the FRS. Unlike male RS, a female’s RS is very well hidden from view. When looking at the external pelvic area of a female, one will first encounter the pubis, mons venus, or simply the fatty tissue mound where all your pubic hair seems to grow covering the outside of your pelvic region.

Exploration beneath the mons will reveal two outer lips known as the labia majora and then two less prominent lips called the labia minora. The labia majora can be described like a sort of gatekeeper, a protector of the vulva (an area consisting of many parts of the outer –but hidden – parts of your genitals). The vulva, which includes the labia minora, consists of the clitoris (a small, but very important bud of “erectile tissue” hidden by a thin piece of skin called the “hood”), the urinary opening (or your “pee-hole”– small opening sometimes hard to see) and your introitus (the larger opening into your vaginal canal). The vulva is critical to sexual stimulation and arousal. Other less evident places are the vestibule (area between the sides of the labia minora and the vaginal opening, including the urethra) and the perimeum (the tissue between the vaginal opening and the anus).

One common mistake is confusing the vulva with the vagina. Just remember that the vagina is on the inside of your body (most not visible unless with a speculum – a tool used by gynecologist to check inside you), which leads us to the next place of our exploratory journey: the vaginal canal. The vaginal canal is critical. It is the pathway where babies pass during childbirth, as well as your menstrual cycle (period) exit. But the vaginal canal is also an area where insertion happens, such as a tampon or a penis.

At the very end of the vaginal canal lies the cervix. The cervix (or neck) is as wide as a small straw and the entrance to the thick-walled uterus (where the blood of your menstrual cycle accumulates and also where a fetus starts growth). The very top of the uterus is known as the fundus. On either side of the fundus are two thin canals know as the fallopian tubes. These are the pathways between the ovaries (where an egg is housed and matured, and even fertilized – impregnated). Ovaries are critical for the production of female hormones such as estrogen, progesterone and even testosterone (found in abundance in male counterparts).

The female reproductive system is extremely unique. It enables a woman to have a menstrual cycle, to have sexual intercourse, to produce an egg (which is protected and nourished until it is fertilized by a male sperm) possible of becoming a human being, and finally to give birth to a living creature: a human baby.

CRACK

Crack came about because the price of cocaine kept rising and people started shying off cocaine and going for a more radical type of drug. As a result, Crack (diluted cocaine to its freebase form) was born. Crack comes in small lumps (1/4 size of a sugar cube) and is simply dirty cocaine in its smoke able form. The name “Crack” comes from the noise it makes (a crackling sound) when heated. Though crack has a very short-lived effect of 3-6 minutes, its intensity is much higher than cocaine. It is relatively inexpensive, but must be repeated often.

It is considered to be more highly and more quickly addictive than snorted cocaine. Overall, true of any addiction, after a long period of use, to obtain the original effects an addict takes on to doubling their dosage. If that doesn’t work, they keep increasing it. And of course, the more a person uses it, the more they need in order to get any effect. During a crack binge a user often will smoke up to 50 “crack rocks” a day. Unfortunately, if the drug quantity is increased abruptly, unpleasant symptoms may appear, such as nausea, vomiting, muscular tension, severe anguish or states of panic. It is during this time that the addict feels an increased desperation to feel high, often leading to an unexpected overdose.

Though twice as dangerous, more addictive and harder to stop than cocaine, the symptoms of withdrawal and addiction to crack are very similar to cocaine. Even for a first time user, the unnatural flow of dopamine after crack use, depletes your brain enough of dopamine leaving you with a sense of depression, unhappiness, anxiety, irritability, restlessness, and boredom. With a high dose, or continual use, a person may exhibit patterns of psychotic, confused and disorganized behavior, with feelings of fear, paranoia, hallucinations and extremely antisocial behavior and aggression. It is also typical to experience thoughts of suicide. A person who lacks dopamine in their brain will show signs closely related to Parkinson’s (a disease characterized by uncontrollable slow, rigid, or repetitive movements).

Building a tolerance to crack is very easy. With increased use, the brain and body build a tolerance, which means the person will need more and more of the drug to get high. This basically means that person is addicted. Withdrawing from crack is extremely difficult since it’s considered addiction of the brain (psychological) rather than a body (physical) addiction – this is basically when the addict’s brain forces them into believing that they can’t survive without the drug. Once addicted, a person binges on the drug often.

]]> http://www.teenlinehawaii.org/uncategorized/crack/feed/ http://www.teenlinehawaii.org/uncategorized/cocaine/ http://www.teenlinehawaii.org/uncategorized/cocaine/#comments Wed, 11 Aug 2010 00:41:21 +0000 admin http://www.teenlinehawaii.org/?p=448

COCAINE

The history of cocaine goes back thousands of years ago, but not in the form of the white powder that is well known today, but as a leaf. For 5,000 years the leaf of the coca plant (erythroxylum coca) has been considered an essential part of South American Andean societies.

But how did cocaine come about from this leaf? And what makes it so lethal? In1855, a guy from Germany (Albert Niemann), while conducting a project for his PhD described an “improved purification process,” of the coca leaf. In another words, he described how to separate the active ingredient of the coca leaf, from the leaf itself. He called this active ingredient “cocaine.” Once extracted and refined from the coca plant, synthetic (man-made ingredient) cocaine (hydrochloride) was born as a white-ish powder with a bitter, numbing taste that was mostly snorted, but could also be injected or ingested. It was not long after, that cocaine was introduced world-wide and sold in medicines, tobacco and even in drinkable forms. A very popular and familiar drink was invented during this time: Coca-Cola. Originally invented as a medicine, with almost 60mg of cocaine in one serving, it was advertised as “a valuable brain tonic and cure for all nervous afflictions.” Cocaine was even used and heavily advertised as a cure to relieve the side-effects of quitting morphine (an opiate and the base of heroin). This did not work since morphine addicts then became addicted to cocaine as well. Cocaine was also used for its anesthetic properties in surgical and dental procedures (Novacaine is known as one of these anesthetics). For some time, cocaine seemed like the miracle drug.

It was not until the early 1900’s that the government realized cocaine use, addiction, and deaths had gotten out of control, escalating to dangerous numbers. So in 1914 cocaine was made illegal in the U.S. Illegal, yes, but not a thing of the past. Instead, its distribution skyrocketed when it went underground – a place where it remains until present day. Though most production occurs in clandestine laboratories in South America, contrary to popular belief, Columbians were not the first to take on the illegal cocaine trade. The first cocaine drug cartels were first established in Amsterdam. Because the cocaine trade went underground, any rules and regulations pertaining to its handling also became a thing of the past, making street based cocaine more powerful and more dangerous than ever.

So what makes cocaine such a powerful and lethal drug? Cocaine blocks pain sensations and stimulates the central nervous system, producing a sudden increase in heart rate, temperature, and blood pressure. The result is 15 to 30 minutes of an intense sense of pleasure, dilation of the pupils, lack of hunger, false self-confidence, and alertness. But with the short high comes detrimental consequences. Cocaine is also closely associated with heart attacks, seizures and insomnia. In scientific terms, it blocks the synaptic reabsorption of certain neurotransmitters (in particular dopamine) in your brain. Basically, what this means is that it forces your brain to squeeze out an exorbitant amount of dopamine (the chemical in your brain responsible for regulating movement, emotion, motivation and the feeling of pleasure). Unfortunately, your brain is only able to produce limited amounts of dopamine, forcing your brain to use most of it at once, quickly depleting your brain of this chemical. Dopamine allows you to feel simple emotions such as when you get an unexpected “A” on a test, or the butterflies you feel after a person you like returns your smile. It even lets you feel naturally upset, sad, or energetic.

Even for a first time user, the unnatural flow of dopamine after cocaine use, depletes your brain enough of dopamine leaving you with a sense of depression, unhappiness, anxiety, irritability, restlessness, and boredom. With a high dose, or continual use, a person may exhibit patterns of psychotic, confused and disorganized behavior, with feelings of fear, paranoia, hallucinations and extremely antisocial behavior and aggression. It is also typical to experience thoughts of suicide. A person who lacks dopamine in their brain will show signs closely related to Parkinson’s (a disease characterized by uncontrollable slow, rigid, or repetitive movements).

Building a tolerance to cocaine is also very easy. With increased use, your brain and body build a tolerance, which means you will need more and more of the drug to get high. This basically means you are addicted. Withdrawing from cocaine is extremely difficult since it is considered addiction of the brain (psychological) rather than a body (physical) addiction. Once addicted, a person begins binging on the drug—taking it every 4 to 24 hours, one to seven times a week or more. Habitual snorting can result in serious damage to the nasal mucous membranes (a deterioration of the thin skin in the middle of your nose) and shared needles will put the user at increased risk of HIV/AIDS infection.

Addiction: Several factors contribute to a first time user taking a drug “just one more time.” First, the initial euphoric feeling a person gets as a first time user (a feeling that will never be as intense ever again). Second, the person experiences a feeling of emptiness…almost like there’s something missing in their life and the only thing that can make them feel better would be taking another hit. Third, and perhaps most important, experiencing an almost immediate craving for the drug as soon as the person starts coming down from the high. It is a combination of these three things has made many first time users, life addicts. This is true especially of drugs such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, etc.

An addicted person experiences double the intensity of the effects mentioned in the cocaine article (excluding the euphoric feeling). An addict starts to show a quick deterioration in physical, emotional and mental health. An almost continuous craving for the drug is felt and signs of compulsive and repetitive behaviors will be displayed such as repeating the same thing over and over, physical tics (or involuntary body movements) and other sensations that make an addict feel they have bugs crawling beneath their skin. Not taking the drug for long periods of time can lead to a severe crash (sleeping for hours, depression, etc.). Neglect of loved ones or one’s self (incredible lack of personal hygiene) is sure to happen because the desire for getting the drug will become the most important thing in an addict’s life. Many times, neglect may turn to physical, emotional, or sexual abuse when the addict has problems getting the drug, which often triggers feelings of anger and violence. Ultimately, if desperate enough, the addict may resort to a life of crime in order to get the drug.

Traditionally, the coca leaf has been used to relieve fatigue and hunger, and it has the medical applications of helping relieve altitude sickness and conserve body heat. It also provides some essential vitamins needed for the people who work in the harsh mountainous environment of the Andes. Culturally it is believed that the leaf has magical properties – “a gift of the gods.” The leaves were considered so sacred at one point that during the times of the Inca Empire, the coca leaves were reserved only for the use of royalty and shamans. And growing the plant was easy, since it is resistant to drought and disease, needs no irrigation, and can be harvested several times a year. Even in present times the coca leaf continues to play a very critical social, mystical, medicinal and religious role for these cultures.

The leaf itself is chewed (more like sucked in a wad of 10 to 30 at a time), smoked or boiled to make a tea (very popular in places like Peru and Bolivia). Chewing, smoking or ingesting the leaves gives an individual a mild stimulating effect – similar to Starbucks, without the jitters. It’s important to know that the coca leaf contains less than 1% cocaine and has much the same effect as caffeine. Therefore, even though cocaine is processed from coca leaves, the two products are dramatically different in effects and usage. Interesting enough, after the European conquest of these ancient societies, the use of the coca leaf was banned—but was quickly exploited by the Catholic Church once it was discovered that the natives could barely work in the fields or gold mines. Instead, the church took on all responsibilities concerning the harvest of the coca plant, distributing the leaves to the natives three to four times a day, even imposing taxes on the leaves. Ultimately, the coca leaves are to Andean societies, what the coffee bean is to the Americans and Europeans.

There is even an environmental devastation that is happening today concerning the production of cocaine. The Andean region is among the most ecologically diverse and sensitive areas of the earth. Unfortunately, due to an increasing demand of coca leaves for the production of cocaine, its cultivation has had devastating effects on the environment such as deforestation and the destruction of unique habitats, soil erosion, and pollution of both air and water. The process to extract cocaine is also very environmentally toxic because of the chemicals used.

So why are coca leaves still illegal in the U.S.? Well, this is a very smart question…glad you asked! It’s simple…Once the stimulating and medicinal properties of the coca plant were realized by the Europeans, the coca leaf was exported out of South America, to Europe and other countries. It was quickly turned into a cash-crop that would be used for teas and in various medicines. But as a leaf, coca did not travel well, therefore the sensation was not, too explosive. It was not until cocaine was extracted from the coca leaf that the need for these leaves took on a whole new turn.

BREAST SELF EXAM (BSE)

Use the following procedure to check your breasts (as provided by HealthSquare.com):

• • Stand in front of a mirror with your arms at your sides. Look at each breast and nipple to check for swelling, lumps, dimpling, scaly skin, or other skin changes.
  • Join your hands behind your head and push your elbows forward while looking at your breasts in the mirror. Repeat these steps again with your arms raised over your head.
  • Lie down and put a pillow or towel under your left shoulder. Put your left hand over your head. Gently press into the skin of your breast using the pads of the first 3 fingers of your right hand. Move your finger pads in a circle as you feel your breast tissue.
  • Start at the outer part of your breast (at armpit) and slowly move around your breast in a clockwise direction Make small, round movements with your hands.
  • Squeeze your nipple to check for liquid coming from it.
  • Gently use pressure as you move your fingers around your breasts. Feel the skin deep in your breasts and the skin near the top.
  • Check your other breast the same way.
  • Raise your left arm and use the pads of your first 3 fingers of your right hand to feel in and around your armpit. Do the same thing with the other armpit.

Call Your Doctor If…

• You find any lumps or changes in your breasts.
• You have breast pain or liquid from your nipples.

Your breasts can also be checked while you are in the shower. Lumps can be felt more easily when your skin is wet. You should have your doctor check your breasts once each year. This examination may be a little embarrassing, but a breast exam is an important way for you and your doctor to know what is normal for your breasts and to find any lumps that aren’t normal. Breast cancer is by far one of the worst diseases to attack women. Though a risk factor may be heredity, breast cancer can happen to anyone including women that are already ill and their immune system low, lifestyle habits (like not getting enough rest, obesity, etc.), or environmental factors (such as pollution and pesticides). However, not all women who have these risk factors will get breast cancer. Most women who develop breast cancer have no risk factors at all. Some things to take notice to reduce your “risk-factor” is taking care of your body by exercising if you are overweight, and knowing your family history (such as a mother, grandmother, aunty, etc who had breast cancer).  By keeping yourself healthy, you can keep breast cancer in check.

Women who are 40 years or older start getting mammograms (an x-ray of the breasts) as a way to find any early signs of breast cancer. Teens do not need to get mammograms. In fact, mammograms don’t work well in teenagers and young adults because the breast tissue is too thick and too dense to get a clear picture. Women who are younger than 40 years old have mammograms if they have a family history of breast cancer or if they have had radiation treatment for other cancers in the past.

It’s important to take care and learn about your breasts as a young person. Although breast cancer is very uncommon in women under the age of 35, if you become familiar with the normal look and feel of your breasts now, you’re taking an important step toward good general health for the future.

Teen Depression

Lets admit it. The teen years can be really tough. It is normal to feel sad, irritable, frustrated or even lonely sometimes. But if these feelings don’t go away or they become too intense to handle, you may be suffering from depression. If you think you may be depressed, you are not alone - as many as 1 in 8 people suffer from depression during their teenage years.

Despite what you are going through, it is important to remember that people love and care about you regardless of what you believe. And if you can find someone to talk to about your feelings, it can – and will – be resolved. You may think that talking about your problems will make you feel worse, but the opposite is almost always true.

Different people experience depression differently. However, here are some common signs and symptoms of depression:

If you have experienced a few of these symptoms most of the time for 2 weeks or longer, you may be depressed. We recommend that you confide in a trusted adult or seek treatment right away. Here are also some things you can do on your own to help yourself.

- Try to not isolate yourself. When you are depressed you may not feel like being around your family or friends. Getting up in the morning can even be difficult, but isolating yourself only makes depression worse. Spend time around friends or family that are positive, energetic and make you feel good about yourself – even if it’s the last thing you want to do.

- Keep yourself healthy. Diet and exercise have been proven to help relieve depression. Physical activity can be just as effective as medications that are prescribed for depression. Again, it’s probably that last thing you feel like doing, but if you can get yourself moving – even for a short walk – you’ll feel better afterwards.

- Avoid alcohol and drugs. Many people try to use alcohol or drugs to escape from their feelings, but both can actually make your depression worse. In addition, they’ll increase suicidal thoughts. Approximately 1/3 of all suicides involve alcohol.

- Ask for help. Stress and worry can take a huge toll on your life. If you are feeling worried about something, ask for help before the problem becomes so big you feel overwhelmed. Whether your grades are falling, you have an alcohol or drug problem, or you find yourself pregnant, reach out. There are people out there who want to help.

Depression is one of the most common emotional problems in the United States, but is also one of the most treatable. Treatment for depression may include talk therapy, medication, or a combination of both. About 80% of people who get help have a better quality of life than before their depression. If you can’t turn to a parent or family member, reach out to a teacher, school counselor, best friend, or a helpline.

The 411 on Alcohol

Everyone knows alcohol is illegal for anyone under the age of 21. Yet most teens still feel pressured to drink. In this article, we will give you the facts on alcohol and how it affects your body, your brain and your life. Being armed with these facts will help you make the right decision for you and help give you the confidence to stand behind your decision.

THE BASICS

Alcohol is a depressant. A depressant is any substance that slows down the activity of vital body organs. This means that when someone consumes alcohol, their brain slows down, their digestion slows down, and even their breathing slows down. When consumed in small amounts, alcohol may make a person feel more relaxed and less anxious. When consumed in large amounts, the affects can be dangerous with loss of control, coordination, and the inability to make sound decisions. This is why people are told not to drink and drive – the results are deadly. In Hawaii, nearly 50% of all traffic deaths involve alcohol! In addition to the dangers of drinking and driving, people are at a higher risk of alcohol poisoning when they consume large amounts of alcohol. For more information on alcohol poisoning and its effects, see TeenLine Hawaii’s “Binge Drinking” article.

LEGAL MATTERS

People are always talking about what’s illegal and what’s not. But let’s be honest, how many of us really know? Here we break it down for you so you don’t have to rely on that he said she said stuff.

· It is ILLEGAL, unhealthy and unacceptable for anyone under 21 to drink alcoholic beverages.

· It is ILLEGAL to provide alcohol to minors under the age of 21.

· It is ILLEGAL and unsafe for minors under 21 to drive with any measurable amount of alcohol in their bodies.

· You can lose your license if you are under the age of 21 and are caught drinking, buying, or even holding alcohol. If you do not have your license, your eligibility date will be pushed back 180 days. You will also have to do community service and take alcohol education classes.

· Parents and other adults can be prosecuted for giving alcohol to minors.

· Parents and other adults can be held liable if they provide alcohol to a minor who then kills or injures another person.

WHY DO TEENS DRINK?

The consequences of underage drinking can be HUGE! So why are some teens still drinking? There are a number of reasons teens say they drink including:

· Curiosity

· Peer Pressure

· To feel relaxed or to distress

· They don’t want to feel left out

· Influence from the media, their environment, and the culture surrounding them.

Most teens who drink do so because a combination of these reasons. Still, most teens will mention peer pressure as the biggest influencer. Sometimes it can seem like everyone is drinking. A survey taken by teens from Hawaii tells us something different though – most teens do NOT drink. 7 out of 10 teens here in Hawaii say they don’t drink. We talk so much about the kids who are drinking, that we never hear about the kids who aren’t drinking and the great decisions they are making for themselves.

GETTING HELP

If you are concerned about a friend drinking alcohol, talk to them. Ask them what’s going on in their life. If they feel pressured to drink, volunteer to hang out with them and have alcohol free fun. You should also talk to a trusted adult about what is going on.

If you feel pressured to drink or want to quit drinking, it will take some effort on your part. You will need to think ahead and come up with a plan of action for avoiding situations where you feel pressured to drink. If someone asks if you want a drink, be ready with a reason why you can’t. Whether its “No thanks, my mom is coming to get me soon” or “I can’t, I have a game tomorrow,” make sure you feel comfortable sticking with it. If the peer pressure is too much, then avoid situations where you know people will be drinking. Come up with new and exciting ways to have fun.

To find out more about drinking and its effects, read our article “Binge Drinking.” Remember, knowing the facts about alcohol and making a decision that is right for you before you are put in a tough situation is really important. If you need more information on alcohol prevention and treatment programs, contact TeenLine Hawaii at info@teenlinehawaii.org.

EFFECTS OF BINGE DRINKING

There are a number of detrimental effects alcohol has on your physical, emotional and mental well-being. Being aware of them will help you make the best decisions regarding alcohol.

· Impaired Judgement: When people consume alcohol, they are more likely to take risks that they would not normally take. They are more likely to have sex when they do not want to and it is more likely to be unprotected sex. They are at a higher risk for causing violence or being a victim of violence. In addition, they are more likely to fall, be involved in drunk driving accidents and even get killed while walking!

· Poor Physical Health: Studies show that people who binge drink throughout high school are more likely to be overweight and have high blood pressure by the time they are 24.

· Poor Mental Health: Binge drinkers have a harder time in school and they are more likely to drop out. This may be because drinking disrupts sleep patterns, which can make it harder to stay awake and concentrate during the day.

· Sensitivity: Adolescents are oversensitive to damage and under sensitive to warning signs such as impaired motor coordination and tiredness. This means adolescents do not experience the two major warning signs that go off in the adult brain that indicate “I’ve had enough.”

· Memory Loss and Impairment: Youth who drink alcohol end up having more memory and learning impairments than adults who drink the same amount. In addition, studies have shown that teens who drink have a smaller hippocampus – the part of the brain responsible for creating new memories – than adults.

It is important to take binge drinking seriously. If you or someone you know has a binge-drinking problem, get help as soon as possible. There are lots of resources out there to help. If you can’t talk with your parents, talk with another trusted adult – a teacher, school counselor, doctor, auntie or uncle. If you are still not sure where to turn, email TeenLine Hawaii at info@teenlinehawaii.org for some information and resources.

]]> http://www.teenlinehawaii.org/featured-articles/binge-drinking/feed/ http://www.teenlinehawaii.org/featured-articles/pregnant-what-to-expect/ http://www.teenlinehawaii.org/featured-articles/pregnant-what-to-expect/#comments Thu, 08 Jul 2010 19:40:59 +0000 admin http://www.teenlinehawaii.org/?p=433

PREGNANT? WHAT TO EXPECT

If you have recently become pregnant, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. There are many changes that come along with pregnancy including physical, emotional and lifestyle changes. Here we will cover some of the more basic changes that you can expect during pregnancy, however, it is important to know that there are many more changes than the ones we mention. It may be helpful to go out and buy a book that you can follow along with during your pregnancy. You can ask your doctor or other family members for recommendations.

PHYSICAL CHANGES

Within the first two weeks you become pregnant, hormones trigger your body to begin nourishing the baby. There are many changes that come along with this change in hormones including:

- Tender breasts. One of the first symptoms you may experience during your pregnancy is tender breasts. They may feel both fuller and heavier. Wearing a more supportive bra or a sports bra may help ease your discomfort.

- Nausea. Many women experience nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy that is commonly referred to as morning sickness. This is probably due to normal hormonal changes. For some women, the nausea is worst in the morning but it can last all day. If the nausea is severe, talk to your doctor about different things that can help.

- Increased urination. During pregnancy your uterus starts to enlarge to make room for the fetus and will press on your bladder making you have to urinate more often. If you lose sleep in the middle of the night because of bathroom trips, try drinking fewer fluids in the evening. It is not uncommon for pregnant women to leak urine when they sneeze, cough or laugh. If you’re worried about leaking urine, panty liners can help.

- Fatigue. Your body is going through lots of changes right now. It is common to feel tired as your body supports your pregnancy. Be sure to get plenty of rest and a good night sleep. Include some sort of physical activity each day such as a short walk.

- Heartburn and constipation. Your body’s entire digestive system slows down during pregnancy giving your body more time to absorb nutrients for the baby. Unfortunately, this can lead to heartburn and constipation. Regular physical activity can help with constipation. For heartburn eat smaller more frequent meals with plenty of fiber and avoid fried foods, carbonated drinks, citrus fruits and spicy foods.

EMOTIONAL CHANGES

Warning! Pregnancy can be a rollercoaster ride of emotions. It is not uncommon to feel happy, anxious, sad and exhausted all at the same time!

Pregnancy can be a very happy time for a woman. Bringing a new life to the world can be exciting but with this excitement can come a lot of unknowing. It is completely normal for you to worry about your baby, about your finances, about school and/or work, about your relationship with the baby’s father and about how you will be as a parent. Having a baby is a huge change and it is natural for you to wonder whether you are ready to handle the responsibilities. Just remember, all of these worries are completely normal.

There will also be times when you may cry for no reason or feel really down and not know why. Give yourself a break and remember that all of these feelings you’re overflowing with are a normal part of being pregnant! Don’t forget to take good care of yourself and look to your family and friends for support. Sometimes lunch with a good friend can make all the difference. If your mood swings become too intense or sever, be sure to talk to your doctor about the changes. Some women may experience depression during or after their pregnancy. Your doctor can help you get treatment.

DOCTOR VISITS

See a doctor as soon as possible after you find out that you are pregnant. There are many resources out there to help you financially if you cannot afford medical care on your own. Contact TeenLine Hawaii at 808-521-TEEN for more information about where you can turn for financial assistance.

You have many options when it comes to the doctor you choose during your pregnancy. You can go to your family physician, an obstetrician or a nurse-midwife. No matter who you choose, be sure that you feel comfortable enough with him or her to talk openly about your body. They will ask detailed questions about your health history, your body and your pregnancy. Always be honest.

After your first visit, you will probably be asked to schedule check ups every four to six weeks until the last month of your pregnancy. During the last month, you will probably need to go in every week or two. Use your time wisely during these appointments. It may help to write down questions you have and bring them with you to your appointments. The answers will help you to take care of both you and your baby. During your pregnancy, you are probably going to have a ton of questions! You can learn more about what to expect by reading books, attending classes, or checking out different websites. Look to your doctor, family members or other trusted adults to help guide you.

CUTTING

Cutting. It is not a suicide attempt, though it may look and seem that way. Cutting is a form of self-injury (SI) in which a person makes scratches or cuts on their body with a sharp object.

It is be done to any part of the body but it is more commonly done to the wrists, arms, legs or stomach. In addition to cutting some people self-injure by burning their skin with the end of a cigarette or lighted match. Many times these cut or burns will leave scars that the person will try to hide.

WHY DO PEOPLE CUT?

It can be difficult for many people to understand why people cut. But for people who cut, this form of self-injury is a way for them to cope with their emotional pain. Cutting can sometimes feel like the only way to express strong feelings of rage, sorrow, rejection or emptiness.

Other times, people cut because they are frantic for relief from bad feelings and may not know a better way to deal with their circumstances. Sometimes their coping skills may be overpowered by their emotions. When emotions aren’t expressed in a healthy way, they can build up. Cutting is sometimes used as a way to relieve extreme tension.

Some people who cut have lived through other traumatic life experiences such as abuse, violence, loss or disaster. For them, cutting can seem like a way to “feel” something after a long period of numbness to other emotions.

Although it is not always the case, many people who cut have other mental health problems that contribute to their intense feelings. There are many other mental health conditions associated with cutting such as – depression, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, obsessive thinking or compulsive behaviors.

WHAT CAN HAPPEN TO PEOPLE WHO CUT?

Cutting is not a healthy way to cope with difficult emotions. Cutting may seem to relieve some of the pain, but the relief is only temporary. The troubles that trigger the cutting remain!

Although people aren’t trying to hurt themselves permanently, it can be easy to misjudge the depth of a cut. A cut can be so deep that it requires stitches or hospitalization. In addition, cuts can get infected when dirty items are used including – razors, scissors, pins or other sharp edges.

Unfortunately, cutting can be habit forming as well. The more a person cuts, the more he or she may feel they need to do it. This is called a compulsive behavior. When cutting becomes habit forming, it can seem almost like an addiction that is impossible to stop.

HOW TO GET HELP

Cutting can be very dangerous and can leave a person with emotional and physical scars. Fortunately, there are many other healthier ways to cope with problems. The most important step is figure out what led to the cutting to begin with. You may try:

- Talking to someone. This first step can sometimes be the hardest. Other people who have stopped cutting said that it was very hard to admit or talk about their cutting with someone else, but when they did they felt a huge sense of relief. Choose someone whom you trust such as a parent, another adult family member, school counselor, teacher, coach or doctor. If talking seems too difficult writing a note may be easier.

- Figuring out what triggers the cutting. Try to identify what feelings or situations cause you to feel like cutting. Is it relationship trouble? Is it emptiness or sadness? Is it anger? Once you have identified what triggers your feeling to want to cut, tell someone about it. Trying to take care of this on your own can be difficult. The help of a counselor may make it easier.

Self-injury is not something someone can just outgrow. Many people who cut have fewer resources for dealing with stress and pain. Cutting can be a very difficult thing to stop but it IS possible. If you know someone who cuts, reach out to him or her for support. They need someone to talk to more than ever. If you cut, please reach out to someone. You do not have to go through your pain alone. Although you feel alone, there is someone who cares about you and what you are feeling. Sometimes all you need to do is reach out and talk.

]]> http://www.teenlinehawaii.org/featured-articles/what-is-cutting/feed/ http://www.teenlinehawaii.org/uncategorized/stds-and-underage-drinking-prevention-media-campaign-for-girls/ http://www.teenlinehawaii.org/uncategorized/stds-and-underage-drinking-prevention-media-campaign-for-girls/#comments Wed, 07 Jul 2010 00:36:43 +0000 admin http://www.teenlinehawaii.org/?p=422

poll by twiigs.com

Join TeenLine Hawaii and the Chamber of Commerce

in preventing underage drinking and STDs.

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Children Out Of The Dark

Island Roots: Turn Compassion into Action

DATE: Wednesday, May 19th, 2010

TIME: 9:00am - 1:00pm

WHERE: Bishop Museum

Includes: Slam Poetry, Lunch, and Prizes.

Here at TeenLine Hawaii, we are proud to announce the 2010 May Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month Poster Contest Winners!! 

1ST PLACE: Teresa Huff, Kapa’a High School

2ND PLACE: Zachary Galiza, Radford High School

3RD PLACE: Brenda Ella Mamaclay, Radford High School

Through Our Eyes: Celebrate Safe Love

Join us in our “Safe Love” campaign for the nationally recognized May Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month!  In celebration of the month, this issue focuses on issues of teen pregnancy prevention, abstinence, birth control options, STI’s, and other reproductive health information.  Only through knowledge do we have the power to make informed and positive decisions for our lives.

“Through Our Eyes” is a zine produced by the youth for the youth in collaboration with Teenline Hawai`i. “Through Our Eyes” is a creative outlet for us to share and express our views, feelings, and interests.  What is a zine? A zine is a self-published underground publication, an abbreviated magazine of sorts.“Through Our Eyes” is created and distributed freely for youth across the state. Are you a writer, poet, artist? To submit your works contact us at info@teenlinehawaii.org.

Teenline Hawai`i strives to empower teens to become active community participants, raise awareness on issues teens are facing, and provide credible resources on a variety of issues like sex, alcohol and other drugs, emotions, family, relationships, school, violence, GBLTQ, foster care, activism, and personal development.

    Download Youth Leader Packet HERE.

Download Youth Leader Application HERE.

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TeenLine Hawaii members will be taking over the streets near Ward and Ala Moana to street market their “Safe Love” campaign.

DATE: Saturday, May 1st

WHERE: Ward Theaters

TIME: 10:00am SHARP

WHO: Teens on Oahu

WHY:  To meet new teens across the island, to get involved, and to have some fun!

WIN A JAMBA JUICE GIFTCARD!

Click HERE to test your knowledge and win!

Join TeenLine Hawaii and the Chamber of Commerce

in preventing underage drinking and STDs

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]]> http://www.teenlinehawaii.org/news/std-and-underage-drinking-media-campaign-for-girls/feed/ http://www.teenlinehawaii.org/events/farrington-film-festival-2010/ http://www.teenlinehawaii.org/events/farrington-film-festival-2010/#comments Tue, 06 Apr 2010 23:51:52 +0000 admin http://www.teenlinehawaii.org/?p=390 A showcase of videos produced by Farrington High School students.  Also featuring: artwork by students of the 12 Farrington Complex schools. (see flyer)

Date: May 14th, 2010

Where: Farrington HS Auditorium

When: 6-9pm

Date: Monday, March 15th, 2010

Time: Doors Open 7pm - 12am

Where: Black Diamond Nightclub (2255 Kuhio Ave - 2nd Floor - Waikiki Trade Center)

$10 B4 8PM w/ Flyer or Text, $15 After

Featuring: HOW LOW Cash money contest and United DJs.

Celebrate being unique…

Explore what we have in common.

Join voices to make a difference in your community.

Date: Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Who: For Kalihi area girls, ages 12-17

CHECK OUT THE FLYER HERE!

Call Palama Settlement at 848-2517 for more information and registration

Teenline Youth Leaders Launch Their New Publication!

“Through Our Eyes” is a zine produced by the youth for the youth in collaboration with Teenline Hawai`i. “Through Our Eyes” is a creative outlet for us to share and express our views, feelings, and interests.  What is a zine? A zine is a self-published underground publication, an abbreviated magazine of sorts.

Teenline Hawai`i strives to empower teens to become active community participants, raise awareness on issues teens are facing, and provide credible resources on a variety of issues like sex, alcohol and other drugs, emotions, family, relationships, school, violence, GBLTQ, foster care, activism, and personal development.

 “Through Our Eyes” is created quarterly, and distributed freely to youth across the state. Are you a writer, poet, artist? To submit your works contact us at info@teenlinehawaii.org.

May Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month contests are here!

Poster Contest (Entry Form)

Deadline: April 12th, 2010

Create entry using the slogan: Live Life Before You Give Life

Prizes: $60, $40, and $20 Gift Cards.

Quiz Question Contest (Entry Form)

Deadline: April 12th, 2010

Submit a question and answer relating to teen pregnancy prevention or STD/STI prevention.

10 Winners: Will recieve gift cards and their question will be featured in the May Teen Pregnancy Prevention Quiz.

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LGBT Prom is even more fabulous this year-check out the attached poster!  This year we are expecting 100 -120 youth and young adults, ages 24yo & under, to attend.  As always we want to offer Oahu’s LGBT youth and young adults a night of glamour and excitement to create a memorable event.  In addition to the fun we also strive to provide a safe and substance free environment for our community’s LGBT youth and young adults.

LGBT Youth Prom 2010 details:

When:              Saturday March 20, 2010

Where:             Studio 909 (Next to Musicians Hall & across from Blaisdell-949 Kapiolani Blvd)

Time:               8p-1130p

Theme:            Gaga J t’aime (Gaga I Love You)

**RE-Visiting Guest Performers- SACRAMENTO DANCE SPORT PROJECT**

Who:  Foster youth/youth in care and alumni, ages 15-20

When: March 2, 10, 17, and 24, 2010

Time: 3-5pm

Place:  Weinburg Kukui Center, 245 North Kukui St in Conference Room

RSVP by February 24th to Sarah at 521-9531 ext. 291

Who:  Youth ages 15-19 with a passion for peace, justice and aloha`aina.

Where:  Camp Kokokahi, Kane`ohe

What:  Be Real: Liberate the power of our histories, cultures, and identities.

          Be the Change: Gain the knowledge and skills to grow our movement for peace & justice.

           Connect: Meet other youth who also care about making Hawai`i and the world a better place.

          Enrollment is FREE if admitted to the program.

How to Apply: http://www.dmzhawaii.org/?page_id=5767

1st PLACE, Nicole Phillips

2nd PLACE, Mariah Curlee

3rd PLACE, Mercedes Ryan

We hear about teens drinking and see a lot about alcohol in movies and TV. But what’s real about underage drinking? Check-out Katie’s story and figure out truth vs. myth.

Katie: HEY AMY! OMG you wouldn’t believe what happened at Blake’s party last night!

Amy: What, what, what?!?!

Katie: So Nick and I were just chilling at the party. We started drinking and we ended up doing it.

Amy: Hey, I thought you were going to wait.

Katie: Yeah, I was. But, we started drinking and you know…

Amy: Wait, were you safe?

Katie: Oh yeah, I’m on the pill.

Amy: But what about STDs?

Katie: Oh I never thought about that…but don’t worry I’m the only girl he’s slept with.

Amy: Hey, you know I like Nick. But what if he’s been with other girls?

safe?

True or False

1. If you are on the pill, you don’t have to worry about STDs.

False. The pill can help to prevent pregnancy. But, it doesn’t help to prevent STDs. Abstinence (not having sex) is the only 100% way to prevent STDs. Using a condom can also help to prevent STDs.

2. If I’ve had sex I should get tested for STDs.

True. If you find out you have an STD you can get treated.

3. Most teens in Hawai’i don’t drink.

True. 70% of teens in Hawai’i don’t drink.

(source: morethanyouthink.org)

Want a chance to win a $10 Jamba Juice card?? Take our short 3 question quiz testing your knowledge HERE.

What: 10th Annual Backyard Jam

Where: Kapi`olani Park Bandstand

When: Sunday, February 28, 2009; 12:00-5:00 p.m.

Purpose: To provide a fun and safe afternoon of entertainment, fun, games, activities, and learning for
Hawaii’s public.

The Hawaii Youth Services Network, Hawaii Foster Youth Coalition, and REAL present an advocacy training led by youths who have been involved in changing laws through working with the legislature.  The training is for young people, ages 13 to 21, who are interested in making postive change through the legislative process.  Youths are encouraged to bring a bill or issue they would like to work on.  Current bills will be available as well.

Topics include: Legislative Advocacy, Written and Oral Testimony, Tour of the Capital, and Visits with Legislators.

To register contact: HFYC at 545-5683 or hifosteryouthcoalition@hawaiiantel.net

General Information

What: 10th Annual Backyard Jam

Where: Kapi`olani Park Bandstand

When: Sunday, February 28, 2009; 12:00-5:00 p.m.

Purpose: To provide a fun and safe afternoon of entertainment, fun, games, activities, and learning for Hawaii’s public.

Register your organization for a resource booth

2nd PLACE

3rd PLACE

This is an opportunity for youth to speak up to their legislators about the issues they think need to be addressed in their communities and schools.

Space is limited.  Registration deadline is October 4th, 2009.

DATE: Tuesday, October 13th, 2009

LOCATION: State Capitol

TIME: 8:30am - 3:00pm

Contact Sara at TeenLine Hawaii for more information at info@teenlinehawaii.org

DATE: Sunday, October 4th, 2009

LOCATION: State Capitol

TIME: 10:30am - 3:00pm

FREE giveaways, food, live music, games, activities.  Costume contest starts at 11:30, registration begins at 11am. 

Because of this, in many ways, trans teens have a larger struggle for acceptance and understanding compared to other queer teens.

This lack of information does not mean there is something wrong with you. It means that society has been slow to learn. But it will. If you are transgendered or think that you might be, reach out for help. Despite the lack of knowledge about trans teens, you are not alone and there are resources for you.

Transgender is an umbrella term used to describe people whose gender identity or gender expression is different than their biological sex or physical anatomy. Gender identity is defined as someone’s internal sense of being male or female, meaning; does this person feel male or female? And gender expression is how someone expresses their gender identity – what clothes they wear, their hairstyle, and their body language. In today’s society, most people take cues from someone’s gender expression to decide that person’s biological sex. As mentioned above, transgender is an umbrella term that covers many different groups of people including: cross dressers, transsexuals, people who are intersex, drag kings and queens, and others.

Many in the scientific community think that being transgender is due to complicated biological factors. They also believe that these factors are already determined by the time someone is born, which means that someone does not choose to be transgender – you are born transgender. Some people are born with both male and female genitalia or unclear genitalia and are considered intersex. Many times, intersex people have surgery during infancy or early childhood to assign them to one sex or another. Sometimes, the doctors and parents don’t always choose the right sex and that child can grow up with gender identity issues that imitate those experienced by transgenders.

Since transgender is an umbrella term that covers many different but related groups of people, self-description can be really important to transgender people. Throughout the transgender community, there is some debate on what terms can be applied to whom. Some people, who have already had surgery to change their sex, don’t consider themselves transsexual anymore. They’ve become the opposite sex. In the end, it’s is a very personal choice and no one person can decide who they are but themselves.

It is not uncommon, however, for straight trans people to come out as gay, lesbian, or bisexual while they are trying to figure out their gender identities.

For example, someone may be biologically male and feel attracted to other males and assume they are gay. As time goes on however, they realize that their gender identity is female. So really, regarding gender they are a female attracted to a male.

Transgender people many times are lumped together with gay, lesbian, or bisexual people because they share many of the same struggles. Gender expression and sexual orientation many times overlap. Because of this, much of the anti-queer sentiments out there have much more to do with gender expression than sexual orientation. For example, a male who paints is nails, and wears short shorts and tight shirts often times will be teased and called gay. He may be gay, but he may also be transgender, or he may be straight and just like wearing short shorts and tight shirts. He is being teased because he is stepping outside his traditional gender role. He is not being teased because of his sexual orientation; he is being teased for his gender expression.

If think you may be transgendered, there is help out there for you. You can call TeenLine Hawaii at 808-521-TEEN for local resources and support groups. Another good website is http://iamtransgendered.com/ which can provide good information such as books, support groups, and information on being transgendered.

]]> http://www.teenlinehawaii.org/life-and-relationships/gbltq/transgendered-teens/feed/ http://www.teenlinehawaii.org/events/27th-okinawan-festival/ http://www.teenlinehawaii.org/events/27th-okinawan-festival/#comments Mon, 18 May 2009 03:25:15 +0000 admin http://www.teenlinehawaii.org/?p=342  

• Saturday, September 5th, 2009
• 9AM - 9PM
• Kapiolani Park
• FRE
• Food, Games, live music

Why Do People Smoke-