Experts: Sex-education goals of federal programs are failing

DenverChief · 04-20-2005, 05:28 PM

NEW YORK - Growing up in North Carolina, Charles Smith was the all-American guy. Being built, good-looking, and a good athlete, he caught the eye of many women in town.

Now, nearly 10 years after being diagnosed with full-blown AIDS, you can still hear shades of disbelief in his voice as he admits, “I never used condoms. I used to look at myself and say, ‘I am built, I am stocky, and I am indispensable.'”

The diagnosis shocked both Smith (not his real surname) and his wife, since he never thought he could be at risk.

“All I knew about HIV was it’s a gay man's disease and I definitely ain’t gay.”

Since Smith’s diagnosis, he has gone on to become a leading speaker on HIV/AIDS and drug awareness with AIDS in Minorities, a nonprofit group based in Alabama.*

Although he once thought he was not at risk, Smith says the demographics of HIV/AIDS have grown to become an inclusive disease, crossing socioeconomic backgrounds, age, race and sexual orientation.

STDs on the rise

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports there are more than 65 million people living with incurable STDs in the United States, and at least one in four Americans will contract an STD at some point in their lives.

Most alarmingly, there are nearly 1 million Americans currently infected with HIV/AIDS, and nearly 20 percent of them are unaware of their diagnosis. Now, African-American women are the fastest growing group of people infected with the virus in the United States.

Recent reports show that nearly one-fourth of all STD infections occur among teenagers, with female teens having the highest rates of chlamydia and gonorrhea. And, while the* diagnoses rates for gonorrhea and syphilis have remained steady, chlamydia infections have nearly tripled since 1990.

Treatment of STDs annually costs the United States $17 billion, and experts predict STD rates will continue to rise as long as Americans underestimate their risk levels.

Is abstinence education the answer?

In his 2006 budget, President Bush proposed a $39 million increase in federal funding for “abstinence-only-until-marriage education,” bringing its total funding to nearly $193 million annually.

Often run by faith-based organizations, abstinence-only-until-marriage education is frequently criticized for excluding information about condom usage, abortion, masturbation and sexual orientation.

“What is born out by scientific evidence is that comprehensive sexual health programs are more effective than abstinence programs. Safer sex programs delay the onset of sex behavior, reduce pregnancy rates and increase likelihood of condom use,” says Dr. Michael Carey, who runs The Center for Health and Behavior at Syracuse University.*

“Safer sex programs not only include the message that abstinence is the more effective strategy, but also talks about self-management strategies and personal skills. In contrast, a sexual abstinence program does not cover these issues,” he said.

STDs IN THE U.S.
— 65 million people in the U.S. have incurable STDs
— At least 1 in 4 Americans will contract an STD in their lifetime
— Teenagers make up one-fourth of all new STD infections
— Herpes is the most common STD in the U.S., affecting 45 million people
— Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B are the only vaccine treatable STDs

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7268133/

NaptownChief · 04-20-2005, 05:32 PM

There is no amount of money or programs that can rid the world of ignorance. And ignorace reaches record levels when the pecker is hard. Try as they may, it isn't going to happen.

DenverChief · 04-20-2005, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NaptownChief

There is no amount of money or programs that can rid the world of ignorance. And ignorace reaches record levels when the pecker is hard. Try as they may, it isn't going to happen.

your right money can't but proper educational programs can

eazyb81 · 04-20-2005, 05:38 PM

"I am built, I am stocky, and I am indispensable."

I bet money Carl looks in the mirror and says that to himself every night before bed.

**Tribal Warfare** · 04-20-2005, 05:38 PM

Let's go midevil with those teenagers. reinstitute chasity belts.

DenverChief · 04-20-2005, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eazyb81

"I am built, I am stocky, and I am indispensable."

I bet money Carl looks in the mirror and says that to himself every night before bed.

NaptownChief · 04-20-2005, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DenverChief

your right money can't but proper educational programs can

Those proper education programs are called parents.....

DenverChief · 04-20-2005, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NaptownChief

Those proper education programs are called parents.....

apparently they are not doing their jobs otherwise these statictics wouldn't be so alarming

Quote:

— 65 million people in the U.S. have incurable STDs
— At least 1 in 4 Americans will contract an STD in their lifetime
— Teenagers make up one-fourth of all new STD infections
— Herpes is the most common STD in the U.S., affecting 45 million people

Quote:

Recent reports show that nearly one-fourth of all STD infections occur among teenagers, with female teens having the highest rates of chlamydia and gonorrhea.

Quote:

Treatment of STDs annually costs the United States $17 billion

whoman69 · 04-20-2005, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NaptownChief

Those proper education programs are called parents.....

Then they're doing a shitty job.

DenverChief · 04-20-2005, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whoman69

Then they're doing a shitty job.

el borracho · 04-20-2005, 05:51 PM

"Abstinence-only-until-marriage"? America really needs to grow up.

Abstinence-only-until-marriage does not exist in America anymore. Accept it and deal with it. I'm actually pissed to see that the feds spend just under $200 million annually on such an unrealistic program.

jcroft · 04-20-2005, 05:53 PM

Abstinence only education is one of the most idiotic ideas just "just say no."

Oh wait, it's the same idea -- and is about as effective.

**Mr. Kotter** · 04-20-2005, 05:56 PM

Five words:

Parents, do your stinkin' jobs.

**Donger** · 04-20-2005, 05:59 PM

I've got no problem with teaching young adults about condoms, but if you have to teach them about masturbation?

Methinks that perhaps those kids might not be ready to wrap their minds around condoms.

DenverChief · 04-20-2005, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Kotter

Five words:

Parents, do your stinkin' jobs.

I think that is akin to saying we don't need no stinkin police the parents should be doing their jobs

04-20-2005, 05:28 PM
DenverChief MVP Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Rocky Ford Casino cash: $5579867	Experts: Sex-education goals of federal programs are failing NEW YORK - Growing up in North Carolina, Charles Smith was the all-American guy. Being built, good-looking, and a good athlete, he caught the eye of many women in town. Now, nearly 10 years after being diagnosed with full-blown AIDS, you can still hear shades of disbelief in his voice as he admits, “I never used condoms. I used to look at myself and say, ‘I am built, I am stocky, and I am indispensable.'” The diagnosis shocked both Smith (not his real surname) and his wife, since he never thought he could be at risk. “All I knew about HIV was it’s a gay man's disease and I definitely ain’t gay.” Since Smith’s diagnosis, he has gone on to become a leading speaker on HIV/AIDS and drug awareness with AIDS in Minorities, a nonprofit group based in Alabama.* Although he once thought he was not at risk, Smith says the demographics of HIV/AIDS have grown to become an inclusive disease, crossing socioeconomic backgrounds, age, race and sexual orientation. STDs on the rise The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports there are more than 65 million people living with incurable STDs in the United States, and at least one in four Americans will contract an STD at some point in their lives. Most alarmingly, there are nearly 1 million Americans currently infected with HIV/AIDS, and nearly 20 percent of them are unaware of their diagnosis. Now, African-American women are the fastest growing group of people infected with the virus in the United States. Recent reports show that nearly one-fourth of all STD infections occur among teenagers, with female teens having the highest rates of chlamydia and gonorrhea. And, while the* diagnoses rates for gonorrhea and syphilis have remained steady, chlamydia infections have nearly tripled since 1990. Treatment of STDs annually costs the United States $17 billion, and experts predict STD rates will continue to rise as long as Americans underestimate their risk levels. Is abstinence education the answer? In his 2006 budget, President Bush proposed a $39 million increase in federal funding for “abstinence-only-until-marriage education,” bringing its total funding to nearly $193 million annually. Often run by faith-based organizations, abstinence-only-until-marriage education is frequently criticized for excluding information about condom usage, abortion, masturbation and sexual orientation. “What is born out by scientific evidence is that comprehensive sexual health programs are more effective than abstinence programs. Safer sex programs delay the onset of sex behavior, reduce pregnancy rates and increase likelihood of condom use,” says Dr. Michael Carey, who runs The Center for Health and Behavior at Syracuse University.* “Safer sex programs not only include the message that abstinence is the more effective strategy, but also talks about self-management strategies and personal skills. In contrast, a sexual abstinence program does not cover these issues,” he said. STDs IN THE U.S. — 65 million people in the U.S. have incurable STDs — At least 1 in 4 Americans will contract an STD in their lifetime — Teenagers make up one-fourth of all new STD infections — Herpes is the most common STD in the U.S., affecting 45 million people — Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B are the only vaccine treatable STDs http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7268133/
Posts: 16,208

04-20-2005, 05:32 PM	#2
NaptownChief Football Pimp Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Indianapolis,IN Casino cash: $9974900	There is no amount of money or programs that can rid the world of ignorance. And ignorace reaches record levels when the pecker is hard. Try as they may, it isn't going to happen. __________________ "We weren't worth a damn," the Kansas City Chiefs head coach said, shaking his head. "I'm not worth a damn. No one's worth a damn..." Former President of the Eric Downing Fan Club and Current President of the Kris"Secret Weapon"Wilson Fan Club
Posts: 4,357

04-20-2005, 05:38 PM	#4
eazyb81 The Illuminati Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: the road less traveled Casino cash: $10004900	"I am built, I am stocky, and I am indispensable." I bet money Carl looks in the mirror and says that to himself every night before bed.
Posts: 12,033

04-20-2005, 05:38 PM	#5
Tribal Warfare The Boom Boom Room Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $532813	Let's go midevil with those teenagers. reinstitute chasity belts. __________________
Posts: 42,170

04-20-2005, 05:51 PM	#11
el borracho In Pat We Trust Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Albuquerque, NM Casino cash: $6009148	"Abstinence-only-until-marriage"? America really needs to grow up. Abstinence-only-until-marriage does not exist in America anymore. Accept it and deal with it. I'm actually pissed to see that the feds spend just under $200 million annually on such an unrealistic program.
Posts: 11,850

04-20-2005, 05:53 PM	#12
jcroft Thread-Stopper Extrodinaire Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Seattle, WA Casino cash: $10004900	Abstinence only education is one of the most idiotic ideas just "just say no." Oh wait, it's the same idea -- and is about as effective. __________________ Jeff Croft jeffcroft.com
Posts: 2,150

04-20-2005, 05:56 PM	#13
Mr. Kotter The Dude Abides Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Dakota Country Casino cash: $5625285	Five words: Parents, do your stinkin' jobs. __________________ "I've always said I worry about legacy and winning rings more than making money at this moment...We see what's going on around the league, but at the same time, I'll never do anything that's going to hurt us from keeping the great players around me.”
Posts: 46,365

04-20-2005, 05:59 PM	#14
Donger "Think BOOM!" Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: 33.675° N 106.475° W Casino cash: $9989900 VARSITY	I've got no problem with teaching young adults about condoms, but if you have to teach them about masturbation? Methinks that perhaps those kids might not be ready to wrap their minds around condoms. __________________ I think the young people enjoy it when I "get down," verbally, don't you?
Posts: 181,795