Calvert County Health Department

May is Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month

May is Teen Pregnancy Prevention month! Nearly 85% of teen pregnancies are unplanned, according to the Alan Guttmacher Institute. May 7, 2008 is the national day to raise awareness about pregnancy prevention and healthy choices teens can make. Teens, see what you know about dating and relationships. Go to stayteen.org and take the quiz

Parents, develop a healthy relationship with your teen and talk often. Open communication is the best thing you can do for your child! Here are a few tips from Advocates for Youth:

• Take advantage of teachable moments
• Have a conversation with your teen, not a lecture
• Respect your teens views and share your own thoughts
• Don’t jump to conclusions – just because they ask about sex doesn’t mean they are sexually active
• Admit when you don’t know the answer

Help your teen develop a strong sense of mind so that they are equipped to handle any difficult situation. To learn more about how to answer those difficult questions, join the Calvert County Health Department at the Prince Frederick Library May 14, 2008 at 7:00 PM. Refreshments will be served and we will discuss communication ideas, abstinence, what to do if your teen is already sexually active and more.

Please call K.C. Bellin if you are able to attend at 410-535-5400 X 342 or respond by email to CommunityHealthCCHD@dhmh.state.md.us