DR. WALLACE: I read in a teen magazine that teens, as an age group, suffer from sexually transmitted diseases more than any other age group. We discussed this in our health education class and our teacher selected me to contact you to see if this is true and if it is, why is it true? — Cindy, Phoenix, Ariz.
CINDY: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a report that stated that over 9 million cases of sexually transmitted diseases occurred in young people age 15 to 24. The "Big Three" are Human Papielomovirus, Trichomoniasis, and Chlamydia. These STDs account for 88 percent of the new STD cases in this age group.
While teenagers and young adults make up just a quarter of the sexually active population of the United States, they contract about half of the sexually-transmitted diseases reported to health-care professionals.
The main reason for the high percentage is due to a feeling of, "It won't happen to me," and a lack of knowledge about what an STD is and how it could be prevented.
It's good that your high school provides a course on health education. The CDC report said that comprehensive sex education would be the best way to reduce the spread of STDs. The report noted that abstinence is the surest way to avoid disease, but that improved sex education must include a discussion on preventative protection for those who become sexually active.
THINK TWICE BEFORE GETTING A TATTOO
DR. WALLACE: I'd like to comment on teens getting tattooed. I had a tattoo on both ankles. I graduated from college last spring and when I went to interview for the job I really wanted I was told my qualifications were good, but the company did not hire employees who had tattoos that were visible. I had the tattoos removed and I got the job!
This letter might encourage teens to think twice before getting a tattoo. It cost me a lot more to have the tattoos removed than it did to have them put on. — Rachel, Helena, Mont.
RACHEL: Thanks for the words of warning. Teens who get a tattoo seldom think beyond the moment to ask themselves: "Will I want this for the rest of my life?" Your letter may motivate some people to do that.
SHE THINKS MY HUSBAND IS HER DADDY
DR. WALLACE: When I was 18, I gave birth to a baby girl. Her father was in the service and promised to marry me, but he was sent overseas and I lost touch with him.
A year ago I got married to a wonderful man who loves my baby and me very much. My daughter is now 3. Should I tell her about her real father? She thinks my husband, whom she calls "Daddy," is actually her real father. — Mother, Kingman, Ariz.
MOTHER: There is no need to tell your daughter about her birth father until she's old enough to understand. I would wait until she's 9 or 10 before informing her that your husband is her stepfather, but if she asks before then, tell her the truth. Make sure she knows by age 12.
Dr. Robert Wallace welcomes questions from readers. Although he is unable to reply to all of them individually, he will answer as many as possible in this column. E-mail him at rwallace@thegreatestgift.com. To find out more about Dr. Robert Wallace and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.
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