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Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) are passed on through sexual contact from person to person. An STD can be spread to another person through vaginal intercourse or anal intercourse. Sexually transmitted diseases are contracted from someone who has a disease passing it on by bodily fluids such as semen, vaginal secretions and blood. It is thought to be more than 50 known STD. Certain STD’s can be treated and completely cured if caught early enough. Some can not be cured and others can only be controlled.

There is a difference between a Sexually transmitted infection (STI) and a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD). STIs used to be referred to as venereal diseases or VD. They are among the most common contagious diseases. An STI for example, Chlamydia can infect a person without causing a disease. Most infections can be cured when caught in the earlier stages before it becomes a STD.

Signs and Symptoms of a STD

The problem with a STD and STI is some do not show any symptoms at all especially in the earlier stages. For this reason regular testing if a person is sexually active is very important.

Some common symptoms of STD:

• abnormal discharge secreting from the penis or vagina, the color may be yellow or green
• Burning or itching in vaginal or penis area
• Uncommon bleeding,
• painful intercourse,
• lumps or blisters in or around the genital area
• Bleeding between periods

When to get tested for a STD

It is recommended to have yearly testing for Sexually transmitted diseases if a person is sexually active. There are also at home test kits for all STDs. Below are some of the risk factors to consider; Unprotected Sex It is important to remember even when using a condom it is not a guarantee that a person is fully protected from STD. Remember that when having unprotected sex with someone you are exposing yourself to every sexual partner they have been intimate with.

The more partners a person has the more chance of being exposed to a STD Age People under the age of 25 are more likely to be infected with a form of STD or STI than older people. Research has shown young woman is more biologically susceptible to contracting STDS. Statistics have shown that younger people are less likely to use protection when engaging in sexual risks.

How to protect yourself against an STD

• Do not have unprotected sex- this can be Anal, vaginal or oral
• Keep the number of partners to minimum
• Do not share sexual toys
• Avoid sharing underwear
• Do not Use intravenous drugs (injected into a vein) or share needles
• Remember an STD can be passed on by sexual secretions, saliva and blood.

Raising vegan children can be a breeze if you know how to go about it. In fact, raising healthy vegan children is probably easier than raising meat-eating children. Why? Well, if you are considering raising a child on a vegan diet then you are at least somewhat concerned about good nutritional health and that is actually the most important step in raising a vegan child. Also, here are some additional tips on making this good deed even easier.

1. Encourage healthy eating habits – when your child asks for chips go for the organic tortilla chips or better yet pop some popcorn the old fashioned way in the popcorn popper and season it with some non-hydrogenated butter and nutritional yeast. Try these and other healthy snack options to highlight healthy snacking over junk food snacking;

2. Be creative – if there’s one thing that children are notorious for it’s inspiring creativity. Dig deep into your imagination to come up with cool meal combos and snacks. Being a vegan means thinking outside of the box;

3. Diversify – they say that variety is the spice of life and this couldn’t be more true. The best way to combat boredom with any diet is to eat a variety of foods. Children bore fairly easily so you have to constantly switch things up to keep them eager and interested;

4. Cook more – Do more cooking and less microwaving. The food will be a lot more flavorful and nutrient-rich. Plus your children will appreciate the time and attention you give their nutritional health;

5. Read nutritional labels – make it your business to ensure that the ingredients in the foods that you purchase for your family are beneficial not detrimental to their health. Avoid artificial sweeteners, MSG, high fructose corn syrup and other synthetic food ingredients that only lead to obesity and increased health risks;

6. Meal planning – plan out your meals ahead of time. This way you ensure that your child always receives an adequate amount of vitamins and nutrients;

7. Stay away from processed foods – shop the perimeter of the grocery store and buy more natural, whole foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, legumes, and whole grains;

8. Make it fun – leading a vegan lifestyle should be fun-filled experience for your child. A vegan diet gives you increased energy so burn some of that excess energy by cooking with your child, coming up with new recipes together like adding best vegan plant based meat for example, or having meatless potlucks with friends and family who live nearby;

9. Collect and use recipes often – these days tasty vegan recipes can be found just about anywhere such as online, at the library, the bookstore, or word of mouth so you will never run out of new vegan recipes to try; and

10. Lead by example – If your child sees you practicing healthy eating habits they will likely follow suit. Children look to adults for guidance and as a primary source of information. Why not be the vegan that they most respect and admire?