Date Rape

When people think of rape, they might think of a stranger jumping out of a shadowy place and sexually attacking someone. But in fact there different forms of sexual assault. Acquaintance Rape also known as date rape is one of the most common among female adolescents and college students. About 60% of all reported rapes are committed by someone the victim knew. Rape is a crime of violence, and you can be arrested, prosecuted and properly punished by the law.

There are ways to try to prevent date rape. The most common way to get into trouble is the idea of “you say no but you mean yes.” Since women are most often the victim of date rape, they must be firm in their response against sexual advances. If a person feels they don’t want to do something, be firm with the rejection. Being embarrassed, or coy will not send a clear signal and will lead to trouble. A possible disadvantage is that, some may take this the wrong way, perhaps of being accused of something they had no intentions of, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. 

Another form of prevention is a specific plan. Know what’s on the itinerary, where one will be going, what kind of place it is, and inform others of possible whereabouts. This way a female for example does not find themselves in a situation that could be potentially harmful. The advantage to this is that if the date has any ideas about using date rape as a romance technique, he will see awareness and intelligence and perhaps think twice about the crime about to be committed. A disadvantage, as in any other situation, sometimes a woman with enough self esteem to protect herself, is intimidating to some men. One may find it harder to achieve a second date. 

The third and final way to prevent date rape is to get and pay for your own drink. Loud music and poor lighting can definitely affect our senses, especially when it is so easy to stick a tablet into a drink that dissolves within seconds. If a female pays for her own drink and it stays with her at all times, there will be no worry of drug use for the purpose of rape. Although it is very tempting to let a handsome stranger buy drinks, it is a big risk to take, when you don’t know who that person is. And even if it is a friend or acquaintance one may not know their true intentions. As with everything else, there is a possible disadvantage. A lot more money will be spent when buying your own drinks and the number of times of frequenting a bar may decrease because of it. But isn’t it better to know you will be going home safe that night with the number of a person who truly wants to get to know you? I believe it is. Date Rape is a very serious offense that can be prevented in many situations if just a little time is spent taking precautions. Watch around you never know what people are up to.

                                                                        The Obvious escapes many; will you let it escape you?

                                                                                                                          Capt. Obvious

Gun Control Article Analysis

I have chosen six articles that I feel are the most intelligently written on gun control. The first of these is the article "Assault Weapons." The article, shows through statistics, that assault weapons are only responsible for 1% of violent crime. It points out though, that these particular weapons have had the most legislation passed upon them. These sorts of statistics are very affective, in convincing the reader of the authors point. The next article I chose was titled "Full Auto Weapons." It shows that machine guns are only responsible for a minute amount of crime. Furthermore these guns have become the most expensive and hard to obtain’ firearms in the world. The author’s use of printed gun laws and reliable statistics really show how ridiculous gun legislation against fully automatic weapons is. 

An interesting article put out by the N.R.A. suggests that gun control is targeting the wrong market. The title of this article is "Gun Control Will Only Work When Criminals Start Obeying the Law." It shows that almost all gun related crimes, are committed with illegally purchased firearms. This proves that gun control on legally owned firearms has very little effect on crime. The article was successful in making me believe that gun control is only affecting responsible citizens. It proves the point with statistics from various police departments. 

Another article that I felt had good information was "We Must Be Able to Defend Ourselves." It brings up the fact that without guns, the population is unable to protect itself from its own government. The author points out that the second amendment of the Constitution was created, so that a government could not obtain full control over its citizens. The effectiveness of this article is based on powerful quotes from Thomas Jefferson and George Washington that shun gun control. Since people believe anything our four fathers say, the article was very effective. 

An article that I feel is important is "Lawful and Responsible Gun Owners." It says that most gun owners are in fact responsible citizens. Unfortunately most non-gun owners have a false belief that most gun owners are crazy militia men, or violent criminals. This is a lie that threatens gun ownership in the future. The author uses common sense to make people aware that most gun owners’ are normal people. 

The last article "Whose Responsible for Gun Control," brings up a point of view that I had not previously looked at. The author claims that gun owners are to blame for gun control. He states that if all gun owners stood up for their rights, then gun control would never have reached the crazed pinnacle it is now at. This article is effective because it instigates rage and emotion from the reader. The author does a good job of making you believe that you have to stand up against the government to preserve your rights. 

So what do you think should they take away our guns? Do this whole gun control thing? What if we need it? Protection? Tell them how you feel.

                                                                        The Obvious escapes many; will you let it escape you?

                                                                                                                          Capt. Obvious

Police Corruption

Police corruption is a nationwide problem that has been going on for many years. Not only is corruption a problem on our own U.S. soil, but police practices of corruption go as far east as Europe and Asia. Many studies, polls and examinations were taken to find out how exactly what the general publics’ opinions of the police are. Officers receive a lot of scrutiny over this issue, but for good reason.

     In the 1980’s legal tension involving police searches was a direct result of the war on drugs campaign. Officers were encouraged to stop and seize or search suspicious vehicles to put a halt on drug trafficking (Harns, 1998). But placing this aggressive approach into effect had many negative outcomes. One problem was that it put police on a thin line with the constitutional laws. To no surprise, pretty much no data estimating how often police searches fall outside constitutional laws exist. Only cases that catch the courts attention are logged into the record books. A case study held in “Middleburg” on suspect searches reports that 70 of the 86 searches didn’t result in arrest; citations weren’t presented nor were any charges filed. Just about all of the unconstitutional searches, 31 out of 34, weren’t reported to the courts, nor were they intended to be reported.

     Race has played a big role is these searches as well. Out of the 114 police stops, an astounding 96 were African-American citizens, and 30% of those 96 stops were more than likely to be unconstitutional, compared to 22% of whites that were stopped. Brutality has also been an issue linked with these unconstitutional traffic stops. It’s so common between cops that there’s a tendency for repeated abuse of power and it’s basically turned into the “norm”. This isn’t good because with cops thinking like that it gives them somewhat of a necessity to break the law. They basically feel that in order for them to enforce the law they have to break some. Cops practice this unwritten rule everywhere, especially Los Angeles’ CRASH unit. Corruption was so common in the CRASH unit that they had standard procedures to cover it up if something went wrong. Overall, the LAPD didn’t have the strong support it needed from the community. Officers were distrustful of management, had low morale, engaged in racial profiling, and did

Not see their communities as partners in crime solving, but as enemies.

     Perjury is also a huge problem associated with corruption. Officers in question follow the unwritten tradition of gathering evidence illegally and then lying about it on the stand. They basically decide to “forget” evidence altogether. Framing suspects, or even the framing of innocent people, became almost common. According to a study done by Rafael Perez, an officer involved with the Rampart Scandal, “officers appear to have had complete disregard for rules about use of force, and concentrated their efforts on busily covering their tracks when the force resulted in injury or even death”. These elements were used in the event of what has become known as the Rampart scandal. It was a discovery in March of 1998 of six to eight pounds of cocaine missing from the evidence room of the Rampart Division of the Los Angeles Police Department. It turns out that officer Perez stole it, resold it and replaced the bags with pancake batter. He was later arrested for his actions. These cases are not uncommon place at all, not only was this a problem in Los Angeles, in 1979, for instance, the federal prosecutor indicted an entire police department in the city of Philadelphia.

     In conclusion, police practice many forms of corruption whether it be perjury, brutality, or drug trafficking. This problem is well known but precincts don’t want any dirt on their departments so they find ways to clean their dirty laundry. They even practice ways to escape prosecution if ever suspected of breaking a law. Overall there are some good cops out there but unfortunately the corruption in inner cities give all cops a bad name. But, the question is what can we do to stop it? We can stop being so embarrassed of getting our departments dirty and fess up to clean up!

                                                                        The Obvious escapes many; will you let it escape you?

                                                                                                                          Capt. Obvious

Governmental Abuse in America

The U. S. government has been expanding its influence on the personal lives of American residents for many years, particularly during the twentieth century. This growth has disabled people's abilities to take care of themselves and their loved ones, and ruined their chances at personal growth and development. Once a vehicle solely for the preservation of a free and peaceful society, the U. S. government has distorted our country into a nightmare police state. The short-term beneficiaries of continued and expanded lawful encroachment are only the government officials themselves and the criminal underground who gain more power with every newly prohibited good in their black market economy. The primary cause of this governmental abuse is the collective will of the people. The vast majority of individuals refuse to allow other people to act in ways that are foreign to them. 

One set of laws that has destroyed many people's lives is the asset forfeiture system. These laws are in place as a consequence of the government's drug policy, where inflated profits can be made as the illegality of the product limits supply. 

"Police stopped 49-year-old Ethel Hylton at Houston's Hobby Airport and told her she was under arrest because a drug dog had scratched at her luggage. Agents searched her bags and strip-searched her, but they found no drugs. They did find $39,110 in cash, money she had received from an insurance settlement and her life savings; accumulated through over 20 years of work as a hotel housekeeper and hospital janitor. Ethel Hylton completely documented where she got the money and was never charged with a crime. But the police kept her money anyway." (Holstein) 

Another government practice that has caused many people considerable duress is racial profiling. The main reason this practice isn't condemned to the point of prosecuting enough officers to discourage its use is that the people who are hurt by it are not like them. The victims of these attacks are thought to be alien, somehow related to the actual criminal element and probably deserving anyway. When people think of themselves being negatively affected by a police procedure they take an interest in actually preventing these things from happening. 

"Philadelphia Common Pleas Court Judge Rayford Means got lost three years ago, driving through Pennsylvania's Chester County. A policeman pulled over his car and asked why he was in the area. 'This officer displayed disbelief that I could be a judge,' said Means. The cop then followed Means for several miles and stopped him again. The stop lasted an hour, while the cop 'checked Means out.' The Philadelphia Tribune reported that the only possible 'grounds for suspicion' was simply that Means was a Black man driving though an all-white neighborhood." (Revolutionary) 

"Jonny Gammage, 31, was pulled over while driving his cousin's Jaguar at 2 a.m. on October 12, 1995, in the mainly white Pittsburgh suburb of Brentwood. Five cops arrived on the scene. Within minutes they had killed Jonny. He was beaten with a flashlight, a nightstick and a blackjack. One cop put his foot on Gammage's neck as he lay; face down on the pavement, handcuffed with his ankles bound. Cops claimed they stopped him because he was driving too slowly. He was unarmed." (Revolutionary) 

Public "indecency" laws, prohibitions on aesthetic modifications to private vehicles by their owners, ordinances barring businesses from selling certain items to adult consumers, and policies restricting people from "repetitively driving" are a few examples of government's oppressing people's pursuit of personal fulfillment. These laws and many more are created by a public attitude of intolerance. As long as they do not prevent someone personally from doing something that he would do, it is not seen as oppressive. Should the police lay down the law on a practice that the individual enjoys doing and suddenly his eyes are opened to the curtailment of one's personal freedom? 

Collectively, the expansion of government intrusion into people's personal lives is decreasing their trust and contentment with the current state of things. The most popular government acts will be supported by nature of them being popular even if they are at the expense of the ideological minority. People who never attend sporting events are forced to pay for sports facilities' construction and upkeep by taxes levied. Vegetarians are forced to subsidize meat manufacturers. Anti-abortion protesters must pay out of pocket for other people to have abortions against their most deeply held religious convictions. 

Some would argue that government intrusion into people's lives is beneficial. One line of reasoning is that certain prescribed values should be enforced to preserve an atmosphere of peace and order in our society. This way of thinking was particularly prominent during the 1950's. The base premise that supports this protocol is the idea that if everyone thinks and acts the same way, maximum efficiency can be achieved. There would not be any miscommunication or fighting; society would run like a well-oiled machine. 

While it is true that people who think and act alike are more productive and friendly to each other, this policy is both impractical and immoral. There will always be people who will not obey the law, whether they don't understand the supposed benefits derived or they don't accept the ideal that these authoritarians hold up. These people who would not concede their personal values to those prescribed by the state would have an advantage over those who would concede personal judgment to group harmony. 

During the Revolutionary War, the British "red coats" all fought the colonists in a static, traditional way. Walking shoulder to shoulder they would fire their rifles at their targets, recognizing this style as the only way to fight a war "honorably." The Americans realized that the only way that they could win the war was to attack the British using unconventional sneak attacks, which could minimize casualties and take out entire lines of red coats at once. Developing "guerrilla tactics," the colonists were able to fend off the British invaders, despite their overwhelming numbers, all because the British soldiers would not think "out of the box." 

In a similar way, people who would think and act in ways not condoned by the government where personal values are mandated would have advantages over those who would limit themselves to state sanctioned thoughts and actions. 

Other people might argue that some activities should be mandated/restricted, and other activities should be up to individual discretion. A likely justification for this angle is that some people do not have the intelligence or willpower to make the right choices for themselves, and must have government intervene on their own behalf. Is an entity that takes away your ability to make your own decisions freely acting on your behalf? 

All people have different values. Let's say two people would enjoy the experience of being a teacher more than the experience of being a computer programmer. One person decides to become a teacher; the other person decides to become a computer programmer because the pay is higher. Should the government punish either person because he is too stupid to make the right decision? 

The same analogy can be extended to recreational drug use. Some people prefer the experience, which various drugs can give them to the benefits of having a healthier body. 

Studying textbooks will improve anyone's sphere of knowledge and make them better able to improve themselves and society in the future. Does this mean that we should never spend time watching movies or listening to music? Should the government punish someone who wastes his time enjoying himself because he is not spending his time more wisely by contributing to society or engaging in self-improvement activities? 

Another argument people suggest is that by not having preventative laws, people would become reckless, irresponsible, and a menace to society. Preventative laws are those that supposedly prevent people from being victimized by making actions which do not harm others illegal. I contend that just the opposite is true. Preventative law encourages irresponsibility, and repealing such would foster in a new era of personal responsibility. 

The problem with preventative law is that it divorces cause and effect from people's decision making processes. Instead of encouraging people to think about what certain activities might lead to, it encourages people to abdicate their own reasoning to the fallible wisdom of the state. People recognize this fallibility, and break laws without a second thought if they believe that they will not incur any punishment. Worse, other people who basically believe that the state knows what is best in most circumstances will not consider the consequences of their actions if they are legally acceptable. Drinking alcohol, for example, is legally acceptable but is one of the most addictive and reason impairing drugs known. People interpret the state's prohibition of virtually all recreational drugs besides alcohol to be a sanction of its use. If all drugs were legalized people would understand that the state does not necessarily believe that any drug should be used recreationally and would be left to their own judgment about whether such an activity should be undergone. 

The realization that people should come to so that government intrusion on their own lives is mitigated is that "in order to be free, you must allow others to be free". Minorities cannot win by majority rule. Only through coalitions with other people with an attitude of tolerance for others' peaceful pursuits of happiness can the current state of affairs be corrected and a positive perception of government "by, for, and of the people" be reclaimed.

                                                                        The Obvious escapes many; will you let it escape you?

                                                                                                                          Capt. Obvious

Effects of Global Warming

Global warming 

An issue that has stirred up controversy all over the news and in the previous presidential debates is global warming. The effects have been seen all over the world and global warming is quickly becoming a major topic of concern. 

Global warming is the increase of the earth’s temperature. When the earth’s temperature increases, we have a climate change. When this climate change occurs, so do the changes in the sea level, rainfall, wildlife, and this obviously affects humans. (Global warming) It is caused by the release of carbon dioxide also known as Co2. Carbon dioxide is released by the use of manmade fossil fuels, such as oil, coal and naturals gasses. Co2 traps heat inside the earth’s atmosphere that would usually be in outer space, which causes the Greenhouse Effect. As the earth’s surface heats it becomes too warm to live in and many people, animals and plants will suffer. (EPA) 

The earth’s temperature naturally changes over the years, but over the last half of century, the record high temperatures drastically increased. Scientists have even warned us that in the last ten years we have had record high temperatures, which means the average temperatures in the United States could increase up to nine degrees. (NDRC) 

A major result of global warming happening in Florida is that it is making the hurricanes stronger and more treacherous. Every year, Florida gets hit by hurricanes and tropical storms, but during the last nine years the damages have really increased. There has been lots of damage done to homes and neighborhoods. Residents of Florida, have to take more precautions when these storms hit, because they never know how strong they can become. They have had roofs blown off, flood damage and trees falling over in their home. Global warming makes the ocean water warmer, which makes the storms much more powerful. They can easily jump from a category 2 to a category 4 storm. 

Another frightening effect of Global warming is the rising of the sea levels. Scientists have discovered that this could eventually lead to coastal flooding. Areas in the United States that could be heavily affected are all of the eastern sea board, areas of Gulf of Mexico, and almost all of Florida.

Since ice has started to melt approximately three weeks earlier than it did 39 years ago, we are starting to notice a rapid decline in polar bears. When the ice is melting and flouting, it affects the animal’s survival. During the last three weeks the melting ice, which is the best time of the year for feeding. Polar bear researchers predict that the number of bears will decline almost by 30 percent in the following 35 to 50 years. (The age) 

From deciding on whom to vote for as our next president to how much we fill up at the tank, our decisions range from affecting the polar bears to our future sons and daughters. The temperatures are increasing and so are our energy bills. The health and safety of every living thing is in danger. Our world is changing whether or not we want to admit it is our fault or not, just how far out of our control we are willing to let it become and how much it impacts our lives is actually entirely up to the decisions we make right now. We can make a change.

                                                                        The Obvious escapes many; will you let it escape you?

                                                                                                                          Capt. Obvious

Eating Disorders

Mirror, mirror, on the wall, who’s the fattest one of all?

-     Unknown

Men and women of all ages, races and incomes get eating disorders. Almost eighty percent of people with eating disorders started with dieting. Experts estimate one in four college women are bulimic. Did you know ninety percent of women overestimate their weight and everyday fifty six percent of women are on a diet? It is also not surprising that eating disorders are on the increase because of the value society places on being thin. Women especially are given the message at a very young age in order for them to be happy and successful they have to be thin. Did you also know the average model weighs twenty three percent less than an average woman? According to medical standards they fit into having a disorder. Diet commercials are constantly appearing on television screens telling us that losing weight will make everyone happy. Over five million American men and women suffer from eating disorders. (Volstead 45) Depression, shame, and agonizing sense of isolation is caused by eating disorders, they disrupt families, schools, and damages careers. It’s unfortunate, but in today’s society, people have forgotten that it’s what’s on the inside that counts, not what’s on the outside.

     One percent of teenage girls in the US develop anorexia nervosa and up to ten percent of those may die as a result. (AABA 3) Anorexia nervosa is a disorder in which preoccupation with dieting and thinness leads to excessive weight loss. The individual may not acknowledge that his or her weight loss or restrictive eating is a problem. Most women and an increasing number of men are motivated by the urge to become thin. Anorexics usually strive for perfection. They usually have a low self-esteem and sometimes feel that they don’t deserve to eat. Denying the problem occurs most of the time. There are many warning signs for anorexia. Some of the signs are having a noticeable weight loss, becoming withdrawn, lots more exercise, fatigue, weakness in muscles, headaches, and a different attitude towards others. There’s many more, but just look at the ones here and say that they aren’t dangerous. There are also many medical conditions

to go with this disease like hair loss, bloating, cold hands and feet, etc. Some people wear baggy clothes to make themselves feel skinnier then they already are and they still feel the urge to lose more weight. Anorexics close to death will show you on their bodies where they feel they need to lose weight. No matter what their weight is, they still feel fat and need to lose more weight. It is not uncommon for someone who develops the disorder to starve him/her until they weigh just 60 or 70 pounds. Researchers have discovered that a part of the brain called the hypothalamus begins to work improperly after the onset of anorexia. The hypothalamus controls such activities as maintenance of water balance, regulation of body temperature, secretion of the endocrine glands and sugar and fat metabolism. (ANAD 16) Further studies are needed, however, to determine if anorexia patients have a biological predisposition to develop the illness.

     Bulimia is an eating disorder that involves eating binges followed by quickly purging, using laxatives, and other efforts. It is also related with anorexia, but doesn’t have the large weight loss that goes along with it. It can cause gastrointestinal problems, potassium depletion, and damage to teeth from the acid in regurgitated food. Bulimia usually develops during adolescence, especially among females, from pressures including the social emphasis on sliminess. Just like an anorexic the bulimic uses self-destructive eating behaviors to deal with psychological problems that go deeper. An individual feels out of control and recognizes that the behavior is not normal. There are actually two different types of bulimia. There is the purging kind and the non-purging kind. The purging type: during the current episode of Bulimia Nervosa, the person has regularly engaged in self-induced vomiting or the misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas. The non-purging type: during the current episode of Bulimia Nervosa, the person has used other inappropriate compensatory behaviors, such as fasting or excessive exercise, but has not regularly engaged in self-induced vomiting or the misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas. (MSB 1) Some warning signs may be vomiting, mood swings, depression, tooth decay, and irregular heartbeats. The list goes on and on. Some experience medical complications and physical problems like dizziness, shortness of breath, lack of energy, and some major organ damage. It’s not looking good for some people who have bulimia.

Binge eating can be very dangerous to everyone. People who have this condition engage in frequent binges, but unlike a bulimic they don’t purge. Food is used as a dysfunctional means of coping with psychological problems. It’s usually followed by and intense guilt or shame from eating so much food. An individual usually experiences depression and other psychological problems. Almost forty percent of obese people may be binge eaters. (AABA 2) This eating disorder is mostly over-looked by people. It usually starts in childhood when eating patterns are formed. (Claude 80) There are a number of treatment options available for the compulsive overeater. Individual or group therapy and outpatient or even inpatient programs are certainly treatment options. There are also non-profit organizations available, which deal specifically with compulsive overeating. Many compulsive over eaters deal with weight gain, hypertension, heart ailments, and mobility problems. Seeking medical help would be best. Even though this disorder isn’t as serious as the others it is still one that shouldn’t be over looked.

     When the problem is addressed initially, anyone needs to prepare oneself for all the possible reactions. Everyone who suffers with an eating disorder experiences a large amount of suffering and pain, but they are not the only ones who suffer. The ultimate goal should be to get that person to seek help. This person may become upset and/or angry also a chance that they become relieved that someone wants to help. People tend to isolate themselves and become very good at hiding the problem. Some may be confused about why the whole thing started, where to go for help, and how to approach the person. The best way to deal with it is to find out more and educate oneself on the situation. Many find themselves guilty, because they somehow feel responsible for the person’s actions. People with eating disorders are going to have low self-esteems and think they are worthless. They need to know they are loved and they are important. There is only so much help that they can take form people. Never forget that no one is hopeless and eating disorders can be beaten. It takes hard work and time to beat these giants.

     There are many different approaches to treatment of eating disorder, no single philosophy works for everyone. Eating disorders are psychological problems that require therapeutic treatment. Sometimes patients require several different types of treatment before finding one that is helpful. A feeling of trust must exist if there is a therapeutic relationship if it is to be beneficial. Just remember recovery is possible and there is help out there for anyone.

     Once again, it should be stressed that diets don’t work. Eating three healthy meals a day, a few snack and doing some exercise, will allow your body to go to its natural point. It’s important to remember that no one food will make you fat, as long as it’s eaten in small portions. Stop buying those fashion magazines and diet products, and stop believing all the lies that are on television. Focus on learning to love yourself. No number on a scale and fitting into a smaller dress size will not make everyone happy. Happiness can only come from within.

                                                                        The Obvious escapes many; will you let it escape you?

                                                                                                                          Capt. Obvious

Teens and Sex - Sex and Disease

Sex is the key ingredient that most companies and advertising agencies are using to sell their products. And as a result we the viewers (being whatever age we may be) are the true victims. You turn on the television and the first thing you see is someone or something being sexually exploited. Daytime TV and talk shows are long time abusers of this. As a result more and more people are practicing sex all over the country and the world. And coincidently the ages of these participants are getting younger and younger. STDs are the at an all time high. 

What are STDs? STDs are sexually transmitted diseases, formerly called venereal diseases (VD), which are transmitted by direct sexual contact. Some are considered among the most serious diseases of the world. Any person who is sexually active or is thinking about having sexual activity should be familiar with the symptoms, prevention, and treatment of these diseases. Most forms of STDs may be treated and cured in the early stages, but putting off treatment can be dangerous. 

The germs that cause sexually transmitted diseases can survive only for a few seconds in the air, so the diseases are transmitted only by direct body contact. Like most other diseases we do not know where or when sexually transmitted diseases started. To add to the list of STDs there is the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) which may lead to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). 

In North and South America combined, there are estimates that up to 2 million people are currently infected with the HIV virus. The World Health Organization estimates that 8-10 million adults and 1 million children worldwide are infected with the AIDS virus. By the year 2000, 40 million people may be infected with the virus. More than 90% of these persons will likely reside in the developing countries. Based on 1989 data, AIDS is the number four cause of death in males ages 15-54. Other sexually transmitted diseases continue to be a major problem in the United States also, with more than 12 million new cases occurring every year, including 4 million cases of Chlamydia and 1.4 million cases of gonorrhea. Sexually transmitted diseases are particularly important to women, because their offspring share the same consequences from them, including pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, tubal pregnancy, or HIV. 

Any form of sexual contact in which the sex organs of one person are in direct contact with the sex organs, mouth, or anus of another can transmit the germs of most STDs, if they are present. There are many STDs; some of the most common STDs are Gonorrhea, syphilis, Chlamydia, and genital herpes. We can't forget the ever so growing HIV virus. 

Gonorrhea is sometimes called "Clap" or "The Drip" in slang. It is caused by bacteria that can attack the tissues lining the urethra, the cervix of women, the anus, the throat, or the eyelids. This disease is shared by both men and women. In terms with the male, symptoms usually develop within a week after sexual contact with the infected person. The first sign is usually a burning and itching feeling during urination, and even severe pain. With women the symptoms are not that easy to detect. In a lot of women, few symptoms are noticed until the disease has progressed into a serious infection. In the mouth or throat, gonorrhea germs do not last very long, but they can move around when they are present. There may be a sore throat or no symptoms at all. 

Syphilis, this infection is caused by a germ known as a "spirochete", a tiny microscopic organism. Once this has entered the body it begins to multiply. The diseases when untreated have three stages. 1) Early Syphilis- Within a month or two after contact, small, reddish, painless, sores appear on skin. This is called chancre. These can show up in the mouth or anywhere else on the body. Even without treatment the chancre heals in four to ten weeks. However the germs have moved beyond. 2) Secondary Syphilis- This probably won't show for several weeks. You will have a rash over large portions of your body along with a slight fever. 3) Late Syphilis- If you haven't seen a doctor at this point, the syphilis germs may infect any part of your body with serious results. Untreated syphilis may eventually result in death. 

Chlamydia, this microorganism is now the most widespread STD in the United States. Part of this is because there are no clearly identified dangers until it is too late. Most all that suffer from this do not develop early symptoms. If they do they are similar to Gonorrhea. Genital Herpes, this infection has now become one of the one common and more serious of the STD. Its name comes from the herpes virus that causes the infection, like the one that causes cold sores around the mouth. Usually within three weeks after sexual contact with an infected person, an area on the sex organ starts to itch or burn and eventually blister. Like cold sore the blisters heal, but the virus stays in the body, and there may be flare ups again. There are two main dangers for women, one may be cervical cancer, and in addition the virus can affect babies during the birth process, leading to serious disease or death. 

  Hepatitis B is a viral liver infection often spread through sexual contact. It is especially common among homosexual males who participate in anal intercourse. Some symptoms are fever; chills, nausea, and a sick feeling that persist for many weeks. A new vaccine to prevent the disease is currently being tested, and may soon be available as a preventive measure. 

Gonorrhea, syphilis, and Chlamydia are easily treated if you see a medical doctor. Penicillin or other antibiotics are usually prescribed. Because they are caused by viruses, herpes and hepatitis B are not curable by any medicine, but there uncomfortable symptoms may be relieved. 

Anyone who suspects the presence of a sexually transmitted disease should seek medical attention immediately! Simple tests can show whether or not the diseases are present, and if so, appropriate treatment can be given. Informing partners that you may have infected them with an STD or that you may have contracted STD from them is also a part of the responsibility of having sex. STDs including the HIV virus are increasing at an all time high. 

Your best and safest way to protect yourself would be to not participate in premarital sex. If you do choose to participate in premarital sex please use protection. There are various methods of protection out there. And for all those women who blame the men in their lives for not wearing condom, you have contraceptive methods also.

                                                                        The Obvious escapes many; will you let it escape you?

                                                                                                                          Capt. Obvious

Juveniles and Drug Abuse in America

Juveniles and Drug Abuse in America

A drug is a substance that modifies one or more of the body’s functions when it is consumed. Therefore, many common foods qualify as drugs. According to this definition, some of our most cherished beverages such as tea, coffee, and cola are drugs. However this paper focuses on drugs that are abused by teenagers. Surveys show that cocaine, marijuana, heroin, and inhalants are the most commonly used drugs among teenagers age thirteen through eighteen. One of the most startling findings from recent data is the degree to which to which teenagers are now involved in drug use. This drug abuse problem has gotten worse. Perhaps our society must hit “rock bottom” before changes can occur. 

                                                                                                                  

According to the Michigan Institute for Social research, reported the results of their 1992 and 1993 national survey of nearly fifty thousand American high school students across the country ages thirteen through eighteen. Studies show that a gradual decrease in the use of most illicit drugs by younger people. The peak year for illicit drug use by high school seniors was in 1980. The 1992 and 1993 surveys reported an alarming shift, a modest but statistically significant increase in the use of several drugs such as cocaine, marijuana, heroin, and inhalants. This survey attributes the increase in drug use to students’ perceived risk or danger in using a particular drug. In 1992, thirteen year-olds were less likely to see cocaine, crack and marijuana as dangerous. But in 1993, there was a significant increase in marijuana use by seventeen and eighteen year olds and a significant increase in marijuana use by thirteen year-old students. Cocaine use by seventeen and eighteen year olds declined in 1992. However there was a significant increase in cocaine use by thirteen year-old students between 1991 and 1992. 

In 1993, cocaine use increased for all ages thirteen through eighteen. Every teenager has used drugs at least once in their life. The literature review confirmed that teenagers engage in drugs on a daily basis. According to the National Survey on Drug Abuse conducted in 1997 and 1998, more than one-fourth (28.2 percent) of the youth aged thirteen to eighteen report that marijuana experiences, and about four percent used cocaine, 1.1 percent admits to using heroin, and nine percent used inhalants. These statistics are about the same as the statistics in 1992 and 1993. 

Youngsters take drugs for many different reasons. The literature review attributes that youngsters engage in drugs because of peer influence and family problems such as a broken home, as well as other important variables such as lack of religious beliefs and just a way of dealing with stress, anger or frustration. Others use drugs because they perceive taking drugs as a new, interesting or exciting experience. Interestingly, existing data show that teenagers because in rural areas use drugs less compared to teenagers that live in urban and suburban areas. Studies show the reason for this is because drugs are not as readily available in rural areas. 

An analysis on existing data shows that there was a substantial amount of involvement in drugs during the late eighties but not as much involvement today. In fact teenagers today ages thirteen through eighteen drug rate are much higher than those older teenagers. Studies show that drug use among high school seniors continued to downslide in 1992, but still America incoming teenagers today do not seem to be getting the message. These findings are troubling. Therefore, there is a need to approach the drug problem among American future leaders. 

To address these issues the first step is to increase the awareness and knowledge of this particular age group about the risks of substance abuse to influence them away from drug abuse. In, doing this, researchers need to continue to increase their understanding of drug use among the youth, its causes, and manifestations. Second, researchers need to explore methods of reaching youngsters during the crucial years when drugs become an alternative. 

Heightening the risks of drug abuse among juveniles makes them aware of the consequences they are facing in the future. Studies show children that are aware of the risks of drugs tend to draw away from drugs rather than those have no clue about what drugs can do.

                                                                        The Obvious escapes many; will you let it escape you?

                                                                                                                          Capt. Obvious