The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is committed to continuing efforts to prevent out-of-wedlock teen pregnancies and to encourage adolescents to remain abstinent. President Bush and Secretary Thompson are committed to promoting abstinence education programs and dissemination of information on promising approaches. HHS programs are built on the belief that the most effective programs are community-driven and support the involvement of parents and other adults in young people's lives. By focusing on abstinence and personal responsibility, HHS hopes to help young people develop their abilities to make the choices that will lead to a successful future. President Bush's budget for fiscal year 2003 provides an additional $33 million in funding for abstinence education, fulfilling the President's promise to increase abstinence funding to $135 million.
HHS directly funds teen pregnancy prevention programs in nearly 2,234 communities -- about 47 percent of all communities across the country. HHS provides significant funding for abstinence education and other programs to prevent teen pregnancy and disease. In addition, HHS funds a wide range of health and human services programs through state block grants, including those that provide health and social services to teenagers that further pregnancy prevention goals. HHS is committed to building public-private partnerships, improving research, evaluation and data collection, and disseminating information on innovative and effective practices.
After rising steadily from 1987 to 1991, the birthrate for teens aged 15-19 declined for 10 straight years, from a high of 62.1 per 1,000 teens aged 15-19 in 1991 to a record low of 45.9 in 2001, according to preliminary figures. The birthrate for young teenagers aged 15-17 fell 8 percent from 2000 to 2001, reaching 25.3 births per 1,000 teenagers. All 50 states had a decline in their teen birthrates between 1991 and 2000, with 10 states recording declines of more than 20 percent during this period. Recent declines in both birth and abortion rates indicate that teen pregnancy rates are continuing to fall. Overall teen pregnancy rates have dropped 19 percent since 1991. About 900,000 pregnancies occur each year among American teenagers aged 15-19. Most of these pregnancies are unintended. Almost 190,000 teens aged 17 and younger have children. Their babies are often of low birthweight and have disproportionately high infant mortality rates. They are also far more likely to be poor.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Premarital Sex - Is it Moral?
Morality is a factor for many people when deciding whether or not to have premarital sex. Is it a factor for you? After all, the messages we receive from most TV shows and movies these days tells us "everyone is doing it." In light of today's permissive attitude, your peers may think you're weird to even question it.
But maybe there is something inside you, like a voice in your head, that is making you uncertain about whether or not sex before marriage is a right or wrong action. Many people refer to this voice as their conscience. How can you know if your "conscience" is right? People all around the world look to the Bible as a moral or religious book, so let's see what it says about premarital sex.
The Bible refers to premarital sex as fornication. That's a word we don't hear much these days, so what does it mean? Fornication is sexual intercourse between people who are not married to each other. The only distinction the Bible makes between premarital sex and adultery is that adultery involves married persons while fornication involves those who are unmarried. Premarital sex is just as much of a sin as adultery and all other forms of sexual immorality. They all involve having sexual relations with someone you are not married to.
The Bible explains, "…The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body" (1 Corinthians 6:13). Verse 18 of this chapter goes on to say, "Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body." Galatians 5:19 speaks the same, "The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity…" Ephesians 5:3 says it most plainly, "But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people." From these verses, we see that the Bible promotes complete and total abstinence from premarital sex.
But maybe there is something inside you, like a voice in your head, that is making you uncertain about whether or not sex before marriage is a right or wrong action. Many people refer to this voice as their conscience. How can you know if your "conscience" is right? People all around the world look to the Bible as a moral or religious book, so let's see what it says about premarital sex.
The Bible refers to premarital sex as fornication. That's a word we don't hear much these days, so what does it mean? Fornication is sexual intercourse between people who are not married to each other. The only distinction the Bible makes between premarital sex and adultery is that adultery involves married persons while fornication involves those who are unmarried. Premarital sex is just as much of a sin as adultery and all other forms of sexual immorality. They all involve having sexual relations with someone you are not married to.
The Bible explains, "…The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body" (1 Corinthians 6:13). Verse 18 of this chapter goes on to say, "Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body." Galatians 5:19 speaks the same, "The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity…" Ephesians 5:3 says it most plainly, "But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people." From these verses, we see that the Bible promotes complete and total abstinence from premarital sex.
What is Colon Cancer?
Cancer of the colon is also called colorectal cancer as it can arise in both the colon (the lower part of the digestive tract) and in the very lowest section of the colon, which is known as the rectum. It is a serious condition that affects the colon, the rectum and the appendix. In this disease, which is often insidious in its development, malignant cells proliferate in the tissues of the colon.
One of the more obvious presentations of colon cancer is chronic blood loss in the stool, often dark blood or black patches in the stools themselves. Colon cancer is among the commonest cancers in the Western world, with more than 104000 new diagnoses being made every year.
The most important risk factor for colon cancer is getting older; it is most commonly diagnosed in people over the age of 50. Although many women complacently believe that bowel cancer is a man's disease, the incidence of colon cancer is essentially the same among men and women.
Colon cancer is a killer, but this is because it is not caught by the medical profession at an early stage. When cancer of the colon is caught in its early stages (with little metastatic spread) it can be 100% curable. Colonic cancer is one of those unusual cancers where testing and screening can prevent the disease. Failure to do so is responsible for the high mortality rate associated with this condition. It may be assumed that patients may be partly to blame; due to the embarrassment factor many people are reluctant or afraid to have their bottoms examined, but this is not the full picture. Unfortunately, the most common symptom of colon polyps and colon cancer is no symptoms at all, so the patient can't be blamed for that.
Whilst research on the genetic basis of colon cancer is ongoing, it is thought that diet plays a part. This type of cancer is encouraged by diets rich in animal fats and discouraged by diets full of vegetables. This is a reason why colon cancer is rarer in the Far East where there is less fat in the diet.
Most of the time, diagnosis of localized colon cancer is made via colonoscopy, where a flexible tube is placed into the colon with a tiny camera. This procedure can be done under sedation for more squeamish patients. Another diagnostic test which can be utilized is double contrast barium enema.
Once cancer has been found in the colon, staging tests are performed to find out whether the cancer has spread and, if so, to what degree. Colon cancer is staged (given a number, e.g. Stage 1, Stage 2, etc) according to the size of the tumor and if it has become invasive (spreading to surrounding tissues).
Experts theorize that colon cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer - if you take the right steps. Eat a healthy, fiber-rich diet and always visit the Doctor if you have any doubts at all. Pain or discomfort in the bowel, or blood in the stool, should all be indicators that you should be examined. If regular screening is available, conquer your embarrassment and get yourself checked out. Remember - catch it early and it's 100% curable!
One of the more obvious presentations of colon cancer is chronic blood loss in the stool, often dark blood or black patches in the stools themselves. Colon cancer is among the commonest cancers in the Western world, with more than 104000 new diagnoses being made every year.
The most important risk factor for colon cancer is getting older; it is most commonly diagnosed in people over the age of 50. Although many women complacently believe that bowel cancer is a man's disease, the incidence of colon cancer is essentially the same among men and women.
Colon cancer is a killer, but this is because it is not caught by the medical profession at an early stage. When cancer of the colon is caught in its early stages (with little metastatic spread) it can be 100% curable. Colonic cancer is one of those unusual cancers where testing and screening can prevent the disease. Failure to do so is responsible for the high mortality rate associated with this condition. It may be assumed that patients may be partly to blame; due to the embarrassment factor many people are reluctant or afraid to have their bottoms examined, but this is not the full picture. Unfortunately, the most common symptom of colon polyps and colon cancer is no symptoms at all, so the patient can't be blamed for that.
Whilst research on the genetic basis of colon cancer is ongoing, it is thought that diet plays a part. This type of cancer is encouraged by diets rich in animal fats and discouraged by diets full of vegetables. This is a reason why colon cancer is rarer in the Far East where there is less fat in the diet.
Most of the time, diagnosis of localized colon cancer is made via colonoscopy, where a flexible tube is placed into the colon with a tiny camera. This procedure can be done under sedation for more squeamish patients. Another diagnostic test which can be utilized is double contrast barium enema.
Once cancer has been found in the colon, staging tests are performed to find out whether the cancer has spread and, if so, to what degree. Colon cancer is staged (given a number, e.g. Stage 1, Stage 2, etc) according to the size of the tumor and if it has become invasive (spreading to surrounding tissues).
Experts theorize that colon cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer - if you take the right steps. Eat a healthy, fiber-rich diet and always visit the Doctor if you have any doubts at all. Pain or discomfort in the bowel, or blood in the stool, should all be indicators that you should be examined. If regular screening is available, conquer your embarrassment and get yourself checked out. Remember - catch it early and it's 100% curable!
Chow Chow
Chow Chow
Height: 17”- 20”
Weight: 45 lbs - 70 lbs
Lifespan: 9 - 15 years
Average Litter Size: 5 puppies
Colors: Solid red, black, blue, cinnamon, and cream
Chow Chow originated from China more than 2,000 years ago. They were an all purpose breed used for hunting, herding, pulling, and protection. This breed is a dignified and aloof dog. They are most polite, patient, very loyal and friendly with their family, but exceedingly reserved with strangers. Some Chow Chow will become attached and overly protective of one particular member of the family.
Chow Chow requires a firm, experienced owner. They are stubborn and have a mind of their own. It is necessary to give them intense, extensive, and ongoing training in both socialization and obedience at an early age.
The Chow Chow has an abundant and profuse double coat that comes in two different varieties: smooth or rough. The fur is particularly thick around the neck area and resembles a lion's mane. The outer coat is coarse supported by a dense under coat. Their coat requires considerable grooming. Grooming should start at early age on a daily basis. When the adult coat comes in the puppy, regular bathing and grooming will allow new coat to come out properly.
Chow Chow does not require a lot of exercise but they like outdoors, they are quite happy doing their own things in the backyard. However, they have to stay in a shaded area to keep them from warm and hot weather. Their thick coat is not suited for hot climate.
Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu
Height: 8" - 11"
Weight: 9 lbs - 16 lbs
Lifespan: 10 - 14 years
Average Litter Size: 2 - 4 puppies
Colors: Any color or color combination
Shih Tzu originated from China. This breed is a small, sturdy, well-balanced dog. It has a round and broad head with eyes set apart. Shih Tzu is double coated with a dense, long, flowing outer coat. Their coat requires a lot of grooming. Daily grooming using a bristle brush is necessary. A top knot is tied by a bow so, the dog can see properly.
Shih Tzu is happy, courageous and friendly dog. It is also an affectionate dog and it can get well with children, stranger and other pets. Shih Tzu likes to bark but usually quite inside the house. It is very alert and it makes them an excellent guard dog.
This breed does well in an apartment as long as it is given a good amount of exercise. Daily walk is ideal for them. Patience and consistency is must when training this breed.
Title Fight unites boxers of different faiths
Title fight unites boxers of different faiths
A fist fight may seem an odd way to show respect between Jews and Muslims, but when Dmitriy Salita competes for the WBA light-welterweight title next month, he'll be doing just that.
Salita, an Orthodox Jew from Brooklyn, New York, meets British Muslim title holder Amir Khan on December 5 in Newcastle, England.
It will be a rare -- reportedly the first -- world title bout between practicing members of the two faiths.
But at his training camp in Bushkill, in the Pennsylvania hills outside New York, 27-year-old Salita stressed the fight is about vying to be champion, not religion.
"We're coming to compete," said Salita, finishing up midday prayers in his room, before heading to the gym to hit the bags and work with Panamanian trainer Francisco Guzman.
If anything, the fact they're both religious and boxing pros from immigrant families is an opportunity to show that sports conquers politics.
"Throughout history, Jews and Muslims have lived very well together. I think this event will show that," said Salita, whose parents, fleeing anti-Semitic harassment, brought him to the United States from ex-Soviet Ukraine when he was nine.
"Sports is an international language and our fans will be together. I think it's a positive event."
Khan, the 22-year-old son of Pakistani immigrants who took silver at the 2004 Athens Olympics, preaches the same message.
"What I love about boxing is that it brings together every culture, race and creed under the sun," Khan told Britain's Sun daily.
"When before could you say that you are going to get the Muslims, the Jewish community and the British together in one place enjoying themselves on a night of world championship boxing?"
Both fighters say their demanding religions help them in one of the most demanding of sports.
Khan won't fight during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and Salita has sacrificed his career by refusing to compete on the Jewish Sabbath, which starts at sundown Friday -- often a big night for professional bouts.
"The discipline helps me," Salita says.
Soft-spoken, almost bookish outside the ring, Salita comes to the fight with an impressive 30 wins, one draw and no losses.
Critics charge that this record includes no top-drawer opponents.
But that will change December 5 when he meets the preciously talented Khan, who trains in Hollywood under Freddie Roach, trainer of Filipino superstar Manny Pacquiao.
Khan has 21 wins, one loss, and impresses with his fast moves and faster fists. He will also have home advantage in Newcastle's Metro Radio Arena in front of a raucous crowd -- and possibly sympathetic judges.
Salita may pray three times a day and read Hebrew, but he says that faith alone won't see him through.
"For prayers to be answered, you have to work hard. If I don't wake up in the morning and go to the gym I could pray however much I wanted and it wouldn't go anywhere."
He rises at dawn for a five to eight mile run, then rest, breakfast and prayer. Afternoons are spent sparring, hitting bags and doing conditioning exercises to the beat of rap music.
Much like Khan, Salita is known as a technical boxer, not a heavy hitter.
His corner believes Khan, whose loss was a first round knockout by WBA lightweight champ Breidis Prescott in 2008, is "chinny" and can be floored again.
But for that, trainers want Salita to be less contemplative and more nasty.
"Con rabia!" Guzman yelled in Spanish -- roughly translating as "get mad!" -- as he held up pads for Salita to punch.
"What, you don't wanna fight?" Guzman mocked, switching to heavily accented English. "Why you go there?"
Salita peppered combinations of jabs and hooks into the pads.
The Panamanian trainer finally beamed with pleasure: "You hit me good!"
Assistant trainer Orlando Carrasquillo believes Salita must find another level against Khan.
"We're telling him that if he's in Amir's home territory, going after a title, he's going to have to be aggressive. He has to set the tone."
Salita expects Britain's Jewish community will turn out in force to cheer him on. He's already organizing supplies of kosher food in Newcastle.
But after years of waiting for a title shot, motivation won't be the problem.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Coron Bay
Coron Bay is one of the most popular diving destination here in the Philippines. This site is one of the most famous wreck diving destinations of the entire world due to the amount of historic sunken ships which can be visited and seen with great clarity due to these area's waters usual transparency.
The Coron wrecks are one of the best kept diving secrets in the World and, as a result, you will be unlucky to find another dive boat at any of the wrecks you visit. Today, Coron is not only famous for its wreck diving, it is also become popular for its reef diving too. Coral reefs are re-establishing itself because of the fish sanctuaries that are being implemented. Spectacular and beautiful artificial reefs can be found outside the wrecks and are laden with both hard and soft corals and an abundance of fish life.
Siargao Island
For many people, hearing the word Siargao conjures images of roaring waves and surfboards under the bright sun.
But the island is more than just the proverbial surf and sun. The islands surrounding Siargao and the Caraga region in northeastern Mindanao remain hidden, waiting to be discovered—breathtaking nooks and lagoons seemingly taken out of a Tolkien book; soaring cliffs and tranquil lakes—ready to take their rightful place as one of the country’s best tourist attractions.
Puerto Galera
Mindoros waters and Puerto Galera is a divers paradise with reefs that is considered one of the best in the world. Four hours south of Manila via boat and a ferry, Puerto Galera in the island of Mindoro is home to the famous White Beach which has a wide array of accommodations, restaurants, nightlife and beach activities to choose from. There is also Sabang Beach which is likewise famous for diving and its vibrant nightlife. For those who are more serious about having a quiet time, you can try Aninuan and Talipanan Beach.
The Ilocos Region
The Ilocos region occupies the northwestern face of Luzon Island in the Philippines. This belt, which includes the provinces of Pangasinan, La Union, Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte, is a great destination if you wou would like to soak up some culture, history and of course, some fun in the beach! Pangasinan is home to the natural wonder, Hundred Islands Natural Park, a group of 124 islands with three developed for tourism. La Union is known as the surfing capital of the north, with waves especially suited for surfing in San Juan. Ilocos Norte is home to UNESCO world heritage site Vigan, a Spanish colonial town that was thankfully spared from bombing during the war. Ilocos Norte is known for being the hometown of former dictator Ferdinand Marcos, whose body still lies in wake for the public to see in his native Batac. It is also home to centuries old churches as well as the famous white sand beach, Pagudpud.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Surigao Del Sur: Adventurer's Shangri-La
The waves of Luzano Bay are ideal for top performance surfing. The kissing islets of San Agustin are a unique natural formation. The multi-tiered Tinuy-an Falls located in Bislig are among the spectacular in the country. The soothing Malinawa Cool Spring in Cantilan also attracts tourists.
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