Adolescent Health
- San Benito County Public Health Services (SBCPHS) works to promote positive youth development strategies to support physical, mental, sexual, and reproductive health of adolescents and young adults. Adolescence is a time for teens to explore their own identity and values. Many young people engage in activities or are part of groups that may put them at risk for different adverse health outcomes. Please see below to learn more about some of these topics.
LGBTQ+ Youth
- Youth who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning (LGBTQ+) are often at higher risk for stigma, discrimination, and negative outcomes such as harassment/bullying, familial disapproval, depression/hopelessness, social rejection, illicit drug use, and physical/sexual violence. While many LGBTQ+ youth will still thrive during their teen years, it is important to keep these health disparities in mind in order to address and overcome them. For more information on health disparities visit CDC’s LGBTQ Youth website. The San Benito County Behavioral Health Department hosts SanBenito+, a LGBTQ+ resource center within the Esperanza Center in downtown Hollister. SanBenito+ offers peer mentoring services for individuals and allies who seek support and a safe space. SanBenito+ also offers drop-in center services such as: support groups, art activities, movie nights, open mic events, and other social activities. To learn more about their activities, follow them on Instagram or Facebook under the handle @SanBenitoLGBTQ
Sexual Health
Knowing what healthy relationships are in regards to sex is at the foundation of adolescent sexual health. Relationships can affect physical and emotional health. For teens and young adults, making decisions about sex is a huge responsibility and includes knowing about the changing body, consent, birth control methods, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and other infections.
Whether you choose to have sex or wait, responsibility includes knowing about consent for yourself and other people you choose to engage with. If you are confused about consent, check out this video and imagine instead of sex you’re making a cup of tea..
https://youtu.be/pZwvrxVavnQ
Birth control, or contraception, is used to prevent pregnancy. The most effective forms of birth control are obtained from a healthcare provider. The diagram below from UCSF and Bedsider provides a brief summary about some types of birth control and their effectiveness at preventing pregnancy. For more information, visit the CDC’s website on contraception and birth control information for parents of adolescents.
There are more than 20 different types of STDs that are spread from person-to-person,
usually during sex (vaginal, oral, or anal). Some STDs do not cause any
symptoms, but without treatment can cause long-term health issues. The most assured way to avoid STDs is to not
have sex. However, if you choose to have
sex, practicing some of these “safer sex” options may reduce your risk of STDs:
· Use condoms – condoms can help prevent STDs
Male and female condoms are available for FREE at:
San Benito County Public Health Services
351 Tres Pinos Rd. Suite A-202
Hollister, CA 95023
Monday-Friday, 8AM-5PM
· Get tested for STDs before having sex
· Have sex with only one person who has sex only with you (mutual monogamy)
· Get the HPV vaccine, this is an option for people between the ages of 9 and 26 years
· Do not mix alcohol or drugs with sex, thinking clearly allows us to make safer
choices
Substance Abuse
The most commonly used substances by teens are alcohol, marijuana, and tobacco, but there are numerous other drugs that can also have immediate and long-term health effects. Substance use can affect the growth and development of adolescents. The earlier teens begin using substances the greater their odds of developing substance use problems later in life are.
For more information on opioids, visit our Parent Resources and Teen Resources pages from the San Benito County Opioid Task Force.
