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5 Things We at PPPSW Want You to Remember this Summer
Summer is one of our busiest times of the year — everyone is out and about, summer love is in the air, and we’re hard at work providing the education, resources and access the members of our community need to be their best selves.
Before summer’s in full-swing, here are some important tips that we believe will help you achieve your best summer yet:
Get Your Annual Well-Woman Visit!
May 12–18 is Women’s Health Week. Life gets busy, things come up, and really, a mammogram is not on anyone’s list of their favorite things to do in their spare time. However, getting your annual check done is an important preventative measure, and getting it done at the same time of year (every year!) can help you remember.
And of course, we’re here to help.
Wear Your Sunscreen — Even When It’s Overcast!
Summer is best spent outdoors. And with sunscreen on. Protecting your skin with sunscreen is a simple, preventative measure to help shield yourself from harmful UV rays.
Practice Protection!
We believe in safer sex. Safer sex (often called “safe sex”) means taking steps to protect both you and your partner from STIs when you decide to have sex. There are lots of ways you can make sex safer. One of the best ways is by using a barrier — like condoms, internal condoms, and/or dental dams — every single time you have oral, anal, or vaginal sex. Barriers cover parts of your genitals, protecting you and your partner from body fluids and some skin-to-skin contact, which can both spread STIs.
There’s No Shame in Testing!
Getting regularly tested for STIs is also part of safer sex, even if you always use condoms and feel totally fine. We firmly believe that there should be no stigma around testing for STIs. So at Planned Parenthood, there isn’t. If you have a one-night stand, get tested. If you’re seeing someone new, get tested. If it’s been awhile, get tested.
Planned Parenthood understands that access to safer sex — including tools, testing, and treatment — when coupled with education about STIs, ensure that people of all ages can stay health and safe. STI prevention is a core part of Planned Parenthood’s health care services and education efforts. Last year, Planned Parenthood health centers provided more than 4.4 million STI tests and treatments, including more than 700,000 HIV tests.
Be Kind!
This goes without saying, but it never hurts to note. As you travel this summer, remember to be kind to everyone you meet. This month we observe National Teen Self Esteem Day and on May 17, we observe the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia. All of us are different, but we’re all human, and we all deserve respect.
Make a Move!
Are you looking for a new career in caring for the members of your community? There’s never been a better time to explore a career with Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest. If you’re interested in joining one of our teams, you can explore our available opportunities here