Every Mine Woman should be proactive about protecting her own health. Having access to information and the options available to reduce risks ensures our well-being and ability to live fully and independently. Our way, with no compromises. Be smart. Be safe. Be informed. Be a Mine Woman. All About Condoms It’s about protection. Condoms have been proven highly effective at not only preventing pregnancy, but also protecting against HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. Mine Women know the importance and proper use of condoms. www.ashastd.org - American Social Health Association site contains easy-to-follow directions on the use of condoms, including an animated instructional video. www.advocatesforyouth.org/youth - Facts about condoms and instructions on proper application and use. www.goaskalice.columbia.edu/Cat7 - Detailed descriptions of the variety of condom types and materials available, with directions for their use. Also includes important information on alternatives for those with latex allergies. Condom Quick Facts Always follow condom package directions. Open the packet carefully – No scissors, knife or teeth please! Store condoms in a cool dry place – Storage for extended periods in a glove compartment or wallet can damage the condom and make it ineffective. Never reuse a condom. Use only water-based lubricants like K-Y Jelly or Astroglide on latex condoms. Water-based lubes such as baby oil, petroleum jelly or lotions can weaken latex. Lambskin condoms are too porous to prevent transmission of sexually transmitted diseases. Enhance Your Sexual Health And Get Educated It’s about knowledge. Protecting yourself means learning all you can about your sexual health. Mine Women are smart and well informed. www.womenshealth.about.com - Topics cover all aspects of women’s health concerns. www.siecus.org - Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States. Provides information updates and current study findings with answers to Frequently Asked Questions on sexual health. www.sieccan.org - Sex Information and Education Council of Canada. News updates and reports regarding sexual health. www.sexualityandu.ca - Reliable, relevant information for teens and young adults. Excellent resource, with an extensive library of information on sexual health and a Frequently Asked Questions section. www.sexetc.org - Web site “by teens for teens”. Straight talk about teen sexuality and sexual health. Maintained by Answer, Center for Applied Psychology at Rutgers University. www.advocatesforyouth.org/youth - Comprehensive information for teens and young adults about all aspects of sexual health and education. www.goaskalice.columbia.edu - Plain language advice on a variety of health and social issues facing today’s youth, with extensive Question and Answer sections in each category. www.smartersex.org - Sexual health information specifically geared toward the needs and concerns of college students. Sexually Transmitted Diseases – Get The Facts It’s about safety. Every day, HIV infects 110 Americans, half of them under the age of 25. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, other sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhea are becoming resistant to standard drug therapies. Mine Women are proactive about protecting themselves. www.ashastd.org - American Social Health Association provides accurate and medically reliable information on sexually transmitted diseases. Site includes detailed fact sheets, support and an informative Question & Answer section. www.thebody.com - Complete HIV/AIDS resource for the latest news and research. www.cdc.gov/std - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Site offers in-depth fact sheets on sexually transmitted diseases, including treatment options and additional resources. www.edoctors.com/health-information/stds - The five basic facts you should know about sexually transmitted diseases. www.livetoknow.com - Current information and online links regarding sexually transmitted diseases. www.whatudo.org - HIV/AIDS information including important facts, reports and studies, as well as expert advice and Frequently Asked Questions. Sponsored by the University of California – San Francisco. www.kff.org/hivaids - Kaiser Family Foundation provides fact sheets and information on the prevention and treatment options for HIV/AIDS. www.aidsinfo.nih.gov - The latest federally approved information on HIV/AIDS. Comprehensive resource including treatment options, prevention, research and clinical trials. Details medical practice guidelines for those living with HIV/AIDS, as well as their families, friends, medical providers, scientists and researchers. www.lifebeat.org - The music industry’s charitable organization dedicated to reaching America’s youth with the message of HIV/AIDS prevention. Offers plain language fact sheets in both English and Spanish. www.amfar.org - American Foundation for AIDS Research. Details basic HIV/AIDS information, facts and myths about HIV testing, and youth and women’s issues. In English and Spanish. Hotlines It’s about answers. Mine Women know where to turn if they have specific questions or need to speak with someone right away. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National STD Hotline: 1-800-227-8922 CDC National HIV & AIDS Hotline: 1-800-342-AIDS National Herpes Hotline: 1-919-361-8488 National HPV and Cervical Cancer Hotline: 1-919-361-4848 National Teenage AIDS Hotline: 1-800-440-TEEN