Who We Are
The Palo Alto Medical Foundation Adolescent Interest Group created the "We're Talking Teen Health" Web site as a resource for Bay Area teens. Our goal was to create a resource teens can use to learn more about issues relating to their physical and emotional health. Along with doctors, psychologists, educators and nutritionists, we count local teens and preteens among our writers.
The teens in our group remind us that there is a broad spectrum of teen behavior — from "abstainers" to "heavy risk takers." All have something to say, so we include all points of view. "We're Talking Teen Health" contains vocabulary that teens can understand and relate to, including current slang.
Come visit us and let us know what you think.
What's New?
• Bullying module developed by PAMF teens, preteens and staff.
• Seeing Eye-to-Eye about Eye Make-up: An Ophthalmologist's View
• Dangers of Eating Disorders
• Easy Etiquette
• Teens and the Media
• On Your Own: First Semester at College |
New This Week"Date Rape Drugs: Protecting Yourself"
Alcohol is the drug most commonly associated with sexual assault, but incidents involving other drugs are on the rise. These drugs, also called "club drugs" because of their popularity in dance clubs and bars, can be unknowingly given to a victim, incapacitating the victim and preventing him or her from resisting a sexual assault or other crime.
These drugs can also produce amnesia, causing a victim to be unclear of what, if any, crime was committed. "Date rape drugs" are particularly dangerous when combined with alcohol. And, as with any coerced sexual activity, victims of drug-facilitated sexual assault cannot protect themselves from HIV, other sexually transmitted diseases, or unintended pregnancy.
To protect yourself:
• Drink from tamper-proof bottles and cans and insist on opening them.
• Insist on pouring or watching while any drink is mixed or prepared.
• Do not drink from group drinks such as punch bowls.
• Keep an eye on your drink or open soda can. Do not trust someone to watch it for you.
• If you think you've been drugged, do not be afraid to seek medical attention.
• If someone passes out and you suspect he or she may have been given drugs, call for medical attention immediately and explain your concerns.
For more information, visit our Drug Use and Abuse page.
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