sexED in Boston

The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC), the City of Boston and Mayor Janey invite you to a Day of Hope celebration to commemorate the lives lost to COVID-19 and celebrate the progress that communities across Boston have made towards ending the pandemic.
Come and get vaccinated. Enjoy food and entertainment. Find resource tables staffed by local community organizations.
"In recognition of the economic impact of the pandemic, each person vaccinated will receive a $50 gift certificate to a local supermarket and families will receive a $150 gift certificate. "
Where:
-Roxbury
Dennis Park
138 Moreland St., Boston, MA 02119
-Mattapan
Mattapan Health Center
1575 Blue Hill Ave, Mattapan, MA 02126
-East Boston
Paris St. Park Playground
112 Paris St., East Boston, MA 02128

This may be a year unlike past ones, but there is no reason why we cannot enjoy the holidays while looking after our own and our loved ones’ health and well-being.
If you live alone and feel like isolation might be taking a toll on your mental health, particularly around the holiday season here are a couple ways to help you get through these difficult times.

-Take care of yourself, treat your mind and body by doing activities that you enjoy and are safe.
-Understand that you’re not alone, thousands of people will be spending the holidays away from their loved ones. Just know that you’re not alone.
-Get connected, talk to your friends and family member more often. Video call them if possible to have a more intimate conversation.
-Be strong and know that this will pass and soon we will be able to go back to enjoying our family and friends company.

Remember to wash your hands often with soap and water, maintain social distance from others, and wear a mask!

For many of us, the holiday season will look different this year. We are used to traveling, holiday parties, visiting families and friends and many other fun activities. Due to COVID-19, travel and large gatherings are not recommended. Although It’s a time of unknowns here are a couple ways to safely celebrate with your loved one.

-If you can, send a gift that shows you’re thinking of them. You can also send them a gift card over email which helps lower exposure.
-Make them a video, tell them how much you miss them and love them. Maybe put some pictures from previous years to remember what we have to look forward to.
-Share a meal remotely, schedule a video call and plan for everyone to have a plate and drink. You can play games, share stories, and laugh.
-If you do plan to go ahead and join your friends and family for the holidays do it safely. Get tested, wear your mask, and wash your hands. Try to keep family gathering brief and relatively small.

Taking these measures will keep us all safe and healthy so that we are able to enjoy the holidays this upcoming year.

World AIDS Day was first observed in 1988. Each year, organizations and individuals across the world bring attention to the HIV epidemic, endeavor to increase HIV awareness and knowledge, speak out against HIV stigma, and call for an increased response to move toward Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America.

On December 1st at 2:00 pm ET, join the Live with Leadership World AIDS Day Edition with Harold Phillips, and other federal and community speakers. https://jsi.zoom.us/j/91764324054?pwd=TFVQbnhPZUZ6YUNVR0dxUVU2bU9lQT09

As things open up and people start going back to restaurants, hiking, swimming and other outdoor activities we should remember that it is currently mosquito season. In Boston mosquitos are most active and most likely to carry disease from July to September, but they can spread disease until the first hard frost (as late as November). This year we already are seeing mosquitos carrying West Nile Virus.
To avoid getting bit by mosquitos, stay inside as much as possible during dusk to dawn. If you are outside, use EPA-approved mosquito repellent.
Cover up, wear long sleeved shirts, pants, and socks whenever it’s possible.
For more information and prevention methods visit www.bphc.org/idb

This coming July 25 is The National African American Hepatitis Action Day, it is a community mobilization initiative aimed at reducing the high incidence of Hepatitis C infection in black communities by drawing attention to this neglected health disparity and promoting education, testing, and treatment.
People in communities of color are encouraged to visit testing centers and be screened for Hepatitis C— a silent killer that, if left undetected, can lead to life-threatening liver disease, including liver cancer.

Visit www.bphc.org/idb for more information on Hepatitis C, as well as other infectious diseases.
Visit www.helpsteps.com to find a screening location.

July 20th and July 29th there will be FREE HIV/STI & COVID-19 testing! Please refer to the picture for details.
Have a good and safe weekend!

As a woman you shouldn’t be afraid to take control of your s*xual health and safety. Preventing getting and spreading STIs helps you and your partner stay disease free. Learning about how to properly use birth control can also help you prevent unwanted pregnancies.

- If you are s*xually active or have been in the past, it’s important to get checked regularly for STIs. Some diseases do not cause significant symptoms or signs until several weeks, months, or even years after contracting. Visit HelpSteps.com to locate a testing site in Boston.
- Use protections such as a condom or a female condom. It can help reduce risk of pregnancy and lower the risk if getting an STI. Use a water or silicone-based lubricant when you have s*x, condoms can rip if you or your partner are not properly lubricated.
- Talk with your partner about your and their past s*xual experience. Discuss getting tested together to take ownership of your s*xual health.
- Be careful with over the counter products, douches and vaginal wash can remove normal, healthy bacteria. If you use these washes often, you could increase your risk of getting an STI.
- Clean s*x toys, introducing s*x toys can be a fun way to spice up your s*x life. They can’t get you pregnant, but they can spread STIs and other infections if not cleaned properly in between uses.
- Visit bphc.org/sti to learn more about specific STIs. Remember, staying educated is the best way to protect yourself!

SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS Fact sheets for s*xually transmitted infections (STIs).

Talking to your teen about safer s*x practices
We know having “the talk” can be difficult for some parents, here are some tips to successfully talk to your teen about s*x related topics, including healthy relationships and the prevention of HIV and STI’s.

-Don’t just talk about the consequences of practicing risky s*xual behaviors, try and focus on ways to practice healthy, respectful relationships.
- Provide factual information about ways to prevent HIV, STDs, and pregnancy (e.g., abstinence, condoms and contraception, and HIV/STD testing). Visit www.bphc.org and www.cdc.gov
-Focus on the benefits of protecting oneself from HIV, STDs, and pregnancy.
- Provide information about where your teen can speak with a provider and receive s*xual health services, such as HIV/STD testing.

If you have any questions or need resources don’t hesitate to contact us!

CDC Works 24/7 As the nation's health protection agency, CDC saves lives and protects people from health, safety, and security threats.

For most of us, 4th of July will be different this year. COVID-19, like STI’s, don’t take days off. It’s best to avoid large crowds and gatherings with people that are not close contacts. Avoid unnecessary traveling, if you do choose to travel or be around large groups of people, wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, Carry hand sanitizer, wear a mask, and stay at least 6ft apart from others.

Enjoy your 4th of July weekend!

Today is National HIV Testing Day!
National HIV Testing Day is observed each June 27th to promote HIV testing in the United States. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1.2 million people in the U.S. are currently living with HIV, and one in seven of them don’t know that they are infected. Knowing your HIV status will expose you to your risks, preventive options, and what treatment is available to you. Lets all bring awareness to HIV prevention, testing, and treatment.
Go and get tested!

For help finding testing sites dial 2-1-1 or download the HelpSteps app for free on the AppStore!

As things start to open up don't forget that COVID-19 is still a threat to those that don’t take the necessary precautions. Dating and having s*xual intercouse with people outside of your household could expose you and them to COVID-19. A great alternative is the use of social media and virtual communication for dates, cibers*x, and s*xting. If you do choose to have relations with people outside of your household, talk to them and make sure they aren’t having symptoms or have been exposed to the virus. Make sure to use protections to minimize the spread of COVID-19 as well as other STIs such as chlamydia, syphilis, and HIV/AIDS. Wash your hands before and after s*x with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.