STDs in America: The Facts
Sexually Transmitted Diseases have existed for centuries, but when we hear terms like syphillis or AIDS, we sometimes forget that these are serious diseases that affect well-to-do Americans, not just impoverished communities overseas. And beyond HIV and the more life threatening STDs, chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, HPV, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease and other diseases are even more prevalent. From high school and college students to successful business professionals and even children, STDs in America are a real threat to our public health and well-being.
According to the CDC, chlamydia is the most common STD and is dangerous because men don't show any symptoms. Women may get chlamydia well before they notice symptoms, making it more difficult to treat and more likely to develop into Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), cause damage to reproductive organs, or even be passed on to a baby if a woman gives birth while she has chlamydia. It is estimated that nearly 2.3 million Americans between the ages of 14 and 39 currently have chlamydia. And the organization AVERT reports that chlamydia increased at a 9% rate between 2007 and 2008, and has been increasing steadily since 1997.
Genital herpes is another very common STD in the United States that is most often caused by the HSV-2 virus. The CDC reports that roughly one out of six Americans 14-49 years of age have genital herpes, and that it is more common in women.
The genital human papillomavirus, or HPV, is a disease that is getting more attention and has inspired some states and doctors to encourage vaccination in preteen girls to prevent the spread. It is the most common STD in the country, partially due to the fact that there are more than 40 strains of the disease. HPV can manifest itself through genital warts, cervical cancer, vulvar cancer, penile cancer, anal cancer and vaginal cancer, and the CDC estimates that nearly 20 million Americans currently have some strain of HPV.
Condoms, abstinence and vaccines are all direct, practical ways of preventing STDs in America, but sex education is also an important tool that can teach students and the general public about the options they have regarding sex and protected sex. In many communities, sex education is still a controversial issue, and this NPR report found that just 7% of Americans believe that schools should teach sex ed. Besides the STDs listed in this post, there are many more risks -- including unwanted pregnancies and HIV -- that teens and young adults need to know about before having sex. Whether or not you agree with sex education in schools, it is clear that STDs are still a major public health issues in America and threaten the overall well-being of all demographics and age groups.
Top Online Nursing Programs
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University of Phoenix - RN to BSN. 27 Nursing Degrees. Students interested in reaching their career goals in the healthcare industry as a nurse will reach them at the University of Phoenix. University of Phoenix allows working adults the convenience of taking classes when they can.
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South University - A.S. in Allied Health Science. As an accredited online college, South University offers a respectable Associate’s Degree in Allied Health Science for those seeking to pursue a career in healthcare. The program is offered completely online, allowing students to learn in their own time without sacrificing their current responsibilities.
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LA College - A.A. in Health Care Administration. With a handful of online health programs, LA College is a great choice for students seeking entry-level positions in the healthcare industry. Their Associate’s degree in Health Care Administration will provide students with the basis for a multitude of job opportunities in hospitals, doctor’s offices, clinics, and many others.
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Post University - BS in Mgmt. For Registered Nurses. Post University is dedicated in helping students achieve their personal and professional goals in a timely manner, allowing them to pursue their careers in healthcare more quickly. The Bachelor of Science in Management for Registered Nurses degree will prepare nurses to obtain administrative and management roles that require critical-thinking, decision-making, and leadership skills.
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Herzing University - BSN-Bridge Program. With nursing constituting as the largest healthcare occupation today, Herzing University has created quality nursing programs to fulfill the increasing demand in the industry. At Herzing, students receive hands-on training in order to help them enter the workforce with confidence.
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The College Network - 10 universities offering Nursing Degrees. The College Network is one of the nation's top providers in providing high quality nursing degrees online. Students have the opportunity to pursue a variety of HealthCare degrees that that will allow them to further their career in Nursing.
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Jones International University - B.A. in Health Care Mgmt. Jones International University offers a Bachelor’s program in Health Care Management that will help students become skilled and effective managers in the healthcare industry. Students could work in a variety of different settings upon completion of the program.
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Virginia College - BS in Health Services Management. Virginia College is dedicated in helping students achieve their goals and aspirations to advance in the health care industry. Their Bachelor’s degree in Health Services Management will prepare students for a variety of career options in assistant management or administrative positions within a healthcare facility.
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Western Governors University - B.S. in Nursing. Western Governors University is an accredited online university offering a variety of nursing and healthcare programs for students of all ages. Their Nursing program will incorporate patient education, health promotion, nursing roles, technology, and many other health related subjects.
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Baker College - B.S. in Nursing. Baker College allows students to complete their Nursing degree completely online, at their own pace and time. Their program provides current registered nurses with the opportunity to advance and continue their growth.
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Keiser University - B.A. in Health Services Administration. With several degree options in the healthcare field, Keiser University prepares students for a variety of positions in any healthcare setting. Their mission is to help students develop skills and knowledge that will prepare them for leadership positions upon graduation.
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Indiana State University - LPN to BSN. Students looking to jump start a career will find accredited an accredited RN to BSN nursing degree from the Indiana State University. Indiana State University was originally founded in 1865 and over this time has prepared thousands of students for new, exciting careers.
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