Birth rates among teens in the U.S. have dropped dramatically since 2006, according to a new report, and there are a lot of factors behind the trend, including a steep decline in births by black and Hispanic teens.
Births to all American teenagers have plummeted by more than 40 percent, said Lisa Romero of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Still, birth rates hover twice as high for black and Hispanic teens nationally compared with white teens — and in some states they were even higher. And certain populations and regions still have higher teen birth rates.
Conversations should begin as early as the middle school years or younger — using age-appropriate discussions about anatomy — and should continue into high school and college.
By training, I am a American Board Certified Pediatrician. But in my younger years I grew up with natural alternatives. As a mom I have tried to incorporate both for my kids and it has worked wonders. And finally, as I am studying natural & alternative medicines, I realize the beauty and wisdom of living closer to earth. Hence in my practice I integrate both...for acute ailments I follow American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation but for simple and/or chronic conditions I prefer natural alternatives.
In western training we were raised to think that "health is the absence of symptoms and problems". But eastern sensibilities has educated me that "Health is state that allows one to use the full capabilities of their body, mind and intellect. Therefore, healthy living is a balanced state of well being: physically, mentally, socially and spiritually." This implies that healing is not a "one-pill-fits-all", but a personalized experience.
