Pure & Simple Health Education

Spring Break!

noreply@blogger.com (Abstain Pure and Simple) — Tue, 25 Feb 2014 16:27:00 +0000

Even though Christmas seems like just yesterday, Spring Break just can't get here fast enough!

This is a great time to catch up much needed rest and relaxation and to get refreshed and ready to face those last few months of school before the freedom of summer.

Here's a few tips for both teens and parents to make the most of this time:

Teens

The more you sleep, the more tired you'll be.

Seems counter-intuitive, but you'll be more refreshed if you stick to a normal 8-10 hr sleep and then get up and move for most of the day.

Activity boosts positive feelings

Exercising your body and brain will help you feel happier. Physical exercise especially, since it releases endorphins (happy hormone) and burns off excess cortisol (stress caused), strengthening your immune system. Exercising your brain through learning new skills or accomplishing a task gives you a mental boost with feelings of accomplishment and self-esteem.

Get ahead

Of course you don't want to do homework this week, but if you know of a big project that is going to have you swamped in a month, spend a few hours on it this week. A couple hours now might save you exponential more later when the stress levels are high.

Try something new

You have the same routine day in, day out. This week, try at least one new thing. How about a project from your Pinterest board? Or maybe see how much of a new language you can learn in 5 days. For a big change, try an alternative Spring Break like Habitat for Humanity's Collegiate Challenge.

Parents

If you have to be at work while they're home, take some time in the coming weeks to sit down with them and work out a plan of action:

Have clear ground rules set for being home alone.
Give options: Ask them some activities that they would like to do with their free time.
Allow them to rest. It won't be good for them to lay around all week, but let them enjoy a bit of R&R.
Spend some quality time together just enjoying each other's company. Play a board game, see a movie, cook a meal together....

For Wichita area residents, here are some great activities to check out over Spring Break:

Wichita Spring Break Events

Wichita On the Cheap

Turning a New Leaf

noreply@blogger.com (Abstain Pure and Simple) — Tue, 19 Nov 2013 20:30:00 +0000

On Saturday, November 16th, Pure & Simple Health Education held their annual fundraising luncheon themed, "Turning a New Leaf" at Newman University. Our founding President, Lois Theis, gave the keynote address and Catherine Seiwert, the director gave her personal testimony. We also watched to short film clips, one being a trailer for our curriculum put together by Greg Alexander and the second showcased the thoughts of young people. We will be providing both on the website and facebook soon for everyone to see.

We want to extend a huge thank you for everyone who attended, for all the board members, volunteers, and the organizations that supported us: Kansans for Life, Alexander Video Productions, and Legacy Bank. Also, a thank you to Newman for use of their facilities and the wonderful lunch.

Show Your True Self While in Costume

noreply@blogger.com (Abstain Pure and Simple) — Wed, 30 Oct 2013 16:13:00 +0000

CANDY!

That's how I feel about Halloween. To be honest, more like on the day after Halloween when it's all half price.

Halloween is a great time. It starts the very full holiday season of the next 3 months. It's the gateway to winter time, food galore, and the coinciding of the football and basketball seasons. Do you know much about the history of Halloween though? We hear about Thanksgiving and Christmas a lot, but very few people know the roots of this spookier celebration. As many seasonal celebrations, it has roots in multiple historical festivals, often amalgamating as the years go on and cultures mix.

But today it has seemed to lose most of its meaning. Most notoriously, its an excuse for people to dress up in the most revealing outfits possible and try to pull it off as a costume. Two thoughts on this: First, it's nearly winter people! I remember it snowing one year at Halloween. Are we trying to catch pneumonia? Second, while these outfits are very revealing, what are they revealing about who you are? Yes, there is a lot of bare body revealed, but what about character? What are others thinking when they observe your 'sexy' nurse costume? What do you want them to think about you?

How about this year, trade in sexy for creative. See how original of a costume you can come up with. Do it all with thrift store clothes (Macklemore would be proud). This doesn't mean sacrificing looking attractive or put together well, but I bet you my cauldron of candy that you'll make a much more positive, longer lasting impression on your friends and that crush of yours.

As always, remember to be safe. Know the people that you'll be hanging out with. Make sure that your parents know where you'll be too.

Happy Halloween!

Image courtesy of Danilo Rizzuti / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Essay Contest and Video Project

noreply@blogger.com (Abstain Pure and Simple) — Tue, 01 Oct 2013 21:36:00 +0000

Happy Autumn Everyone!

The weather is turning crisper and the days are getting shorter. You are probably settled quite well into school now (and maybe even already looking forward to the holiday break!). Writing another paper might not be your first choice of activity right now, but what if you could win $250 for it!

You're in luck. Today we are announcing our essay contest where you get to tell us why you think abstinence is the best choice for teens. We talk a lot about it, but now we want to hear from you!

If you aren't up to writing an essay or giving it as a speech, we still want your opinion. We will be creating a video montage to play right before the essay contest at the November 16th luncheon.

Essay Contest Rules:

Ages: 7th-10th graders
Length: 500-750 words
Deadline: November 1st, 2013
Prize: $250
Submit your essay with a cover letter including: name, age, grade, school, phone number, email address to abstainpureandsimple@gmail.com with the subject line 'Essay Contest'.
Additional: Must be willing and able to attend and read your essay at our annual fundraising luncheon on Saturday, November 16 at Newman University in Wichita.

Video entry guidelines:
How to enter:
1. Get your parent's permission.
2. Shoot a short video clip of yourself (approx. 5 secs) holding a piece of paper with the answer to one of the following questions written on it. Please only one answer per piece of paper and video. You can submit multiple videos for multiple questions.

Why are you waiting till marriage to engage in sexual activity (or have recommitted to abstinence)?
What is most important to you right now?
What do you look forward to most in your future?
Who or what most helps you achieve your goals?
Why are you worth waiting for?

3. Send an email to abstainpureandsimple@gmail.com with your video, name, age, and phone number. You will get an email back with the release form attached that you will need to have your parents sign and mail into our offices.

By uploading your video, you are giving us the permission to edit and use it on our social media pages and at our fundraising event. Your name will NOT be attached to the video for your privacy sake.
All video content must be original.
Videos cannot include profanity or other inappropriate material.
You may enter as many videos as you like, but they must each be submitted as separate entries.
All people appearing in the video must sign a release form prior to the video being posted on Pure & Simple Health Education, Inc. (Those under 18 must have the form signed by a parent or guardian).

5. Bring your parents to our luncheon to see yourself as our star! (attendance not necessary to submit video)

Summertime

noreply@blogger.com (Abstain Pure and Simple) — Wed, 03 Jul 2013 16:50:00 +0000

Hello again! It's been a long time and we apologize for that. Pure & Simple has been going through many changes in the last year and we're excited for what is to come! Our commitment remains the same: To provide education about the healthy role of abstinence in teenagers' lives when it comes to risky behavior, be it pre-marital sex, drugs, alcohol, or the like. We will be operating a little differently now though. For those who have been with us awhile, you know that we had Federal grant money at one time. These funds do not exist anymore, so we are focusing more on grassroots fundraising now and re-establishing our base.

We are also in the process of moving offices. Feel free to stop by our new location at 2501 E Central, Wichita, KS and meet our new director, Catherine Seiwert.

A few of things that you have to look forward to are:

A new website: Our URL will remain the same, but we'll have a totally fresh look for easier navigation and reading.
Community Events: This summer we'll be around the KS School Nurses Conference, the Midwest Catholic Family Conference, and the KS State Fair.
Board of Advisor biannual meeting in early August.
Teacher Training in August or September
An essay and video contest for middle and high school students. The winners will be presented at the luncheon in November.
Our annual luncheon on November 16 at Newman. Theme and speaker TBA.
Plus more!

Don't forget to tell your school or organization about us. We offer a variety of programs that we are keen to provide and educate with.

While you await our new website, check out our Facebook page, Twitter, and the newly introduced Pinterest!

P.S. Stay safe this summer, especially this 4th of July. Fireworks are a common cause of severe injuries and property damage. Please use them responsibly and never without adult supervision. Adults, be good examples by following instructions and safety cautions. Always have water or a fire extinguisher nearby.

noreply@blogger.com (Abstain Pure and Simple) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:19:00 +0000

Everyone has the freedom to choose their actions, but they can't choose the consequences. Why is abstience from high risk choices (alcohol, drugs, sexual activity, and pornography) the most imporatnt issure? The answer is because promiscuity (sex outside of marriage) consequences are the number one cause of:

abortion (55 million since 1973)
single parenthood
over 40% of all children born out of wedlock
divorce (50% of marriages end in divorce)
improper bonding between parents and children and in other relationships
broken future relationships
welfare ($12 TRILLION has been spent on welfare since the war on poverty began and now there are more people living in poverty than when we started! Teen mothers often drop out of school and live in poverty with their children.)
sexually transmitted disease (65 million young people have incurable STDs)

Standards that protect us from pronography, child molestation, abuse, sex trafficking, and sexual addiction are eroding our society and children and families are paying a high price by suffering the consequences of negative choices. The media consistently feeds all of us the message that high risk behaviors come without consequences.

It's important to think for yourself and realize how choices you make such as the friends you hang around, music you listen to, what you watch on TV, videos, and the internet influence you! You have tremendous worth as a human being and a great potential to do good in this world. Are you up to the challenge? If not you, then who will change our world for the better?

Resource: National Abstinence Dlearinghouse e-newsletter, 12/2011

Communication Is Key

noreply@blogger.com (Abstain Pure and Simple) — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 21:46:00 +0000

Communication is key for healthy relationships with your friends and family. Good communication requires both talking AND listening.

Did you know that you communicate with others even when you're not talking? Think about your body language. How is your posture? Do you come across as confident, standing straight with your head held high? Do you look at others directly, making eye contact as you're speaking and when you're listening? Are you animated, using your hands when you talk? Do you smile easily? Do you show your emotions with your words and body language. Are you communicating effectively? One way to tell how effectively you get your thoughts across is how others, such as family members and friends, react to your communication with them. If they frequently don't seem to understand you, take a look at your communication style. Ask someone you trust for their observations about your communication techniques. A few minor changes and practice could make a huge difference for healthy relationships!

Come by and see us at the Kansas State Fair!

noreply@blogger.com (Abstain Pure and Simple) — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 16:27:00 +0000

Come by and see us at our booth at the Kansas State Fair! Ask us about Text 2 Teen!

Text 'TEEN' to 47092 and start receiving 'Positive and Encouraging' messages through your mobile phone.

Pure & Simple Health Education will be at the Kansas State Fair, September 9th - 11th, 2011. We are located in the Meadowlark Building.

When you visit our booth, you will also receive a free bracelet and ATM card. Hope to see you there!

Pure & Simjple Choice II Premier a Wichita Blockbuster

noreply@blogger.com (Abstain Pure and Simple) — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 17:19:00 +0000

Pure & Simple Choice II, produced by Pure & Simple Health Education, Inc. and Alexander Video Productions, made its premier debut at the Warren Theatre in Old Town on Saturday, August 20th. The diverse audience was wowed by the story line and the live appearance of the actors and producers. We were pleased with the great turnout and the many positive comments given by the movie goers. Be watching for Pure & Simple Choice II at a site near you! To schedule the new curriculum for teens or fomr more information, call 216-688-0840.

Premiere Showing of Pure & Simple Choice II

noreply@blogger.com (Abstain Pure and Simple) — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 16:17:00 +0000

Have you ever wondered what it takes to produce a video for teens by teens? Have you had the opportunity to experience the behind the scenes makeup, hair, and costume preparation, getting the camera angles just right, directors conveying to the cast how to act out a scene, and the many bloopers along the way? Do you have any idea how long it takes to edit an hour and a half video and find just the right music to set the tone?
I can answer all those questions, as can the other producers, directors, cast and crew of the Pure & Simple Choice II video series. The production took a year from start to finish with the dedication and perseverance of many. Now it's time to celebrate the accomplishment and share a job well done with our fans, supporters, donors, and interested community members. The Pure & Simple Choice II cast and crew, writers, directors, and producers will be on hand on Saturday, August 20th, to view the premiere showing and share their stories about how their involvement in the production has touched their lives.
The premiere showing of Pure & Simple Choice II is open to teens, parents, teachers, principals, faith-based youth leaders, pastors, community leaders and friends who support the mission of Pure & Simple Health Education, Inc. and/or want to know more about our curriculum designed for youth ages 12-18.
I'm looking forward to sharing the reunion of our cast and crew with you and celebrating our accomplishment! Please join us for the red-carpet showing on the big screen of the Warren Old Town Theatre!!

--Sandy Pickert, Producer &
Pure & Simple Health Education, Inc. Executive Director

Come See Us at the Midwest Catholic Family Conference!

noreply@blogger.com (Abstain Pure and Simple) — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 18:13:00 +0000

Stop by our booth at the Midwest Catholic Family Conference,

August 5-7, Century II Convention Center, in Wichita, Kansas.

Come pick up a Pure & Simple ruler; schedule the NEW Pure & Simple

Choice II curriculum for your class, after-school program, youth group

or parent meeting; or buy our new black "Revolution" t-shirt!

We would love to see you!

The Internet: Friend or Foe?

noreply@blogger.com (Abstain Pure and Simple) — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 20:19:00 +0000

Today, while reading the dozens of emails that I typically receive daily, I came across an article about pornography addiction and how it impacts lives of both youth and adults. Pornography is easily accessible to all through the internet and poisons the minds of those exposed to it. It gives viewers a self-centered, distorted view of sexuality. It alters attitudes, emotions, self-image, self-esteem, and one's core beliefs for life. It affects both males and females equally, but in different ways. It discourages respecting oneself and others and encourages misusing others for personal satisfaction. It destroys relationships, marriages, and families.

July 11 – August 7, 2011 is the "Pornography Harms" National Awareness Campaign. Please become aware of and carefully think about what you are putting into your brain through your eyes and ears. It does affect the way you think about yourself and others and the choices you make! Parents, take the time to guard your children as much as possible from pornography by setting healthy boundaries, discussing the harm that pornography causes, listening to their questions and concerns, and setting a good example of self-control by avoiding exposure to pornography yourself.

For more information, check out "Top 10 Internet Safety Tips" and other helpful information at www.pornharms.com and www.moralityinmedia.org . For helping youth who have been exposed to pornography and for youth and adults who are dealing with pornography addiction, there are resources available.

So, is the internet a friend or foe? It's a lot like fire; it all depends on how it's used - for good or for harm. To make healthy choices for internet use, it takes education, self-control, and positive reinforcement, pure and simple.

Sandy Pickert, RN, MPH

Executive Director

Pure & Simple Health Education, Inc.

It’s a July Meal Deal!

noreply@blogger.com (Abstain Pure and Simple) — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 16:41:00 +0000

FRESH-A-THON

Fundraiser Program

Souper Salad will donate 10%
of the night’s sales to:

Come Support Pure & Simple
Health Education!

Friday, July 22, 2011,

4-8pm

Souper Salad, 8007 E Kellogg

Thank you Souper Salad for giving back to your community!

Pure & Simple Health Education, Inc.

Wichita Wild's Non-Profit Night

noreply@blogger.com (Abstain Pure and Simple) — Thu, 26 May 2011 20:10:00 +0000

Nebraska Danger vs. Wichita Wild

Saturday, June 4, 2011, Hartman Arena

Copy this coupon and bring it to Hartman Arena to purchase your tickets

(one coupon per ticket) and Pure & Simple Health Education

will receive $1 per coupon!

Thank you for supporting Pure & Simple Health Education!

Talk to your Kids about your Opinions and Values

noreply@blogger.com (Abstain Pure and Simple) — Wed, 25 May 2011 17:59:00 +0000

Healthy Sexual Behavior
Parents can only pass on to their children the best possible living arrangement in which the family finds itself. To show love and concern for each family member without hurting the others is the role of mother and father. When each person tries to do their part, to the best of their ability, all members of the family will benefit. Being RICH is to experience true love among family members, whether with money or without. Love allows the family to endure trials and hardships.

Influencing Your Child
Your kids want you to talk to them about your opinions and values. They need you to set boundaries and give them consistent direction and advice when it comes to making positive decisions. The following questions are ideas and topics you can discuss with your children to share your concerns, thoughts and feelings.

What goals do I have for my children?
What have been the biggest regrets in my life?
What have been my greatest successes?
What goals do my children have for themselves?
As their parent, what can I do to help them reach those goals?
Do I know my children’s friends?
Do their friends have similar values and are they capable of making positive decisions?
Why is it important for my children to abstain from sex until marriage?
Why is it important for my children to resist drinking alcohol, smoking tobacco and marijuana and using other drugs?
What is one thing I can do today that will help my children make positive decisions?

Ideas for this activity came from The Peer Project, Indianapolis, IN from http://www.peersproject.com/

Things to Talk About

The meaning of life. Who am I? Where am I going?
How life begins.
The value and importance of being a parent.
What things are important to be happy?
What things are unimportant and will quickly pass.
What is the meaning of death and how to accept the loss of people we love, pets or things a part of one’s life.
The purpose of faith, hope and love.
Guidelines to get through adolescence and young adulthood.
Limitations and boundaries to place on oneself in order to be a healthy and loving person.

Things Kids Want You to Know
I really don’t know everything, BUT, I don’t want you to know it!

I want to be liked by people, ESPECIALLY by kids my own age.

I won’t know if something’s wrong, UNLESS I’m told that it’s wrong!

I watch adults AND I want to act like them if it looks like fun!

I want to belong to a GROUP and act like others act!

I want to be a part of a FAMILY and be loved for myself!

I want a mother and a father to UNCONDITIONALLY love me!

I want to be loved like other kids when their PARENTS won’t let them have everything they want!

I’m afraid to talk to you about PERSONAL things because I may sound naïve and young!

I’m afraid to talk to you because you may get UPSET with me for even wanting to know about the thing I’m curious about!

I don’t know how to say I’m SORRY and mean it without crying!

Tips When Talking To Your Kids

Keep your cool. Don't be shocked.
Give undivided attention. Stop what you’re doing and really listen to what your child is saying.
Be sympathetic, empathetic and respect your child!
Give encouragement and help your child to complete projects they may have begun!
Share in the joy of your child’s achievement!

Did You Know
Distorted media images of men and women and how they behave when it comes to sex can mislead teens. Sex is used by the media to make money, not to instruct on healthy ways to handle sexual feelings. Don't be fooled!

CDC Data Shows Majority of Teens are NOT Doing it!

noreply@blogger.com (Abstain Pure and Simple) — Wed, 25 May 2011 17:55:00 +0000

New data released by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) confirm that the majority of teens are not having sex. According to 2006-2008 survey results released yesterday (3/3/11) by the National Center for Health Statistics, 68% of boys and 67% of girls (age 15-17) have never had sexual intercourse.

And overall sexual contact trends are also moving in the right direction with 53% of boys and 58%of girls (age 15-17) reporting that they have never had oral, anal, or vaginal sex with anyone. This is a positive change from 2002 when only 46% of boys and 49% of girls reported no sexual contact - this according to a USA Today article analyzing the findings yesterday.
This report challenges the wisdom of the recent federal funding cuts to abstinence education. According to Huber, "One hundred sixty-nine abstinence education programs lost funding and over 1 million students lost access to the very programs that can support and encourage the positive trends represented by this data. If we are serious about decreasing teen sexual activity, we need to use the data to instruct public policy. Funding priority should be given to programs that support this healthy trend rather than capitulating to those who want to normalize sex among teens and simple offer contraception as a solution. The data renders 'null and void' the 'abstinence is unrealistic' claims made by anti-abstinence advocacy groups."

She adds: "Our national sex education priorities should seek to further improve these numbers by providing teens with programs that help them to successfully wait for sex. We must insure programs that support sexual risk avoidance are available to as many youth as possible."

Today's report comes on the heals of another recently released report by HHS that showed the majority of teens support premarital abstinence in general and for themselves. NAEA calls on Congress to reinstate abstinence education as a community-based approach in the FY 2012 budget. "The data is clearly siding in favor of a renewed priority on the risk avoidance abstinence education approach... and it just happens also to be the healthiest option for teens." concludes Huber.

http://www.thenaea.org/

Read the entire report here

Effects on Self Esteem

noreply@blogger.com (Abstain Pure and Simple) — Wed, 25 May 2011 17:08:00 +0000

Effects on Self-Esteem and Academic Performance on Adolescent Decision-Making: An Examination of Early Sexual Intercourse and Illegal Substance Use"
Journal of Adolescent Health Vol. 47; No. 6: P.582-590 (12..10):: Stephanie B. Wheeler, MPH, PhD

The current study sought "to determine whether higher self-esteem and higher academic performance among youths reduced the likelihood of early sexual intercourse and illegal substance use."

Multivariate logistic regression, stratified by gender and controlling for known covariates, was used to assess data from waves one through three of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. Relationships were examined between self-esteem and academic performance and youth decision-making, in particular self-reported initiation of sexual intercourse and use of illegal substances. "Self-esteem was constructed as an ascending scale of 10 Likert-scaled survey items. Academic performance was assessed using the most recent grades from English, Math, Science, and History," wrote Wheeler.

Among virginal adolescents, higher self-esteem at baseline had no effect on sexual debut in the following year, though a baseline higher self-esteem among females did correspond with a significantly lower likelihood of illegal substance use one year later (odds ratio, .96; p=.003). In terms of academic performance at baseline, girls averaging "A" grades were significantly less likely to initiate sexual intercourse one year later as compared with girls receiving grades "C" or lower (OR, ..52; p=.004). In addition, for girls , being an "A" or "B" student was associated with lower odds of illegal substance use, compared with students who averaged "C" grades or lower (p less than .01). Self-esteem and academic performance were not significantly predictive of illegal substance use among young males.

"This study suggests that bolstering self-esteem and improving academic performance among young girls may have specifice benefits in sexual decision-making and substance-related risk-taking," Wheeler concluded

Reasons to Wait to Have Sex

noreply@blogger.com (Abstain Pure and Simple) — Wed, 25 May 2011 16:54:00 +0000

What Do You Believe?
Young people get their information about sex and relationships from a variety of sources. These sources often conflict with more traditional ideas about marriage, family, and sexual abstinence. With so many influences bombarding youth today, it is easy to mistake myths about sex with facts. This may create a risk of sexual consequences that can affect both immediate and long term futures. If you have questions about sex, ask someone you trust, like a parent, teacher, or other reliable source. The information is out there and you are taking a gamble with your future if you do not learn the facts and understand the dangers.

Why Wait?
There are plenty of reasons to wait to have sex. Each person has his or her own, and what's important to one person may not be to another. The main point is for you to understand your reasons not to have sex before you enter a commitment of marriage. This website isn't meant to be a substitute for your parent, grandparent or other adult you trust enough to talk with about topics like sex.