Level 1: Be aware of popular apps. According to Pew Research Center, the most popular apps among teens in 2018 were: YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Reddit. [1] We know this! However, different apps become popular all the time. Those apps would include: TikTok, Monkey, Houseparty, Discord, WeChat, and even dating apps (Tinder, Bumble, Hily, etc).

 Level 2: Be aware of popular app features. Some today are:

• The ability to make parts of the profile hidden or filtering who sees what
• The ability to have location visible to friends 24/7 and
• The ability to video chat with strangers or friends

Level 3: Be vocal about what is acceptable in your household.  Discuss topics like:

• the display of personal information
• account profiles being public or private
• the boundaries of picture taking and
• location sharing.

Level 4: Be aware of how information can be hidden. This could include:

• Manually hiding apps in the settings of iPhones and Androids. With a quick google search, there are many videos that will show you how it’s done.
• Making apps less noticeable by creating app folders
• Downloading fake apps to be a disguise for photos or different apps

Level 5: Be aware of ways you monitor activity. To accomplish this you can:

• Simply ask to look at your teen’s social media profiles
• Ask what app’s they have accounts with
• Use apps to monitor activity like SecureTeen, Net Nanny, and TeenSafe [2]
• Use the same iCloud or phone account to see previous purchases, subscriptions, and downloads

[1] https://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2019/01/17/generation-z-looks-a-lot-like-millennials-on-key-social-and-political-issues/

[2] https://www.today.com/parents/these-3-apps-can-help-you-monitor-your-teens-activities-t105483

Posted by: Akiliah Walker, Marketing and Communications Intern

Today is National HIV Testing Day! Join others around the United States and get tested today! 

According to AIDS.gov, 1 in 8 people living with HIV are unaware of their infection. About 1 in 4 new HIV infections are among youth ages 13-24 (1). HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus , a blood born virus.  HIV is a virus that causes AIDS, and AIDS is the advanced stage of HIV.  AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.

Who should get tested?

According to the CDC, the behaviors listed below increase your chances of getting HIV. If you answer yes to any of these questions, you should get tested for HIV as soon as possible (2).

• Have you injected drugs or steroids or shared equipment (such as needles, syringes, works) with others?
• Have you had unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex with men who have sex with men, multiple partners, or anonymous partners?
• Have you exchanged sex for drugs or money?
• Have you been diagnosed with or treated for hepatitis, tuberculosis (TB), or a sexually transmitted infection (STI), like syphilis?
• Have you had unprotected sex with someone who could answer yes to any of the above questions?
• If you have had sex with someone whose history of sex partners and/or drug use is unknown to you or if you or your partner has had many sex partners, then you have more of a chance of being infected with HIV. Both you and your new partner should get tested for HIV, and learn the results, before having sex for the first time.

HealthNet’s Family Planning Title X Program offers confidential HIV testing. The Family Planning Resource Title X Program hours are as follows:

Tuesday, Thursdays, and Fridays 8:00 a.m. – Noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Wednesdays 2:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

To make an appointment to get tested, please call 317-957-2970. For more information about HealthNet’s Family Planning Title X Program and our services, please click here.

To find other HIV testing sites near you, visit gettested.cdc.gov.

Post by Holly Arnold

1. https://www.aids.gov/hiv-aids-basics/hiv-aids-101/statistics/ 

2. http://www.damien.org/hiv-testing-should-i-get-tested 

1. Always wear sunscreen. Apply sunscreen before you leave the house. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a sunscreen with an SPF rating of 30 or higher (1).
2. Reapply sunscreen. Sunscreen should be reapplied throughout the day and 30 minutes before you go outside. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends reapplying every two hours and immediately after swimming and sweating (2).
3.  Stay away from tanning beds! Many people think that using a tanning bed to get a base tan will prevent you from burning or that it is safer than the sun. This is not true as there is no such thing as a healthy tan. According to Mayo Clinic, “..any change in skin color from tanning is a sign of damage from UV radiation.” Say NO to tanning beds (3)!
4. Don’t believe the myths! Just because it’s cloudy and overcast outside, doesn’t mean that you won’t get burnt. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, “Up to 80% of UV rays that cause sun damage can penetrate the clouds (4).” Even on a cloudy day, be sure to wear sunscreen and protective clothing.
5. Avoid the sun as much as possible. Try to stay out of the sun between 10am and 4pm, as these times are when the sun’s rays are the strongest. If you are going to be outside during that time make sure you put on sunscreen, as well as wear UV protected sunglasses and a hat (5).

1. https://www.aad.org/spot-skin-cancer/learn-about-skin-cancer/prevent-skin-cancer/how-to-select-a-sunscreen
2. http://www.skincancer.org/prevention/sun-protection/sunscreen/sunscreens-explained
3. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sunburn/expert-answers/tanning/faq-20057866
4. http://www.skincancer.org/prevention/uva-and-uvb/understanding-uva-and-uvb
5. http://www.americanskin.org/resource/safety.php

Post by Lauresa Garnett

Did you know February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month? According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, almost 1 in 10 teens reports being physically abused by a boyfriend or girlfriend in the last year.

Teens who suffer dating abuse are subject to long-term consequences like alcoholism, eating disorders, promiscuity, thoughts of suicide, and violent behavior.  A striking 33 percent of adolescents in America are victim to sexual, physical, verbal, or emotional dating abuse and every 9 seconds in the US a woman is assaulted or beaten.  Domestic violence and teen violence are just one of the many issues we address as Social Worker’s with HealthNet.  We assist patients with getting into domestic violence shelters, as well and creating a safety plan for those who are unable to leave immediately.  We provide them with resources for their families by connecting them to community agencies.

Every year our social work team makes aware of this issue by having a question and answer contest with all of HealthNet employees.  Lauresa Garnett and Donna Richardson are two of Healthnet’s social workers who are also a part of the IU Health Domestic Violence Coalition.  An organization developed and participated by IU Health employees who are concerns about this topic of abuse; this group exists to bring better awareness of abuse to our staff and patients.

For more information about HealthNet’s Social Services Department, please visit www.indyhealthnet.org.

Did you know January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month? Honor Cervical Cancer Awareness Month by educating yourself on cervical cancer and how you can help protect yourself. HealthNet Certified Nurse Midwife, Carrie Bonsack teaches you everything you need to know about cervical cancer and answers some of the most common questions!

A pap smear is a test used to screen for cervical cancer. Many of you have had a pap smear every year since you were a teenager. Well, those days are over. It’s a new year and time for celebration that we are all done with yearly pap smears!  Some women are worried and feel they need a test every year, but let me reassure you that you do not need a pap smear every year.  Read on to find more about pap smears, HPV, and the importance of an annual “well woman” exam.

Why do I no longer get a Pap smear test every year with my annual exam?

In March of 2012, new pap screening guidelines were developed by the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and the American Cancer Society, American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology, American Society for Clinical Pathology (ACS/ASCCP/ASCP) based upon the woman’s age.  Basically, all of these organizations looked at research evidence and found that women do not need yearly pap smears and here is why:

• Cervical cancer is rare, especially in young women.
• Precancerous cells are caused by HPV and it will go away in most young healthy women.
• Testing for cervical cancer may lead to more treatment (more tests, more biopsies, and more surgeries) than necessary and may be doing more harm than good.
• Over treatment may lead to unnecessary short-term anxiety or concern.
• Over treatment may lead to pain, bleeding, or vaginal discharge after certain procedures.
• Over treatment may lead to problems with future pregnancies such as preterm birth and low birth weight babies.
  (Moyer, 2012)

When do I start getting screened for cervical cancer?

A woman should begin having a pap smear at the age of 21. Women between the ages of 21-29 should have a pap smear every three years. Women ages 30-65 should have either a pap only every three years or pap with HPV screening every five years. Women under the age of 21 should not have a pap.  (USPSTF/ACS/ASCCP/ASCP, 2012)

When do I stop getting screened for cervical cancer?

If you are age 65 and have had three negative pap smears in a row or two negative pap with HPV tests within ten years, or have no history of CIN 2 within the past twenty years, then you can stop having pap smears. (USPSTF/ACS/ASCCP/ASCP, 2012)

What is Human Papillomavirus (HPV)?

HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection among both men and women. HPV more commonly infects the genital area, but can also infect the mouth or throat. Nearly everyone who is sexually active will get HPV at some point in his or her lifetime because it is so common. Around 90% of HPV infections can clear on their own within two years.  There are over 100 different types of HPV and some can cause genital warts and certain cancers, such as cervical cancer.  (CDC, 2013)

 Can I prevent HPV?

HPV vaccines can help prevent certain types of HPV, and are available and recommended for 11 and 12 year old boys and girls. Gardasil, an HPV vaccine, is available for males and females. Cervarix is available for females. Women, men, boys and girls between the ages of 13 and 26 can also get these vaccines if they did not get it when they were younger. The HPV vaccines are a series of three shots given over a six-month period.  Condoms can help protect against HPV when used from start to finish of the sex act, however, HPV can infect areas not covered by a condom.  Limiting your number of sex partners can decrease your risk of sexually transmitted infections. (CDC, 2013)

October is National Bullying Prevention Month.  Bully is becoming a huge problem for kids in school as well as kids and adults on the internet.  According to kidshealth.org, 25 percent of public schools report bullying happens at school on a weekly basis!  In addition, 1 in 3 kids report being cyber-bullied and 1 in 6 adults report having experienced cyber-bullying.  This is a disturbing trend.

Bullying can be defined as any kind of intentional torment.  This includes physical, verbal, or emotional abuse.  Sadly, emotional pain inflicted by others can be difficult to forget and can cause lasting damage.  Unaddressed, a victim of bullying can develop low self-esteem and even suffer from depression.

So, what can we do about it?  As a parent, it’s excruciating to see your child hurt and, often, parents can feel as helpless as the child in knowing what to do about bullying.

First and foremost, don’t be afraid to talk to your kids.  Talk to them about bullying even if you don’t know that it is happening.  Education regarding what bullying is and what is means can be beneficial for children to help them know how what to do if they are bullied or if they witness bullying.  Let your children know that it’s okay to feel scared and embarrassed but that it’s important to tell a trusted adult.

Encourage children to try to ignore the bullying and walk away.  Alert them to get help from an adult.  Talking preemptively about managing anger can be helpful too.  As we all know, it’s hard to walk away sometimes!  Educating children on counting to 10 when angry or taking slow, deep breaths to compose oneself can be helpful in a crunch.

If you do suspect your child might be bullied, again, don’t be afraid to ask.  Listen in a non-judgmental way and validate their feelings.  Bullying can be shaming, so the child needs to feel safe as he is telling of this pain.  If your child doesn’t come right out and tell you, pay attention to changes in behavior.  Is he suddenly refusing to go to school?  Is he not sleeping at night?  Be aware but don’t jump to conclusions.  If you do discover your child is being bullied, model healthy behavior.  Don’t immediately try to address the situation yourself with the bully.  Take a breath and decide on a plan of action with your child.  Often, the best approach can be collaborating with the school.

Bullying can have long-lasting, devastating affects, but you can be helpful in talking and listening with your child as well as addressing the issue in an appropriate manner with the school.  With parents offering education and support, kids can learn to survive bullying and move forward to healthy, productive lives.

Have you had an experience with a bully? Comment below and let us know how you handled the situation.

One of the best ways to prevent the cold is by frequent hand-washing. An estimated 80% of contagious diseases are transmitted by touch, so wash your hands! The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu shot, which will help to prevent the flu virus.

Flu Vaccination

There are many myths surrounding the flu, but the most common is that the flu shot can give you the flu. This myth is absolutely not true. According to flu.gov, it takes approximately two weeks for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against the virus. Many people think the shot is effective immediately, and then develop the flu with the idea that the shot transmitted the virus.

Are there any side effects to getting a flu shot?

Unfortunately yes, although nothing severe. Possible symptoms include soreness, redness or swelling at the injection sight, headaches, fever and nausea. If you do develop severe symptoms, call your doctor immediately.

Where can I get a flu shot?

All of our HealthNet locations have flu shots available for patients. Walk-in patients welcome! For more information please visit www.indyhealthnet.org.

Do you know what it takes to be safe around fireworks? Take the National Council on Fireworks Safety quiz!

We want to hear from you! What are your plans for the holiday weekend? Comment below!