• National Health Education Week is focused on increasing national awareness on major public health issues and promoting a better understanding of the role of health education

• Health educators teach people about behaviors that promote wellness. They develop and implement strategies to improve the health of individuals and communities

• Family Planning has a team of Health Educators that teach reproductive health at schools, community-based organizations, and agencies all over Onondaga county

• Our health educators also implement the Teen Outreach Program (TOP) that promotes life skills and community awareness

• Asexuality is a sexual orientation (like being gay, lesbian, bisexual, etc.)

• It is defined as a lack of sexual attraction; an asexual person is someone who does not experience sexual attraction to anyone, and/or does not experience desire for sexual contact

• Asexuality is not celibacy, which is the conscious decision to abstain from sexual contact with other individuals

• At least 1% of people are believed to be asexual

• The LGBT community is the only community worldwide that is not taught its history at home, in public schools, or in religious institutions. LGBT History Month provides role models, builds community, and make the civil rights statement about the extraordinary national and international contributions.

• LGBT History Month was created in 1994 by a high school history teacher in Missouri, named Rodney Wilson. The month of October was initially chosen to include: National Coming Out Day and the anniversary of the first LGBT March on Washington on October 14th, 1979.

• Breast Cancer is the second most common cancer in women

• 1 in 8 women born in the United States today will get breast cancer at some point in their life

• Most women survive breast cancer if it is found and treated early enough

• That is why self-breast checks are incredibly important and should be added to your monthly routine!

• Nearly 1 in 5 adult women and 1 in 7 adult men report having experienced severe physical violence from an intimate partner in their lifetime

• Intimate partner violence is not always physical violence- it can also include sexual violence, emotional and psychological aggression, and stalking.

• For more information, visit verahouse.org to get help or how you can help.

Ovarian cancer is cancer within the ovaries- organs within the reproductive system of a woman that produce’s eggs and hormones. Early symptoms of ovarian cancer can include- abnormal bleeding or discharge from that vagina, pressure or pain in the pelvic area/abdomen/back, bloating, feeling full quickly while eating, changes in bathroom habits.

Let’s bring awareness this month!

Sexual health is the ability to embrace and enjoy your sexuality throughout your life. It is an important part of our physical and emotional health. Being sexually healthy means:

• Understanding that sexuality is a natural part of life and involves more than sexual behavior

• Recognizing and respecting the sexual rights we all share

• Having access to sexual health information, education, and care

• Making an effort to prevent unintended pregnancies and STIs while seeking care when needed

• Being able to experience sexual pleasure, satisfaction, and intimacy when desired

• Being able to communicate about sexual health with others- including sexual partners and healthcare providers

Polycystic ovary or ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common health problem in women caused by an imbalance of reproductive hormones. The hormonal imbalance creates problems in the ovaries. With PCOS, the egg may not develop as it should or it may not be released during ovulation as it should be. There is no cure for PCOS, but it is possible to manage the symptoms.