Q&A
Nutrition & Exercise
Question:
What is the difference between brown rice and white rice? Why is brown rice better?
Answer:
Brown rice differs from white rice because it has a layer of bran. Bran makes brown rice a whole grain, which means that it is rich in fiber and other nutrients like magnesium and zinc. Since white rice is made by removing bran from brown rice, white rice has less fiber and nutrients than brown rice, even if it is enriched. Brown rice may cook slower and may not be as fluffy as white rice, but it is a healthier alternative.
Please note that some teens and adults may believe that it is ok to eat larger portions if the food is healthier. Even if brown rice is healthier, portion control is still important.
Question:
What is the difference between brown sugar and white sugar?
Answer:
Sugar is naturally brown due to the ingredient, molasses. When molasses is separated from sugar, the sugar turns white. While it may be healthier to choose brown over white when it comes to rice, this is not the case for sugar. The molasses in brown sugar does contain a few additional nutrients white sugar does not have, such as iron and calcium, but the amounts are so small that you would have to eat large daily portions of brown sugar to gain any health benefit. The only real big difference between brown and white sugar is the taste.
Question from 13 Year old Female :
What is the maximum amount of sugar a teen needs per day?
Answer:
Based on a 2,000 calorie diet, about 100-150 calories should be from sugar. To see how much sugar you are consuming, you need to look at nutrition labels. Not only do you have to see how many grams of sugar there are per serving, you also have to see how many servings the product contains.
What is the difference between brown rice and white rice? Why is brown rice better?
Answer:
Brown rice differs from white rice because it has a layer of bran. Bran makes brown rice a whole grain, which means that it is rich in fiber and other nutrients like magnesium and zinc. Since white rice is made by removing bran from brown rice, white rice has less fiber and nutrients than brown rice, even if it is enriched. Brown rice may cook slower and may not be as fluffy as white rice, but it is a healthier alternative.
Please note that some teens and adults may believe that it is ok to eat larger portions if the food is healthier. Even if brown rice is healthier, portion control is still important.
Question:
What is the difference between brown sugar and white sugar?
Answer:
Sugar is naturally brown due to the ingredient, molasses. When molasses is separated from sugar, the sugar turns white. While it may be healthier to choose brown over white when it comes to rice, this is not the case for sugar. The molasses in brown sugar does contain a few additional nutrients white sugar does not have, such as iron and calcium, but the amounts are so small that you would have to eat large daily portions of brown sugar to gain any health benefit. The only real big difference between brown and white sugar is the taste.
Question from 13 Year old Female :
What is the maximum amount of sugar a teen needs per day?
Answer:
Based on a 2,000 calorie diet, about 100-150 calories should be from sugar. To see how much sugar you are consuming, you need to look at nutrition labels. Not only do you have to see how many grams of sugar there are per serving, you also have to see how many servings the product contains.
Birth Control Options
Question:
Would I still be protected against pregnancy if I did NOT take the birth control pill at the same time every day?
Answer:
Yes, you are still protected however don't make this a regular practice as it is highly recommended to take each pill around the same time every day (for example: within a time frame of 2-4 hours) to ensure the greatest effect. Whenever you feel like you are at risk, always use a back-up method such as a condom.
Would I still be protected against pregnancy if I did NOT take the birth control pill at the same time every day?
Answer:
Yes, you are still protected however don't make this a regular practice as it is highly recommended to take each pill around the same time every day (for example: within a time frame of 2-4 hours) to ensure the greatest effect. Whenever you feel like you are at risk, always use a back-up method such as a condom.
Confidentiality and Minor's Rights
Question asked by 14 year old female:
I was wondering, if I go to the TRC will you guys help me get the pill without telling my parents?
Answer:
The Teen Resource Center (TRC) is a place for young people to get information and advice on their health. TRC can help to direct you to the right doctor for your needs. For young people needing contraceptives (such as the pill), visits to the Charles B Wang Community Health Center, which sponsors TRC will be confidential. All advice given will be kept private between you and your doctor.
I was wondering, if I go to the TRC will you guys help me get the pill without telling my parents?
Answer:
The Teen Resource Center (TRC) is a place for young people to get information and advice on their health. TRC can help to direct you to the right doctor for your needs. For young people needing contraceptives (such as the pill), visits to the Charles B Wang Community Health Center, which sponsors TRC will be confidential. All advice given will be kept private between you and your doctor.
Gyn and Testicular Exams
Question:
When Should My Daughter First Go to the Gynecologist?
Answer:
It is recommended that girls get a pap smear three years after their first sexual experience OR by the time they are 21years old. This pap smear test can be performed by your pediatrician or by a gynecologist.
For Adolescents, a visit to the gynecologist is unnecessary if your primary care doctor (pediatrician) can perform the necessary exams, testing and contraceptive management.
A gynecologist is a specialist and will be able to give hysterectomies, prescribe medicines and treat conditions specific to the female reproductive system.
When Should My Daughter First Go to the Gynecologist?
Answer:
It is recommended that girls get a pap smear three years after their first sexual experience OR by the time they are 21years old. This pap smear test can be performed by your pediatrician or by a gynecologist.
For Adolescents, a visit to the gynecologist is unnecessary if your primary care doctor (pediatrician) can perform the necessary exams, testing and contraceptive management.
A gynecologist is a specialist and will be able to give hysterectomies, prescribe medicines and treat conditions specific to the female reproductive system.
HIV/STIs
Question from 17 year old female:
What happens when pubic hair touches another person? Will they get herpes or other STDS?
Answer:
A person's pubic hair can carry pubic lice, a curable STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection). Lice can jump onto any part of the body with hair, but they prefer moist areas such as the head and groin. Lice can also be found on the underarms, lashes and facial hair. Pubic lice can be removed with creams or shampoos without a doctor's prescription.
Other infections such as herpes, genital warts and scabies can be transferred through skin-to-skin contact.
Question from a 16 year old male:
I've previously tested positive for Chlamydia. I was treated and cured, but my partner was not treated. So if I have sex with my partner can I still get chlamydia again even if I wear a condom?
Answer:
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that can be transmitted through oral, anal, and vaginal sex. Chlamydia can actually infect the throat as well. If left untreated, it can cause PID (Pelvic inflammatory disease) and/or infertility.
It is great that you have been tested and treated! A condom can help prevent you from catching Chlamydia. However, you can get reinfected with chlamydia if you do NOT use condoms consistently. Many couples give each other the infection again if the treatment is not taken together.
It is very important that your partner is tested and if he/she has the infection, get treatment BEFORE you have sex again with him/her. This can help prevent you from getting Chlamydia again. Charles B. Wang provides free and confidential HIV/ STI testing for those who do not have insurance.
Question from an unknown source:
Can you get genital warts on your hand from a partner who has the disease, just by touching their genitals? Can you also get herpes that way as well?
Answer:
These are very good questions! Genital warts is a strain of HPV (Human Papilloma Virus). Herpes is also caused by a virus. These viruses can stay alive in places such as the genitals, throat, and mouth. It is transmitted through intimate contact, however it can also be transmitted through objects that have come in contact with the virus. Medical equipment that hasn't been properly cleaned after being used on an infected person can infect another person. Doctors can inform you on how to protect yourself and your partner.
What happens when pubic hair touches another person? Will they get herpes or other STDS?
Answer:
A person's pubic hair can carry pubic lice, a curable STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection). Lice can jump onto any part of the body with hair, but they prefer moist areas such as the head and groin. Lice can also be found on the underarms, lashes and facial hair. Pubic lice can be removed with creams or shampoos without a doctor's prescription.
Other infections such as herpes, genital warts and scabies can be transferred through skin-to-skin contact.
Question from a 16 year old male:
I've previously tested positive for Chlamydia. I was treated and cured, but my partner was not treated. So if I have sex with my partner can I still get chlamydia again even if I wear a condom?
Answer:
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that can be transmitted through oral, anal, and vaginal sex. Chlamydia can actually infect the throat as well. If left untreated, it can cause PID (Pelvic inflammatory disease) and/or infertility.
It is great that you have been tested and treated! A condom can help prevent you from catching Chlamydia. However, you can get reinfected with chlamydia if you do NOT use condoms consistently. Many couples give each other the infection again if the treatment is not taken together.
It is very important that your partner is tested and if he/she has the infection, get treatment BEFORE you have sex again with him/her. This can help prevent you from getting Chlamydia again. Charles B. Wang provides free and confidential HIV/ STI testing for those who do not have insurance.
Question from an unknown source:
Can you get genital warts on your hand from a partner who has the disease, just by touching their genitals? Can you also get herpes that way as well?
Answer:
These are very good questions! Genital warts is a strain of HPV (Human Papilloma Virus). Herpes is also caused by a virus. These viruses can stay alive in places such as the genitals, throat, and mouth. It is transmitted through intimate contact, however it can also be transmitted through objects that have come in contact with the virus. Medical equipment that hasn't been properly cleaned after being used on an infected person can infect another person. Doctors can inform you on how to protect yourself and your partner.
Communication & Relationships
Question from 18 Year old Female:
I find it difficult to maintain many relationships. I've drifted from many friends over the years and as I get older, I feel I have less and less to say to my parents. How can I reconnect with those that are important to me?
Answer:
It is important to recognize that it is normal to drift away from some people as one gets older, simply because people may change. Communication is key to any relationship so it's important to make an effort and reach out to those who are special in one's life. All relationships, including relationships with partners, friends, family and parents, require effort. Sometimes it's best to talk to the other person and discuss the concerns and how reconnecting may be possible.
Communicating with parents can be difficult for many teens. It's best to first recognize what the barriers are that are preventing communication with parents, then address those issues with parents directly. Simply spending time together and doing small activities with each other is important and can help maintain a relationship. This can also help to open the doors of communication between parents and teens.
Feel free to attend our parent-youth communication workshops. Social work is also available at the Charles B. Community Health Center to help strengthen communication skills and teen/parent relationships.
I find it difficult to maintain many relationships. I've drifted from many friends over the years and as I get older, I feel I have less and less to say to my parents. How can I reconnect with those that are important to me?
Answer:
It is important to recognize that it is normal to drift away from some people as one gets older, simply because people may change. Communication is key to any relationship so it's important to make an effort and reach out to those who are special in one's life. All relationships, including relationships with partners, friends, family and parents, require effort. Sometimes it's best to talk to the other person and discuss the concerns and how reconnecting may be possible.
Communicating with parents can be difficult for many teens. It's best to first recognize what the barriers are that are preventing communication with parents, then address those issues with parents directly. Simply spending time together and doing small activities with each other is important and can help maintain a relationship. This can also help to open the doors of communication between parents and teens.
Feel free to attend our parent-youth communication workshops. Social work is also available at the Charles B. Community Health Center to help strengthen communication skills and teen/parent relationships.
Puberty & Adolescent Development
Question from a 13 year-old female:
How is it possible that signs of puberty appear (i.e. pubic hair), even though I have not gone through puberty yet?
Answer:
Puberty is actually a series of body changing events which does NOT occur all at the same time. For most girls, the first signs of puberty are breast buds. This means that the breasts will get slightly raised and tender to touch. After this initial change, many girls will then get some hair growth in the pubic area (groin) and underarm area. Some girls will also develop body odor or oily skin with acne on the face. This usually all occurs approximately 1-2 yrs BEFORE a girl will get her menstrual cycle.
It is important to remember that everyone goes through puberty at a different age. Some girls may start as early as 8 years old, and then some girls may start at age of 13 yrs. Also, it will be different for boys than girls.
Question:
Should I pop my pimples?
Answer:
Pimples are caused by bacteria that clog the pores on your face. By squeezing the pimple, you can actually introduce bacteria into the skin, causing further swelling, redness, and infection. Popping a pimple can also lead to permanent scars or scabs.
The best way to deal with a pimple is to wait for it to disappear on its own. To avoid pimples altogether, it is best to wash your face 1 to 3 times a day depending on your skin type (dry, oily, combination).
Question:
What cleansers should I use to wash my face?
Answer:
Cleansers with either salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide are best for acne control. Salicylic acid helps to shed the face of dead skin cells so that the pores will not get clogged, which helps defend against acne. Benzoyl peroxide helps to kill bacteria on the face, attacking pre-existing acne. Depending on your need, you can choose the proper cleanser.
Wash your face with warm water and rinse with cold water. Warm water will help open up the pores, so the cleanser can work, and cold water will close up the pores so no bacteria can get in. Use a disposable paper towel to dry the face instead of a face towel. (Face towels are left in the bathroom all day and collect bacteria.)
If any redness, irritation, or drying of skin occurs when using a product, stop using the product. Washing your face more than 3 times a day can also cause skin discomfort.
How is it possible that signs of puberty appear (i.e. pubic hair), even though I have not gone through puberty yet?
Answer:
Puberty is actually a series of body changing events which does NOT occur all at the same time. For most girls, the first signs of puberty are breast buds. This means that the breasts will get slightly raised and tender to touch. After this initial change, many girls will then get some hair growth in the pubic area (groin) and underarm area. Some girls will also develop body odor or oily skin with acne on the face. This usually all occurs approximately 1-2 yrs BEFORE a girl will get her menstrual cycle.
It is important to remember that everyone goes through puberty at a different age. Some girls may start as early as 8 years old, and then some girls may start at age of 13 yrs. Also, it will be different for boys than girls.
Question:
Should I pop my pimples?
Answer:
Pimples are caused by bacteria that clog the pores on your face. By squeezing the pimple, you can actually introduce bacteria into the skin, causing further swelling, redness, and infection. Popping a pimple can also lead to permanent scars or scabs.
The best way to deal with a pimple is to wait for it to disappear on its own. To avoid pimples altogether, it is best to wash your face 1 to 3 times a day depending on your skin type (dry, oily, combination).
Question:
What cleansers should I use to wash my face?
Answer:
Cleansers with either salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide are best for acne control. Salicylic acid helps to shed the face of dead skin cells so that the pores will not get clogged, which helps defend against acne. Benzoyl peroxide helps to kill bacteria on the face, attacking pre-existing acne. Depending on your need, you can choose the proper cleanser.
Wash your face with warm water and rinse with cold water. Warm water will help open up the pores, so the cleanser can work, and cold water will close up the pores so no bacteria can get in. Use a disposable paper towel to dry the face instead of a face towel. (Face towels are left in the bathroom all day and collect bacteria.)
If any redness, irritation, or drying of skin occurs when using a product, stop using the product. Washing your face more than 3 times a day can also cause skin discomfort.
Smoking
Question from a 15 year old female:
Why are cigarettes bad for you?
Answer:
Cigarettes are bad for you for many different reasons. Firstly, cigarettes contain over 4,000 chemicals which are harmful for the body. Cigarettes affect your brain with an addictive drug called nicotine. When you smoke, nicotine will make you feel good but then you will want to smoke again to continue to feel good. You can develop a physical and psychological addiction to cigarettes.
Cigarettes also raise your blood pressure and your heart rate. You will have carbon monoxide in your system which can eventually lead to blockages in your blood vessels. Tobacco can also cause cancer and other diseases in the mouth, lungs, and affect your skin and your muscles.
Why are cigarettes bad for you?
Answer:
Cigarettes are bad for you for many different reasons. Firstly, cigarettes contain over 4,000 chemicals which are harmful for the body. Cigarettes affect your brain with an addictive drug called nicotine. When you smoke, nicotine will make you feel good but then you will want to smoke again to continue to feel good. You can develop a physical and psychological addiction to cigarettes.
Cigarettes also raise your blood pressure and your heart rate. You will have carbon monoxide in your system which can eventually lead to blockages in your blood vessels. Tobacco can also cause cancer and other diseases in the mouth, lungs, and affect your skin and your muscles.
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Who should carry condoms? (Vote form)
Total votes: 21
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Got a question? ... Ask the TRC!
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Please Note:
We may not be able to respond to all questions submitted. We may only answer to questions selected to be featured on our website. If you would like your question to be answered in person, you can stop by the TRC and talk to one of our friendly Teen Health Educators. If you have a specific medical situation, please talk with your doctor or health care provider as soon as possible. You can also call (212) 226-3888 to make a medical appointment with one of our medical providers at the Charles B. Wang Community Health Center.
The Teen Resource Center is part of the Charles B. Wang Community Health Center. © 2007
This website was produced with funding from the New York State Department of Health, Division of Family Health.
This website was produced with funding from the New York State Department of Health, Division of Family Health.
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