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

Pure & Simjple Choice II Premier a Wichita Blockbuster

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.

      

Come See Us at the Midwest Catholic Family Conference!

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?

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.

Effects on Self Esteem

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."