Summertime

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. 

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

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!

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

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.