Proper Condom Use Promoted at Local Pubs and Bars

ALBANY, NY (02/03/2010)(readMedia)-- Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood will kick off its annual celebration of National Condom Week this Saturday, February 6th at the Envy Lounge in Albany and events will continue through February 13th. During the week, UHPP staff and volunteers will be out at local pubs and night spots armed with games and give-aways to increase awareness about prevention of sexually transmitted infections. And with the current news that infections including HPV and chlamydia are skyrocketing among young people, this knowledge is clearly needed.

In 2008, the nation was stunned by a report from the US Centers for Disease Control stating that 1 out of 4 teenage girls had a sexually transmitted disease, which accounted for more than 3 million teens. The focus of that report was on the HPV virus, which has many stains the worst of which can cause cervical cancer and genital warts. But chlamydia rates were also very high and even gonorrhea rates, which had been declining, are now on the rise. It seems that Americans, young and old, are simply not taking the steps necessary to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections.

" It's never too early or too late to be educated about sexual health and responsibility," stated Rob Curry, Senior Vice President for External Affairs at UHPP. "The pain and long term medical and emotional consequences of STIs can be avoided if just a few simple steps are taken. Condoms used correctly are the best protection against STIs, but unlike their counterparts in Europe, not enough sexually active Americans are using condoms either correctly or consistently. Being prepared can make the difference of a lifetime. "

For the past several years, UHPP has collaborated with local businesses on this annual event. Patrons of participating businesses will have the chance to engage in various educational games and win prizes. One game featured will be the "Wheel of Choice", in which participants spin a roulette styled wheel and answer questions regarding sexual activity. At all venues, UHPP will be providing "safe sex kits" containing condoms, lubricant, finger cot, dental dam, and information about Emergency Contraception, UHPP services and the proper way to use a condom.

The condoms distributed will be Planned Parenthood's new brand, Proper Attire. The brand was launched two years ago with great fanfare. The condom packaging is particularly designed to appeal to women, with the goal of making women more comfortable in purchasing and carrying condoms. Today, more than 20 million Proper Attire condoms are sold annually.

As of now, local events scheduled for Condom Week include"

Sat. Feb 6 Envy 11pm- 1am

Thurs, Feb 11 Lark Tavern 9 -11pm

Fri, Feb 12 Sutters, 5-7pm; Bayou and Waterworks, 10-12pm; Jillian's 12mid-2am

Sat. Feb 13 George Bar, 9-11pm; Plastic Nightclub 11:30pm- 1am

National Condom Week is celebrated at events all across the country and sponsored by over 100 health programs and youth aimed organizations. (While National Condom Week is most often celebrated beginning on Valentine's Day, UHPP is holding its events a week early this year, to get ahead of school vacation week and of Valentine's Day celebrations.) Its purpose is to inform sexually active Americans about the proper usage of condoms, the dangers and risks associated with not knowing how to properly use protection, where to get tested, and how to properly handle infections, when detected.

For more information call Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood at 1-800-230-PLAN or visit our website at www.uhpp.org.