Sex on YOUR Terms!

On March 15th, SMART Youth had their National Women & Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day event at NYIT.

We had yummy food, covered a variety of great topics, and had great discussions!
A few gentlemen even wanted to join!

Our youth leaders and youth facilitator led workshops! It was full SMART Youth run!

Jeannie doing a female condom demonstration.

We discussed topics such as:
*Body Image & Self Love
*Female Masturbation (This was a new one for SMART Youth, and really got the mind racing!)
*Consent & Condom Negotiation
*Female Condom Pro's, Con's, & How To's
*Empowerment/Advocacy Opportunities

SMART Youth Ladies!

We had a wonderful turn out and can't wait for next year!

Stay tuned for the Male Version, "Barbershop Talk" at the end of May!

Sex On My Terms!

SMART Youth and Roots are hosting an event for
National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day!

Pick Up's, Hook Up's, & Break Up's

SMART Youth's Post-Valentine's Day event was a success!
Despite the rain and trains... we still managed to have a great event and hopefully provide people with new and valuable information!

If you weren't able to make it, or are curious about what we discussed, here is a little summary of each section.

Pick Up's:

1. Figure out what you are looking for (physical attraction, smarts, style, etc.)
2. Be confident. (Always a valuable attribute)
3. Don't push yourself onto them. (OR make them uncomfortable)
4. Make sure you are in a safe space. (And a place you would want to pick someone up at!)
5. Prepare yourself for rejection. (It happens! Don't let it get you down, move on with your head up)

Hook Up's:

When you're ready to continue some form of a relationship with someone, you should prepare yourself. 
You should know what YOU WANT and what you will possibly want from a partner.
Check out this Yes, No, Maybe list to figure out some guidelines for yourself and partner(s): 
Yes, No, Maybe

Remember, Hook-up's are open for interpretation! Communication is key in order to figure out what type of relationship you are experiencing with someone in order to reduce the "gray area" which we all dread. 

Hook-Up's can be one night, kissing, sex or no sex, consistent, a few months, years, once in awhile... or a full relationship!
Know your rules and respect yourself so others can show you the same respect you deserve!

Break-Up's:

So it's coming to an end... Either it's for the best, going to hurt, or going to be the best day of your life. 
It also all depends on whether or not you are being dumped or the one doing the dumping.

*These are very general tips since it all depends on how you feel about the person and the reason for leaving a person.  

For the Dumper: 
-Be clear. Make it known that this is the end of whatever you have created with this other person.
-Try not to be a jerk.
-Don't lie. "It's not you, it's me.", come on... seriously? 
-Establish rules for after the relationship is over.

For the Dumped: 
-Listen & Absorb.
-Don't jump to conclusions.
-Take a moment, if you need one. 
-Accept it for the moment. If you so desire to pursue (which might not be a good idea if they are very clear), sleep on it for a bit. Let the air clear.

There are ways that people prefer to breakup/be broken up with, like face to face contact.
Texting and emails are at the bottom of that list, but it happens. It depends on where you are in the relationship or the type of relationship.

Good Luck and Stay Safe!
What a crazy thing relationships are...

Rescheduled Valentine's Day!

SMART Youth is back in action and with a new date for our AWESOME Valentine's Day event:
"Pick Ups, Hook Ups, and Break ups"

Saturday, February 23rd
2-4:30 PM
Vineapple Cafe (71 Pineapple street, Brooklyn, NY 11201)
2/3 trains to Clark St. OR A/C to High St.

V-Day and Snow Storm Nemo!

 Due to Snow Storm Nemo our Valentine's Day event:
"Pick-Ups, Hook-Ups, and Break-ups" will be rescheduled for a future date!
Stay tuned, stay safe, and stay warm!

Happy Valentine's Day in advance!

Valetine's Day Event: "Pick- Up's, Hook-Up's, & Break-Up's"

SMART Youth's Valentine's Day Event is NEXT SATURDAY!

 

Join us for some tips on picking up a date before V-Day, establishing a date with your "main squeeze", or moving on from that Anti-V-Day partner you've been trying to ditch.

Raffle Prizes! Pizza! Fun & SMART People! 

Saturday, February 9th

Vineapple Cafe ( 71 Pineapple St. Brooklyn, NY 11201)
(2/3 to Clark st., A/C to High st.)
2-4:30PM

A Little Insight on Your Labs

Last week SMART Youth had a quick overview of what goes on at your doctor's appointment.
Whether it's blood work, or a regular check up, here are a few things to help you clear up all the confusing "doctor talk."

Basic Blood Work:

CBC: Complete Blood Count, this provides information on the kinds and number of cells in the blood, especially red blood cells.

Iron: (Fe), blood cells carrying oxygen.
Blood cells that are lacking in oxygen can mean someone is anemic (low iron). This can lead to lack of energy and lethargy (very tired most of the time).

Cholesterol: (HDL, LDL, and combined) The amount of cholesterol in your blood can come from your diet, weight, or even genetics (hereditary trait).

• HDL: High Density Lipoprotein, this is also known as the GOOD cholesterol since it can provide protection AGAINST Heart Disease.
  Above 60 milligrams/deciliter (mg/dL) is Above Average
  40-60 mg/dL is Average
  Below 40 mg/dL is Low
• LDL: Low Density Lipoprotein, this is also know as the BAD cholesterol since is can CAUSE Heart Disease.
  Below 100 mg/dL is Above Average
  130 mg/dL is Average
  130-159 mg/dL is Border-line High
  160 or more is High
• HDL + LDL are both levels combined.  

What else happens at the Doctor's Office?

BMI: Body Mass Index, your doctors checks your weight range against the precautions of either being underweight or overweight in comparison to your body type.

FOR THE VAGINAS

Pap Smears: Your Gynecologist (GYN) does a swab of your cervix for abnormal cells. These can consist of pre-cancer or cancer cells.
HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) can cause abnormal cells in the cervix and is the leading cause of Cervical Cancer, which has NO SYMPTOMS!
Pap smears should be done every 3-5 years (once sexually active).
If you have ever had an abnormal pap smear, it is recommended to get a pap smear annually.


FOR THE PENISES

Testicular Self Exams: These self exams should happen once a month after a shower. You are checking for any changes (pain, lumps, swelling) and a size comparison between testes.
*Testicular Cancer is most common in men UNDER 40!
So don't forget to do this quick self exam! If there are any changes go to your doctor!

Hope this helped clear up some alphabet soup with your labs and appointments!
Stay Safe, Stay SMART!