AIDS: caused by HIV;it is a set of diseases,symptoms,or infections associated with a weakened immune system.AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.

acqired --there are specific ways of getting it
immune --the body system that defends against infections
deficiency --when the immune system is not working well
syndrome --a set of symptoms,diseases,or infections that occur together

» see more on HIV/AIDS

Confidential: you don’t need your parents ’permission and no one can find out that you went for the services

Conflict Resolution: solving a problem by giving advice without picking sides

Emergency Contraception Pill: a safe,effective medication that will reduce the chances of unintended pregnancy,if taken within 72 hours of having unprotected vaginal sex

Gynecological Care: health care for women that includes pelvic exams and pap smears.a gynecological appointment is a good time to ask questions about pregnancy,birth control,and safer sex,along with any other general questions about your health.

pelvic exam: the health care provider checks the area inside and around the vagina to make sure the tissue looks healthy and to check for signs of STD's

pap smear: a test that checks for unhealthy cells on the cervix (opening to the uterus)that could lead to cancer;the health care provider takes samples of cells from the walls of the vagina and cervix with a small wooden spatula and cotton swabs

HIV:the virus that causes AIDS;the virus breaks down the body's immune system; HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus:

human -can only be transmitted between people
immunodeficiency -the immune system isn't working well
virus -uses human blood cells to make more of itself

HIV Counseling and Testing: where you can talk to someone and ask questions about HIV and you can decide if you want to take the HIV antibody test. (for a list of organizations that do HIV counseling and testing,please see p.16)

HIV Antibody Testing: the test looks for a person's antibodies to the HIV virus; antibodies are proteins that a person's body makes to fight off infections.The test can be anonymous and/or confidential.

anonymous -you don't have to give your name or any other information when you take the test;instead you are given a number which will match you to the test results.

confidential -you give your name when you take the test, but there are laws that protect you and require your permission to share the test results with others.

Immune System: the body's defense system that fights infections

LGBT: Lesbian,gay,bisexual and transgender.

Medical Care: any kind of healthcare including immunizations, check-ups, physicals for school, sports, and work, X-rays, lab tests, sick visits, bump and bruise visits, or health education

Prenatal Care: medical care for pregnant women

Risk Reduction: a way of making decisions that increases your chances of remaining healthy and reduces your chances of exposure to HIV, STD's, or pregnancy.

STD: sexually transmitted disease;these are diseases that are spread by unprotected sex (anal,oral,and vaginal), or other bodily contact in some cases

TASA (Teen Age Services Act): a program for pregnant teens and teens with children who receive public assistance.