HIV BASICS

Is it true that people with blood group O cannot get HIV/AIDS?

Berocan G, 18, S2, St Daniel Combonis College Omyer, Nebbi That is very wrong! No blood group is resistant to HIV infection. HIV is mainly spread through unprotected sex with an infected person. It is found in blood, semen, vaginal fluids and breast milk of an infected person. If you come into contact with these infected body fluids, you can get HIV regardless of your blood group. You can also get HIV when you share contaminated sharp objects like razor blades with an infected person or an HIV positive mother passing on the virus to her baby during pregnancy, delivery (at birth) or breast feeding. Dr Godfrey Ssekiziivu, Isingiro

Vol.18

ruary-M No. 1 Feb

arch 201

One step at a time

We live and we learn to take; One step at a time; Theres no need to rush; Like learning to walk; Or to ride a bicycle You believe and you doubt Everything that you wish for; Could be yours, should be yours, would be yours If you only took One step at a time. Students of Kanjuki SS, Kayunga

your changing body

n a night just like any other, you innocently sleep. But this night will change your life forever. In the centre of your brain, a structure, the size of a grape lights up. It sends out a special hormone. By morning, the hormone flow has stopped.
The same thing happens again the following night, only this time the flow is stronger and lasts longer. This continues until eventually the hormone is being released at all times of day and night. By this time, you will have noticed your body starting to change. Puberty has begun! Your body will now grow faster than any other time in your life.

Time Kakoraki, Murchison to change Dr Alex

Bay Hospital, Kampala says,
when your body reaches puberty, your brain releases a special hormone called gonadotropinreleasing hormone that starts the changes of puberty. This hormone stimulates the pituitary gland to release two hormones, Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH). Boys and girls have both of these hormones in their bodies. Depending on whether you are a boy or a girl, these hormones go to work on different parts of the body. For boys, these hormones travel through the blood to the testicles and switch on the production of testosterone and sperm. Testosterone is the hormone that causes most of the changes in a boys

king OURSELF: Thin BELIEVE INbYut what other people k a o u thin too much anges what yo ink of you, ch t yourself." th abou
body during puberty. Sperm must be produced for men to reproduce. In girls, FSH and LH target the ovaries, which contain eggs that have been there since birth. The hormones switch on the ovaries to begin producing another hormone called estrogen. Estrogen, along with FSH and LH, causes a girls body to mature and prepares her for pregnancy.

Growing up
The exact age one enters puberty depends on many things, such as a person's genes, food, and gender. At the end of it girls will develop breasts and soon followed by the first menstrual period (menarche). Before the first menstrual period, a girl will normally have: An increase in height Pubic and armpit hair growth Clear or whitish vaginal secretions Increased hip size. Unlike girls, there is no clear sign that tells a boy has entered puberty. But, boys will normally experience: Fast growth in height Increased shoulder width Growth of the penis, and testes Voice changes Pubic, beard, and armpit hair Wet dreams During puberty a growth spurt happens and your body grows really fast. This will be the last time you grow taller. After that, you will be at your adult height. Remember puberty can start as early as 8 years in girls and 9 in boys. It can be difficult to be the one who has the earliest or latest changes. But each person is different and special. No two people are exactly alike. Each one of us has their own time table. This is one of the reasons why some of your friends might still look like kids, whereas others look more like adults. Wondering when all this will happen? Or may be some of these have already happened? Read more on page 2.

ls, Boys and gir u love a would yo lfriend yfriend or gir bo than you by who is older plain why 10 years? Ex would not? you would or ight Talk Write to Stra 66 PO Box 223 Kampala

Quiz

So that is what is really happening during puberty it is all these new chemicals moving around inside your body, turning you from a teen into a young adult.

2 Straight Talk, February-March 2012

ome of you worry that you are not growing as quickly as your friends or you are growing at a faster rate than your friends or siblings. Like Mary Namuyanda of St Andrews Kasozi SS, Rakai asks:

one month. Over time, they become regular. After menstruation starts, the ovaries begin to produce and release eggs, which have been stored in the ovaries since birth. About every month after menstruation starts, an ovary releases an egg, called an ovum. The egg travels down the fallopian tube, which connects the ovary to the womb. When the egg reaches the womb, the lining of the womb becomes thick with blood and fluid. This happens so that if the egg is fertilized, a baby can grow and develop in the lining.

puffy or swollen (bloated). Keeping track of when your period occurs and how long it lasts helps you predict when you should have your next menstrual period.

- Learn the facts

I have bigger breasts than my older sister, why is it so?

Dominic Monday, 19, Kibanda SS, Hoima adds: I am grown up

Special tips!
Menstruation blood itself is clean. But once the blood leaves the body, bacteria can grow in it, causing it to smell. This is why good hygiene is important when you are in your period. Use a clean piece of cotton cloth or pads. Any of these are fine so long as you change regularly. If the periods are painful, lie down and relax your body by breathing in deeply and slowly. You can also gently massage the abdomen and back. You can also put a hot water bottle on the abdomen and lower stomach for relief. Exercise can also help. Having your period should not prevent you from doing things you enjoy!

but I have never experienced wet dreams. Am I normal?

Don't worry. We all change at different times and in different ways. All young people go through this stage to become adults. So lets discover the changes.

Why do some girls feel pain in the lower abdomen during menstruation? Rosemary

Kemigisha, 16, Nyerere Mem SSS, Kabarole If the egg is not fertilized, the womb contracts to force out the thickened lining in form of menstrual blood flow, which passes out of the body through the vagina. This may cause stomach pains. Monthly bleeding continues until a woman is in her forties or fifties. Periods last around 5 to 7 days. During or just before each period, the girl may feel moody or emotional, and her body may feel

Hair, Hair, Everywhere

One of the first signs of puberty is hair growing under the arms, on and around the genitals of boys and girls. Finally, boys grow beards and hair on the chest and sometimes the back.

Boobs are a subject of concern at puberty. What are they like? How big should they be? What is their shape? As girls bodies change, breasts develop, starting with nipples. Behind the nipple, milk ducts begin to grow. Next, the flat circular part of the nipple, the areola, rises and starts to grow. Sometimes one breast develops faster than the other, but they soon become equal. Breasts are fully developed by 18.

And why do some women grow beards? Isaac Keneth

Kigozi, Kasubi SS, Kampala Some girls may grow beards when testosterone (male hormones) levels increase more than the female hormone.

SSS, Soroti Nothing! Breast growth in boys is caused by higher levels of female hormones than male hormones (testosterone). As testosterone levels increase more than the female hormone, the breasts disappear.

When I made 13, I started growing breasts. What should I do? Stephen Eyalu, St Francis

Namugaya, St Stephen SS, Katakwi Just when you are most sensitive about your looks, you may start to see pimples. This can be mild or severe which can be quite difficult to live with. Boys are more likely to get pimples than girls because

What causes pimples and how can they be avoided? Sarah

LomiLo george, S5, Headboy PoKoT SS, amUdaT says: "if you mess up, it's not your parents' fault, so don't cry about your mistakes, learn from them."
testosterone tends to make pimples worse, whereas oestrogen prevents them. The face is the most common area to be affected. But pimples can appear on the neck, upper back, shoulders and chest. The skin areas prone to pimples have sebaceous glands which produce an oily substance called sebum'. Sebum keeps the skin soft and clean. When too much of it is produced, it blocks skin pores. These may trap bacteria, which multiply, producing toxic chemicals that turn the skin red. As the bacteria continue to grow, pressure increases forcing the skin to swell. Eventually the pimple bursts. Squeezing pimples leads to black spots. The good news is that pimples go away by the end of adolescence.

I read that if a girl plays sex her breasts will become big. Is it true? Prossy Ninsiima, 16,

Iryaruvumba HS, Kisoro This is WRONG. Having sex DOESNT increase or decrease any of the body parts as expressed by some of you.

Menstrual cycles occur over about one month (28 to 32 days). At first, the menstrual periods are irregular. The girl may go 2 months between periods, or may have two periods in

naTamba maUreen, S5, brigHTway HiLL SCHooL-bUKeSa, waKiSo says: "if you try to be like someone else, you are losing everything that was ever special about yourself."

Straight Talk, February-March 2012

Puberty is the time in which sexual and physical characteristics mature. It happens due to hormone changes. The changes allow you to become capable of reproduction. Adolescence is the period between puberty and adulthood.

During this time some boys and girls start having sexual feelings which require self-control just like: AEJ, St Marys SSS Madera, Soroti who says: My clitoris erects when a boy passes near me. The whole body fills with sweetness I had never experienced before. What could be the problem? No problem dear. It is just a sign of your changing body and not a sign to have sex.

Can wet dreams finish a boys semen/sperms? Martin Wanjala, 17, Busia SS NO, semen/sperms are produced in the body throughout a mans life. It will continue to be produced as long as the reproductive organs are healthy. It is normal to have wet dreams. They do not mean a boy has a problem.

Why is it that whenever I wake up I have an erection and I dont have any sexual desire? Alex Bagambagye, 19, Kibatsi Technical Institution, Ntungamo Boys get erections when the penis fills with blood and becomes hard. Erections may happen because you're nervous or excited. Other times it happens for no reason. But some boys get erections when they think about sex. You may feel embarrassed when you get an erection especially if it happens while you are in public. Just remember that other people don't usually notice the erection as

Get orGanised: think about the consequences of everything before you do it." students of Makerere Competent Hs, Hoima
much as you do. If you don't think about the erection or concentrate on something else like saying the alphabet backwards things will settle down again. I have a small penis. My friend always tells me to eat some special food to increase my penis size. Is this true? Christopher Tuhaise, Ruyonza Riverside Academy, Bushenyi This is WRONG and DANGEROUS advice. NO FOOD can increase penis size. But good food will improve your overall health.

Boys may also experience wet dreams (nocturnal emissions), when the penis becomes erect while a boy is sleeping and he ejaculates. When a boy ejaculates, semen comes out of the penis. Semen is a fluid that contains sperm. They are called wet dreams because they happen when you are sleeping. Wet dreams become less frequent as boys go through puberty, and they eventually stop. Having regular wet dreams marks the beginning of puberty in boys. Wet dreams usually start between 13 and 17 years.

The diary of a young positive:

got you a friend called Janice. She will be sharing with you soon. Living with HIV does not stop anyone from doing their best. My young sister got 6 aggregates in Primary Leaving Examinations. Though she is HIV positive she beat many other children. So if you have HIV, you can still perform well and excel in whatever you do. Have a dream, trust yourself, read your books and look forward to getting what you want in life. Be happy and do things that make you happy as long as they are not a danger to you or anybody around you. Dont lose hope and worry about death because you have HIV. Living with HIV or not, we will all die at one time. Happy New Year to you all! I hope you had a fantastic holiday season just like me. I am so happy that I travelled to America in February 2012 for eight days. I went to Washington DC where I met Senator Baal from North Carolina and Los Angeles for a dance marathon. On behalf of the Ariel Children in Uganda I shared my life experience with different people from Elizabeth Glaser. I also talked about my involvement with Straight Talk. Many people where happy and touched. I Questions to Josephine May I know whether you are a virgin? Mungujakisa Peter, 15, S2, St Daniel Combonis College Omyer, Nebbi. Yes, I am and very proud about it because it is not yet the perfect time for me to have sex. How do you feel when a friend discriminates you? Annet Etiru, Bethany Girls Comprehensive SS, Soroti This has not happened to me yet. But if it did, I would feel bad like anybody else. I would also feel sorry for that person because he or she could be ignorant of their HIV status. I am better than that person. I know my status. I can stand and speak out what I am. Straight talkers, it is bad to discriminate against people whether they are living with HIV or not. It makes them feel lonely, rejected and useless.

Why do teenagers sweat a lot and smell bad even when they bathe three times a day? Barbara Nanyonga, 13, Sserwanga Lwanga Memorial SS, Kalangala Humans have two types of sweat glands. Ecrine glands found all over the body produce a slightly acidic sweat. This sweat controls body temperature. It has no smell of its own. But it starts to smell when bacteria on the skins surface begin to digest it. A stinkier sweat is produced by the apocrine glands. These glands only start working at puberty. Although it has no smell itself, when bacteria start digesting it, a strong bad smell is produced. Apocrine glands are found in the armpits, belly button area, ears, groin and nipples. But you can manage this sweat and smell nice by: Bathing in the morning and evening. Pay attention to under your arms and your private parts. Putting on clean clothes. If possible iron before putting them on. Avoid sharing towels, pants and knickers with other family members or friends. If you have a dry skin, rub some Vaseline after bathing to help keep moisture in your skin. Always wash your hands after using the toilet and before eating or preparing food. Keeping your nails clean and short Brushing your teeth at least twice a day.

4 Straight Talk, February-March 2012

STF
O. Bo x 22 36 22 P.P.O. Bo x A L 36 6 M P K AM P A L A A K A 6

Dear

Why do people feel good after sex? Keuber Maurine, Parombo SS, Nebbi Maurine, how do you know people feel good after sex? Are you already having sex? If so, change your sex life. You are just in S1. Sex can only be good if you are ready for it. If you are still young and in school, you cannot be ready for sex. Good sex is when there are no regrets or negative consequences after sex. Wait to have sex until you have completed your studies. People enjoying sex are those having it at the right time, with the right partner for the right reason. A friend is forcing me to love her. She is always telling me of the good things she will do for me if I love her. I really feel good and feel like loving her. The problem is that I decided not to have a girl friend before I complete my studies. What can I do? Tabu Moses, 18, Town View SS, Bugiri Moses, what exactly do you mean when you say the girl is promising you good things and you feel like loving her? Be careful. Love means having good feelings for yourself and others. Love is not sex and anyone who tries to push you into sex, no matter what, is not being loving. Moses, you had a reason when you decided not to get a girlfriend before completing your studies. Maybe you wanted to focus on your studies without worries and fears of thinking about someone else. That was brilliant! Talk to that girl about your promise. If she does not listen, then she is not the right girl for you. You will meet someone special when the right time comes.

How can I advise my friend because her boyfriend threatens to kill her if she separates from him? Kabaluri Diana, Kiryandongo It is a crime for someone to threaten anyone. Does your friend want to separate from her boyfriend or he just feels insecure? Do they have problems in their relationship? Tell your friend to explain to the boyfriend why she is leaving him. If the boyfriend continues to threaten your friend, she should report him to a trusted adult or an LC for help. He will stop.

CheCk information if youre not Sure: television is not real life. in real life things just dont happen people actually work hard to live a good life. St mark SS, mpigi

read StraiGht talk: We must eat, we must sleep; if you would like to achieve success why not make it a must? Students of Gulu College

Can candida affect the eyes? Asio Ruth, Ngora Girls SS Ruth, candida is an infection caused by the candida albican organisms. It usually affects the genitals but can also affect any part of the body, including the eyes. It presents itself in the form of white patches or a white thick discharge which looks like spoilt milk. The symptoms are an uncomfortable burning feeling and itchness. Candida can be sexually transmitted. It is common in women but men can also carry the infection. Visit the health center if you have any of the symptoms. To avoid candida, avoid nylon underwear, do not wash inside your vagina with soap and dry your underwear under the sun. Can PEP work after 72 hours? Okello Isaac, Agwata SS, Lira Isaac, PEP are ARVs given to someone in emergency like rape and accidents to prevent HIV infection if they have been exposed to HIV. You need to take PEP within 72 hours but the earlier the better. PEP may fail to work if you do not get treatment within 72 hours. After 72 hours, PEP will not work for you. If you or someone you know has been exposed to HIV, ask them to visit the health centre as soon as possible so they can get PEP. If you have been raped, start from the health centre then you can go to the police station. STF CounSellorS: Jane Nambafu, Fred Ouma and Patience Ahebwa

Wanting to be grown-up now?

Now that you are turning into an adult, it seems you want to do all the things that you have always wanted to do. BE PATIENT. Dont rush to turn into an adult. Being an adult has a lot of responsibilities. Take things steadily. Enjoy your adolescent years. Use them to form strong relationships with your family and friends, to set your goals, to lay the foundations for a healthy body and lifestyle. Your parents may

life iS Good, liVe it Carefully: Straight talk football club of Buyanja SS in kibaale are living their life carefully by spending time playing football

seem like the meanest parents in the world if they dont allow you to do something you want. But remember that there is no one else on earth who has your interests and safety more at heart than your parents. They have been around long enough to know a few things about life, so listen to what they say, learn to negotiate with them and show them that you are growing up into a responsible person. Learn to let your head do the thinking and not the hormones!

Greenhill SS, Bugiri

Please Advise H

kyanjuki SS, kayunga; kyamakanda SS, rukungiri;

SC TOA R S H
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I am worried. My boyfriend is looking at another girl and he has never asked for sex from me. What can I do? I dont want to lose him?

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