Clay County officials warn youths of STDs

Health officials in Clay County, Florida, are urging parents and educators to highlight the negative effects of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in an attempt to curb the increasing reports of these infections among young people, according to a recent article published in Clay Today.

Health Department Administrator Nancy Mills told the newspaper that young adults between the ages of 10 and 24 account for the majority of new cases of chlamydia and gonorrhea in the area.

She recommended that adults discuss the topic of STDs with teens in a manner that is welcoming yet informative.

"Parents, educators, pastors and other responsible adults can make a difference here. If young people understand the infections and how they are spread, they will be empowered to make informed choices about their behaviors and their health," Mills told the news source.

STD statistics from the Florida county reflect similar nationwide trends. Although adolescents who are between the ages of 15 and 24 comprise 25 percent of the U.S. population, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that they account for nearly half of all new STD cases annually.

Individuals who would like to be screened for these infections may consider using online testing services.