October - December 2018

419-624-1856 800-564-1856 16 Serving Our Seniors is someone to call when you need help. Sexually Transmitted Illnesses (STIs) are a growing concern in later life. As part of your overall health and wellness, you can take steps to prevent illness and live a fulfilling, sexually safe life. Serving Our Seniors invited me to share the facts about STIs make readers aware. TRUE STORY - Avery’s Story Avery is a 60-something-year-old grandparent enjoying a full life working part time, volunteering, and having an active lifestyle including frequent dinners out, social gatherings at community events, and a fulfilling sex life through monogamous relationships. It was an unexpected and sobering diagnosis when at a routine doctor’s visit, Avery discovered she had contracted a sexually transmittable illness (STI). The Physician confirmed a strain of gonorrhea through routine lab work. Ohioans are experiencing increased rates of STI’s including chlamydia, syphilis, and gonorrhea. Human Sex and Later Life Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) remains a public health concern. Recent Erie County Health Department data indicates 20% of people over age 65, who are sexually active, report having more than one regular partner. Ohio Department of Health statistics reveal that 106 people in Erie County are living with HIV. While there is no cure for HIV, significant advances have been made in controlling the illness when medication is taken daily. Sexual health and wellness are a key component in ones’ quality of life. Taking steps to protect oneself is important as we age. What can you do? • Know your status. Get tested for STIs regularly if you are having sexual encounters. STI testing, including HIV testing, is confidential, easy, with free and/or low cost options available. Most often these tests are done by taking a swab from the mouth and results are known within a half an hour. • Maintain your sexual health and wellness by having conversations about sexually transmitted diseases and your health status. Practice safer sex using condoms, dental dams, and good hygiene. • Wash before and after intercourse, and avoid sharing towels or underclothing. • If you are a drug user, do not share needles. Access a needle exchange program. • Get a vaccination for hepatitis B. • For those who are at high risk of HIV infection, talk to your physician about PrEP, a once a day pill that can be taken to prevent contracting HIV. For more information about STIs, call the HIV / STI Hotline 1-800-332-2437. The Mansfield Equitas Health Team is also available to explain HIV/STIs to Erie County residents, ages 60+ at Serving Our Seniors. Confidential appointments start in January 2019. To make an appointment call 419-525-2437 ext. 206. Ask to speak with Precious Carter. By Jodi Startup, MSW, LISW-S, ABD, Clinical Supervisor - Equitas Health