Too many teens in our area are living risky lives. Teen pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections and diseases, alcohol and substance abuse, and teen suicide are the evidence.

In response, Care Net of Cadillac, through Positive Choices in Education, has implemented a program that challenges teens to “pursue health one choice at a time.” Healthy living requires balance and self-discipline. Sexual health is not an exception (regardless of age), and a lifetime of sexual health begins with decisions made as a youth.

Positive Choices in Education focuses on the prevention of risky behavior. Teens need the skills to balance their sexuality with life-long health priorities and to use self-discipline to achieve all of their long term goals.

The time to start is now! Waiting deprives teens of nothing, but not waiting could deprive teens of much. When it comes to sexual behavior, we think that abstinence until marriage is the only way to avoid the risks of premature sexual activity, including pregnancy and STIs/STDs. Our teens need to develop and use skills to eliminate risk, not just reduce it.