Free STD Testing in North Hempstead, NY

Recent statistics show that the small town of North Hempstead and surrounding Nassau County are currently seeing a higher than average STD rate. Not only is the number of reported sexually transmitted diseases significantly higher than the rest of the state, the statistics seemed to indicate that this alarming trend is likely to continue.

Statistics show that the STD rates for the area have been increasing for the past twenty years, and this includes the number of reported incidents of Chlamydia and Gonorrhea. While health officials expected these numbers to be high, they were surprised to see the number of residents who contracted primary and secondary Syphilis had also risen noticeably.

It is not just teens and young adults who are risk for contracting an STD, but statistics show that middle age men are also testing positive for at least one sexually transmitted disease more often. As the numbers keep climbing in the area, it has never been so important to get tested regularly.

Some of the statistics that have health officials concerned over residents’ health include;

• Between 2008 and 2010 the small town saw a Syphilis rate of 25 per 100,000 compared to the rest of the county with a rate of 6 percent.
• 2008 to 2010 saw Nassau County with a 13 percent Gonorrhea rate compared to the town’s rate of 83 cases per 100,000 residents.
• There were an estimated 527 incidents of Chlamydia per 100,000 residents from 2008-2010 in town compared to the 109 per 100,000 reported in the county.

One of the most effective methods of preventing the spread of sexually transmitted diseases is to teach students about the dangers associated with unprotected sex. While most teens understand that abstinence will prevent pregnancies, they do not realize this alone is not always effective at stopping the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.

In recent years many state and town leaders have decided to offer comprehensive sexual education classes in the public schools, and the results for the past two years has been encouraging. While overall STD rates for the area might be steadily increasing, the number of teens who are testing positive for a sexually transmitted disease is decreasing. The medically accurate classes are also credited with lowering the teen pregnancy rate.

While the programs in the public middle and high schools are starting to work, it is not enough to enough the safety of everyone’s health. Until residents understand the importance of regular STD testing, students and parents will continue to be at risk.

Not all STDs are passed through casual contact, and some do not display immediate symptoms. This is one of the reasons why regular Herpes testing in North Hempstead is so important. The simple procedure can stop the spread of the virus, and even help prevent future flare-ups. Regular HIV testing in North Hempstead is also vital to your continued good health. It only takes a couple of minutes, and the test could potentially save your life.

Demographics always play an important role in the STD rates for any area, and the small town of North Hempstead is no exception. While the smaller population does limit the demographical factors, gender, income, along with religious and cultural beliefs will still affect the number of reported sexually transmitted diseases.

While the area does not have a wide gap in average income, there are neighborhoods where there are not any community health centers. This can make it difficult for some residents to receive adequate care, and get tested regularly. The limited number of testing facilities also results in long lines that often cause many residents to turn away.

The strong conservative values in the town are also reflected in the high STD rates. An unwillingness for parents and even church leaders to discuss sexual activity and diseases often makes it difficult for teens and some adults to admit that they might have a STD. Shame and embarrassment can also cause some residents to put off being tested, along with the fear of running into a familiar face at the busy clinics.

Other demographical factors that are contributing to the high STD rates also include the growing number of Hispanic residents who are moving to the area. Conservative religious beliefs that frown on sex before marriage, along with a language barrier many health officials face when they are trying to explain the importance of regular testing are also contributing to the growing number of residents with a STD.

Before you head into the city or decide to take a boat ride on the Sound it is important to take a few minutes and take care of your sexual health, especially when you consider the rising STD rate. While there is community health centers open in the area the long lines have many residents looking for a more convenient alternative. Now you can schedule confidential STD testing with one quick and easy phone call and only spend a few minutes at a local lab, which gives you plenty of time to spend the day exploring the sights in the “Big Apple”.

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