May is Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month

May is National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month, but the Anne Arundel County Department of Health wants local citizens to know that they are working year-round to give parents the tools necessary to talk to teens about avoiding pregnancy.

In 2009, there were 452 babies born to teen mothers in Anne Arundel County. According to a health department statement, babies born to teens are more likely to suffer low birth weight and preterm birth. Babies born prematurely can lead to a host of health issues including developmental, respiratory, vision and intestinal problems.

In 2007, up to 40 percent of the diagnosed cases of certain types of sexually transmitted diseases in Anne Arundel County were to those under age 19. Health department director Elin Jones wants teens to know that Chlamydia and gonorrhea are STDs that can cause sterility—the inability to ever bear children—if left untreated.

A parents guide to teen pregnancy can be found here.

The Anne Arundel County Department of Health will send teens, parents and caregivers a packet of information to help start the discussion. For a free "Talking to Your Parents About Sex Kit," call 410-222-7382.

The health department also offers teen health services, including "Healthy Teens and Young Adults," which offers outreach and education to teens, schools and community groups. To get a speaker to talk to your teens, call 410-222-4468.

In addition, the Department of Health recommends the following informational websites:

• Raising Healthy Kids Resource Center 
• Anne Arundel County Department of Health Smoking Stinks 
• National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy 
• Campaign for Our Children
• Anne Arundel County Department of Health Talking to Your Teens Kit