HEALTH

Shooting hoops for hope

Either the forecast was wrong or Mother Nature simply had her own plans. But instead of the gloomy fall day predicted for last Saturday, the sun managed to make its presence felt just in time for the start of Score 4 More Inc.'s Second Annual Charity Basketball Game and Health Expo. More »

Sexually transmitted diseases

Merilin Castillo, 18, has the next phase of her life pretty much set. She plans to enter Harvard College in the fall to study U.S. history and social science. More »

Never too old to learn -- or be tested

STDs are not just for kids anymore. At least that's what people aged 45 and older are now learning. It could be because people are living longer or maybe it's the baby boomers that just refuse to admit to advancing age. In all probability, the biggest culprit is ignorance. More »

STDs: Knowledge is the best defense

Every year, an estimated 19 million people find they have sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The bad news isn't distributed equally. Nearly half are ages 15 to 24. Reported rates of chlamydia and syphilis were roughly nine times higher among African Americans than among whites, and gonorrhea more than 20 times higher More »

A closer look

Generally, sexually transmitted diseases that are caused by bacteria or parasites are easy to treat. Often one dose or injection of antibiotics can do the trick. More »