3. 1
CONNECT WITH US!
We are excited to
share with you our first issue
of PHIT for 2014! We hope
you find this publication
stimulating, entertaining and,
most importantly, informative.
The articles provide insight on
behaviors that can impact your
health, safety and well-being,
and offer easy ways you can take
ownership of your health.
We encourage you to seek information from your parents,
your healthcare provider and this magazine to improve your
well-being. Please use the information to make informed
decisions and to share what you’ve learned with others. Join
us as we become healthy and fit!
Sincerely,
S. Elizabeth Ford, MD, MBA
Director
DeKalb County Board of Health
A NOTE FROM DR. FORD
Public Health Information for Teens (PHIT) is a product of
the DeKalb County Board of Health's Health Assessment and
Promotion Department.
PHIT MAGAZINE
445 WINN WAY - BOX 987
DECATUR, GA 30031
404.294.3700
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
DIRECTOROFCOMMUNITYHEALTH
ANDPREVENTIONSERVICES Les J. Richmond, MD, MBA
P.H.EDUCATOR–SAFECOMMUNITIES J. Leigh Anderson, MPH
PROJECTSPECIALIST Patricia Bricker, MPH
PUBLICHEALTHNURSESPECIALIST Tori Cheney, RN, MSN
CHRONICDISEASECOORDINATOR Cheryl Desbordes, MSPH
EPIDEMIOLOGIST Jessica Grippo, MPH
DOCUMENTATIONSPECIALIST Dwight Harris, MA
P.H.EDUCATIONCONSULTANT Andrea Stokfisz, MPH, CHES
HEALTHPROMOTION&
PREVENTIONCOORDINATOR Brandi Whitney, MPH, MCHES
THE TRUTH ABOUT
BULLYING
We’ve all seen it. Movies like “Mean Girls,”
“The Karate Kid” and the 80’s classic
“Back to the Future” depict the effects that
bullying has on all involved, including the
bystander. Page 4
FIRST THINGS FIRST
You’ve probably heard about the
importance of making a good first
impression on a job interview. Many
people lose a job as soon as they walk
in the door, before they even open their
mouth! Page 11
DEPRESSION: A
CLOSER LOOK
People suffering from depression may feel
unmotivated and tired from daily activities.
They may withdraw from friends and
family. Page 12
CONTENTS
WHAT IS HPV AND HOW
DOES IT CONCERN ME?
HPV, or Human Papillomavirus, is one of
the most common sexually transmitted
infections (STIs) in the United States.
Page 2
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4. www.dekalbhealth.net2 www.dekalbhealth.net/PHIT/2
HPV, or Human Papillomavirus,
is one of the most common sexually
transmitted infections (STIs) in the
United States. Certain types of HPV
cause genital warts and cancers of
the mouth, throat, anus, genitals and
cervix (the part of the uterus that opens
into the upper part of the vagina).
HPV is spread easily, especially
among preteens and teens—even by
intimate skin-to-skin contact. Most
people become infected within two to
three years of their first time having
sex. Even someone who waits until
marriage for sex and has only one
sexual partner can get HPV. What’s
even scarier is almost everyone who
has sex will get HPV at some time
in their life and pass it on to others
without even knowing it.
SOME STATISTICS
• 79 million Americans are infected
with HPV.
• 14 million people are newly infected
with HPV each year.
• 360,000 new cases of genital warts
are diagnosed each year.
• 10,300 women are diagnosed with
cervical cancer each year.
Every year, about 17,000 women
and 9,000 men are affected by
HPV-related cancers. Many of these
cancers could be prevented just by
getting the HPV vaccine! This is the
most important step in preventing the
spread of HPV.
Photo by: James Gathany
HPV
HOW CAN I AVOID HPV?
You can do several things to lower your
chances of getting HPV.
• The only way to completely avoid
getting HPV and other STIs is to not
have sex (practice abstinence).
• If you are sexually active, be in a
relationship with someone who
has sex only with you. Use latex
condoms the right way every time
you have sex. However, they offer only
limited protection against HPV.
• Doctors recommend that girls and guys
get the HPV vaccine as follows:
Girls: age 11 or 12 through age 26
Guys: age 11 or 12 through age 21
ABOUT THE VACCINE
The HPV vaccine is given as three
injections over a 6-month period. The
vaccine does not protect people who
were infected with HPV before they were
vaccinated. That’s why getting the vaccine
before having sex for the first time is the
most effective way for it to help prevent
the infection.
The vaccine doesn’t protect against all
types of HPV. Anyone having sex should
get routine checkups at a doctor’s office
or health clinic. Girls should begin getting
Pap smears when a doctor recommends it
— usually around age 21 unless there are
signs of a problem before that.
SIDE EFFECTS
Side effects from the vaccine are mild,
including pain where the shot was given,
fever, dizziness and nausea. Vaccine safety
continues to be monitored by Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (FDA). More than 46
million doses of HPV vaccine had been
distributed in the United States as of June
2012.
—Tori Cheney, RN, MSN, Public Health Nurse
Specialist, DeKalb County Board of Health
WHAT IS HPV AND HOW DOES IT CONCERN ME?
HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS
Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, http://kidshealth.org and American Academy of Pediatrics.
PREVENT DISEASE

5. EAT WELL: Food labels can be
confusing, but you probably don’t need
supplements or a special diet. Eating a
wide variety of foods is good ­— you’ll get
important carbs, protein and fat, as well as
vitamins and minerals. Eat a good meal
two to four hours before the game. Be
sure your meals include:
• Lean meat
• Fruit
• Vegetables
• Dairy products
• Whole grain products
• Nuts and beans
• Water!
DRESS FOR THE WEATHER: You
might be waiting a while at a game or
have an early practice. Layers work
best — you can take off or put on warm
clothes over your uniform. Remember
sunscreen! You can burn even in cloudy
weather or if you have dark skin.
KEEP YOUR COACH IN THE LOOP:
Coaches know the right workouts for
certain sports, but tell them if you’ve
recently been sick or hurt and your doctor
wants you to rest. Remind your parents to
keep copies of your medical info for your
coach.
SLEEP WELL: You’ll need at least eight
and a half hours of sleep a night. Caffeine
is not your friend — it can make you
jittery and keep you awake.
Have a great season!
—Andrea Stokfisz, MPH, CHES, Public
Health Education Consultant, DeKalb
County Board of Health
ARE YOU PUMPED? SPRING IS A GREAT TIME FOR SPORTS.
MAYBE YOU’VE HAD A BREAK OVER THE WINTER OR WERE
PLAYING SOMETHING ELSE INDOORS. STAY AT THE TOP OF
YOUR GAME BY FOLLOWING THESE STEPS:
www.dekalbhealth.net/PHIT/ 3
2015
SPORTS PLAN
YOUR AWESOME
SPORTING NEWS

6. We’ve all seen it. Movies like “Mean Girls,” “The Karate Kid” and the 80’s classic “Back to the Future” depict the effects that
bullying has on all involved, including the bystander. Unfortunately, unlike the movies, there’s not always a happy ending for
the one being bullied. In 2010, 13 percent of DeKalb County high school students reported being bullied on school property,
while another eight percent reported being bullied electronically.
Is your friend being bullied? Take the quiz below to find out. If you’ve checked at least one box, please tell a parent, school
official or other trusted adult.
QUIZ
VERBAL BULLYING CYBER BULLYING
Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and StopBullying.gov
You’ve noticed that your friend has marks on his/her
body that weren’t there before school started.
An embarrassing picture, video or fake profile of
your friend has been posted to Facebook or on other
websites.
This one particular kid always makes rude hand
gestures to your friend.
Your friend is constantly being called names and
made fun of.
Your friend told you that someone always takes his/
her lunch or rips up their homework.
You know about a kid who regularly makes
inappropriate sexual comments to your friend.
You’ve witnessed one of the popular kids telling
others not to talk to your friend.
You’ve read or heard about the threatening text
messages your friend constantly receives from this
same kid.
There is this one kid who always embarrasses your
friend in public.
Your friend is being negatively teased by one
particular person almost daily.
A popular kid from school is spreading rumors about
your friend.
A kid from school is circulating nasty rumors about
your friend via email.
Verbal bullying happens when
something “mean” is written
or said about someone. It
typically involves teasing,
name calling, inappropriate
sexual comments, taunting
and threats.
PHYSICAL BULLYING
Physical bullying involves a
person being hurt by hitting,
kicking, pinching, spitting,
tripping, pushing and/or taking
or breaking someone’s things
or making “mean” or rude
hand gestures.
Cyber bullying is bullying that
takes place using electronic
technology. It includes “mean”
text messages or emails,
rumors sent by email or
posted on social networking
sites, and embarrassing
pictures, videos, websites, or
profiles.
SOCIAL BULLYING
Social bullying occurs when
someone’s reputation or
relationships are hurt. It includes
purposely leaving someone out,
telling others not to be friends
with someone, spreading
rumors or embarrassing
someone in public.
www.dekalbhealth.net/PHIT/4
SOCIAL LIVING

7. 5
Is your boyfriend or girlfriend
constantly making you check in and
wanting to know where you are and
what you’re doing? Do they get angry
when you don’t?
Does your boyfriend or girlfriend
say hurtful things to you and then
make you feel like it’s your fault?
Is your boyfriend or girlfriend
physical with you when they get
angry? Do they grab or grip your arm
or shove you?
Teen dating abuse happens often.
In 2013, approximately one in six
teens in DeKalb County reported
being physically hurt by their partner.
By their senior year of high school,
approximately one in ten teens in
DeKalb County has been forced to have
sex when they did not want to. That
means that, more than likely, you or
someone you know has experienced
abuse in a romantic relationship.
Teen dating abuse does not
discriminate. Abuse happens to teens of
all races, religions, family backgrounds,
ages, sexual orientations, genders and
cultures. And while most abusers are
male, females can also be abusers.
Abuse is about power and control, and
typically gets worse and more dangerous
over time. If abuse is happening in your
relationship, it’s not likely that it will
get better or go away. If your partner is
abusive, their behavior is their choice —
it is never your fault or responsibility.
—J. Leigh Anderson, P.H. Educator
- Safe Communities, DeKalb County
Board of Health
TO GET HELP FOR YOURSELF OR
SOMEONE YOU KNOW, CONTACT:
National Teen Dating Abuse Hotline
1-866-331-9474
Call to be connected to a trained advocate who can help you.
From 3 p.m. to 1 a.m., calls are answered by trained 16 to 24 year olds.
Love Is Respect
loveisrespect.org
Go to loveisrespect.org where you can live-chat (IM-style) from 3 p.m. to 1 a.m.
with trained peer advocates.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Call anonymously and confidentially for help 24/7.
ARE YOU IN AN UNHEALTHY
RELATIONSHIP? ASK YOURSELF
THESE SIMPLE QUESTIONS:
www.dekalbhealth.net/PHIT/ 5
STOP THE VIOLENCE

8. www.dekalbhealth.net/PHIT/6
5FITNESS
APPS
TOP
Fooducate: Lose weight, track your
progress and eat. Scan a product barcode to
see what’s really in your food. Fooducate
will also show you healthier alternatives.
WaterLog: Drinking enough water each
day can be a challenge, but it’s critical to a
properly functioning body. Adequate water
intake prevents dehydration, cleanses the body
and promotes healing. WaterLog helps keep
track of your daily water intake. Drinks can
be logged with a single tap of a button with
configurable preset container amounts.
Map My Run: Map My Run is built to
help runners, joggers and walkers of all
ability levels and ages. Easily track pace,
distance, calories and time!
DailyBurn: DailyBurn has everything you need to get better fitness results in
less time. DailyBurn’s extensive library of professionally produced workout
videos are some of the best and most accessible in the industry. With great
workout variety, you’ll never get bored as you get in great shape.
GET FIT

9. www.dekalbhealth.net/PHIT/ 7
FIRST IMPRESSIONSYOU’VE PROBABLY HEARD ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF MAKING A GOOD FIRST
IMPRESSION ON A JOB INTERVIEW. MANY PEOPLE LOSE A JOB AS SOON AS
THEY WALK IN THE DOOR, BEFORE THEY EVEN OPEN THEIR MOUTH!
5 STRATEGIES TO HELP YOU ACE YOUR JOB INTERVIEW
1. Dress the part. The way you dress for an interview tells the
potential employer that you will take the job seriously. It
is not appropriate to wear jeans, t-shirts or open-toed shoes to
an interview.
LADIES
• Don’t wear tank tops or clothes that expose shoulders, cleavage
or midriff.
• Dress conservatively. No cutoffs or ultra-short skirts or
dresses.
• Limit the amount of makeup, jewelry and perfume.
GENTLEMEN
• Wear slacks or khakis, a button-up shirt or at least a shirt
with a collar, and a tie.
• A jacket would complete the outfit, but it is not necessary.
• If wearing dress shoes, make sure they are clean and polished.
2. Appear confident. Look your potential employer in the eye,
shake his or her hand and remember good manners. If seated,
don’t slouch! Lean in and listen carefully to what your
potential employer is saying.
3. Be prepared.
• Research the company where you are applying. This shows the
interviewer that you’re smart and eager to learn. Think about:
– What will make you stand out from others applying for this
job?
– Can you provide solid examples of success at school,
your current job or extracurricular activities? If you do
not have previous experience, use school projects or
extracurricular activities to show examples of teamwork,
reliability, and problem solving and organization skills.
4. Answer (and ask!) questions. You’ll probably be asked typical
interview questions, such as why you’re interested in the
position and what skills you offer. Don’t be afraid to
ask your own questions.
5. Follow up. Send the interviewer a brief email or letter
thanking him or her for taking the time to interview you. In
your message, reiterate your interest in working for them.
—S. Elizabeth Ford, MD, MBA
Acceptable ladies’ attire
for a job interview.
Acceptable men’s attire
for a job interview.
FIRST THINGS FIRST

10. www.dekalbhealth.net8
FREE YOUR MIND
www.dekalbhealth.net/PHIT/8
We all feel sad, down or discouraged at times.
These are natural human emotions that are normal
reactions to life’s stressors. However, when the
sadness persists well beyond the immediate stressor
or interferes with day-to-day function, this may be
an indication of clinical depression. Depression
is more than just feeling blue. Depression is a
persistent state of sadness and/or lack of interest
in day-to-day activities that can last for weeks,
months or longer. For young people, depression
may not show with sadness, but with irritability
and moodiness. Clinical depression is common
in teens and affects more than just your mood. It
affects the way you think about the world. People
with depression see themselves and the world
around them through gray lenses. They are often
self-critical and sensitive and may feel hopeless or
helpless. People suffering from depression may feel
unmotivated and drained from daily activities. They
may withdraw from friends and family. They may
have difficulty concentrating in school and grades
may suffer. Depression also has physical symptoms,
such as frequent headaches, upset stomach, lack of
appetite or overeating, and trouble sleeping.
Depression often goes unrecognized. Since people
who are depressed are often self-critical, they may
mistake themselves for a failure or slacker. Due to
effects on mood, others may think that they are just
being combative or not trying hard enough. Others
may say “just shake it off,” which may feed into the
negative thoughts of “why can’t I just get over it?”
The good news is that depression is very treatable!
Help is out there! Talk to your parents, teachers,
counselors or other trusted adults.
The Georgia Crisis and Access Line is
1-800-715-4225. This line will assist with both
locating mental health services and in emergencies.
—Nicole M. King, M.D., Child, Adolescent and Adult
Psychiatrist, DeKalb Community Service Board
Individuals interested in more information can call the DeKalb Community Service Board’s Central Access Line at 404-892-4646,
or visit our website http://dekcsb.org/

11. FOUR THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW
ABOUT YOUR BODY
HOW HEALTHY IS YOUR PLATE?
WAIST SIZE
A large waistline nearly
doubles your risk of dying
prematurely because belly
fat sends a toxic stream of
chemicals throughout your
entire body.
Source: ChooseMyPlate.gov
WEIGHT
Obesity can contribute to
health problems such as
heart disease, high blood
pressure and cancer.
CHOLESTEROL
High cholesterol is a major
risk factor for heart disease.
FASTING BLOOD
SUGAR
Your Fasting Blood Sugar
measures your risk for
diabetes, a disease that
can lead to blindness, heart
disease, kidney failure and
nerve problems.
THE FIVE FOOD GROUPS BELOW
ARE ESSENTIAL FOR A HEALTHY DIET
How much food from the dairy group is needed daily?
Girls: 9-13 years old: 3 cups; 14-18 years old: 3 cups
Boys: 9-13 years old: 3 cups; 14-18 years old: 3 cups
How much food from the vegetable group is needed daily?
Girls: 9-13 years old: 2 cups*; 14-18 years old: 2.5 cups*
Boys: 9-13 years old: 2.5 cups*; 14-18 years old: 3 cups*
How much fruit is needed daily?
Girls: 9-13 years old: 1.5 cups*; 14-18 years old: 1.5 cups*
Boys: 9-13 years old: 1.5 cups*; 14-18 years old: 2 cups*
How many grain foods are needed daily?
Girls: 9-13 years old: 5 ounce equivalents*; 14-18 years old: 6 ounce equivalents*
Boys: 9-13 years old: 6 ounce equivalents*; 14-18 years old: 8 ounce equivalents*
How much food from the protein food group is needed daily?
Girls: 9-13 years old: 5 ounce equivalents*; 14-18 years old: 5 ounce equivalents*
Boys: 9-13 years old: 5 ounce equivalents*; 14-18 years old: 6.5 ounce equivalents*
*These amounts are
appropriate for individuals
who get less than 30
minutes per day of
moderate physical
activity, beyond normal
daily activities. Those
who are more physically
active may be able to
consume more while
staying within calorie
needs.
KNOW YOUR BODY
www.dekalbhealth.net/PHIT/ 9