photo by steed media service |
The growing rate of African Americans affected by sexually transmitted diseases has become an alarming cause of concern over the past 20 years. With young people ignoring necessary precautions and neglecting to educate themselves on the importance of being safe and protecting others, it’s imperative to deliver this message in a bolder context.
As a physician with Washington, D.C.’s Department of Health, part of Dr. Walter Fagget’s focus is to inform and work with young people in teaching them the significance of being safe and smart. “For some of my younger patients, if they choose to engage in sex … make sure to wear a condom, protect yourselves from venereal diseases and things of that nature, and, of course, it’s also important to have an appreciation for oneself,” adds Dr. Fagget.
Dr. Fagget strongly encourages all individuals to take the initiative to consult a doctor at the first sign of any STD symptoms, since passive behavior may lead to more serious problems further down the road. “What’s most important is what you can do to help yourself. So often a patient comes in to see me and they might have a little burning when they go to the bathroom, but by the time they come in it has turned into some very bad things,” warns Dr. Fagget.
Dr. Fagget encourages patients to be proactive and have the confidence to let someone help them. “It’s a matter of having your own doctor and being comfortable [enough] to open up and share. –jason thompson
