8 Common Myths About HPV, Busted

January 7, 2013 Subscribe · Forward 8 Common Myths About HPV, Busted Confused about genital human papillomavirus? The condition, known as HPV, is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the U.S., causing six million new infections in sexually-active adults each year. While most cases of HPV clear up on their own, some strains lead to genital warts or to cancer of the cervix, anus and penis -- among others. Cervical cancer is the most common HPV-associated cancer, causing an estimated 500,000 new cases and 275,000 deaths each year. Although it is the most common STI and one that can, in rare instances, have dire consequences, there are many ways to reduce your individual risk for both the virus and the associated conditions it causes. Two vaccinations protect against four of the most high-risk strains, for example. And condom use and regular screening can further prevent infection. Despite education efforts and media focus, many misconceptions about the disease pervade. So, to honor Cervical Health Awareness Month, we've compiled eight of the most common -- and most damaging -- misconceptions about the virus. You owe it to yourself and your future partners to read on. Continue reading... Food And Love: How They Are Linked In The Brain Cervical Cancer Awareness Month: 7 Celebrities Touched By The Disease Avoid These Common Dieting Mistakes End Of History Illusion: Study Shows We Underestimate How Much We'll Change In The Future HPV: Facts And Fictions Winter Activities: How Many Calories Do You Burn? HPV: Facts And Fictions 6 Reasons to Make Kindness Your Highest Priority 10 Things Happy People Do Differently HPV: Facts And Fictions Hourly Wage Linked With Hypertension Risk: Study HEIDI GRANT HALVORSON, PH.D. The Mistake That Derails Your Resolutions Every Year Have you ever tried to lose weight by not thinking about food? How about trying to stop yourself from calling your love interest by blocking out all thoughts about that person? Ever try to quit smoking by trying not to think about smoking? Did it work? I'll bet it didn't. Continue reading... ALLISON BERKOWITZ Food Is Love! I'm still losing weight (at this point, 140 pounds). However, far greater in importance to me is this: I'm learning an incredible amount about nutrition, cooking, and exercise, and I finally feel I'm developing a healthy relationship with food. Continue reading... DENISE SCARBRO How to Set Goals: 4 Steps to Making Things Happen If you want things to change, you have to decide to make things change. Just as we need to establish what our goals are, we also need to make a commitment to those goals. Continue reading... MARGARET PAUL, PH.D. 6 Reasons to Make Kindness Your Highest Priority Why is kindness linked with weakness? Is it possible to be kind as well as smart, successful and powerful? Are they mutually exclusive? Of course, the answer to the last question is "no" -- these qualities are not mutually exclusive at all. Continue reading... MEREDITH MELNICK Biggest Loser Premiere Recap, Season 14, Part 1: Jillian's Back But despite her histrionics and real talk, Jillian wasn't the true star of last night's show. That distinction went to the three obese teenagers: 16-year-old Sanjana "Sunny" Chandrasekar and 13-year-olds Lindsay Bravo and Noah "Biingo" Gray. Continue reading... Received this from a friend? Sign up for alerts from The Huffington Post here Unsubscribe here.