LOCAL BRIEFS

Teen-agers’ woes

Being young opens to an exciting world where mistakes can be made and the youth can get away with them. However, curiosity will still kill the cat. The American Academy of Pediatrics said teen-agers should know the risks involve in sex. A reference which was distributed during the teen symposium is asking the youth to wait and not to give in to peer pressure. Sexual intercourse during young age will lead to unwanted pregnancy, acquiring sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia and herpes. The worst is to catch HIV which will lead to AIDS. According to the pediatrics group, while young couples are tempted to indulge in sex, they should remember that they are making a choice that will affect the rest of their lives. “Waiting to have a sexual intercourse is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. Why not take your time and think it through,” they said. Teen-agers should not pay attention to sexual bragging and avoid using alcohol and drugs during dates. Acquaintance or date rape is a serious problem for children and teen-agers, the document said. In the CNMI, date rape exist. Although, the local victim hot line received one call on date rape, advocates believe that there are more unreported cases. For the pediatrics group, date rape occurs when a person threatens to hurt or assault a partner for sexual intercourse. “No matter who threatens you, make sure you tell your parents, your pediatrician, or your teacher,” they said. Once teen-agers start dating, they should know what they want from a relationship based on trust and respect. Saying no is not easy but trying to stop someone is much difficult. (S. Amor)

KRNM conducts spring membership drive

The KRNM seeks support from listeners every spring in the form of membership drive. Funds raised from this drive will help pay for the National Public Radio and Public Radio International programs the station airs as well as the cost of bringing those programs in via satellite. It is important for listeners to support the station as KRNM public radio is not allowed by the Federal Communications Commissions to sell advertising like commercial radio stations and financial support from its license holder, Northern Marianas College, is limited. The community is urged especially those who enjoy listening to KRNM to contribute. There are various categories of membership with a suggested amount of contribution for each category. There is a student/senior citizen category at $25, regular membership $88, family membership $150 and patron membership at $250. KRNM provides a mixed format of programs including national and international news, talk shows and music.