This originally appeared at PPNYC’s Blog,Unrated Unfiltered.
Happy 2010 everyone!
If you’re anything like us, you’ve probably made a bunch of resolutions that err slightly on the side of unrealistic (if you weren’t going to the gym four times a week before Jan 1 you probably won’t start now). But sometimes, especially if they’re attainable, new year’s resolutions can be a great way to remind you of what’s worth spending your time on.
So since there have already been a couple of great wish lists and year-end wrap ups, Planned Parenthood of New York City thought we’d share a couple of our resolutions for making sure you stay in the best of (reproductive) health:

• Finally find a form of birth control that works for you. Do you keep forgetting to take your pill? Unhappy with the Nuvaring? Maybe this is the year you finally sit down with your provider and figure out a method of birth control that will actually work for you. Because if it’s not fitting in with your lifestyle, then it’s not doing its job. And you can start with this easy (and fun!) quiz from Planned Parenthood!
• Take care of yourself. How long has it been since your last pap smear? Is there something that’s been bugging you, but you keep putting off getting it checked out? Maybe it’s time to stop procrastinating and make an appointment. Call your provider, or make an appointment at the Planned Parenthood nearest to you.
• Make sure Sex Ed is taught in schools. Did you know that New York City public schools don’t require sex ed to be taught, and as a result, a number of students never receive any kind of curriculum? Planned Parenthood of NYC is organizing parents and concerned New Yorkers to make sure this changes, and that every kid gets the tools they need to make healthy and safe decisions. Join us!
• Start talking to your kids about the facts of life. For those parents out there, we know it can be difficult to talk to your kids about sex and sexuality. What you may not realize, is that your kids are already learning about sex from a plethora of other sources (tv, the radio, music, movies, friends) and not talking to your kids can send as big of a message as talking to them can. Kids really do listen to their parents when it comes to sex, more than most other sources. And you don’t need to have one big talk, in fact lots of little talks are the most effective. PPNYC has some great resources to help you get started and deal with any tough questions that might come up. So what are you waiting for?
• Make sure health care reform doesn’t sell women short. If you’ve been following the health care reform, you know that both the House and Senate bills contain language that severely restricts access to, and coverage of, abortion. All is not lost — we at Planned Parenthood are fighting hard to get this language removed once the bill goes to conference. And you can help. Tell your friends, contact your representatives, and get involved. Every voice makes a difference.
• Learn more about your representatives and what they stand for. Do you know who your local elected officials are? And do you know if they’re pro-choice? Our Action Fund website will help you find out so you can be sure that the people you’re voting into office represent everything you stand for.
• Get involved! Do you always mean to get more involved, and then promise to do it "someday"? Well now is your chance! Sign up for our email list, or join our Activist Council — the group of dedicated supporters who help make so much of our work possible. Signing up is easy!