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Ordinary People. Ordinary Things. with Melissa Radke

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Nurse Katherine Answers Your Questions

Feb 25, 2020

She's back. I hope you all are happy. It does something to my psyche and my confidence level when I hear "could you have her on more often" or " tell Katherine to get her own podcast" after having Katherine Diggs on the show. Now that's hurtful, America. But I get why you want her on here. Katherine was a guest on season 1, season 2, and now she's here for season 3. If you enjoy the show today, go back and listen to Katherine on season 1 and season 2 . Those are really great episodes.

Katherine is a nurse practitioner who worked for many years at a very good OBGYN practice here in town. She left this practice to go work at the health clinic. A month later, she said it was one of the most fulfilling things ever. She's working with people and especially teenagers on the issues that are the most near and dear to her heart. Her work is about sex and our bodies. She hears stories in the clinic that are horrifying and heartbreaking. She is kind, knowledgeable, and sensitive. She speaks in a way that we get. 

The thing I like about her the most is that she really loves our kids. She just loves young people. She wants them to live safe, long, and healthy lives. She wants them to make smart decisions and feel valued. She wants them to know their worth in ways where they don't have to demonstrate it with their body. I have Katherine on every season because I trust Katherine. She's someone who you can believe in. This episode isn't for little ears, but it will be helpful for teens. 

Show Notes:

  • [03:39] On social media, Katherine is referred to as Nurse Katherine.
  • [04:13] We have listener questions for Katherine to answer.
  • [04:31] It's fine to use proper anatomical names for body parts. If you have special family terms it's fine to use those too, but it's good for kids to know the proper names of their body parts. 
  • [07:51] Start the precedent early on to talk about all things.
  • [08:10] A question about establishing a more open relationship with kids and teens when it comes to talking about sex. 
  • [08:50] Communication is everything. Rules without relationship equals rebellion. 
  • [09:12] Open communication has got to start at ground zero. 
  • [10:11] It's good to establish communication early and be comfortable and natural when it comes to talking about sex.
  • [11:34] There seems to be pressure on boys when it comes to sexual practices. 
  • [11:59] People are wearing condoms less these days. 
  • [12:23] It's when we shame kids or make them think we are disappointed that they shut down. We should keep trying to talk to them in a positive way. 
  • [13:10] Each child has a different key that opens up communication. 
  • [13:42] An eighth grade teacher calls in about wanting sex education taught in their school.
  • [14:04] This is an issue in schools and parents are divided on it. 
  • [14:47] Don't bury your head in the sand. Talk about everything. 
  • [15:16] Katherine goes into schools and talks to kids. She's a nurse practitioner and a parent. She now works in public health.
  • [16:09] Sex education has become so political that many states don't have programs. Many existing programs are dated and not realistic. The abstinence based education isn't always helpful for kids who need practical information about what they are already doing. 
  • [20:48] When Katherine talks at high schools, there's always a group who stays behind and has questions. She said young women come up to her and say they think they might be pregnant, and they're scared, and they can't talk to their mothers.
  • [23:18] Is abstinence a pipe dream? No dream for your child is a pipe dream. You also have to be with your kid and talk through whatever is going on.
  • [24:11] You can't talk too much to your child. Find out what the issues are and talk to them. Reinforce safety when you need to.
  • [26:07] People are wearing less condoms these days. We still need to talk about safe sex. There is a stigma around getting condoms. 
  • [29:09] Is a child's new preoccupation with sex normal? If there was abuse, it needs to be addressed immediately. 
  • [30:30] If your kid has a sudden change of behavior, look at their browser history and see what they've been looking at.
  • [31:53] If your kid is acting out, they could be watching porn. Watching porn can become their normal expectation of sex. Find out and get help from counselors etc. 
  • [33:33] Porn today is really graphic and humiliating. 
  • [34:19] Find out where your child feels more comfortable and talk to them. 
  • [35:18] Be aware of the incognito button on the browser. Kids can also get exposure from other kids and devices. 
  • [36:32] You know something is going on. You need to get to the bottom of it. Do the hard work for them. 
  • [37:23] HIV is still an issue. There are HIV positive teenagers who didn't know their status. Regular kids are becoming HIV positive. Get them tested, because there is treatment for it. 
  • [39:26] We want our kids to have long and full lives. 

Thanks for joining us on Ordinary People Ordinary Things. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave a nice review. Just like your mother taught you.

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