Miami Herald (MH) - Sunday, July 7, 1991
Richard Wallace; Herald Staff Writer

Most of the articles, though, differed drastically from the fun and fluff of many teen publications.

Sex-related diseases, including AIDS, and other problems that confront today's youngsters were featured.

Titled Straight Talk, the magazine will be published in partnership by the National Education Association's Health Information Network and Rodale Press. "The onslaught of HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted diseases, school violence, alcohol and substance abuse and other social and emotional problems among youth clamors for an immediate response," said Marilyn Monahan, the education association's secretary-treasurer.

"Increasingly, teachers are called upon to serve as the front-line soldiers to battle these problems," Monahan said at the Fontainebleau Hilton.

The magazine is intended for use as a teaching tool. The first of four issues for the coming school year is scheduled in September.

Straight Talk's publisher, Marcia Theodoredis, used the National Education Association's convention in Miami Beach as a showcase for her publication.

More than 8,000 delegates from the association -- the country's largest teachers union -- came to South Florida for their convention, which ends today.

Making the magazine attractive to teen-agers, however, was even more important than catching the attention of teachers and school administrators, Theodoredis said.

"It had to be colorful. We had to utilize bold graphics. We had to use language they could understand," she said.

The September issue will include a repackaging of much of the information in the pilot issue, she said. Schools, church groups or community organizations that subscribe will also get a discussion guide for teaching sessions.

Bought in classroom quantities, each set of four issues would cost about $6 per student, Theodoredis said. Subscription information is available by calling Rodale Press in Emmaus, Pa., (215) 967-8956.

Because Dade County schools already have an AIDS-education program, the magazine would have only a remote possibility for use locally, School Board member Janet McAliley said Saturday.

"It might be used in the AIDS-education program if the people involved with that feel it would be a good resource," she said.

In any event, the Dade program -- mandated to reach all grades -- already goes at least as far as Straight Talk does.

Although some information in the magazine amounts to sex education, the emphasis is definitely not a how-to manual for safe sex. Instead, it informs youngsters of the various ways that AIDS can be contracted, including drug use.

One section provides tips on how to say no to sex.

At the Miami Beach convention, the magazine provoked interest among educators from other parts of Florida.

"This is probably written in the plainest talk I've seen," said Marshall Koppel, a guidance counselor at Pinellas Park High School. "The presentation makes them want to read it and is something different."

CAPTION: PHOTO NEA (MAGAZINE photo ran on pg. 1B)
910707
MH910702

Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1991. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 1991. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .