if you are a young person with HD in the family you may want to consider the HDA Activity Weekends in July & August:

Avon Tyrell Activity Centre, New Forest
Mepal Outdoor Centre, Cambridgeshire
Lledar Hall Outdoor Education Centre, North Wales

Sign up early to take part in our activity weekends during 2009, for young people aged 9 to 16 years. For more information and a booking form look on the HDA website at http://www.hda.org.uk

These weekends are free, but parents or guardians have to take you. Any difficulties with this, have a chat with Sarah from the local HD branch and see if they can help.

Breast awareness is knowing your breasts and being aware of what is normal for you at all times of your monthly cycle. When you know how your breasts normally look and feel you will be able to notice any changes.

Most changes are harmless but should be checked by a doctor. A change is seldom due to cancer but even if it is, earlier detection may mean simpler and more successful treatment.

When should I check?

This is up to you but you have probably noticed that your breasts change during your monthly cycle. Many women have lumpy, tender breasts just before their period and soft breasts immediately afterwards.

Although it will be easier to make comparisons when the breasts are soft, it is wise to be aware of the changes throughout your cycle. After the menopause breasts feel soft and less lumpy.

What should I check for?

Remember you are looking for any change in your breasts which is new for you.

The first time you check your breasts - NOTE:
- The usual shape and size of your breasts (it is not unusual for one breast to be larger than the othe).
- The usual appearance and position of your nipples.
- The usual 'feel' of your breasts.

Changes to look for:
- Change in size
- Change in outline (any flattening)
- Any obvious lumps or thickening
- Puckering or dimpling of the skin
- Veins which stand out more than usual
- Any change in the position of the nipple - pulled in or pointing to the side
- Rash around the nipple
- Blood or discharge from the nipple (some women always produce a little clear or milky fluid which is normal for them)
- Any changes in sensation - particularly new and only in one breast
- Anything that is new for you

How do I check?

By looking:
1. When preparing for a bath or shower stand in front of a mirror with your arms to your sides and look at each breast in turn.
2. Raise your arms above your head and look again.
3. Place your hands on your hips and then press inwards until your chest muscles tighten.

Look carefully at your breasts from every angle - from the sides, underneath, lean forwards - and look at the shape of your breasts.

Be feeling:
1. Do this in the bath or shower with a soapy hand so that it will slide easily over the breast. For women with large breasts this may be easier when lying on the bed.
2. Do not squeeze or prod your breasts. Keep the fingers together and use them flat. Press the breast gently but firmly by moving your fingers over the whole breast. It is easier to use the right hand to feel the left breast and vice versa.
3. Remember your breasts are pear shaped with the point of the breast going into the armpit. Feel every part of the breast including up towards the collarbone, into the armpit and behind the nipple.

Your Practice Nurse can help you become breast aware.

Any Problems?

If you find any changes seek medical advice. Most breast changes are not caused by cancer but are due to cysts or lumps, which can be treated easily.

The only certain way to know what is causing the problem is to make an appointment to see your doctor who will decide what should be done.

Even if you have breast cancer, early detection and prompt treatment give the best results.

What are they?

There are two types - male and female - made from either very thin latex (rubber) or polyurethane. Used correctly, they help protect against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

How do they work?

The male condom is worn on the penis to stop sperm from entering the woman's vagina. It needs to be put on when the penis is erect, and before the penis comes into contact with the vagina. To use a male condom:

- Take the condom out of the packet, taking care not to tear the condom.
- Place the condom over the tip of the penis.
- If there is a teat on the end of the condom, use your thumb and forefinger to squeeze the air out of it.
- Gently roll the condom down to the base of the penis.
- If the condom won't roll down you are probably holding it the wrong way around. If this happens, throw the condom away as it may have sperm on it and try again with a new one.
- After sex, withdraw the penis while it is still erect. Hold the condom at the base of the penis while the penis is withdrawn.
- Remove the condom from the penis, being careful not to spill any semen. Throw the condom away in a bin (not down the toilet).

The female condom is made of polyurethane, and is worn inside the vagina to stop sperm getting to the womb. It needs to be put in the bagina before there is any contact between the vagina and penis. To use a female condom:

- Take the female condom out of the packet, taking care not to tear the condom.
- Squeeze the smaller ring at the closed end of the condom and insert it into the vagina.
- Make sure the penis enters into the female condom, not between the female condom and the side of the vagina.
- Remove the female condom immediatly after sex by gently pulling it out. You can twist the large ring in order to prevent semen leaking out. Throw the condom away in a bin (not down the toilet).

Male and female condoms should be stored away from excessive heat or cold, and away from sharp or rough surfaces that could tear or wear them away.

How effective are condoms?

If used correctly and consistently, male condoms are 98% effective. This means that two out of 100 women using male condoms as contraception will become pregnant in a year.

Female condoms are 95% effective if used correctly; this means that five out of 100 women using them will become pregnant in a year.

Always buy condoms that have the CE mark on the packet. This means that they have been tested to the high safety standards that are required in Europe. Condoms that don't have the CE mark won't meet these standards, so don't use them.

Added benefits?

Condoms help protect against many sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. There are many different sizes, shapes, colours, textures and flavours of condoms.

You can get them free from community contraceptive clinics, sexual health and genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics, some young people's services and some GP surgeries. You can buy them in pharmacies and supermarkets.

Anything else to know about?

Putting one on can interrupt sex, but many people include putting on a condom as an enjoyable part of sex.

If not used properly, male condoms can slip off or split; if this happens to you, try using a different kind - there are lots of different sizes and shapes to choose from so you can find one that suits you best.

Female condoms can get pushed too far into the vagina, but don't worry - it's easy to remove them yourself.

Some people are sensitive to latex, but if this is a problem you can use polyurethane condoms.

Although condoms if used correctly offer reliable protection against pregnancy, you need to use another method of contraception as well. This is so you are protected against unwanted pregnancy or STIs just in case the condom splits or comes off.

If the condom splits or comes off, you can use emergency contraception to help prevent pregnancy, but remember this real