Knowledge is a beautiful and powerful tool - especially when it comes to knowing the status of your health. Unfortunately if you live in Texas, you may have a be a little more cautious than most of the country.

According an annual study, Road Snacks published the national rankings for the top 10 states where you are most likely to catch an STD. Now before you run and grab your Lysol wipes, here's a closer look into the statistis that put the state in the rankings:

  1. Louisiana
  2. Mississippi
  3. Georgia
  4. Alabama
  5. South Carolina
  6. Arkansas
  7. Illinois
  8. Texas
  9. New York
  10. North Carolina

At least we're not our neighbors in Louisiana! This ranking system is based on the compilation of all STD data from the Center for Disease Control, specifically looking at states with the highest number of reported STD cases of Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Syphilis. The Lone Star State with an approximate population of 27 million ranks 13th in Chlamydia and Gonorrhea, and 6th in Syphilis.  Anybody else itching?

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Even though these stats are alarming there is no need to walk around in a plastic bubble.  You can avoid STD risk by following these tips from WebMD:

  • Use latex condoms every time you have sex.
  • Avoid sharing towels or underclothing.
  • Wash before and after intercourse.
  • Get a vaccination for hepatitis B.
  • Get tested for HIV on occasion.
  • If you have a problem with drug or alcohol abuse, get help.
  • If anything, safe sex is no sex!

I can admit that taking any test whether it’s HIV or any other STD is very uncomfortable but when it concerns your health and the ones you love, it's a small sacrifice to make.

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