How to shed the "STD" label

[Sgt1010]

My wife and I are starting to plan for our retirement in a few years and The Villages is one of our options. When I mention this this to other people the first words out their mouth is a comment about STD's. I know the story has been blown out of proportion but how do you stop the negative comments. Even my wife makes jokes about it. Right now the Villages is #1 on my list ( not that my vote counts) as I am a golf teaching professional and when I retire I want to PLAY golf as much as I can> Hope to see you all in a few years.

[Mack184]

The first thing our doctor said to us when we said we were moving down here was.."You better buy body condoms!" Do you know how bad the STD & HIV rate is down there? We already knew, but then she backed it up with facts.

The best way to shed the STD label is for people to clean up their acts.

[rubicon]

The first thing our doctor said to us when we said we were moving down here was.."You better buy body condoms!" Do you know how bad the STD & HIV rate is down there? We already knew, but then she backed it up with facts.

The best way to shed the STD label is for people to clean up their acts.

:1rotfl: Really I cannot imagine that a population that probably contains a higher than average rate of people who have been happily married for many years would have a STD/HIV problem.

I would suggest that those individuals making such outlandish statements back them up with statistics.....as my boyhood hero says Ïcan't stands no more.:spoken:

[gomoho]

I would answer "small price to pay for free golf for the rest of my life." You will never convince them otherwise so have some fun with it.

[rubicon]

You DID ask, right?
Seniors STDs rise: Seniors STDs rise with active sex lives - Orlando Sentinel (http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2011-05-16/health/os-seniors-stds-national-20110516_1_std-cases-syphilis-and-chlamydia-older-adults)

Oops I live a sheltered life. While I do love women i have only been in love with one woman my whole life...now I see that it was good for my health too.

Oversexed 60's gosh I don't even want to think about it. Walk through the park are my style. Sway on the dance floor are my style

[Mack184]

What our doctor did was to pull up the current CDC numbers in her office while we sat there. She has relatives living in TV and she's well aware of the situation down here. Her degree is from Johns Hopkins and you can't get one of those out of a Cracker Jack box. (Can't get a Coupe DeVille in one either! LOL) Since my wife is an NP she has access to the same information. I believe them both. No reason not to.

A lot of people want to think that TV is nirvana. If you like the lifestyle, it's a fine place, but it is not free of the various social things that plague our nation.

Knowledge is power.

[kittygilchrist]

I'm thinking the less attention you give the myth the better???

[rayschic]

My wife and I are starting to plan for our retirement in a few years and The Villages is one of our options. When I mention this this to other people the first words out their mouth is a comment about STD's. I know the story has been blown out of proportion but how do you stop the negative comments. Even my wife makes jokes about it. Right now the Villages is #1 on my list ( not that my vote counts) as I am a golf teaching professional and when I retire I want to PLAY golf as much as I can> Hope to see you all in a few years.

Colleen McQuade was the gyn that made a statement in 2006 while being interviewed by channel 6 news. She basically said she treated more STD cases in the Villages then when she practiced in Miami. But if you look at the actual data on STD's by county, you can compare for yourself and refute the rumor. Just use this link and go to the bottom section...Reported STD's by county, click on any year and compare Sumter, Lake, and Marion to Miami/Dade.....not even close.
I read that the gyn later recanted her statement.....but that didn't make the headlines.

Florida STD Trends (http://www.doh.state.fl.us/disease_ctrl/std/trends/florida.html)

[DianeM]

That was the very first comment many said to me when I said I was moving to TV. I finally got so annoyed that I started saying "good thing they discovered penicillin" followed by "give me a break".

[Uptown Girl]

...

[rubicon]

I clicked on the link and compared the total rate of STDs/100,000 residents.
Here's what the stats say for 2010:

County.....................................STD rate/100k residents
Miami/Dade.....................................25
Marion............................................ 26
Lake.............................................. .39
Sumter...........................................6 2

It looks like the statement was accurate to me. :shrug:

Well what it looks like to me is that village residents have got to do more bike riding and less.............................................. .........

[Mr. Grampi II]

I think you need to look at this in the context is of the OP's original question, is the STD problem worse in the Villages than in any other retirement areas?

If you use the relatively old statistics that someone inserted here on a previous post(no pun intended) then Villages shows less instances of STD increases than the Arizona area and slightly more than California. The numbers the Villages were lumped in and included multiple central Florida counties and 55+ communities

I have a daughter that is a nurse practitioner/ midwife, she has access to all of those numbers too. This is a national issue for this demographic and is not a problem found only in that "wild place" know as the Villages, you know.... that place were everything closes up and the turn out the lights at 9 pm.....

[graciegirl]

I don't know and I don't care. The only behavior we have any control over is our own. If the singles are enjoying their life here, then I hope they will use protection.

Personally, I am amused by those rumors and it kinda beats the mindset that we are all dead or close to it.

[queasy27]

Now, I might worry about moving somewhere that had the highest murder rate in the U.S., or the biggest cockroaches, or the most sinkholes, but since STDs aren't transmitted through drinking water, it wouldn't affect me or my decisions one whit.

Everyone else can have whatever fun they want, as far as I'm concerned. Maybe The Villages should change its motto to The Friskiest Home Town! (Although as others have pointed out, it's not really true, but let's not let truth get in the way of a nascent internet meme.)

I can certainly understand that it would get old hearing it, Sgt101.

[CFrance]

If you are single and dating, this could be an issue, albeit it's also an issue anywhere. If you are happily married and contemplating retiring to TV, whether those statistics are true or not won't affect you.

If you should become single and begin your dating life anew, its something to keep in mind.

Otherwise, who cares what the rumors are? Anyone who mentions that to you is rude and doesn't deserve a response. I grew up in Pittsburgh and am constantly being harangued with prejudiced, uninformed, out-of-date comments about the condition of my hometown. I just ignore them. Let them feel stupid when they find out differently, and that has happened quite a bit, as people who have necessarily had to visit have been gracious enough to let me know their new opinions.

You can't change someone's mind that was made up from ignorance, so ignore the statements.

[Bogie Shooter]

I clicked on the link and compared the total rate of STDs/100,000 residents.
Here's what the stats say for 2010:

County.....................................STD rate/100k residents
Miami/Dade.....................................25
Marion............................................ 26
Lake.............................................. .39
Sumter...........................................6 2

It looks like the statement was accurate to me. :shrug:

Can STD's be passed along on a bike seat??

[Mack184]

I don't know and I don't care. The only behavior we have any control over is our own. If the singles are enjoying their life here, then I hope they will use protection.

Personally, I am amused by those rumors and it kinda beats the mindset that we are all dead or close to it.
G-Person...while it doesn't effect you or others who keep their parts & pieces to themselves, it DOES work it's way into your healthcare costs and local taxes as county health boards have to spend more money for the effects, education, treatment and other items that are needed for stemming the tide.

[Advogado]

My wife and I are starting to plan for our retirement in a few years and The Villages is one of our options. When I mention this this to other people the first words out their mouth is a comment about STD's. I know the story has been blown out of proportion but how do you stop the negative comments. Even my wife makes jokes about it. Right now the Villages is #1 on my list ( not that my vote counts) as I am a golf teaching professional and when I retire I want to PLAY golf as much as I can> Hope to see you all in a few years.
Of course the story is nonsense, but whenever somebody needles me with it, my retort is: "Hey that is just advertising propaganda promulgated by the Developer to try to sell more homes." That usually puts an end to the conversation.

[gomoho]

Of course the story is nonsense, but whenever somebody needles me with it, my retort is: "Hey that is just advertising propaganda promulgated by the Developer to try to sell more homes." That usually puts an end to the conversation.

Good one.:pepper2:

[Mack184]

If you are single and dating, this could be an issue, albeit it's also an issue anywhere. If you are happily married and contemplating retiring to TV, whether those statistics are true or not won't affect you.

If you should become single and begin your dating life anew, its something to keep in mind.

Otherwise, who cares what the rumors are? Anyone who mentions that to you is rude and doesn't deserve a response. I grew up in Pittsburgh and am constantly being harangued with prejudiced, uninformed, out-of-date comments about the condition of my hometown. I just ignore them. Let them feel stupid when they find out differently, and that has happened quite a bit, as people who have necessarily had to visit have been gracious enough to let me know their new opinions.

You can't change someone's mind that was made up from ignorance, so ignore the statements.
Well..it's not exactly just single people who are dating. There is a very active "swinging" community within TV. There are a number of websites that are easily accessed where you can find all sorts of married TVers looking for a night of fun. And NO..that's NOT a rumor.

[Bogie Shooter]

Well..it's not exactly just single people who are dating. There is a very active "swinging" community within TV. There are a number of websites that are easily accessed where you can find all sorts of married TVers looking for a night of fun. And NO..that's NOT a rumor.

:a20::a20::a20:

[ilovetv]

The first thing our doctor said to us when we said we were moving down here was.."You better buy body condoms!" Do you know how bad the STD & HIV rate is down there? We already knew, but then she backed it up with facts.

The best way to shed the STD label is for people to clean up their acts.

It's surprising to see how many people don't seem to know that sexual contact is needed to acquire an STD, and if you don't do it with strangers you won't get one.

[Mack184]

It's surprising to see how many people don't seem to know that sexual contact is needed to acquire an STD, and if you don't do it with strangers you won't get one.
Yep. :agree:

[janmcn]

Well..it's not exactly just single people who are dating. There is a very active "swinging" community within TV. There are a number of websites that are easily accessed where you can find all sorts of married TVers looking for a night of fun. And NO..that's NOT a rumor.



Would you care to share any of those websites?

[Parker]

If it were, say, something airborne, that was easily transmitted by just being out in public, it might concern me. However, STD's are something you can make choices to avoid. I see zero risk to many of us. I'm not worried in the slightest. You may not have heard that many folks here are NOT drunken and promiscuous. It's just more exciting to read about aberrant behavior.

[Mack184]

Would you care to share any of those websites?
SwingLife, SwapperNet, Craigslist/Ocala. Happy reading.

[DianeM]

it's surprising to see how many people don't seem to know that sexual contact is needed to acquire an std, and if you don't do it with strangers you won't get one.

amen!!!

[saratogaman]

For a number of years, every February the New York Post ran a story on STDs in The Villages. It was the same re-hash each time. While I don't know for certain, I suspect that the reporter was visiting her parents here and by writing the story she was able to get a tax deduction on her travel expenses.

[Polar Bear]

After mentioning that I was moving to TV, a friend at work made the standard STD remark, followed by..."I also hear they're getting a McDonalds". When I hear such things, I just laugh on the inside and imagine what they'd think if they saw what TV was really like. No use trying to explain it to them though. :^)

[JP]

I find that people who are jealous of other people or where they live or what they have try to put them down anyway they can. Just roll with the innuendoes and in your own mind think to yourself how lucky we are to live in such a great place as the villages.

[TraceyMooreRN]

I have to laugh at this thread--posting the numbers by county? Hmm, As a Registered Nurse (with NO STDs thank you) --is also surprised most people think STDs only come from sex. I am not going to discuss Health Education-but do your own research..some STDs don't go away. We live in a retirement community--maybe they brought the disease to the county and that is truly what increased the numbers? Just a thought....

[blueash]

What our doctor did was to pull up the current CDC numbers in her office while we sat there. She has relatives living in TV and she's well aware of the situation down here. Her degree is from Johns Hopkins and you can't get one of those out of a Cracker Jack box. (Can't get a Coupe DeVille in one either! LOL) Since my wife is an NP she has access to the same information. I believe them both. No reason not to.

A lot of people want to think that TV is nirvana. If you like the lifestyle, it's a fine place, but it is not free of the various social things that plague our nation.

Knowledge is power.

Nowhere on the CDC website is there any breakdown of STI rates by small locations. There is no way your Johns Hopkins doctor could ever have looked up what you claimed. How about you email her and ask for the exact link where she "found" that data so I can also see it. Additionally your wife being an NP means nothing as there is NO restricted access by profession to anything on the CDC's website so she gets no secret hidden information to pass on to you that anyone without a medical background cannot also find. So the entire premise of the post is erroneous and I suspect perhaps confabulated.

Sumter county is 64th in STI rates of the 67 counties in Florida. The correct information is readily available and requires that you open the excel link for "Rates by Year/County/Disease" at Florida STD Trends (http://www.doh.state.fl.us/disease_ctrl/std/trends/florida.html)

Thus whatever "data" you claim to have seen would clearly show that Sumter County (there is NO data specific to the Villages as it is in 3 counties and has no independently reporting authority) has an extremely LOW reported incidence of STI's

[buzzy]

I find that people who are jealous of other people or where they live or what they have try to put them down anyway they can. Just roll with the innuendoes and in your own mind think to yourself how lucky we are to live in such a great place as the villages.

Absolutely. The ignorant, jealous jerks at our condo were always pushing our buttons for leaving. Misery loves company. We were moving on with our lives, and they were stuck there.

[blueash]

I clicked on the link and compared the total rate of STDs/100,000 residents.
Here's what the stats say for 2010:

County.....................................STD rate/100k residents
Miami/Dade.....................................25
Marion............................................ 26
Lake.............................................. .39
Sumter...........................................6 2

It looks like the statement was accurate to me. :shrug:

Sorry Bike, you are not correctly reading/interpreting the data.

You have given the numbers from column T which is the ranking by county of STD's per 100,000 population. Thus Miami/Dad is the 25th worst county for cases per 100,000. It is not that they have only 25 cases per 100,000 as in fact they have 496 cases/100K

Sumter county ranks 64th out of 67 (not 62nd) and its rate is 238/100K. For the worst... Gadsden with 1325/100K but only 721 total cases in a small county. The best at county at #67 is Lafayette with 192/100K

Column R gives the rate of STD's per 100K which is the best data for giving the incidence of disease, column S the rank by total cases where obviously the larger counties will have more total cases.

If there are some who would like help reading the excel chart I will reply, otherwise the take home message is the Sumter County is one of the lowest risk places in the state for STD's contrary to the OP's postings.

This STD rumor is just that, an oft repeated canard

[Geewiz]

Now let's play nice.

As a single, at 60 connection is more important than sex. Yeah sex is great and if we get to that point it's time for a romantic date to get tested...for the safety of both of us.

[Mikeod]

I'm always leery of reports that give percentages without the raw numbers. When they claim STDs increased by 70%, they need to report the data. Was it 10 cases last year and now 17? Or was it 1000 cases and now 1700? Both show an increase of 70%, but are much different. And someone saying they have treated more here than Miami without data to back it up is doesn't mean much.

[Quixote]

.... Otherwise, who cares what the rumors are? Anyone who mentions that to you is rude and doesn't deserve a response. I grew up in Pittsburgh and am constantly being harangued with prejudiced, uninformed, out-of-date comments about the condition of my hometown. I just ignore them. Let them feel stupid when they find out differently, and that has happened quite a bit, as people who have necessarily had to visit have been gracious enough to let me know their new opinions.

You can't change someone's mind that was made up from ignorance, so ignore the statements.

Excellent! Very well put!!!


I find that people who are jealous of other people or where they live or what they have try to put them down anyway they can. Just roll with the innuendoes and in your own mind think to yourself how lucky we are to live in such a great place as the villages.

Isn't THIS the truth?!


.... Sumter county is 64th in STI rates of the 67 counties in Florida. The correct information is readily available and requires that you open the excel link for "Rates by Year/County/Disease" at Florida STD Trends (http://www.doh.state.fl.us/disease_ctrl/std/trends/florida.html)

Thus whatever "data" you claim to have seen would clearly show that Sumter County (there is NO data specific to the Villages as it is in 3 counties and has no independently reporting authority) has an extremely LOW reported incidence of STI's

This explanation, which is absolutely accurate, has been given time and time again, yet people get so obsessive about STDs that they ignore it. Why? Maybe there are those who wish to ignore it for their reasons....


Absolutely. The ignorant, jealous jerks at our condo were always pushing our buttons for leaving. Misery loves company. We were moving on with our lives, and they were stuck there.

True 'nuff!


Sorry Bike, you are not correctly reading/interpreting the data.

You have given the numbers from column T which is the ranking by county of STD's per 100,000 population. Thus Miami/Dad is the 25th worst county for cases per 100,000. It is not that they have only 25 cases per 100,000 as in fact they have 496 cases/100K

Sumter county ranks 64th out of 67 (not 62nd) and its rate is 238/100K. For the worst... Gadsden with 1325/100K but only 721 total cases in a small county. The best at county at #67 is Lafayette with 192/100K

Column R gives the rate of STD's per 100K which is the best data for giving the incidence of disease, column S the rank by total cases where obviously the larger counties will have more total cases.

If there are some who would like help reading the excel chart I will reply, otherwise the take home message is the Sumter County is one of the lowest risk places in the state for STD's contrary to the OP's postings.

This STD rumor is just that, an oft repeated canard

I knew those initial figures were ridiculous and made absolutely no sense. They reminded me of what I would expect from the Orlando Slantinel. Thanks for setting the record straight and clarifying it!


I'm always leery of reports that give percentages without the raw numbers. When they claim STDs increased by 70%, they need to report the data. Was it 10 cases last year and now 17? Or was it 1000 cases and now 1700? Both show an increase of 70%, but are much different. And someone saying they have treated more here than Miami without data to back it up is doesn't mean much.

Cases of STDs MUST be reported, county by county. So when the number of cases in one year of one particular STD rose from 2 to 4 (this was several years ago), the naysayers cited that "STD rates in The Villages [even though, as pointed out, records are kept by county, not by TV...] have DOUBLED!!!" How stupid do they think we are?!

Then again, how stupid they must be! Just ignore the nonsense and have a good life!

[ilovetv]

Absolutely. The ignorant, jealous jerks at our condo were always pushing our buttons for leaving. Misery loves company. We were moving on with our lives, and they were stuck there.

They are gutless and afraid to make even the slightest change to their boring lives.

[travelguy]

I remember telling somone that we were relocating to The Villages, and his comment was "I hear that it a very lascivious place". I have never heard anyone ever use that word in a sentence!

[cquick]

I don't know and I don't care. The only behavior we have any control over is our own. If the singles are enjoying their life here, then I hope they will use protection.

Personally, I am amused by those rumors and it kinda beats the mindset that we are all dead or close to it.

Gracie, I sure wish I had your talent for expressing myself! What you said here is what I feel. You put it in such nice terms.

[redwitch]

Think my reply would be, "Frankly, my dear, I don't a damn." Since you're married, you could always say monogamy has its advantages. If single, you could remind these folks that condoms are readily available (even oral ones). If nothing else, that should get a good blush out of some of them.

And, whether true, false or wishful thinking, it's irrelevant. People aren't going to believe statistics (they're irrelevant); they aren't going to believe someone who lives here (we're biased); they're not going to believe someone who is moving here (they're naive); they KNOW the facts and no one is going to convince them otherwise. So, let them mire in their muck and you can enjoy the golf.

[Wiserbud47]

For most of us, The STD discussion is not relevant to our life in the Villages. It is a GREAT place to live and I can't think of any place my wife of 40+ years and I would rather live.

[Golfingnut]

The first thing our doctor said to us when we said we were moving down here was.."You better buy body condoms!" Do you know how bad the STD & HIV rate is down there? We already knew, but then she backed it up with facts.

The best way to shed the STD label is for people to clean up their acts.


Really!!! You do need a new doctor for sure. Anyone that would believe this is

[PaPaLarry]

Rumors!! Rumors!!! Rumors!!:popcorn::popcorn::popcorn::ohdear::ohdear ::ohdear: Lately in The Villages Golf Courses, the case of the "Yips" has been spreading like wild fire!!! Heard its been spread with a putter.:D

[senior citizen]

...........

[kittygilchrist]

It's surprising to see how many people don't seem to know that sexual contact is needed to acquire an STD, and if you don't do it with strangers you won't get one.

Not exactly...if you do it with someone new who hasn't had sex in 6 months and has medical proof of STD free at the end of that time, you won't likely get one unless they are running around...
Kitty, single 18 years...STD free...(and not dating in TV, but not from fear of stds):thumbup:

[senior citizen]

I remember telling somone that we were relocating to The Villages, and his comment was "I hear that it a very lascivious place". I have never heard anyone ever use that word in a sentence!

Someone with a good vocabulary.........
The younger set would no doubt phrase it differently........

[kittygilchrist]

Back to the OPs question, how can we combat the rumor? Comments here indicate we ourselves mostly don't know if it's true! I'm guessing the new phrase "America's healthiest..." is the developers effort at managing change of perception.

[senior citizen]

............
(http://wftv.com/mobilesite?return=%2Fnews%2Fnews%2Fdoctors-in-retirement-community-seeing-increase-in%2FnFB8g%2F)

[kittygilchrist]

blood test, yes! It's called "carding" among longtime singles to ask for proof of std free. As I recall, hiv can show up as long as 6 months after last encounter....

My husband was just showing me some really spacious homes in Brooksville, Florida, a small town of 7,500 population which we originally took our elementary school aged kids to visit hubby's aunt and uncle who had retired down there from New Jersey.
Still remember the Christmas Tree Shop that our aunt took us too........very cute "Main Street", typical of most very small towns. Normal community now with a high school, etc..........but does have 55+ community of very nice new spacious homes, of which he commented on the beautiful pool home for only $279,000......with an expansive front porch overlooking the lake view.........nice big birdcage over the pool and summer kitchen...........it might be comparable to a premier or designer home in TV but HUGE BACK PROPERTY..........I just asked him how he'd feel living close to his cousins, both on his maternal and paternal side.......one family in Brooksville and the other family in Spring Hill.......long term mariages on both sides...........in fact, the first cousin was in our wedding party back in 1965 and got married two weeks after us , just as we were returning from our honeymoon.........plus, I also have cousins in Spring Hill.......it's all same equa distance to DISNEY WORLD, etc. for the grandbabies..........and perhaps a bit closer to the Gulf of Mexico beaches.

Uncle Lou fell in love with that part of Florida during the Great Depression era and vowed that someday he would retire there.......ditto for Uncle John who vacationed with his family there every year...........now all of his adult kids are retiring to that area..........Aunt Julie wasn't keen on leaving her rural part of N.J. but Uncle Lou insisted and they did have a good long retirement; she recently passed at age 91. She had a small community center; her church was close by; ditto her shopping.....that's all she needed. They had beautiful Irish Setters.......like ours.




Updated: 5:40 p.m. Thursday, May 25, 2006 | Posted: 4:37 p.m. Thursday, May 25, 2006
Doctors In Retirement Community Seeing Increase In STDs

THE VILLAGES, Fla. —
Doctors in The Villages are seeing increased numbers of seniors afflicted with a health problem most associate with the young. Sexually transmitted diseases are on the rise. The Villages boasts itself as Florida's friendliest hom
etown. It's one of the state's largest retirement communities, where hits from yesteryear are piped thru the market square and golf carts are the vehicle of choice.
Doctors in the age-restricted community are seeing increased numbers of cases of herpes, and the Human Papillomavirus virus, or HPV.
While statistics aren't yet reflecting the trend, one physician at the Women's Center of The Villages said, even in her years working in Miami, she has never seen so many cases.
"I wouldn't hop in bed with anybody," said resident
Eyewitness News was surprised to find that as uncomfortable as the subject may be for some, most the women approached were quite willing to talk about it, and about the difficulties of determining who the carriers of the diseases may be.
"What, are they supposed to wear a sign that says I have it, I don't have it?" questioned resident
The bottom line is, this is a trend facing many seniors, not just in Central Florida, but around the country. Experts said a lack of sexual education is what's causing it. And, while some may consider the topic taboo, resident Helen Hecht said it's about time.
"I have a single girlfriend who just broke up with a guy. She said, 'If I had to do it over gain, I'd make him get a blood test,'" she said.
In order to try and educate more residents of The Villages, the Leesburg Regional Medical Center plans to launch a public education program on safe sex and STD risks.


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[Geewiz]

The reputation of STD presence in TV shouldn't be much of a concern; however, sharing STDs is an issue and, as Kitty pointed out, carding makes sense. The only sure way to avoid an STD is giving up on sex or be in a long standing monogamous relationship. I'm not willing to do the former and I've yet to find a partner for the latter. So test, test, test.

[kittygilchrist]

The reputation of STD presence in TV shouldn't be much of a concern; however, sharing STDs is an issue and, as Kitty pointed out, carding makes sense. The only sure way to avoid an STD is giving up on sex or be in a long standing monogamous relationship. I'm not willing to do the former and I've yet to find a partner for the latter. So test, test, test.

Cynical me....one never knows if it is monogamous, do one?

[manaboutown]

I mentioned to my daughter-in-law-s grandmother who is in her seventies and lives in a retirement community herself that I was visiting The Villages and considering relocating there. She immediately brought up the notorious STD rumor and would not listen to any explanation. In her opinion it was 'America's Horniest Hometown', at least among active adult retirement communities.

[Indydealmaker]

What our doctor did was to pull up the current CDC numbers in her office while we sat there. She has relatives living in TV and she's well aware of the situation down here. Her degree is from Johns Hopkins and you can't get one of those out of a Cracker Jack box. (Can't get a Coupe DeVille in one either! LOL) Since my wife is an NP she has access to the same information. I believe them both. No reason not to.

A lot of people want to think that TV is nirvana. If you like the lifestyle, it's a fine place, but it is not free of the various social things that plague our nation.

Knowledge is power.

I would be willing to bet those stats do not mention The Villages. I remember reading numbers some time ago that were county based. One can do ANYTHING with numbers depending upon the private agenda.

[billethkid]

Just think if only one person had it and then a second one is discovered. Would the discussion be....STD doubled in TV????

Nothing but crap!!

btk

[DougB]

I would be willing to bet those stats do not mention The Villages. I remember reading numbers some time ago that were county based. One can do ANYTHING with numbers depending upon the private agenda.

75% of statistics are made up on the spot.

[kittygilchrist]

75% of statistics are made up on the spot.

No, it's 90%. I'm sure of that.:D
Kitty

[buggyone]

Who really cares about what outsiders say about Villages STD rates. We are here; we are doing fine; we are happy. If you want to participate in the sexual activities among the consenting adults, that is your choice - and there is a lot to choose from. If you do not wish to participate - don't!

If someone wants to comment to you about the STD rates - just smile and stay silent. Make them wonder what is going on. It is as much or as little as their imagination (or is it?).

[justjim]

I mentioned to my daughter-in-law-s grandmother who is in her seventies and lives in a retirement community herself that I was visiting The Villages and considering relocating there. She immediately brought up the notorious STD rumor and would not listen to any explanation. In her opinion it was 'America's Horniest Hometown', at least among active adult retirement communities.

"America's Horniest Hometown " now that is funny! :1rotfl: :1rotfl:

[wej0319]

Probably should keep the rumor going, there are enough folks here already!

[Uncle Tom]

You have to realize its the growing Villages. With developement also comes crime, and other issues like STDs. You just cant sweep it under the rug, we have couples moving up here from south Florida to get away from the crime. Guess what?, they end up here, with their daughters and sons with drug addiction issues. I have been in resturants where bartenders and waitresses told us horror stories of crime and shootings in their homes in south Florida. Then they move up to TV thinking everything will be better. Guess what they bring the issues with them. This conversation started about STDs which isnt that big of an issue, just stay off the blue pill, and out of the truck stops in Wildwood. I would worry more about home invasions and shootings. The nice little man or woman that greets you at the gate is great for marketing, but he or she does not keep the crime out of your retirement home. I suggest a concealed weapons permit, and pay cash, (not a credit card) when you go to a resturant. You never know who has access to your private information.

[graciegirl]

You have to realize its the growing Villages. With developement also comes crime, and other issues like STDs. You just cant sweep it under the rug, we have couples moving up here from south Florida to get away from the crime. Guess what?, they end up here, with their daughters and sons with drug addiction issues. I have been in resturants where bartenders and waitresses told us horror stories of crime and shootings in their homes in south Florida. Then they move up to TV thinking everything will be better. Guess what they bring the issues with them. This conversation started about STDs which isnt that big of an issue, just stay off the blue pill, and out of the truck stops in Wildwood. I would worry more about home invasions and shootings. The nice little man or woman that greets you at the gate is great for marketing, but he or she does not keep the crime out of your retirement home. I suggest a concealed weapons permit, and pay cash, (not a credit card) when you go to a resturant. You never know who has access to your private information.


The gubmunt?:D

[LynnDeb]

Who really cares about what outsiders say about Villages STD rates. We are here; we are doing fine; we are happy. If you want to participate in the sexual activities among the consenting adults, that is your choice - and there is a lot to choose from. If you do not wish to participate - don't!

If someone wants to comment to you about the STD rates - just smile and stay silent. Make them wonder what is going on. It is as much or as little as their imagination (or is it?).

:ho: I agree with you!!!

[jimbo2012]

How to shed the "STD" label

Don't bring even more attention to the rumor by starting silly threads like this!

Do you realize all these posts will now be indexed by Goggle for the world to read?

[Jaggy]

How to shed the "STD" label

Don't bring even more attention to the rumor by starting silly threads like this!

Do you realize all these posts will now be indexed by Goggle for the world to read?

Good catch.. I notice this was the OP's first post on here.. Gee.. Imagine that.

[NotGolfer]

My "take" on this is "IF" you aren't into a certain life-style that's reckless you won't have to worry. As for stopping comments etc. regarding this subject re: our community---probably won't happen until we stop perpetuating it ourselves.

We too had folks making such comments----(I have to question "their" why on that!)---but we just tried to deflect it with something more positive.

[billethkid]

over 3500 hits on this thread with 70 responses, some multiples!!

That is about the right ratio.

Yes it is of interest to take not of what is being said.

No it isn't worthy of comment or defense.

It's just too bad we live in a society that revels and honors the minority (not race.....this time) with such undeserved attention........just like the network news does all the time.

Congratulations majority.

btk

[In awe of TV]

How to shed the "STD" label

Don't bring even more attention to the rumor by starting silly threads like this!

Do you realize all these posts will now be indexed by Goggle for the world to read?

Bingo!:clap2:

I think this whole thread is ridiculous.

[senior citizen]

.............

[senior citizen]

....................

[graciegirl]

Of course the story is nonsense, but whenever somebody needles me with it, my retort is: "Hey that is just advertising propaganda promulgated by the Developer to try to sell more homes." That usually puts an end to the conversation.

So. Gary isn't one of your favs?

[BarryRX]

75% of statistics are made up on the spot.
I'm sorry Doug, but that's incorrect. 82% of statistics are made up on the spot.

[Geewiz]

Again, stories are stories. Some true - some not. The issue is health. Get tested. Until then use a condom.

[perrjojo]

My husband say statics are like "ladies of the night". Once you get them down you can do anything you like with them.

[Lbmb24101]

You DID ask, right?
Seniors STDs rise: Seniors STDs rise with active sex lives - Orlando Sentinel (http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2011-05-16/health/os-seniors-stds-national-20110516_1_std-cases-syphilis-and-chlamydia-older-adults)

Thanks for sharing the article.
It seems like the perfect storm for the std's spread among seniors!

[senior citizen]

...........

[katerogers]

DianaM,

This thread is certainly a far cry from the bashing you and I got, in the FOR SINGLES ONLY THREAD, when you dared to mention this issue and as a newbie single I dared to suggest it was most definitely pertinent to new residents who were interested in dating. Go figure.

Katie

[Sgt1010]

Sorry Bike, you are not correctly reading/interpreting the data.

You have given the numbers from column T which is the ranking by county of STD's per 100,000 population. Thus Miami/Dad is the 25th worst county for cases per 100,000. It is not that they have only 25 cases per 100,000 as in fact they have 496 cases/100K

Sumter county ranks 64th out of 67 (not 62nd) and its rate is 238/100K. For the worst... Gadsden with 1325/100K but only 721 total cases in a small county. The best at county at #67 is Lafayette with 192/100K

Column R gives the rate of STD's per 100K which is the best data for giving the incidence of disease, column S the rank by total cases where obviously the larger counties will have more total cases.

If there are some who would like help reading the excel chart I will reply, otherwise the take home message is the Sumter County is one of the lowest risk places in the state for STD's contrary to the OP's postings.

This STD rumor is just that, an oft repeated canard

I was the OP and did not quote any statistics about STD's, I was just inquiring on how to dispell the myth that TV is an STD hotspot. As evryone I talk to about possibly moving there it is their first response. But than you for the numbers, I will keep these in mind so I have some info for the next person who makes that comment.