assumptions

When I talk about sexual health with people I often talk about stereotyping and particulalrly gender stereotyping. Well.... I was just reading an article that was ( in my mind) about stereotyping. But this is one stereotype that I should start talking about - perhaps in greater detail. The stereotype that you have to have long lasting intercourse to be a good lover.

The article I was reading said "A survey of sex therapists concluded the optimal amount of time for sexual intercourse was 3 to 13 minutes. The findings, to be published in the May issue of the Journal of Sexual Medicine, strike at the notion that endurance is the key to a great sex life." ........There are so many myths in our culture of what other people are doing sexually," Most people's sex lives are not as exciting as other people think they are."

If you want to read more on this go here

Yet again!!!

The debate still goes on !!!!!

A recent CDC study that found that about 25% of U.S. girls and young women ages 14 to 19 have at least one of four common sexually transmitted infections is "enough to make you wonder why schools don't do a better job of sex education," Washington Post columnist Courtland Milloy writes in an opinion piece.

Milloy questions the ability of many parents to educate their children about STIs and why there was no "public outcry" about human papillomavirus infections until a pharmaceutical company developed a vaccine. He adds that even though boys are "rarely involved" in STI studies, they are "definitely involved in the problem."

According to Milloy, former Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders "all but predicted" the current STI epidemic among teens. Elders' "controversial remedies" of giving condoms to students at school -- as well as "making sex education fun while keeping it real" and suggesting masturbation was the "safest sex this side of abstinence" -- brought "much-needed attention to an impending crisis, Milloy writes. However, the "frank talk" about sex and STI prevention that "left" the national dialogue after Elders resigned in 1994, and the "instinctual quest for sex" among today's teens, now "carries the risk of unspeakable pain," Milloy says (Milloy, Washington Post, 4/2).

Go here for more links re this article which is from 'Medical News Today'

Law Stuff

Great site with a load of lawstuff relating to young people. Topics range from pregnancy, mobile phones, sex, family law, counselling and a lot more. Very youth friendly and easy to navigate.

Chris.

Myth Busters

I had the privilege of spending time with a class of 8-10 year olds last week to explore puberty. We had a ball and what was supposed to be a 50 minute session turned into almost 2 hours!! I was amazed at the lack of inhibition the students had to ask questions. They were firing away and we totally got off the subject of puberty but it didn't matter.
It was great to see at this age they are so interested to learn about sexual health and they were able to have their questions answered in a safe environment.It also reinforced in my thinking the importance of education in schools and at an early age.
A lot of people freak out about this as there are many mis-conceptions on what effect sex ed has to it's young audience.I came across these mythbusters the other day, it acted as a reminder to me of why sexual health education is so important;

MYTH BUSTERS
Objection
Until they are mid teens (aged 16), teenagers are too young to understand sex. Ignorance is bliss!
Response
Research shows pre-teenagers are able to understand basic sex information – e.g. how babies begin, pregnancy and birth; and differences between males and females.

Objection
If teenagers are taught about sex, they will have sex!
Response
Young people who have education about contraception and STIs say they are more cautious about what they do and they tend to make better decisions about sex. Research shows that sex education leads to postponement of sex.

Objection
Only the biological facts should be taught when the child is matured enough to understand.
Response
Sexuality education is not just the facts. It’s about relationships, helping individuals understand the consequences of their actions, and taking responsibility for controlling their own lives.

Objection
Parents alone should provide sex education to their children.
Response
Surveys in Australia, Britain and the U.S. show that around 80% of teenagers received little or no sex education from their parents. Parents are either inhibited, lack knowledge & access to resources or are embarrassed to talk about sex.

Objection
Teenage pregnancy is more common in countries or states which have sex education in schools.
Response
Teenage pregnancy is more common in countries such as Italy and the United States where there is little or no sex education. Most pregnant teenage girls are ignorant of sexual facts.

Chris.

Lesbian Zest

Another great free resource: If you havent had a look yet go here and download this booklet called Lesbian Zest :Tips on How to Survive and Flourish. Written by Ea Mulligan.

Here is what the preamble on the Gay and Lesbian Health Victoria website says:

This publication shares what twenty seven lesbians say about where they get support and what helps them to flourish. They also offered advice and tips on how to thrive as a lesbian.
These were their main points;

1.Treasure your friends.
2.Gain nourishment from your community.
3.Birds of a feather flock together.
4.Be adventurous.
5.There are many passionate pursuits and many sources of strength.
6.You need to believe in yourself and care for yourself.
7.Come out and don’t let anyone put you down.

Even if all you do is make a copy and leave it on the train for someone else to find - that would be cool.

Lud

Depression/suicide/health etc

Here is an excerpt of a movie made by Bryce Mackie which is his Experience with Depression and Suicide.

"Crying uncontrollably at the kitchen table, mind racing with thoughts of suicide. How could this happen to a teen who has everything: a budding film career, popular in school, an all-state athlete, a good student, loving parents, and a wonderful girlfriend? Everything was great yet suddenly everything was horrible. Why? Bryce captured his true-life battle with depression and suicide in this 22+ award-winning film. An excellent resource & tool enabling anyone including teenagers, parents and teachers to discuss depression and suicide openly and thus erasing the stigma that still exists today."




If you are interested in seeing more OR want to read the facilitator guide and group questions that have been developed for this go to here

The sex talk!

Yes, we have all been there - the awkward talk from our parents!

I came across this excellent site the other day - your sex health which is a great site - really young person friendly and chock-a-block full of information.

Here's some really interesting thoughts on how parents might see educating their kids on sex;

When families get talking, the topics are likely to span sport, school or your job, what's on TV or at the movies, or who you're hanging out with. But discussions sometimes dry up when the topic is sex.

Parents may want to discuss sex freely and frankly with their kids but lack the skills to know what to say and when to say it. Their children, as they approach adulthood, might feel awkward about raising the subject, and if their parents do it feels invasive of their privacy.

Even in couples where both parents see discussing sex as a shared responsibility, it's common for fathers to leave it to mothers.

It's normal for parents to approach the subject from different directions, according to their personal styles. Some prefer to wait for their children to start a discussion. Others like to keep it a two-way street, ready to either initiate a conversation or respond if their children raise the topic. Parents may wait until the subject comes up through school lessons or a family event or a TV show.

Many parents feel constrained by their own upbringings in how they approach discussing sex. It's not their fault - they're probably passing on some very powerful messages that they learned from their parents. Messages like:

- learning about sex only encourages you to do it

- having sex outside marriage is morally wrong

- nobody taught us about sex and we managed

- it's too personal to talk about- you don't need to know

- my children don't think about sex.

For parents, discussing sex often arouses concerns about their children taking steps towards independence and adulthood. They want their children to grow up but not too quickly.

If your parents aren't able to discuss sex in ways that you find helpful, don't blame them but don't be put off. You are entitled to good information and sound advice, even it doesn't always come from them. Other sources of help could include your doctor, counsellors at your local sex health clinic, school or university, books, reputable Internet sites (including yoursexhealth.org) and phone reproductive health hotlines.

Aren't the thoughts about why parents aviod the topic interesting?

How good would it be if sexual health was freely talked about in the family unit - from a young age?

Do you think we would see some better sexual health outcomes within our communities if sex was easily talked about?

How can we teach parents to just go for it!

Diversity in Health conference

I recently attended and spoke at the 'Diversity in Health' conference held in Sydney from march 10 -12. The conference aim was to bring together Australian and International leaders in diversity health practices across Australia and the world and provide opportunity to engage in dialogue at all levels, about priorities in health including the physical, mental, social and emotional well - being of individuals, communities and society.

One of the fantastic keynote speakers there was Emeritus Professor Anthony J Marsella. Dr Marsellas' talk was about global issues such as the impact of war, refugees, disaster training, globalisation and terrorism. Dr Marsella's message seemed to be that these events effect us here, wherever we are, in a strong and meaning ful way. If you click here you can hear him interviewed on SBS

It was clear from the information presented at this conference that ALL health issues are intertwined. Sexual health, mental health, physical health and well being. Everything is part of everything else.

Job at ShineSA

Anybody interested in working at SHineSA?

Here is one position going soon:

SHine SA is an innovative non-government, primary health care agency working for and with the South Australian community and partner agencies to improve sexual health and well-being. We are recruiting for the following vacancy.
Manager - East West Primary Health Care Team
ASO7
1.0 fte (37.5 hours per week)
Three (3) year contract
$73,189 - $79,445 per annum (as per SHine SA Enterprise Agreement)
currently based at Woodville
The Manager contributes to the promotion and improvement of the sexual health of the community, through the effective and efficient management of the human, physical and financial resources of the East/West Primary Health Care Team.
Essential requirements of the position are detailed in the job and person specification

Go here for more information.

Thankful and sad

I found this great site and story by the artist Melinda Kerr.
Here is how her story starts. Please take the time to read the rest and.... reflect on our own practice.

"Let me take you on a journey.
It’s 2007 in the capital city of Rwanda, Kigali.
April; The month of mourning for the atrocities of the genocide 13 years ago.
A wonderful theory.
A hopelessly inadequate practice.
Mourn for only one month, the butchering of your family?
Oh well, at least the government is trying we reason.

In her one room home live herself, her two children and three adopted orphans.Such is the way in Rwanda.She has AIDS.Her husband passed it on before he died.Her 16 year old daughter has AIDS.Most likely from rape.Her fatherless child?Who knows."

Reflect on the services we provide to refugees, new arrivals and the way we treat people. How much do you know about the background of the people you provide services too? How much do you know about the AIDS pandemic, the prevalence in Australia? Other parts of the world?

Where is genocide happening now? What can we do about it?

Lud