Really cool idea of approaching sexual health from a local community level: here is what they say in thier intro blurb..
More and more decisions about health services are now taken at a local level, and decision-makers have to take the views of local communities into account. This means that your voice is more important than ever, and you can have a huge impact on changing and improving sexual health, contraceptive and HIV services locally.
Through this website, you can access local data about sexual health, find out how decisions about local priorities are made, and take action by contacting key decision-makers in your area.
Together, we can improve sexual health in your community!
Go here to have a look - http://www.shoutloud.org.uk/
Monday, September 21, 2009
Monday, September 14, 2009
Global Patterns of Mortality in Young People
Some VERY interesting reading from the Lancet Journal volume 374 issue 9693: I suggest you go to the Lancet and join to read the full article.
Findings
2·6 million deaths occurred in people aged 10—24 years in 2004. 2·56 million (97%) of these deaths were in low-income and middle-income countries, and almost two thirds (1·67 million) were in sub-Saharan Africa and southeast Asia. Pronounced rises in mortality rates were recorded from early adolescence (10—14 years) to young adulthood (20—24 years), but reasons varied by region and sex. Maternal conditions were a leading cause of female deaths at 15%. HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis contributed to 11% of deaths. Traffic accidents were the largest cause and accounted for 14% of male and 5% of female deaths. Other prominent causes included violence (12% of male deaths) and suicide (6% of all deaths).
Regional differences in age of onset of sexual activity and availability and accessibility of condoms, contraception, safe abortion, antenatal and obstetric care, and HIV testing are some of the reasons for the rise in female mortality with age.4, 35 High maternal mortality rates in some low-income and middle-income countries have been previously described,36 and are the target of the fifth Millennium Development Goal. Prominence of maternal death in this young age-group should be a further incentive for promotion of developmentally appropriate sexual and reproductive health services for young people.35 In view of the high number of deaths due to abortion, to ensure not only that contraception is available but also that all abortions are safe would do much towards reduction of mortality in young women.37 In regions without substantial maternal mortality, rates of female deaths generally remained low throughout adolescence and young adulthood.
In males, injury deaths contributed most to the rise in mortality with age worldwide, but rates and patterns of causes varied substantially across regions. Injuries account for around 10% of worldwide mortality for all ages, but in people aged 10—24 years they accounted for more than 40% of all deaths and about half of male deaths.16, 38 The importance of injury deaths in young people in high-income countries has been recognised.12, 13 However, injury mortality was most prominent in low-income and middle-income countries. This finding emphasises the need for heightened investment in injury-prevention programmes for this age-group.39 Diverse responses are needed because patterns of injury deaths varied substantially between regions. An increase in traffic-related deaths in many high-income countries up until the 1980s resulted in coordinated intersectoral policy responses, with a subsequent fall in mortality.9, 40 Typical preventive measures include investments in road infrastructure, compulsory seatbelts and helmets, and enforcement of legislation for use of alcohol and other drugs when driving.
Findings
2·6 million deaths occurred in people aged 10—24 years in 2004. 2·56 million (97%) of these deaths were in low-income and middle-income countries, and almost two thirds (1·67 million) were in sub-Saharan Africa and southeast Asia. Pronounced rises in mortality rates were recorded from early adolescence (10—14 years) to young adulthood (20—24 years), but reasons varied by region and sex. Maternal conditions were a leading cause of female deaths at 15%. HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis contributed to 11% of deaths. Traffic accidents were the largest cause and accounted for 14% of male and 5% of female deaths. Other prominent causes included violence (12% of male deaths) and suicide (6% of all deaths).
Regional differences in age of onset of sexual activity and availability and accessibility of condoms, contraception, safe abortion, antenatal and obstetric care, and HIV testing are some of the reasons for the rise in female mortality with age.4, 35 High maternal mortality rates in some low-income and middle-income countries have been previously described,36 and are the target of the fifth Millennium Development Goal. Prominence of maternal death in this young age-group should be a further incentive for promotion of developmentally appropriate sexual and reproductive health services for young people.35 In view of the high number of deaths due to abortion, to ensure not only that contraception is available but also that all abortions are safe would do much towards reduction of mortality in young women.37 In regions without substantial maternal mortality, rates of female deaths generally remained low throughout adolescence and young adulthood.
In males, injury deaths contributed most to the rise in mortality with age worldwide, but rates and patterns of causes varied substantially across regions. Injuries account for around 10% of worldwide mortality for all ages, but in people aged 10—24 years they accounted for more than 40% of all deaths and about half of male deaths.16, 38 The importance of injury deaths in young people in high-income countries has been recognised.12, 13 However, injury mortality was most prominent in low-income and middle-income countries. This finding emphasises the need for heightened investment in injury-prevention programmes for this age-group.39 Diverse responses are needed because patterns of injury deaths varied substantially between regions. An increase in traffic-related deaths in many high-income countries up until the 1980s resulted in coordinated intersectoral policy responses, with a subsequent fall in mortality.9, 40 Typical preventive measures include investments in road infrastructure, compulsory seatbelts and helmets, and enforcement of legislation for use of alcohol and other drugs when driving.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Are t shirt messages harmful?
The following is a response that one of the SE&X course participants made to questions about 2 particular tshirts. Very interesting reading
"You know, there are so many people out there with t-shirts like the first and I think they are being sold and worn without people thinking about the impacts of them which is quite sad.
Recently in the news they told a story of a parents group that banned a t-shirt for babies saying 'they shake me' because of the negative message in which it sent about physical abuse. I don't see why the message on this t-shirt shouldn't be treated any differently as it can be viewed as sexual abuse where the message is unwanted by viewers.
In addition 'future MILF' implies that a young girl/ woman is wearing the t-shirt setting up an expectation that a female is successful if she has a certain appearance and certain behaviours which deem her to be 'sexy' enough to have people run after her. Furthermore, it is another example of fashion trying to sexualise young people at a young age.
The second picture is humurous where I can imagine people laughing at it because it is unrealistic. Unfortunately however, in every joke there is some truth whereby the message does stick, potentially distorting the image of males for all.
If a young person was wearing one of these (i.e. someone I was in contact with because of my work) I would point out that it was an interesting t-shirt, ask where they purchased it and why they picked that one. It would be interesting to find out what they interpreted the message to be and discuss further.
The impact of the slogan depends on the slogan itself I think. There are some slogans on t-shirts which really makes someone think and/ or re-evaluate their own values and attitudes towards a particular topic. However, the use of other slogans such as the featured through mediums such as fashion I believe can have a negative effect. We already know the impacts that the media have on body image and self-esteem and fashion is just another form of media. The more we are surrounded by messages such as these, the more they become acceptable and believable which can be a dangerous path for our concept of body and self image.
As a final note for some personal reflection - if I was usually confronted by these t-shirts in a shop or on a friend I'd probably have a bit of a laugh. It's not until you really think about the impacts that you realise that they are not so funny. Good activity."
"You know, there are so many people out there with t-shirts like the first and I think they are being sold and worn without people thinking about the impacts of them which is quite sad.
Recently in the news they told a story of a parents group that banned a t-shirt for babies saying 'they shake me' because of the negative message in which it sent about physical abuse. I don't see why the message on this t-shirt shouldn't be treated any differently as it can be viewed as sexual abuse where the message is unwanted by viewers.
In addition 'future MILF' implies that a young girl/ woman is wearing the t-shirt setting up an expectation that a female is successful if she has a certain appearance and certain behaviours which deem her to be 'sexy' enough to have people run after her. Furthermore, it is another example of fashion trying to sexualise young people at a young age.
The second picture is humurous where I can imagine people laughing at it because it is unrealistic. Unfortunately however, in every joke there is some truth whereby the message does stick, potentially distorting the image of males for all.
If a young person was wearing one of these (i.e. someone I was in contact with because of my work) I would point out that it was an interesting t-shirt, ask where they purchased it and why they picked that one. It would be interesting to find out what they interpreted the message to be and discuss further.
The impact of the slogan depends on the slogan itself I think. There are some slogans on t-shirts which really makes someone think and/ or re-evaluate their own values and attitudes towards a particular topic. However, the use of other slogans such as the featured through mediums such as fashion I believe can have a negative effect. We already know the impacts that the media have on body image and self-esteem and fashion is just another form of media. The more we are surrounded by messages such as these, the more they become acceptable and believable which can be a dangerous path for our concept of body and self image.
As a final note for some personal reflection - if I was usually confronted by these t-shirts in a shop or on a friend I'd probably have a bit of a laugh. It's not until you really think about the impacts that you realise that they are not so funny. Good activity."
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Sex and Ethics Resource
ShineSA has recently added the new resource 'Sex and Ethics: The sexual ethics education program for young people.'Moira Carmody : PALGRAVE Macmillon Australia ( 2009)
This is a great resource that aims to promote ethical. non violent relathionships of young women and men aged 16 - 25 years. This is a 6 week program with activities, handouts, overheads etcetc.
If you are running programs with young people it is well worth a look. Come on in and check it out.
This is a great resource that aims to promote ethical. non violent relathionships of young women and men aged 16 - 25 years. This is a 6 week program with activities, handouts, overheads etcetc.
If you are running programs with young people it is well worth a look. Come on in and check it out.
Hard on sex ads
Talkshow hosts condemn sex ads
Jonathan Dart
August 27, 2009
from www.smh.com.au
DESPITE spending more than $6 million a year spruiking its products on the airwaves, the Advanced Medical Institute was criticised by Sydney's biggest talkshow hosts yesterday. Ray Hadley and Mike Carlton delivered harsh rebukes to the company in spite of their respective stations, 2GB and 2UE, broadcasting AMI's advertisements.
It follows a parliamentary public hearing into AMI's business practices on Friday, which heard testimony from medical experts who said the company was ''concerned with its balance sheet rather than patient need''.
An injunction preventing the Herald publishing the testimonies was varied on Tuesday by the NSW Supreme Court. Hadley told listeners the advertisements were offensive. ''I'd rather we didn't have those ads on this radio station but I don't get much say in that,'' he said. ''They're a legal entity, they can advertise as they see fit. All I can do is tell you I don't read their commercials.''
Carlton quoted experts in the Herald's story, who described AMI's commercials as ''carefully constructed legal fiction''.
''There have been no more-criticised ads in my commercial radio career,'' he said. ''A great many listeners hate and loathe them and find them grossly offensive.''
A 2008 report by Nielsen Media found AMI spent $19.7 million on advertising last year, 31 per cent of it on radio.
That figure is expected to have grown, given that the company's advertising budgets have been increasing by more than 50 per cent year on year.
A company spokesman, Richard Doyle, appeared on both programs, saying medical experts who provided testimony at the parliamentary hearings were biased because they were competitors. He also criticised the Herald's coverage.
''The report in the Herald was highly biased and is consistent with their usual biased reporting on these issues,'' he said.
Mr Doyle, who also gave testimony at the hearing denying the allegations against AMI, quoted a private study in which 75 per cent of people did not find AMI advertisements offensive. He denied contracts were restrictive on customers, saying that 70 per cent of people changed their minds about the product before receiving the medication.
Asked if the company was reconsidering advertising with the stations after yesterday's comments, Mr Doyle said he was waiting to hear the full segments. ''It's very hard for me to comment without listening to the audio and understanding fully what was said.''
Join the conversation
Monday, August 24, 2009
what sexual scientists know
What Sexual Scientists Know...
The What Sexual Scientists Know About... series of brochures were developed to communicate sexuality research findings to the broader community through brief informational brochures about various sexuality related topics. These brochures will consider important sexual issues. There is no charge for an individual copy of a brochure. If you wish to order multiple copies or receive information about future brochures in this series, contact the publisher at:
Go here to see more
The What Sexual Scientists Know About... series of brochures were developed to communicate sexuality research findings to the broader community through brief informational brochures about various sexuality related topics. These brochures will consider important sexual issues. There is no charge for an individual copy of a brochure. If you wish to order multiple copies or receive information about future brochures in this series, contact the publisher at:
Go here to see more
Sexual Communication
Interesting that we dont often talk openly about the kinds of communcation we use between sexual partners. Just like all other forms of communication there are specific ways that we speak ( or dont speak), touch, look, invade/engage in other peoples space etcetc:
I have just been reading a great little article on communicating in sexual health.(Uni of Sydney course notes) It quotes a beatiful passage from the book Urge by G. Morrissey ( 2002) (pg 112-113)
" Whispering sweet nothings, dirty talk, groaning, shouting his/her name, yes yes yes, are all good forms of communication, but they arent particularly helpful in terms of giving good head. If something isnt working for you SPEAK UP! Or if you are wondering whether what you are doing is hitting hte right spot, Ask."
This just made me wonder? When we teach young people about sexual health and relationships, should we also be teaching about how to communicate in a sexual situation??
I have just been reading a great little article on communicating in sexual health.(Uni of Sydney course notes) It quotes a beatiful passage from the book Urge by G. Morrissey ( 2002) (pg 112-113)
" Whispering sweet nothings, dirty talk, groaning, shouting his/her name, yes yes yes, are all good forms of communication, but they arent particularly helpful in terms of giving good head. If something isnt working for you SPEAK UP! Or if you are wondering whether what you are doing is hitting hte right spot, Ask."
This just made me wonder? When we teach young people about sexual health and relationships, should we also be teaching about how to communicate in a sexual situation??
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
New information from LaTrobe re teen sexual health
Teenage sexual health snapshots
04 Aug 2009
04 Aug 2009
Four 'snapshots' of findings in the Fourth National Survey in the Sexual Health of Secondary School Students.
1) Young women’s knowledge of cervical cancer can be improved
2) Teenage oral sex increases
3) Teens turn to mothers and teachers for sex info
4) Unwanted sex- teens feeling pressured to take the plunge
Sexual Health for the Millenium Declaration
The World Association for Sexual Health ( WAS) has developed a sexual health declaration for ALL people.
It States the following:
1.Recognize, promote, ensure and protect sexual rights for all
Sexual rights are an integral component of basic human rights and therefore are inalienable and universal. Sexual health is an integral component of the right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health. Sexual health cannot be obtained or maintained without sexual rights for all.
2. Advance toward gender equity: Sexual health requires gender equity and respect. Gender-related inequities and imbalances of power deter constructive and harmonic human interactions and therefore the attainment of sexual health.
3. Condemn, combat and reduce all forms of sexuality related violence: Sexual health cannot be attained until people are free of stigma, discrimination, sexual abuse, coercion and violence.
4. Provide universal access to comprehensive sexuality education and information.
To achieve sexual health, all individuals, including youth, must have access to comprehensive sexuality education and sexual health information and services throughout the life cycle.
5. Ensure that reproductive health programs recognize the centrality of sexual health
Reproduction is one of the critical dimensions of human sexuality and may contribute to strengthening relationships and personal fulfillment when desired and planned. Sexual health encompasses reproductive health. Current reproductive health programs must be broadened to address the various dimensions of sexuality and sexual health in a comprehensive manner.
6. Halt and reverse the spread of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Universal access to effective prevention, voluntary counseling and testing, comprehensive care and treatment of HIV/AIDS and other STI are equally essential to sexual health. Programs that assure universal access must be scaled up immediately.
7. Identify, address and treat sexual concerns, dysfunctions and disorders
Since sexual concerns, dysfunctions and disorders impact quality of life, it is critical to recognize, prevent and treat sexual concerns, dysfunctions and disorders.
8. Achieve recognition of sexual pleasure as a component of holistic health and well-being
Sexual health is more than the absence of disease. The right to sexual pleasure should be universally recognized and promoted. It is essential that international, regional, national and local plans of action for sustainabledevelopment prioritize sexual health interventions, allocate sufficient resources, address systemic,structural and community barriers and monitor progress.
Approved by the WAS General Assembly on April 17th, 2007, Sydney, Australia
It States the following:
1.Recognize, promote, ensure and protect sexual rights for all
Sexual rights are an integral component of basic human rights and therefore are inalienable and universal. Sexual health is an integral component of the right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health. Sexual health cannot be obtained or maintained without sexual rights for all.
2. Advance toward gender equity: Sexual health requires gender equity and respect. Gender-related inequities and imbalances of power deter constructive and harmonic human interactions and therefore the attainment of sexual health.
3. Condemn, combat and reduce all forms of sexuality related violence: Sexual health cannot be attained until people are free of stigma, discrimination, sexual abuse, coercion and violence.
4. Provide universal access to comprehensive sexuality education and information.
To achieve sexual health, all individuals, including youth, must have access to comprehensive sexuality education and sexual health information and services throughout the life cycle.
5. Ensure that reproductive health programs recognize the centrality of sexual health
Reproduction is one of the critical dimensions of human sexuality and may contribute to strengthening relationships and personal fulfillment when desired and planned. Sexual health encompasses reproductive health. Current reproductive health programs must be broadened to address the various dimensions of sexuality and sexual health in a comprehensive manner.
6. Halt and reverse the spread of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Universal access to effective prevention, voluntary counseling and testing, comprehensive care and treatment of HIV/AIDS and other STI are equally essential to sexual health. Programs that assure universal access must be scaled up immediately.
7. Identify, address and treat sexual concerns, dysfunctions and disorders
Since sexual concerns, dysfunctions and disorders impact quality of life, it is critical to recognize, prevent and treat sexual concerns, dysfunctions and disorders.
8. Achieve recognition of sexual pleasure as a component of holistic health and well-being
Sexual health is more than the absence of disease. The right to sexual pleasure should be universally recognized and promoted. It is essential that international, regional, national and local plans of action for sustainabledevelopment prioritize sexual health interventions, allocate sufficient resources, address systemic,structural and community barriers and monitor progress.
Approved by the WAS General Assembly on April 17th, 2007, Sydney, Australia
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