Reading is sexy! Sex and 2010 ...

While catching up on some sexuality-related reading, I came across an article entitled The year in sex 2010, and the Brazilian wax.

The article is featured on SexualityToday; it is written by Stephen Snyder, M.D., a NYC sex and couples therapist, psychiatrist and writer.  This article provides an excellent and thorough overview of the biggest sex topics of 2010.  Promiscuity and monogamy, "pink Viagra" and Dan Savage's "It Gets Better Project" are all well worth reading about.

I encourage you to take a look and let me know what you think.

Thanks for reading,

Candice

Governmental HIV/AIDS funding is not enough ...

Until about a year ago, I hadn't given too much thought to HIV/AIDS.  Yes, I had discussed the topic in a general sense and I knew the basics, but I definitely wouldn't have counted myself as an "expert".

I'm still nowhere near to an expert on the topic, but I have learned a great deal in the past year.  As a member of the Board of Directors for the AIDS Committee of Simcoe County, you could say that the issue is much more near and dear to me than it ever was in the past.

HIV/AIDS is a very real issue in Canada; Canadian youth under 29, women and seniors are contracting HIV more than ever before.  The stats speak for themselves:

• Almost 26% of all positive HIV tests in Canada from 1984-2007 were from people under the age of 29

• Females account for 40.9% of positive HIV tests among youth 15-29 years old

• A national study found that approximately 50% to 60% of grade 9 and 11 students think there is a vaccine available to prevent HIV/AIDS

• The same survey found that 36% of grade 11 students think that there is a cure for HIV/AIDS

(Source: K. Cooper, Manager of Community Services - ACSC, October 2010).

Factor in multiple strains of HIV, low rates of condom usage and engagement in risky behaviour (including high-risk drug use) and you've got a breeding ground for HIV/AIDS transmission.  It truly is an epidemic.

The AIDS Committee of Simcoe County is just one of many "ASO's" - AIDS Service Organizations.  The ACSC provides direct support to those living with and affected by HIV/AIDS, as well as education, prevention and outreach programs throughout Simcoe County.  Three hard-working staff serve this entire area, attempting to meet the needs of a diverse population with very limited resources.  The unfortunate reality is that governmental funding to ASO's continues to fall far short of the need.

Please take a moment to read this news article, posted this past Wednesday, in "Xtra".  It's an issue well worth learning about.

Federal HIV/AIDS funding falls short

If you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to email me.

Thanks for reading,

Candice

Resources are sexy!

I have been working on building up a great "Resources" page - so be sure to check it out!  For the most part, I have carefully selected resources which I believe to be professional, accurate and informative.

That said, some of the resources - and particularly those under the "Blogs" heading - are personal blogs regarding sex and sexuality.  Please do not view these if you find them to be offensive, inappropriate or otherwise undesirable.  I have selected these blogs because I find them to be interesting, informative or otherwise entertaining.

New to the Resources page is a section entitled "Toys and Pleasure".  At the moment, it is limited to Come as You Are (CAYA), although I will be adding more links over time.

Please send me an email if you have suggestions or resources you think would be a good addition to my directory.  And as always, thanks for your support!

Candice :)

Pepsi Refresh!

I've submitted an application for a Pepsi Refresh Grant, and I need you to vote for my idea!

The Pepsi Refresh project asks people like ME to submit their ideas for helping their communities.  I am asking you to vote for me to win $5,000 to offer sex ed to at-risk and street involved youth.

Deliverables:

• Youth have the knowledge to make informed, healthy sexual decisions


• Youth have access to accurate sexual health information in a youth-friendly setting


• Youth are better equipped to negotiate sexual decisions with their partner(s)


• Youth have increased awareness of STIs, including HIV, and how to avoid them


• The only such program available to youth in Orillia, Ontario

YOU can vote for me every day between now and February 28.  The top 4 ideas in my category will win $5,000 each.

Please vote for me!  Thank you for your support!

Candice :)