The Benefits of Contraception

I'm a big-time advocate for contraception. There's been study after study and article after article demonstrating the positive effects birth control has on the lives of both women and men. But rather than make you read about all the facts and statistics around birth control, I'm opting to share a video with you instead.

This video from the Guttmacher Institute arrived in my inbox not so long ago, and I was so impressed that I wanted to share it with the world! So world, here's your opportunity to learn about how awesome birth control really is. Although this video uses American statistics, the benefits are the same for women everywhere.

Enjoy!
Candice



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Related Links:

Hormonal Birth Control Options

Non-Hormonal Birth Control Options

Birth Control: You Have Options - 1

Birth Control: You Have Options - 2

Pregnancy & Contraception

Declines in US Teen Births

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Back to the OYC

It has been far too long since I've sat down to enjoy the pleasure of writing. I've missed this!

So, to catch you up on my world ...

Mark and I moved into our new home on Canada Day and have been busy unpacking and settling in. On Friday the house was hit by lightening, which has definitely been a challenging experience. We are now in the process of replacing the luxuries destroyed by the hit ... not to mention anxiously awaiting the repair of our a/c as we hit record temperatures today.

However, this post isn't about our new home (more on that soon!) ... it's about the following announcement:

I am pleased to say that I will be facilitating a workshop tomorrow night at the Orillia Youth Centre. If you haven't been following me for long, you may not know that the OYC is where I "started out" with workshops. I am excited to head back there for some thorough and honest discussion with the youth. We'll be talking about STIs and contraception ... as well as whatever topics come up! If you're in the area, you should stop by and check it out tomorrow (July 18) at 5pm!

I'll let you know how the workshop goes!

Candice :)

The Regression of Sex Education in Utah

I must say, I'm incredibly disappointed that this is really happening. The passing of Bill HB363 19-10 by the Utah Senate is absolutely ridiculous. Dropping sex ed from the curriculum all together, enforcing abstinence-only education as the "this or nothing" option, prohibiting teachers from discussing homosexuality AND prohibiting any discussion of contraception. Not to mention the "married and monogamous only" approach to talking about sex and the complete removal of an optional comprehensive sex ed program.

WAKE UP UTAH SENATE!

Sex is everywhere! How can you possibly think that anything good will come of depriving your students of such a fundamental education? Has the increase of unintended pregnancies and STI infections in Texas taught you nothing?!

For the sake of all children and youth in Utah, I hope this bill doesn't get any further. I thought schools were supposed to prepare children for, y'know, real life.

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Abstinence-Only Sex Ed Bill In Utah Passes Senate, Prohibits Talk Of Homosexuality In Class (VIDEO)

The Huffington Post

Laura Hibbard

First Posted: 03/ 7/2012 12:13 pm Updated: 03/ 7/2012 4:12 pm

 

The Utah state Senate passed a bill Tuesday that would allow schools to drop sex education, prohibit instruction on how to use contraception, and prohibit discussion of homosexuality in class,The Salt Lake Tribune reports.

Legislators passed Senate bill HB363 19-10 after a short debate during which many senators expressed their belief that sex education is meant for the home, not school.

"To replace the parent in the school setting, among people who we have no idea what their morals are, we have no ideas what their values are, yet we turn our children over to them to instruct them in the most sensitive sexual activities in their lives, I think is wrongheaded," Republican state Sen. Stuart Reid said, according to The Salt Lake Tribune.

The bill lifts the current requirement that all public schools must teach sex ed in grades 8 through 12. Districts would decide whether to offer sex ed classes that teach an abstinence-only curriculum, or not offer the course at all.

Teachers would be barred from talking about homosexuality even if asked about it by a student, KTSU-TV reports. They also must restrict their sexual education curriculum to advocating abstinence before marriage and remaining faithful to your spouse.

Those who voted against the bill are concerned that without formal sex ed, students' lack of sex knowledge will spark higher rates of sexually transmitted disease and teen pregnancies in the state.

"I believe knowledge is the most important aspect in anyone's lives," Democratic state Sen. Gene Davis said, according to the Daily Herald. "A child needs the right and correct answer."

Last month, Republican state Rep. Francis Gibson said that in the Utah school district he represents, the abstinence-only curriculum is not producing positive results, and that unexpected teen pregnancy is still a problem.

"I would hope as we make this decision, that we won't think if we say abstinence only, that fairy dust will have been sprinkled and that teen pregnancy will no longer be a problem," Gibson said, according to an earlier piece by the Daily Herald.

This decision by the state Senate to pass the bill comes after similar regulations have passed nationwide. Last November, the Wisconsin state Senate passed legislation requiring schools to promote abstinence in sex ed classes, but didn't prohibit lessons on contraception.

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Watch some of the Senate debate for yourself:



- Candice

Sexy Research: Sex Ed, First Sex

It's time for some sexy research!

I received this article from the Guttmacher Institute this morning. It makes a great case for comprehensive sex education. And you know how I feel about comprehensive sex ed! :)

Note: I've added the emphasis (aka bold and italics).

Read and enjoy!

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SEX EDUCATION LINKED TO DELAY IN FIRST SEX

Teens Getting Information About Both Abstinence and Contraception
Have Healthier Outcomes Than Those Who Receive No Sex Education

Teens who receive formal sex education prior to their first sexual experience demonstrate a range of healthier behaviors at first intercourse than those who receive no sex education at all. This is particularly so when the instruction they receive includes information about both waiting to have sex and methods of birth control. These findings come from a new study, “Consequences of Sex Education on Teen and Young Adult Sexual Behaviors and Outcomes,” by Laura Duberstein Lindberg and Isaac Maddow-Zimet of the Guttmacher Institute.

The authors analyzed data from 4,691 men and women aged 15–24 who participated in the 2006–2008 National Survey of Family Growth. They found that 66% of sexually experienced females and 55% of sexually experienced males reported having received information about both abstinence and birth control prior to first intercourse. Eighteen percent of sexually experienced females and 21% of males had received only abstinence instruction, while 16% of females and 24% of had had no instruction on either topic. However, these measures do not correlate directly with any specific “abstinence-only” or “comprehensive” sex education programs (see below).

Respondents who had received instruction on both abstinence and birth control were older at first sex than their peers who had received no formal instruction and were more likely to have used condoms or other contraceptives at first sex; they also had healthier partnerships. Those who had received only abstinence instruction were more likely to have delayed first intercourse than were those who had had no sex education, but abstinence instruction was not associated with any of the other protective behaviors at first sex. Moreover, condom use at first sex was significantly less likely among females who had had only abstinence instruction than among those who had received information about both abstinence and birth control. The study found no relationship between sex education and current sexual behaviors, suggesting the need for ongoing education after the onset of sexual activity.

“Sex education is important to teens’ healthy development,” said study author Lindberg. “It should cover a wide range of topics, including both how to delay first sex and how to use contraceptives, and should be reinforced over the course of young people’s development. Reaching teens with comprehensive information before they have sex should be a key goal.”

The authors point out that this study is based on the reports of teens and young adults who were asked if they had received formal instruction prior to age 18 on “how to say no to sex” or on “methods of birth control.” The measures do not correlate directly with any specific sex education programs. However, the authors suggest that their findings complement results of program evaluations showing that a comprehensive approach to sex education is associated with healthier sexual behaviors than is an abstinence-only approach.

“Consequences of Sex Education on Teen and Young Adult Sexual Behaviors and Outcomes,” by Laura Duberstein Lindberg and Isaac Maddow-Zimet, is currently available online and will appear in a forthcoming issue of the Journal of Adolescent Health.

For a comprehensive review of research findings on the effectiveness of comprehensive and abstinence-only sex education programs, click here.

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Learn more about the Guttmacher Institute and all they do for sexual and reproductive health!

- Candice

Sexual Satisfaction + Marriage + The Pill = ???

I've read a few articles about this study, and I'm still not entirely sure what to make of it ... but it's definitely worth a read!

The study, involving 2,519 mothers (mainly from the US and Czech Republic), looked at the relationships between the Pill, sexual satisfaction, and marriage. They've reached some pretty interesting conclusions:

Women who meet their partners while taking oral contraceptives (aka "the pill") report less sexual satisfaction in their relationships, as well as less attraction to their partners. That said, these women also report more satisfaction with other parts of their relationship, including the financial support they received from their partner. As well, those women were less likely to split from their partner.

Wondering how all of this works? According to researchers, it's about chemistry.

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The researchers had previously discovered that women's menstrual cycles affect the types of men to which they are most attracted. Part of having "chemistry" with someone is liking his smell, which is determined in part by an immune system molecule called MHC.

People tend to be attracted to partners with MHC types that are dissimilar from their own, probably because this would give their offspring a greater chance of survival by creating a diversified immune system. The pill, however, puts the body into a hormonal state similar to pregnancy — and pregnant women tend to prefer MHC scents that are similar to their own, probably because this would make them feel safe and comfortable around supportive relatives.

That means that if you're taking the pill, you may be more likely to find attractive men whose MHC is similar to your own — but during your regular cycle, these men might seem less your "type."


Indeed, during their most fertile phase, women tend to be drawn to more dominant, masculine men who are more likely to be unfaithful. In contrast, during the second part of their cycle, when they could already be pregnant, they are more attracted to calmer, more nurturing types.

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I'm sure there are many, many factors involved with attraction, sexual satisfaction and relationships ... taking the pill is only one of many influences. Nevertheless, this is pretty interesting research and I'll be watching to see what else the research may reveal.

Read the entire article here: How the Pill Affects Sexual Satisfaction, Lasting Marriage

- Candice

Birth Control Pill Recall

Although brief, this article interested me because it shows just how important clear packaging is to properly using the Pill. After all, the 3% failure rate isn't due to the pill itself - it's due to human error, such as forgetting to take the pill or failing to take it at the same time each day.

[caption id="attachment_1241" align="alignleft" width="199" caption=""The Pill""][/caption]

If simple human error results in a 3% failure rate, I can only imagine what the potential failure rate would be in the case of a mistake like this - wherein the affected pills were put into faulty packaging. Although the pills themselves are completely up to par, the packaging was accidentally turned sideways, so that the lot number, expiry date, and labelled days of the week were no longer visible. Yikes!

The pharmaceutical company, Qualitest, has voluntarily recalled the affected pills. You can read the whole article and access the affected lot #'s here.

Remember, taking the pill at the same time of the day, every day = less risk of unintended pregnancy!

- Candice

Birth Control Options - Part 2

Ok folks, so we’ve already talked about the hormonal methods of birth control -- the pill, the patch, the ring, the IUS and Depo.  If you missed out on the awesomeness of that post, you can check it out right here.

Now it’s time to move on to the non-hormonal methods.  Namely, the IUD, the sponge, Lea Contraceptive, the cervical cap, diaphragm, and spermicide.  Tubal ligation and vasectomy also fit into the “non-hormonal” category, but as they’re permanent, I’ll be talking about them separately.

Notice what’s missing?  Condoms!  I’ll also be covering the male and female condoms in their own post, because condoms are essential to safer sex and they deserve a full shout out!  Let’s get started ...

 

The Intra-Uterine Device (IUD):

[caption id="attachment_1355" align="alignright" width="236" caption="Copper IUD"][/caption]



If you’ve read the previous post, you’ve got a bit of an understanding about how the IUS works.  The IUD is similar, but instead of a cylinder containing hormones, it has a thin copper wire wrapped around it.

As with the IUS, the IUD is inserted by a doctor into a woman’s uterus.  Once inserted, it can stay in place for up to five (5) years.  Your doctor will trim the strings of the IUD so that they hang down into the top of the vagina (they're generally not noticeable by male partners).  The copper wire changes the chemistry in the uterus, killing sperm and preventing implantation.  The IUD is extremely effective - 99% - and has no impact on later fertility once it’s removed.

The IUD may be a good option for women who are looking for long-term, worry-free birth control at a low cost (approx $85 in Ontario).  Like most birth control, the IUD does NOT protect against STIs, and it may even make it easier for a woman to contract an STI, so it’s essential to USE WITH CONDOMS.

 

The Contraceptive Sponge:

[caption id="attachment_1356" align="alignright" width="205" caption="Contraceptive Sponge"][/caption]



Personally, I think that the sponge is pretty cool.  It’s a small, round, disposible sponge soaked in spermicide, which a woman inserts and places at her cervix.  The idea is to kill sperm before they can enter the cervix on their way to the uterus (and egg!).  Once inserted, the sponge protects for 12 hours, even if you have sex multiple times in this period.

That said, the sponge is NOT very effective on its own, so it needs to be used with condoms.  When both condoms and the sponge are used together properly, they are 98% effective.

As with other spermicidal methods, it’s important to know that some people are allergic to spermicide.  Also, some women find that using the sponge leaves them prone to yeast infections.  If you’re not sure if the sponge is a good choice for you, talk to your doctor about other birth control options.  If you want to check it out, the sponge comes in packs of 4 at most drugstores.

And don’t forget, the sponge itself does NOT protect against STIs, so make sure you’re using condoms too!

 

Lea Contraceptive:

[caption id="attachment_1363" align="alignright" width="190" caption="Lea Contraceptive"][/caption]



I have to admit, I’ve never actually seen one of these in person.  That said, they are out there and people are using them, so I’ve done some research to be able to educate you!

The Lea Contraceptive is a small device made of soft silicone.  A woman inserts it into the vagina, in front of the cervix, to prevent sperm from getting in.  On it’s own, it’s not all that effective -- about 87%.  With spermicide, it jumps up to 91.3% effectiveness, but that’s still a pretty high failure rate when you consider other contraceptive options.  On the plus side, the Lea Contraceptive is reusable, and can be left in place for up to 8 hours.

As with most birth control options, the Lea Contraceptive does NOT protect against STIs.  To improve your protection, always use condoms as well.

 

Cervical Cap:

[caption id="attachment_1359" align="alignright" width="190" caption="Cervical Cap"][/caption]



I have one of these in my sex ed kit, and they’re pretty neat.  The cervical cap is just that - a small, flexible cap.  Made of silicone, the cervical cap fits against (thereby covering) the cervix, preventing sperm from entering the cervix.  To increase effectiveness, the cap needs to be filled with spermicide before it is inserted.

Some women like the cap because it offers them privacy and control.  Because the cervical cap needs to fit properly, a doctor needs to determine what size of cap you need before you purchase it.

Because of the variation in fit, effectiveness can also vary quite a bit. It’s also much more effective in women who have not given birth.  Statistically speaking:

In women who have NOT given birth before: If the cap fits you well and you insert it properly every time you have sex, the failure rate of the cervical cap is about 9% (meaning that if 100 women use the cap perfectly for a year, 9 of them are likely to get pregnant).  That said, nobody is perfect, and “typical use” (meaning how most people will use the cap) failure is 20% (so 20 of those 100 women will become pregnant over the course of a year).

In women who HAVE given birth: the failure rate is much higher.  Perfect use still has a failure rate of 26%, and typical use fails 40% of the time.  Yikes!

It’s crucial to use condoms with the cap, both because of the high failure rate and because it does NOT protect against STIs.

 

Diaphragm

[caption id="attachment_1357" align="alignright" width="214" caption="Diaphragm"][/caption]



Even if you’ve never seen one, you may have heard of the Diaphragm before now.  In fact, a relative of the modern diaphragm has been around since at least the mid-1800s, although they’ve certainly made a few improvements along the way!

The diaphragm is a thin, dome-shaped latex cap used to cover the entrance to the cervix.  In order to be effective, the diaphragm must be filled with cream or foam spermicide before it is inserted.  The diaphragm offers privacy and control to women, who insert it prior to having intercourse.  That said, the failure rate is higher than some other methods of contraception (but lower than the cervical cap) -- at about 4-8%.

Women who choose the diaphragm may find it difficult to insert at first or discover that it doesn’t fit them properly.  It’s essential to use condoms with the diaphragm, as it DOES NOT protect against STIs. As well, some women may develop urinary tract infections (UTIs) while using it.

 

Spermicide

[caption id="attachment_1358" align="alignright" width="240" caption="Spermicidal Film"][/caption]



While spermicide used to be frequently recommended, it's taken more of a back seat in recent years as researchers have learned more about it.  That said, some individuals and couples still choose it as a contraceptive option and it’s certainly worth discussing.

Spermicide is composed of a chemical called nonoxynol-9 and is available in the form of cream (for diaphragms), gels, foam, film or suppository.  Once inserted into the vagina (in front of the cervix), spermicide destroys sperm on contact.  Alone, their effectiveness is quite limited (6-21% failure rate) and spermicide should always be used in conjunction with another method of contraception (ideally a condom).

Although spermicide offers some protection from bacterial infections, it does NOT offer protection from STIs overall.  In fact, spermicide alone may increase the risk of HIV infection, so it’s essential to use it with a condom for protection from STIs.  The reason for this potential risk increase is that spermicide may irritate the vagina, penis and anus, leaving those areas more vulnerable to infection.  Spermicide can also be messy, and must be inserted shortly before sex, as it’s only effective for an hour.

 

Now that we've covered the hormonal methods of birth control and most of the non-hormonal methods, it's time to get ready for Birth Control Options - Part 3 -- CONDOMS!

Birth Control: You have options! Part 1

Those of use who live in North America are fortunate in many ways, one of which happens to be that we have choice!  More specifically, we have more than a dozen contraceptive (birth control) options available to us!

I have noticed, however, that many people are not aware of the multitude of options available to them.  So, let's talk about them!  This is the first in a brief series of blog posts which feature different contraceptive options.  In each post, I will list and give a brief overview of different contraceptives.

Contraceptives are typically broken down into a three main categories: hormonal methods, non-hormonal methods, and natural methods.  This post discusses hormonal methods.

Hormonal Methods: Used by females, these methods prevent conception (pregnancy) by altering the woman's hormonal state.

The Pill:

[caption id="attachment_1241" align="alignright" width="173" caption=""The Pill""][/caption]



Also known as "Oral Contraceptive", the Pill is widely used and often misunderstood.  Millions upon millions of women rely on the Pill, making it one of the most prescribed medications in the world.  Taken every day by mouth (at the same time is best), the pill is highly effective.  It works by preventing ovulation, thickening mucus and thinning the uterine lining.

The pill does NOT protect against STIs and should be used with condoms.

When used perfectly the pill is 99.9% effective; however, most of us aren't perfect and there is a 3% user failure rate.  The pill isn't for everyone, though, so talk to your doctor if you're interested. 

 

The Patch:

[caption id="attachment_1242" align="alignright" width="221" caption="The Patch (Evra)"][/caption]



Available since 2004 (Canada), the patch (aka Evra) is a relatively new method of birth control.  The patch is exactly that -- a 4cm x 4 cm patch that sticks to a woman’s skin, releasing hormones into the bloodstream.  These hormones are the same type as those found in the pill, and the patch works in the same way (preventing ovulation, thickening mucus and thinning the uterine lining).  Each patch is worn on the skin for seven (7) days -- one patch per week for three weeks, followed by a week off.

The patch does NOT protect against STIs and should be used with condoms.

The patch has the same effectiveness for the pill -- over 99% when used perfectly, and about 97% with typical use.  The patch may be good for women who have trouble remembering to take the pill every day.  Like the pill, the patch is not for everyone -- talk to your doctor to see if it’s right for you.

 

The Ring:

[caption id="attachment_1243" align="alignright" width="187" caption="NuvaRing"][/caption]

The ring (NuvaRingTM) is another relatively new birth control method.  The ring itself is made of a soft, flexible, clear plastic and is just over 5cm in diameter.  It is inserted into a woman’s vagina, where it slowly releases hormones for three (3) weeks.  The hormones are the same as those found in the pill and the patch.

The ring works in the same way as the pill and the patch -- it prevents ovulation, thickens mucus and thins the uterine lining.  It does NOT provide a physical barrier to sperm and it does NOT provide protection from STIs.  It should be used with condoms.

The ring has the same effectiveness as the pill and the patch  -- over 99% when used perfectly, and about 97% with typical use.  The ring may be a good option for women who have trouble remembering to take the pill every day, because it is left in the vagina for three weeks.  As with all contraceptives, the ring is not for everyone -- talk to your doctor to see if it's right for you.

 

The IUS:


[caption id="attachment_1244" align="alignright" width="199" caption="IUS"][/caption]

Also known as Mirena, the IUS is a highly effective, long-term birth control option.  It is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy, and can be used for up to five (5) years.

The IUS is a T-shaped device with a small cylinder containing the hormone levonorgestrel.  Because it is worn internally, the IUS must be inserted into the uterus by a doctor.  Once in place, the cylinder slowly releases the hormone, which thins the lining of the uterus and thickens cervical mucus.

Once in place, the IUS offers reliable, long-term and reversible contraception without the use of estrogen.  It may be a good choice for women who are seeking long-term contraception without having to worry about it on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.  Once removed by a doctor, a woman’s ability to become pregnant returns.

The IUS does NOT provide protection from STIs -- it is important that women using the IUS use condoms to prevent infections.

As with all contraceptives, the IUS is not for everyone -- talk to your doctor to see if it's right for you.

Depo Provera:

[caption id="attachment_1255" align="alignright" width="145" caption="Depo Provera"][/caption]



Depo-Provera®, also known as “the birth control shot”, is another type of hormonal birth control.  It does not contain estrogen, making it an option for women who cannot use other hormonal methods because of the estrogen.  Given by needle every 12-13 weeks, it is 99.7% effective in preventing pregnancy.  However, Depo causes loss of bone density and is usually only recommended for women who cannot use other contraceptive methods.

Depo works by preventing a woman’s ovaries from releasing an egg and thinning the lining of the uterus.  As with other hormonal methods, Depo does NOT offer protection from STIs and should be used with condoms.

Talk to your doctor to get more information about Depo Provera.

 

Coming soon - related content!

"Birth Control: What do those words mean?" and "Let's Talk Contraception".

 

Newsworthy Sex - Vol 1: Sex education in the schools

We are bombarded by sex every day.  All we have to do is turn on the tv, listen to the radio, flip through a magazine ... you get the picture.  Unfortunately, most of the sex we see and hear about is unrealistic, scandalous, or even downright ridiculous.

So, I'm on the hunt for real, newsworthy sex.

Today, I am featuring a fascinating video clip from CBC Archives, entitled "Sex education in the schools".  This Canadian clip was aired on Oct. 23, 1969.  The clip is over 26 minutes long and very informative.

I find it fascinating that so many issues we're struggling with now - what to teach kids about sex in schools, how young is too young, whether this kind of education is appropriate, and whether to even teach sex ed in schools - are the issues discussed in this clip over 40 years ago.

This clip features teachers, parents and children, voicing a number of opinions about the concept of sex education in schools.  You can find the clip here - enjoy!

*Did you know?


• Sex education in the schools became a hot topic in Canada around 1967. According to the Globe and Mail, an Ontario legislative committee on youth that year recommended a curriculum consisting of "family living; planned parenthood; morals and sex in our culture; the sex act and the reproductive process; contraception; venereal diseases; the psychological and emotional implications of sex."

• Others in the education system were vehemently opposed to teaching about sex in the schools. In 1969, the Globe and Mail reported on a Toronto trustee who appeared at a school board meeting to denounce the concept as "a Communist plot."

Source: Sex education in the schools. The CBC Digital Archives Website.  Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.  Last updated: July 9, 2008.  http://archives.cbc.ca/society/education/clips/15389/

Let's make this FUN!

Another workshop tonight, complete with guest speaker and warm fuzzies!

[caption id="attachment_215" align="alignleft" width="137" caption="HIV/AIDS Ribbon"][/caption]

This time I started the workshop with the activity, rather than saving it until the end.  I learned pretty quickly that if I ever switch things around like that again, it would be a good idea to plan another activity for the end of the session as well.  Tonight was the first time that I have received requests for more games and activities, and I will be sure to follow through on that!  After all, the activities and games are my favourite part as well!

My guest speaker tonight was Karyn, Manager of Community Services at the AIDS Committee of Simcoe County (ACSC) and one of my placement supervisors.  It was great to have her knowledge and expertise and the youth had plenty of excellent questions.  I am so proud of the progress that the youth have learned so much and have made so much progress.  I think that it was very wise to begin the workshop with the hands-on topics, such as anatomy, contraception and STIs and save the personal stuff for the later weeks.  Next week I am discussing relationships and healthy decision making.  The rest of the workshop is much more person-oriented rather than activity-oriented, although I am always open to any questions that may come up!

As always, thank you for your support!

Step by step!

So much is happening this week, and I don't have enough time (or energy) to tell it all right now. I was in Toronto today for "ASIST" - Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training. To get there, we left at 6am ... so it's been a long day. Not to mention, we're doing it all again tomorrow!

I have a surprise coming soon, and I can't wait to unveil it to you! All I can say is, this blog is going to be moving soon! In the meantime, I will try to keep you entertained by telling you about what I am doing in workshop this week.

This week's activity is called "Contraceptive Connection". I had the brainwave for the oh-so-clever name last week and I'm pretty excited about the activity (as usual!). It's like a combination of jeopardy + tic-tac-toe + sequence + Candice's awesome creativity. Ok I added the last part in myself ...

I haven't made the game board yet, but it will be more-or-less an oversized tic-tac-toe board. My objective is to engage the kids with the info (cleverly posted around the OYC) while encouraging fun and watching them strive for chocolate prizes!

I am continuing to spread the word about my workshop, as well as this blog. I am thrilled to say that I am making connections and - hopefully - building interest in what I'm doing. As I mentioned in my first blog post, I decided in the fall that this placement would be exactly what I wanted it to be - and I made that happen. I'm thrilled with the results.

Stay tuned ... for now, I must sleep, but I will write more as soon as I can!

:)
Candice

What's that in the giant box you're carrying around?

For those of you who didn't know, my wonderful college monitor put in a request for me, and the CYW program has purchased a SEX ED KIT! YYYYYYYYAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYY!!!!

I'm soooooo thrilled and excited about this! If you click on the link, you will see that this particular (amazing!) kit is not all that cheap ... and definitely beyond my grasp at the time (if you want to donate to the "Candice needs a sex ed teaching kit" fund, please contact me! I'll thank you personally! Tee hee).

As soon as I could, I opened it up and went through everything ... and it has pretty much EVERYTHING I could want! Condoms, a woody, six different samples of the pill, a nuvaring, an IUD, samples of the patch, a sponge, a female condom, a cervical cap, vaginal film (spermicide), jelly (spermicide) ... the list goes on and on! To show just how excited I am about this kit, I had Mark take a picture of me holding it open! And yes, it's nearly as tall as I am ...


This is great!!!! I couldn't possibly ask for anything better! In addition to all of the teaching supplies, it comes loaded with some print materials too ... pamphlets, booklets, and educational resources. I'm sure I'll add a few things to it while I'm using it! After all, there's no such thing as too many sex ed resources!

In addition to the arrival of "my" kit (yes I know, it's not mine, but I'm going to refer to it as "mine" rather than "the CYW program's sex ed kit") ... I have had a great week in terms of spreading the word about my workshop. Which reminds me - if you know of ANYONE whom you think might be interested in what I'm doing, please pass this along! I am trying to spread the word as much as I possibly can, and I appreciate any and all networking assistance! I've been talking with several people who are interested in what I'm doing, which is wonderful! The word is spreading amongst the youth as well!

THANK YOU for reading, THANK YOU for following, THANK YOU for forwarding, and THANK YOU for your support and well-wishes!