12 Tips For Parents: Talking To Your Kids About Sex

ou've just found out your son or daughter is getting sex education at public school and you want to give them the Islamic perspective on it.

Or your kids have started asking the “where do babies come from” question.

But you just can't get over your tongue-tying embarrassment. Imagine! If your father or mother, back in Cairo or Karachi, heard of this they'd be stunned and question your parenting skills!

Here are some tips that can help you talk to your kids about the “s” word.

Tip #1: Start Early

Ideally sex education is not provided to kids in a reactionary fashion. Rather, it's given from the beginning in an indirect manner.

This means the child has to have a strong sense of identity and an understanding of what his or her values are.

“Parents are going to have sit down and explain their values to their own children. And this needs to start young, before the society influences them,” says Marilyn Morris, a Christian, who is president and founder of Aim for Success. The organization promotes abstinence from sex through speeches and presentations to students in grades six to 12. The group is one of the largest providers of abstinence education in the United States.

She says it is also important to explain to kids why you hold those values. For example, why do you not approve of sex outside of marriage, whether this is for religious and/or health reasons.

Tip #2: Give the child age-appropriate sex education

Starting to teach different topics at the right age is also important.

For example, a boy of eight may notice his mom does not pray some time during the month and may ask why. At this point, it can simply be said this is a time when Allah has excused women from praying. At the age of 12 or 13, a parent can introduce the topic of menstruation, and by that point, he will be able to make the connection.

Another way topics of a sexual nature can be introduced is while the child is reading the Quran. When the child reads verses about sexual intercourse, menstruation, or homosexuality, for example, this can be explained in a matter-of-fact manner.

Sex can also be discussed in the context of cleanliness in Islam at a certain age. For example, by the age of six or seven, a child must know how to clean him or herself after using the toilet.

After this at about eleven or twelve, the issue of Ghusl can be raised and when it is necessary (i.e. after sexual intercourse, after menstruation, etc).

As well, parents should sit with their children individually, not all together to explain various age-appropriate topics related to sex.

Some of the topics to talk about include modesty, decency, conduct and behavior .

But these should not be presented as just a bunch of rules to be followed. Rather the wisdom behind, for example, the Islamic dress code and lowering the gaze for both sexes should be explained.

Tip #3: Parents should build a good relationship with their kids

Proper sex education can only be given if the correct messages are being sent explicitly and implicitly by parents.

There has to be openness, not a rigid and dogmatic atmosphere at home.

“I'm talking about a loving relationship at home between the parents,” says Khadija Haffajee an Islamic activist and a retired school teacher from the Ottawa-Carleton region of Canada. She has spent about 30 years working in the public school system. “That there's love between the parents, there's affection. They [the kids] can see this, how they talk to each other, the respect that's there.”

Tip #4: Be an example

This goes hand in hand with being a role model, which is the best way to teach and transmit values to children.

That means not only should children be exposed to a healthy male-female relationship when they see their parents. It also means parents do not engage in activities which undermine their views on sexuality.

For instance, “being careful themselves about what they watch on T.V. or what movies they go to see, “ is crucial says Morris “because that ‘s a bad influence on us at any age. And if our children see us doing it why shouldn't they as well?”

This also means setting an example in other aspects of life by following the same rules you expect your kids to follow. For example, if you're running late, call children and let them know, show them the same courtesy you expect from them, explains Morris.

Tip #5: Meet with others who share your values

It is necessary for children to not just see the embodiment of Islamic values at home. They must also experience this in contacts with other Muslim children and families, says Haffajee.

They must see that family life the Islamic way is not just something their own family practices, but it's something others do as well.

This makes it more “normal” for the child, who in public school may have friends or acquaintances with homosexual parents (two mommies or two daddies), parents who are having sex outside of marriage (mom's boyfriend, dad's girlfriend) or other types of unacceptable relationships.

Tip #6: Get involved with your children's school

Depending on a parent's schedule, this can mean different things. Most of the time, public schools encourage parents' active participation through channels like Parent and Teachers' Associations (PTAs) or as elected school board members.

Haffajee explains that more and more schools will be decentralized and will have more power at the PTA level, for instance. Another forum for involvement is running in school board elections. School boards run all the schools in one district.

But if this is too much of a commitment for you as a parent, at least be in contact with your child's teacher, and let her/him know not just about problems, but good things he or she is doing for your child as well.

”We have to build these links, not feel it's them and us,” adds Haffajee.

Volunteering and helping at the school is also an option. This differs in each school. Some may have a lunchroom program with parents as monitors, for instance, which requires only a few hours a week.

Regular participation in such school organizations and activities gives you a voice as a parent to express your views about what's going on in the school system as it affects your child, as well as others' children.

It is important to add that this involvement should not come only when the school has done something you, as a parent, feel has violated your child's needs as a Muslim, or when you want something specifically for your child (i.e. time off for Eid, Juma, etc.).

By participating at the long-term level, your voice is more likely to be heard because you're involved in making the school better generally, not just for your child's interest only.

When it comes time for sex education, you can band together with other parents, Muslim and non-Muslim, who share the same views on the topic, and it is more likely you will be listened to.

“There are a lot of non-Muslim parents who are concerned about these issues and feel as if there is no control,” notes Haffajee.

Tip #7: Know the sex education territory

“There should be talk about what kind of information they're getting, preadolescent education,” says Haffajee.

Launching a three hour tirade against the evils of public school sex education will do little good in helping your son or daughter see what's wrong with it. This is why it is necessary to find out what is included in the sex education curriculum.

“They should find out exactly what the school is teaching, to the point of even sitting with the person doing the education and finding out about the values of that person,” says Morris. “This is a very important issue”

Tip #8: Know the Islamic perspective on sex

There is more to sex education than telling your son or daughter “don't do it until you get married”.

Topics like menstruation, sexual changes in adolescents, Islamic purity after various types of uncleanliness associated with sex also have to be discussed.

If you're not sure, get some help from a knowledgeable Muslim or Imam, as well as a guide for parents (see the review for the book Miracle Of Life.

Be capable of providing exact references from the Quran, Sunnah and valid Islamic authorities on relevant topics (i.e. birth control, boy/girl relationships, etc.).

On the same note, if in the course of your conversation your child asks you something and you are not sure about whether it really is Islamic or not, CHECK IT OUT. Assuming that a cultural practice relating to sex or boy/girl relationships is automatically Islamic is a mistake.

Tip #9: Tell your kids you're available to talk to them about sex

This is necessary, especially if sex has been a taboo subject in the household for so long.

“Parents [should] say to their children “I want to be your primary source of information about sex,” says Morris.

This makes it clear that while your child may be getting information about sex from other sources like television, the movies, school and friends, you are the “authoritative source”.

This is done best when discussed at a younger age, rather than waiting for the teen years when rebelliousness usually kicks in and kids are less likely to listen to parents.

Tip #10: Express your nervousness

It will be hard to talk about sex for many parents. But they should not hide this from their kids.

Morris recommends parents say, “If I sound nervous or uncomfortable just bear with me,” in the course of their conversation.

This stresses the seriousness of the topic and the importance of what you want to say. The fact that this is so difficult for you, yet you are going forward with it emphasizes your child's need to listen.

Tip #11: Withdraw your child from sex education but tell them why

There are public schools where sex education is an option, and a child can be exempted from it.

Haffajee says there are parents, Muslim and non-Muslim who have decided to choose this instead of having their kids sit through public school sex education.
But if you do decide to do this, she advises it is important to clearly explain to your child why this is being done, and to ensure that s/he is being provided with Islamic sex education in the home.

Otherwise, your child may see it as being excluded from an activity with his or her friends.

Tip #12: Get help from others

If you feel extremely uncomfortable talking to your kids about it, enlist the help of a knowledgeable and open Imam or community member who is of the same gender as your child, to explain the details and provide the guidance.

Other people can be Islamic weekend school teachers, a Muslim social worker, or a trusted family member like an aunt, uncle or cousin.

Also, get some books for your kids that discuss sex from an Islamic perspective. Miracle of Life or Ahmad Sakr's The Adolescent Life are some examples.

However, getting someone else to talk to them or giving them a book is not the end of the story. As a parent, you have to be ready and open to at least hear Ameer or Jamila's concerns or questions about sex, so you can direct them to the right person or information if you are uncomfortable answering yourself.

Read more.....

Borrowing Student Loans Responsibly

As you may know, student loans are today’s largest form of student aid. Researches have found out that it made up to 54 percent of the total aid awarded every year. However, with the rise of student loans, several cases of student loan defaults occur. The student loan debt is even today’s one of the major problems of most student borrowers. It is rising every year and the college expenses as well as the graduate school costs have definitely gone up faster than inflation. Well, let me tell you that this case often surface when you take a particular loan then another student loan followed by another loan. It is often said that as much as you take student loan offers, your loan debt gets bigger and bigger.

Since the case for student loan debt always happens and it carries certain burdens to the attainment of the student’s dream of higher education, it is then important that you consider some steps that will help you lower or manage your debts. Perhaps one of the most necessary things to consider is to borrow loans responsibly.
Think Before Your Borrow
Many people find it easy to rush through the student loan process. However, if you take a minute considering some of the money saving tips mentioned below, you could save yourself some bucks in the long run. So, read on.
Falling Into the Loan Trap? Oops! Avoid it!
Most of the time, you may find it tempting to borrow up to the maximum amount. Well, this is what many people call as the “loan trap”. It is the case where you borrow the maximum amount of money from the student loan lending company or institution even if it is more than you can afford to repay. It often occurs for the fact that need-based loans are very easy to apply for and they don’t usually require payments while you are attending your degree. So, to avoid certain consequences as you enter the repayment period, you should avoid the loan trap.
How Much Loan Do You Actually Need
Before you consider borrowing a student loan for your college, think first how much loan you really need. Always note that when taking out student loan, you don’t have to borrow the entire amount which is usually specified in your award letter. Just borrow what is enough.
Reduce Your Loan As Much As Possible
There are several options available for student loan borrowers. But, before opting for one, it is necessary that you question yourself if you can hold down the expenses; if you can work more, either in the academic year or during vacations; or if there are scholarships available for you. It is often said that if you minimize spending or bring in more money, the amount you have to borrow for your education tends to go down.
Consider Student Loans with the Best Terms
Note that the lower the interest rate, the less pricey the student loan is. This actually means, the less you will have to repay for your student loan debt.
For your own sake, here is what your batting order should be (from the least expensive):
Student Loans
Federal Perkins Loans
Federal Subsidized Stafford or Direct Loans
Federal Unsubsidized Stafford or Direct Loans
Alternative or Private Loans
As you may know, most of the students thinking for student loans have access to a special loan source these days. These sources, like the Air Force Aid Society, have student loans terms that are comparable to the Perkins or Subsidized Stafford or Direct Loans. Of course, it may be worth your time to look into the possibilities. There are some sources these days that offer low-interest student loan programs, and perhaps one of the most resourceful is the College Board’s online Scholarship Search.
Parent Loans
1. Federal PLUS Loans
2. Private Loans or Alternative Loans
As mentioned, there are two available forms of education loans for parents. These programs are what commonly offered by some colleges anywhere in the world. But, for great chances of availing the benefits of such programs, it is best to check with your financial aid office to see if the school you wish to attend offers its own loan program. This will also allow you to know if you qualify for the loan, before you submit a PLUS loan application.
How Much Should You Borrow?
Many experts agree that you should borrow only as much as necessary. As mentioned earlier, it is often tempting to borrow whatever you are offered or are eligible to borrow. However, it is necessary to think first carefully about hoe much you really need, as well as to consider other possible options.
Always note that there is actually no need for you to borrow the entire amount shown in your award letter. And, even more important is that, never plan to borrow as much as you can up the yearly limits because if you do so, expect yourself to be deep down in debt.
Consider Options That Will Reduce Your Loans
If you are thinking for borrowing money to support your education, try to ask yourself first if you have savings left that you can use instead of taking out a student loan from the school of your choice. Also, think if you can get by with less by way of holding down expenses, or if you can do something great, like working more, either in the academic year or during vacations just to support your education. Also, think for the possible scholarships that you can apply for, or you can be qualified for. There are actually a lot of options left for you out there. The best move to take now is to know and understand them.
Estimate Your Loan Payments
It is worthy to note that the more you borrow for your education, the higher is the amount of your monthly repayments will be once you finish your degree. So if possible, try to estimate your loan payments. There are a number of student loan repayment calculators out there that you can use to do the math. What’s more, you have the chance to calculate your monthly payments based on the estimated starting salary of your chosen occupation.
The Essential Borrowing Tips
Now that you have pondered enough about your student loan with the things you have to consider before borrowing, as well as with the amount you need to borrow, I guess it is now important for you to look at the most recommended tips for borrowing student loans. Just consider the following:
Start by looking at the award letter given to you by your servicer. From the letter, figure out which need-based loans you have been qualifies for and for what amounts.
After looking at the full financial picture, such as the awarded aid, education cost, and family share, you should then consider settling on an amount that you actually need to borrow.
The rule is: never borrow more than you need. Always note that as a student loan borrower, you are not required to take the full amount of the loan you have been offered.
Don’t ever forget about student employment as an alternative for borrowing. Even though working at a job can seem like an extra burden for students, so is struggling with high loan repayments after college.
Apply for the student loan right away. This is very necessary especially if you want to ensure that the loan is approved as well as the money paid to the college before you have to make your first student account payment.
The key to successful application is to follow the loan application instructions carefully. Note that any mistakes you make will delay receipt of the funds.
When you are applying for a Stafford or Direct student loan, be prepared for the amount that is paid to the college to be less than the amount you signed for. Usually, a fee of up to four percent will be deducted from the student loan. This deduction occurs before the check is sent to the college of your choice.
If you already figured out the exact amount you are borrowing before any borrowing process begins, you should start keeping track of your student loan tab, which is what your monthly repayment amount will be after you graduated from college. There are student loan calculators out there than can do the math for you.
If instances occur that you find yourself needing more than the amount that’s been offered in your award letter, it is necessary to contact with a financial aid counselor before taking on an additional loan.
And, if you do take on an additional, unsubsidized loan, just consider making interest payments while attending your degree. The interest won’t be much and this will help you save money. If you delay or capitalize the interest payments, you will end up having to pay back significantly less than.
As mentioned, planning and thinking your moves for taking out student loans is very necessary for a successful borrowing. If you do consider what have been mentioned above, then there is no doubt for you not to attain your dream education, and even a successful career in the future.

Read more.....

An All-Around Yoga Exercise: 12-Step Salute to the Sun

One of the all-around yoga exercises is the 12-step salute to the sun. Do it once or twice when you get up in the morning to help relieve stiffness and invigorate the body. Multiple repetitions at night will help you to relax; insomniacs often find that six to 12 rounds help them fall asleep.

1. Stand with your feet slightly apart, palms together, thumbs against your chest.

2. Inhale deeply while slowly raising your hands over your head, and bend back as far as possible, while tightening your buttocks. Hold for three seconds.

3. Slowly exhale and bend forward, keeping your knees straight, until your fingers touch the floor outside your feet. (If you can't touch the floor, go as close as you can.) Bring your head in toward your knees.

4. Slowly inhale, bend your knees, and if your fingertips aren't outside your feet on the floor, place them there. Slide your right foot back as far as you can go, with the right knee an inch or so off the floor, (a lunge position). Now look up as high as possible, arching your back.

5. Before exhaling again, slide your left foot back until it is beside the right one, and with your weight supported on your palms and toes, straighten both legs so that your body forms a flat plane. Make sure your stomach is pulled in.

6. Slowly exhale, bend both knees to the floor, bend with your hips in the air, lower your chest and forehead to the floor.

7. Now inhale slowly and look up, bending your head back, then raising it, followed by your upper chest, then lower chest. Your lower body - from the navel down - should be on the floor, and your elbows should be slightly bent. Hold for three to five seconds.

8. Exhale slowly and raise your hips until your feet and palms are flat on the floor and your arms and legs are straight in an inverted V position.

9. Inhale slowly and bring your right foot forward as in position 4. The foot should be flat on the floor between your fingertips. The left leg should be almost straight behind you, with its knee slightly off the floor. Raise your head, look up, and arch your back.

10. Slowly exhale and bring your left foot forward next to your right one. Straighten your legs and stand, trying to keep your fingertips on the floor, and try to touch your head to your knees as in position 3.

11. Slowly inhale, raise your arms up and stretch back as in position 2. Don't forget to tighten your buttocks. Hold for three seconds.

12. Slowly exhale, lowering your arms to your sides. Relax. Repeat the series.

Read more.....

LACES Threads High Expectations Throughout School

High expectations, demanding courses, and dedicated faculty combine to give the Los Angeles Center for Enriched Studies (LACES) the feel and results of a pricey prep school rather than an urban magnet school. Included: Description of a strong urban magnet school program.

Imagine being accepted to a school with more competitive admissions than the University of California -Los Angeles (UCLA) -- when you’re a sixth grader.

So impressive are the reputation -- and the results -- of the Los Angeles Center for Enriched Studies (LACES) magnet school that it draws hundreds more applicants than it can accommodate and has an acceptance rate closer to that of elite colleges than urban magnet schools.

Almost 100 percent of LACES graduates are admitted to college. Yet most of the 1,523 students enrolled in the grades six-to-12 school are from minority groups and the inner city -- populations that typically struggle in school.

“This is not a gifted magnet; yet, somehow when they get here, they become successful, and get motivated," said principal Margaret Kim. “I can’t quite figure out the formula -- maybe it’s because students have to apply."

“IT’S HARDER TO GET IN HERE THAN UCLA"

For assistant principal Marion Wong, the main ingredient in the formula is high expectations. The school’s motto is “In search of excellence."

“We start with the idea that everyone is going to college," Wong told Education World in spring 2007. “The school is designed around two standards of excellence. Every student will take one or more advanced placement (AP) classes by the end of his or her career. Every student will attend a four-year college, have a fruitful career, and be an engaged citizen."

Serving students from many different backgrounds and circumstances and widely varying ability levels has not diluted those goals or expectations. “We do run the gamut, from some special education students to the very gifted," Wong noted. “A lot of kids are inner-city, but not hard core inner-city. Some live in bad neighborhoods."

LACES results stand out even more because the school has many of the challenges that often sink urban schools into the lower-performing category and anchor them there: a predominately urban, minority population; large classes (the average is 29 students in middle school classes, 34 in high school); few computers, no computer lab, and a building new when Franklin D. Roosevelt served as president.

Yet in 2005, LACES received the California Distinguished High School Award. The school also earned the California Distinguished School Award twice and the National Blue Ribbon School Award once.

“By multiple measures, the school offers an island of excellence in the midst of the inner city neighborhood in which it resides," according to a California Best Practices Study done in 2005. “LACES is not a high-end private school but an inner city school with no admissions criteria in GPA. Yet, it shows many of the features of an Exeter or Groton."

“It’s harder to get in here than UCLA," noted Wong.

For the 2007-2008 school year, LACES received about 2,000 applications for approximately 244 openings in sixth grade. Students are chosen through a complex lottery system, and preference is given to siblings of students. The school also accepts about 35 ninth graders each year to replace students who transfer to another high school.

“Parents cry when their kids don’t get in here," Wong added. “Therapists call and say they want a child to go here."

In part because getting admitted is so difficult, parent involvement also is very high. “If we call a parent, they’re in," Wong said. “Often both parents. All the families want the best for their kids. This school is definitely the first choice for many parents."

Lorraine, 16, a junior, said she was drawn to LACES because she heard it was a good school and her mother liked that she wouldn’t have to transfer after middle school.

“I know it’s much harder than an LA high school," Lorraine told Education World. “There are more classes and the teachers are nice, but strict. You have to balance your schedule so you do well." Asked about her plans after high school, Lorraine answered, “I’ll attend college, of course. I’m not sure yet what I’ll study -- maybe fashion, business, or economics."
BUILDING A REPUTATION

The school offers 23 AP courses, a wide variety of electives, and classes for different ability levels. LACES’ students are required to take seven courses a year, using a block schedule. Faculty members teach six courses, as opposed to five in many schools.

“This is designed to be an academic school," teacher Randy Rutschman said. “The kids realize why they are here."

Besides mandating that all LACES’ students take at least one AP class, the school’s standards for graduation are much higher than the state’s. While California requires students to earn 230 credits to receive a high school diploma, LACES’ students must earn 280.

“So LACES’ kids look pretty good," said Victoria Vickers, the magnet coordinator and sixth-grade counselor.

Even with all the requirements, every student has a course he or she likes during the day, Wong noted. “We’re able to offer electives. They can take at least one elective every year -- usually two."

And unlike many urban schools where teachers spend the bulk of the day on scripted lessons, drilling classes on basic skills for high-stakes tests, LACES’ teachers spend very little time prepping students for California’s state tests. “We teach to state standards, and our kids usually do well on tests," Wong said. Teachers often take students to a local college for testing, because there are fewer distractions and the setting reminds students of why they are taking tests and working so hard.

Most graduates make a successful transition to higher education. “Generally, our kids do really well in college," guidance counselor Mary Jane London said. “The kids who go to small schools do better -- many of them get lost at larger schools."

Staff members do want to add some curriculum specifically for middle-schoolers. “Our reputation has been made on the reputation of the high school," Vickers said. “We need to concentrate on the middle school. Now we’re adding distinctly middle-school classes, such as leadership and journalism."

Generally speaking, LACES’ students are inquisitive and motivated, and that is a large part of the appeal of teaching there, said Marlene Braer, a 12th grade English teacher who has been at the school for 15 years.

“I like the students and I like my colleagues," Braer told Education World. “My students are respectful and complete assignments and I respect them. I love the interplay. The expectations are high; they don’t want to disappoint me. And they stay engaged if you give them interesting things to talk about."
LEARNING WITH THE WORLD

While requiring hard work from its students, LACES provides them with a dedicated 60-member faculty, a safe environment, 80 after-school clubs from which to choose, and a diversity that many public or private schools would envy. Preference is given to applicants from racially-isolated neighborhoods. About 90 percent of LACES’ students are bused in from different parts of Los Angeles. The school’s acceptance rate is designed to create a population that is about 70 percent minority and 30 percent white.

“I would never have met anyone who was a white American if I hadn’t come here," said Cecilia, 13, a seventh grader. “The neighborhood school I went to was all Hispanic; known for violence, and the people were not so nice. I learned new things here about people who are Korean, Chinese, and Japanese that I never would have known and became friends with them. You learn more here from other groups of people."

Because electives are open to students in all grades, pupils also learn with students of varying ages. Math classes are grouped by ability level, allowing some sixth graders to take first-year algebra. The calculus teacher also can teach seventh-grade honors math.

LACES’ faculty has little turnover, and that and the fact that students are there for seven years allows teachers and students to bond. Teachers try to turn students on to their strengths, and often the older ones help the younger ones, Vickers noted.
“Just having them for so long is a plus," she added. “You can start with kids who don’t know anything about music and dance and get them involved."

Some, though, say there are drawbacks to spending their middle-and-high-school years in one school. “I met a lot of people I wouldn’t have met normally," said Marissa, 16, a junior. “But it is a long time to be in one place. I wish I’d had some more transitions."

Others initially had doubts about attending, but were won over. “When I first came here, I didn’t want to come," said Christina, 13, a seventh grader. “I am an artist, and they focus on academics. It’s a different experience -- there is no football team, the mascot is the unicorn, which is different -- but I feel like I’m learning a lot. Classes are big, but teachers try hard to give you a lot of help. You get to make friends with kids from other grades and races."
STUDENTS INSPIRE TEACHERS

Teachers at LACES probably have more work to do than their counterparts in other districts schools, but the longer hours for staff members pay off in the relationships they build with students and peers, Rutschman said. “There is a lot of interaction among the faculty and we have a supportive administration; the principal has vision."

Rutschman has been at LACES for 23 years and teaches AP psychology, a leadership class, U.S. history, and is a tenth grade guidance counselor. He also passes out licorice to his advisees.

If that weren’t enough, he serves as principal of an orthodox yeshiva, a school for Jewish students, working there from 3:20 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. four days a week.

“I like the [LACES] kids -- they are intelligent, personable, and verbal -- that’s mostly what has kept me here all these years," Rutschman told Education World. “At this school, the worst kid is a good kid. They are willing to tell you when you are right or wrong. And I like the fact that it is integrated -- it’s really culturally rich."

Robert, 17, a senior and a member of the Young Black Scholars, said LACES is a good place for people who want to apply themselves. He had been accepted to Loyola Marymount College.

“The classes are smaller and I met a lot of different kinds of people," Robert said. “If you come to school to handle your business, you’re okay. If not, it’s hard."
POSITIVE PEER INTERACTION

LACES also encourages peer support and interaction across the grades. High school students serve as peer counselors, for which they must undergo 20 hours of training. The program is run by an English teacher.

Students who complete the training meet with classmates and talk about issues such as transitions, coping with divorce, and handling grief. But the students recognize they are no substitute for professionals. “They know when to call in help," Wong said.

High school students also volunteer as homeroom leaders for the younger ones. At least four or five high school students are assigned to all the sixth grade homerooms. The homeroom leaders also run summer orientation for new students.

Homeroom leaders help sixth graders with homework, the transition to middle school, and discuss how to work with different teachers. The older students also participate with sixth graders in team building, seasonal activities, and diversity training.

Christopher, 12, a sixth grader who lifted his feet up and down as he talked, said the interaction with older students was one of LACES’ strengths. “I like having the big brothers and big sisters -- they help with homework," he said.
MINDING THE GAP

Despite the staff’s efforts to help all students perform at high levels, the biggest challenge LACES faces is closing the achievement gap. African-American and Latino students do better than students in those groups in other district schools, but they still are not scoring as high as Asian-American and white students. “We love all the kids, but they come from uneven backgrounds," Wong noted.

To assist struggling students, teachers volunteer to tutor pupils before and after school and during their own lunch periods. The school has no formal remedial or tutoring programs.

“I wish we could do more for kids who need that [extra help]," Vickers said. “Maybe it makes them more responsible; they have to take responsibility for their own learning."

LACES makes an effort to get all parents involved in their children’s learning by providing buses for people without their own transportation so they can attend school functions and meetings.

Other strategies LACES’ faculty has used include participating in district-supported site leadership for closing the achievement gap; designing opportunities for teacher collaboration around increasingly common assessments; and offering professional development for highly differentiated instruction, noted the California Best Practices Study.

Staff members have adopted other approaches to narrow the gap, including making some courses more culturally relevant. In one math class, for example, students map the neighborhood to learn map construction and trigonometry. Teachers also rotate teaching courses so they get experience teaching students at different levels. Language arts teachers are including more books by minority authors in reading assignments.

Teachers also have begun identifying which standards need to be taught and administering quarterly assessments to pinpoint the skills on which students need to concentrate, according to Vickers.

To promote multicultural awareness, student organizations on campus such as the Young Black Scholars, Young Latino Scholars, and the Young Asian Scholars put on cultural programs for the school. The Black Scholars organize Black History Month programs and the Latino student group sponsors dance assemblies.

And LACES’ efforts narrow the achievement gap have not gone unnoticed. “…The school is challenging the conventional belief that excellence must be sacrificed in the quest for equity," noted the California Best Practices Study. “The school aims for both -- though it has not yet succeeded."

What LACES is succeeding in doing so far creating an academic and social setting that is providing many students the skills and vision to take them beyond high school. “I heard of the school’s reputation for getting people into college," said Ian, 16, a junior, explaining why he applied. “This seemed like a way to secure my future."

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

* Los Angeles Unified School District
* School Issues Glossary: Magnet Schools
* School Issues Glossary: Urban Schools

Article by Ellen R. Delisio
Education World®
Copyright © 2008 Education World

Read more.....

Memminger Elementary program impressing on students that if they don't snooze, they lose

By Diette Courrégé (Contact)
The Post and Courier
Thursday, March 20, 2008

Nathaniel Frasier puts his kindergartner to bed by 9 p.m. each night and wakes him up at 6:30 a.m. for school.

He thought his son was getting enough sleep and didn't realize until this week that recommendations call for up to an hour and a half more sleep than his son gets now.

"That's a big difference," he said. "I thought that was too much sleep."

Frasier signed a contract Tuesday promising he would move his son's bedtime up by an hour, and he's curious to see if it makes a difference. The bedtime contracts are a school-wide initiative at Memminger Elementary in Charleston to create awareness about the importance of sleep, and to encourage parents to set and enforce earlier bedtimes.

"I'll give it a try," Frasier said. "It's a good idea."

Children who don't get enough sleep are more likely to get in trouble in class or lose their focus on the day's lessons, and it's a problem for many Memminger Elementary students, principal Diane Ross said.

Some stay at work late with their parents and don't get home until 11 p.m., while others stay awake for hours watching TV in their beds, she said. When students get into middle school, some stay up late sending text messages on their cell phones, said Kathy Lewis, a school climate specialist working with Memminger Elementary.

The situation has implications for the school's test scores. Many students admitted to filling in random circles on high-stakes standardized tests because they were tired, Ross said. Students need more than one night of good sleep to be well-rested, she said, and that's why school officials have started pushing to change students' habits.

Research shows that many children don't get enough sleep. Children ages 3 to 5 get nearly 10 1/2 hours while they should average between 11 and 13 hours, and first- through fifth-graders get an average of 9 1/2 compared to the recommended 10 to 11 hours, according to the National Sleep Foundation.

"So many people don't realize fourth- and fifth-graders should be in bed by 8 p.m.," Lewis said.

Eighteen elementary schools on Johns Island, downtown Charleston, West Ashley and Hollywood are participating in this sleep initiative. Some are sending fliers home to parents, some are making presentations to PTA groups and others are asking students to track the amount of sleep they get each night.

Memminger Elementary has embraced the effort to spread the message that students need more sleep. Ross stood in a robe outside Memminger Elementary on Tuesday and asked parents whether they signed the bedtime contracts. Students wore their pajamas to school, and teachers organized classroom activities around the issue of sleep to emphasize its importance.

School officials plan to track the number of discipline referrals for the school's younger students to see whether the figures decrease when students get more sleep.

The school also held a meeting for parents Tuesday morning to talk more about the relationship of sleep to their childrens' well-being.

Jessica Rabon attended the parents' meeting. She has 5-year-old and 7-year-old daughters at Memminger, and she said they get grouchy and don't want to do their homework when they don't get enough sleep.

She's a stickler for bedtimes and makes sure her children are in bed by 7:30 p.m. and are going to sleep by 8 p.m. Every family should set bedtimes for children, she said.

"They need their sleep," she said.

Read more.....

Sex education is taught in Greece

I am writing in response to Brennans news story on teenage pregnancies in Britain and Dowmans letter in which she says that biblical teaching may be more effective than free condoms.1 I am a medical student in Greece, and my personal experience of teaching sex education dates back to 1998, when I was first introduced to an intervention project providing health education to secondary schools. The project is organised by HelMSIC, the Greek member of the International Federation of Medical Students Association (IFMSA), and it deals with sexually transmitted infections and healthy sexual behaviour.

Initially, medical students are briefed about what they have to teach young pupils in high schools, and then they are divided into small groups to conduct studies about, for example, contraception, hygiene, termination of pregnancy, AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections, anatomy of the genital system, hepatitis, and so on.

The next step is visiting the high schools, where we debate topics with small groups of pupils of the same sex. The high school pupils fill in questionnaires to determine the level of their knowledge before and after their conversation with the students. The questionnaires are analysed statistically.

In the sessions, there are groups of pupils who are willing to share their secrets, whereas others are more hostile or shy. There are no taboo topics, and everything depends on them and their willingness to participate. The shy or hesitant students are encouraged to express themselves.

At all stages of the project, there are many things to learn. Not only details about the anatomy of the human genital system or epidemiological facts, but ways to intervene effectively. Right from the beginning, every step is made after thinking and planning, about the methods, the needs, and the results.

Our main target is to make teenagers aware of the problem and solutions of sexually transmitted diseases in Greece by providing them with all the information required about a healthy sexual life. At the same time, the project helps medical students to understand public health interventions and social medicine.

Read more.....

HIV-infected prostitute should be on sex offenders' register: DPP

he ACT Director of Public Prosecutions has made an application to put a male prostitute on the Child Sex Offenders' Register.

Hector Scott of Kingston has pleaded guilty to providing a commercial sexual service while knowing he was infected with HIV and Hepatitis C.

While there are no allegations Scott is a child sex offender, putting his name on the register is the only way ACT Health can monitor his movements.

The ACT's chief health officer, Dr Charles Guest, is expected to give evidence at Scott's sentencing hearing next month.

Read more.....

U.S. denies entry to British sex and drugs memoir writer

CANBERRA (Reuters) - Controversial British author Sebastian Horsley was denied entrance into the United States as he arrived to promote his memoir of drug addiction, sex and his dysfunctional family, his publisher said on Wednesday.

Seale Ballenger, spokesman for HarperCollins Publishers, said Horsley was stopped by immigration officials at New York's Newark airport after flying in from London on Tuesday to promote his latest book "Dandy in the Underworld."

He said the flamboyant writer, wearing a top hat, three-piece suit and painted finger nails, was accused of "moral turpitude" in connection with his former drug use, pro-prostitution stance and controversial self-crucifixion in the Philippines in 2000.

Horsley, 45, claims to have slept with more than 1,000 prostitutes, worked as a male escort and been in and out of rehab to treat drug addiction, with video interviews of him talking about his drug use and sex life posted on the Internet.

"He is very honest about his life. That is who Sebastian is," Ballenger told Reuters from a party in New York that was meant to be the U.S. launch for the book but ended up being a rally for support to bring the author back to the United States.

Ballenger said after several hours of questioning by immigration officials, Horsley was put on a plane and returned to London.

No one from the New York office of United States Customs and Border Protection was immediately available to comment.

The New York Times quoted a customs spokeswoman, Lucille Cirillo, as saying she could not comment on individual cases.

But in an e-mail to the newspaper she explained that under a waiver program that allows British citizens to enter the United States without a visa, "travelers who have been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude (which includes controlled-substance violations) or admit to previously having a drug addiction are not admissible."

Publisher Carrie Kania, from the HarperCollins' unit Harper Perennial that published the book in the United States, said she found it hard to understand why Horsley would be denied entrance into the U.S. for "his notoriety."

"It is unfortunate that his voice, in person, is being stifled," she said in a statement.

"Sebastian has written a cautionary tale of a life lived vividly ... an unapologetic, honest, funny and torturous book. Sebastian's memoir is about choice, some conventional, some unconventional."

Horsley's memoir was published last September in Britain with reviewers calling it both amusing and revolting.

(Writing by Belinda Goldsmith, editing by Todd Eastham)

Read more.....

Skoll Foundation Adds Eleven Pioneering Organizations to its Global Portfolio of Leading Social Entrepreneurs

PALO ALTO, Calif., March 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Skoll Foundation today announced Skoll Awards for Social Entrepreneurship for 11 organizations working around the world in the areas of tolerance and human rights, health, environmental sustainability, peace and security, and economic and social equity. The recipients, who will each receive three-year grants of $1,000,000, join a growing global network of Skoll social entrepreneurs, now numbering 59, who have created innovative, proven solutions for tackling the worlds most urgent social and economic challenges.

The Skoll Awards program is the foundations flagship investment initiative. It provides social entrepreneurs, whose models for sustainable change have already yielded significant impact, with unrestricted funding to scale their programs and amplify their reach across regions, countries and continents. This newest group of Skoll entrepreneurs has demonstrated measurable impact across a variety of issues and geographies, including:

-- providing some of the worlds most destitute populations with access to modern, high quality health care;

-- training indigenous tribes in the Amazon to use technology to protect millions of acres of rainforest;

-- using the Internet to connect individual donors in the global North with entrepreneurs in the global South;

-- empowering women in Africa with HIV/AIDS to mentor pregnant women and new mothers with the disease, to ensure a healthy and productive life.

We know solutions exist around the world that have transformed millions of lives, in a sustainable way, across education, health, environmental and other social systems, commented Sally Osberg, President and CEO of the Skoll Foundation. We think the new Skoll social entrepreneurs represent some of the best, most innovative, of those solutions, and bring an exciting new level of energy and creativity to our portfolio. Osberg added, These remarkable individuals and their tireless teams are tackling issues that require our most immediate attention. And most importantly, the models they have developed have the potential for vastly increased impact.

The 11 organizations receiving the Skoll Awards for Social Entrepreneurship are: Amazon Conservation Team, American Council on Renewable Energy, Arzu, Digital Divide Data, Half the Sky Foundation, KIVA, mothers2mothers, Partners in Health, PeaceWorks Foundation, Population and Community Development Association, and Visayan Forum Foundation.

Lance Henderson, Vice President of Programs & Impact for the Skoll Foundation, noted, We were extremely impressed with the most recent pool of applicants. Both the nature of the innovations and the degree to which those innovations are effecting positive change are indicative of how the field of social entrepreneurship continues to grow and mature.

The Skoll Awards will be presented by Skoll Foundation Chairman Jeff Skoll, Skoll Foundation President and CEO, Sally Osberg and special guest, former President Jimmy Carter, on March 27 at the fifth annual Skoll World Forum on Social Entrepreneurship at the University of Oxford in England. The Skoll World Forum convenes a global community of outstanding practitioners and thought leaders in social entrepreneurship to set the future agenda for visionaries who want to transform society.

The Skoll Foundation accepts applications and grants awards on a year-round basis through an open competitive process, with new award winners celebrated once each year in March at the annual Skoll World Forum. The application deadlines remaining in 2008 are March 18, August 5 and November 4. More information about the Skoll Awards can be found at http://www.skollfoundation.org.

THE SKOLL AWARDEES IN DETAIL

Amazon Conservation Team (ACT) - Mark Plotkin, an ethnobotonist, and Liliana Madrigal, a conservationist and crusader for indigenous rights, created ACT in 1996 to preserve the cultures of the indigenous peoples of the Amazon and develop their capacity to provide enduring protection of their rainforest home. Mark and Liliana have shown that, given the opportunity and training, indigenous people are the most reliable stewards of their own territory. Since its inception, ACT has mapped and provided land management for 40 million acres of Amazon rainforest and anticipates reaching 80 million acres in three years. Its programs have benefited 26 indigenous groups across Brazil, Columbia and Suriname. ACT is headquartered in Arlington, VA.

American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) - Michael Eckhart first understood the promise of renewable energy in the 1970s when he did pioneering energy studies under funding by the Carter White House. In 2001, Michael and others founded the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) to establish an all renewable organization for the U.S. ACORE seeks to bring together all renewable energy industries to create a new power base that speaks with one voice and has the strength, influence and research needed to match the power of organizations representing traditional carbon-based industries. ACOREs goal is to have 25 percent of U.S. electricity and fuels come from renewable sources by 2025. By 2011, it plans to increase membership from 500 to 1,000 organizations. ACORE is headquartered in Washington D.C.

Arzu - Connie Duckworth made history as the first female sales and trading partner at Goldman, Sachs & Company. A longtime womens advocate, she visited Afghanistan and was shocked by the hardships the women faced. There are few countries in greater need of development than Afghanistan and few countries where the women are less empowered. In 2004, Connie founded Arzu to help female rug weavers and their families break the cycle of poverty by providing them with above-market compensation for their rugs and access to health care. In exchange, they send all their children under 15 to school full time and all women in their home attend literacy classes. Arzu now supports 700 weavers and aids more than 2,100 individuals through its core program, making it one of the largest private employers in Afghanistan. By 2011, Arzu plans to double the population it assists. Arzu is headquartered in Chicago, IL.

Digital Divide Data (DDD) - On a 2001 vacation, Jeremy Hockenstein was struck by Cambodia's juxtaposition of extreme poverty with emerging technology. He created Digital Divide Data to break Southeast Asia's cycle of poverty by providing high-quality technology services to the global market. Mai Siriphongphanh recognized the potential of DDD and brought her social entrepreneurial savvy to the team in 2003. Founded upon an innovative and sustainable work/study model, DDD offers excellent wages and educational benefits to disadvantaged segments of Lao and Cambodian populations, enabling them to accelerate the development of local IT industries and equipping them for better futures. In addition to salary, workers educations are subsidized by matching scholarships from DDD. Growing rapidly, having impacted 7,000 people already and generated $14 million in increased wages, DDD is shaping a new corps of leaders empowered to shepherd their countries' development. DDD is headquartered in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Half the Sky Foundation (HTS) - Jenny Bowen learned first-hand the devastating effects of institutionalization of children when she and her husband adopted a toddler from a Chinese orphanage who was severely under-developed. In time, her new familys loving attention enabled their daughter to blossom, and the idea for Half the Sky was born. HTS establishes and operates infant nurture and preschool programs, provides personalized learning for older children and establishes permanent family care and guidance for children with disabilities. It works in 38 state-run orphanages across China, and, in 2007, was invited by the Chinese government to expand its model to 300 institutions and beyond. It now has 4,000 children in its programs at any given time. HTSs long-term strategy is for local governments in China to operate the life-changing programs themselves. Half the Sky is headquartered in Beijing, China.

KIVA - After seeing first-hand in East Africa how a small loan could change the life of an entrepreneur in the developing world, Matt Flannery co-founded Kiva.org in 2005 with his wife Jessica, to enable individuals to loan as little as $25 to emerging businesses. Premal Shah joined Kiva as its President to help scale the idea. Kiva enables a world where people separated by long distances can connect through lending for the purpose of alleviating poverty, while also promoting strong, persistent interpersonal connections that improve cross-cultural understanding. Kivas unique model provides debt to mid- and small-sized Microfinance Institutions, offering the chance to extend coverage to new populations outside the reach of larger institutions. In its first three years, over 148,000 internet lenders made $22 million in loans to 33,000 entrepreneurs in 40 developing countries. Kiva aims to scale to one million internet lenders and over $100 million in loans by 2010. Kiva is headquartered in San Francisco, CA.

mothers2mothers - Long-time friends Mitch Besser, a physician and medical researcher, and Gene Falk, a media executive and AIDS activist, established mothers2mothers after seeing the absence of care for pregnant women in South Africa newly diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. They discovered that 30 to 40 percent of these women gave birth to HIV-positive babies, even though mother to child transmission treatments have virtually eliminated pediatric AIDS in the developed world. M2m is a grass-roots program designed for under-resourced health care systems that trains and employs new mothers with HIV to provide education and support to their peers, empowering them to access lifesaving treatment for their babies and themselves. Currently operating in 160 locations in four countries, mothers2mothers aims to support over 3.6 million women and children in more than 11 nations by 2011. Mothers2mothers is headquartered in Cape Town, South Africa.

Partners in Health - When Paul Farmer founded Partners in Health in 1987, he wanted to prove that cost-effective, high-quality health care could be delivered in hopeless contexts. Focused on health care as a fundamental human right and believing in the power and potential of community-based healthcare systems, Paul and his team developed a highly effective model, first in Haiti with its accompagnateur model, that has gone on to change World Health Organization (WHO) policy. The program has grown from 60,000 patient visits in 2001 to 1.7 million in 2006. Partners in Health now operates in seven countries worldwide and expects to disseminate its model more broadly in the coming years.

PeaceWorks Foundation - The son of a Mexican Jew and a Holocaust survivor, Daniel Lubetzky began advocating and fostering entrepreneurial joint ventures between Arabs and Israelis in 1989 to bring stability to the Middle East through economic cooperation. He then founded the PeaceWorks Foundation in 2002 to encourage political moderates to build a new movement to unite for peace in the Middle East. The foundations OneVoice Movement reframes the debate into one that positions the vast majority - composed of moderates from both sides - against violent extremism. One Voice has trained 3,100 Palestinian and Israeli youth leaders and recruited more than 650,000 signatories to demand immediate uninterrupted negotiations towards the conclusion of a peace agreement. The PeaceWorks Foundation is headquartered in New York.

Population and Community Development Association (PDA) - As a young economist working for the government in Thailand, Mechai Viravaidya saw a link between rapid population growth and poverty. He launched the Population and Community Development Association (PDA) in 1974 to distribute contraceptives and introduce sex education in rural communities and schools. The population growth rate dropped from 3.2 percent in 1974 to 0.5 percent in 2005. In the early 1990s, when HIV/AIDS hit Thailand, Mechai harnessed the PDA network and media and launched an aggressive public education campaign. Within 10 years Thailand was able to reduce HIV infections by 90 percent. The organization has enlisted private partners in over 450 Village Development Partnership programs that enable the poor to generate income without having to migrate to cities. By 2011, PDA plans to expand the Partnership program to at least 100 more villages. PDA is headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand.

Visayan Forum Foundation - As a child in the Philippines, Cecilia Flores-Oebanda helped her family survive by selling fish and scavenging garbage. As freedom-fighters against the Marcos dictatorship, she and her husband were imprisoned for four years and separated from their oldest son. Their two other children were born in detention. After democracy prevailed, Cecilia founded the Visayan Forum Foundation (VFF) in 1991 to eliminate human trafficking through public-private partnerships that rescue, protect and reintegrate victims. The organization has served 18,500 victims and potential victims to date and has filed 66 legal cases on behalf of 166 complainants. By 2011, VFF plans to expand its multi-sectoral networks and expand its program against human trafficking. The Visayan Forum Foundation is headquartered in Manila, Philippines.

About the Skoll Foundation

The Skoll Foundation was created in 1999 by eBay's first president, Jeff Skoll, to promote his vision of a more peaceful and prosperous world. Today the Skoll Foundation advances systemic change to benefit communities around the world by investing in, connecting and celebrating social entrepreneurs - individuals dedicated to innovative, bottom-up solutions that transform unequal and unjust social, environmental and economic systems.

The Skoll Awards for Social Entrepreneurship is the foundation's flagship program. There are currently 50 organizations represented by 59 remarkable social entrepreneurs in the program, working individually and together across regions, countries and continents to evolve the field of social entrepreneurship into a global movement for social change. The Skoll Foundation connects social entrepreneurs and other partners in the field via an online community at http://www.socialedge.org, and through the annual Skoll World Forum on Social Entrepreneurship. The foundation also celebrates social entrepreneurs by telling their stories through partnerships with the PBS Foundation and the Sundance Institute, with the goal of promoting large-scale public awareness of social entrepreneurship.

For more information, visit http://www.skollfoundation.org.

Read more.....

One-Third Of Irish Gay Couples in U.S.

AN estimated 1,200 Irish-born men and women – roughly one-third of Ireland’s gay couples — are living with a same-sex partner in the U.S., according to a new research paper from the Williams Institute, a public policy think tank at the University of California Los Angeles Law School.

The study found that more than 500 Irish-born same-sex partners here are not U.S. citizens and would be among those most likely to return to Ireland to take advantage of the forthcoming civil partnership bill to be introduced by Irish Minister for Justice and Equality Brian Lenihan by March 31.

Gary Gates, senior research fellow at the Williams Institute, told the Irish Voice, “Same-sex partnership legislation could help to entice a very talented group of Irish-born emigrants back to live and work in their homeland. Our study found that 43% of Irish-born same-sex partners living in the U.S. are college educated.”

Analyzing data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the study found that two-thirds of Irish-born same-sex partners in the country are women. The study also found that Irish-born same-sex partners are highly educated, with more than four in 10 (43%) possessing a college degree.

More than one in seven couples that include an Irish-born partner (15%) are raising children. An additional 2,000 same-sex couples are living in Ireland, according to the recent study.

As the Irish government considers the details of the civil partnership law, Gates added, “Irish policy makers should look beyond their own shores when they consider the possible effects of civil partnership legislation, some of which might be very good for the Irish economy.”

In the U.S. the Williams Institute has recently conducted a series of studies on the economic consequences of a state implementing marriage or other forms of legal recognition for same sex couples, providing data to informs those debates.

Says Gates, “With help from the recent census data I discovered that I could determine what portion of same sex couples were Irish-born. But since Ireland does not permit foreign-born partners of Irish people to work there, for most same sex couples it is not an option to move back.

“In consequence, Ireland is missing out on highly educated college graduates, the kind of talent that Ireland hopes to attract, due to legislation that won’t permit them to move home with their U.S.-born partners.”

Gates added that many same sex Irish and U.S. couples find themselves in a legal bind. If they move to Ireland then the U.S.-born partner doesn’t have status, but if they move to the U.S. the Irish-born partner doesn’t have status.

“Given that Irish and U.S. same sex couples have relatively high educations, our data suggests that Ireland is losing a creative class to the U.S.,” Gates said.

“It turned out that the Irish people in our study were substantially more educated than the general immigrant population in the U.S. that is Irish-born.”

Asked how he explains the high levels of education among gay Irish and U.S. couples Gates replied, “I think there are several possibilities that could account for it. Gay people use education like other minorities have done to hedge against discrimination.

“If you’re 18 and choosing between going to college or becoming an auto mechanic – well, you’ll probably pick college if you think you won’t be discriminated against. It could also be because universities are broadly more welcoming than other alternatives after high school.”

Gates argues that new civil partnership legislation in Ireland could make it easier for global companies to move lesbian and gay employees, their partners and families from one country to another without risking the economic penalties and logistic challenges associated with non-recognition of their relationships.

“Without legal recognition, it can be difficult for partners of gay and lesbian employees to obtain work permits and they can be subject to challenge regarding their parental rights,” Gates added.

The Irish government plans to introduce civil partnership legislation this spring. The legislation will provide same-sex couples with most of the rights and obligations of marriage, but without the name.

Recent public opinion polls show that 84% of Irish people are in favor of some recognition of same-sex couples, while 53% would allow gay couples to marry.

Read more.....

Thinking about sex

Talk about sex

"In my family, the sex never been mentioned."
-- Blanca Rivera, the Polytechnic SH

"In my family we rented videos of sex and a baby. But they are not really talk about it because I am older now, and I was one of three years. You do not want to touch. Value you have just taught me , myself, and the sex is not just for fun. If you schläfst with many people the way you treat yourself to a piece off of each person. "
-- Katrina Gibson, 17

"In my family, it's very open. Sex, I knew as long as I can remember. But that does not mean that I leave and do."

-- Rachelle Carino, 17, of education

When is the right time

"Many religions believe that it is not healthy for us have sex at this age, because we are not ready emotionally. You think we should wait 'til we get married. I feel like I was not prepared to him, and he gave me foiré Until spiritually. That made me more mature and immature so I faster. J I have learned a lot. It has helped me, but he said, I too. "
-- Crystal Ly, 15, of Santa Monica SH

"I think that the only right time (for sex), is if you are married."
-- Sharon Hwang, 17 years old, North Hollywood SH

"I do not think that the sex is really something for the people to judge. Logically, I think they should wait (for sex), precisely because it will be easier, with the possibility of a pregnancy and the connection to the person, and they leave. sucks you. It is not easy to grow as a teenager. I know that I am not ready for such a thing. "
-- Matt Jones, 16 years old, LACETS

Sex and Relationships

"I think that if a young and wants to have sex and they are protected, is it good. But one of the biggest problems with the sex, it is unacceptable for people from the grounds of safety in the relationship. You think," If I sexual intercourse have with this person, then they go to stay with me? "
-- Sanet Taren, 16, of Santa Monica SH

"To not a relationship with someone of them in the fear of leaving you, it's not good, either. There is always a risk gonna be. If you think that the person you love, then I see no problems with him. "
-- Matt Jones, 16 years old, LACETS

"What is the commitment? Do you really have a chance to meet, have sex with a commitment?"
-- Nogie Demirjian, 15, Pacific Palisades SH

Read more.....

Do you know how to correct condom

Decisions, decisions:
Condoms, there are many colors and textures in recent days, but only two things you should be plastic or latex (of the nature and way more reliable than condoms animal tissue), and they must be good condition. (Yes, they come in different lengths, widths and thicknesses.)

Attractions:
Condom packages show an expiration date. If a condom is past, the date, or saw dry, steep, steep or sticky, it should not be used. Keeping a few spare parts by hand is a good idea, in case a tear while on.

Handling:
Condoms should be sent to a cool, dry place, in order to prevent debris from stone or leaks. To open the package should be gentle back-and-forth over the page (and not with scissors or teeth that have been tearing the condom), and has slowly.

The choice of lubricant:
With a pre-lubricated condom, or a water-based lubricant like KY Jelly or Astro-Glide within and outside help prevent the condom tears. Based lubricant oil (such as Vaseline or other petroleum jelly, body mineral or vegetable oils), should not be used because it may lead to that condoms to solve.

The use of other forms of birth control:
Use a condom with a spermicide, to be sure you against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and unwanted pregnancies. Many couples also another form of birth control, such as the pill, Norplant or Depo-Provera shot, in case the condom breaks or leaks.

Allergies:
Some people are allergic to rubber. Others are allergic to spermicides. Before proceeding with these products, try it on a surface of your skin to see if you react to them.

Putting a condom correctly:
Condoms should be on the market before the onset of sexual intercourse. The condom must be passed over the glans, once it is difficult to maintain and, when a half-inch space at the tip to collect the seeds. (Pinching air from the tip with the thumb and forefinger can help prevent cut). Next condoms must be conducted over the entire length of the penis downward at the base, smooth any air bubbles. The condom fits comfortably, and not, as is the appearance foil during sexual relations. Make sure the latex ring is outside. When you start, I have a condom inside-out, throw it away.

Remove a condom:
Immediately after ejaculation, the penis must be removed before being slowly mild. The base of the condom should be held against the penis to prevent umschüttend seeds, withdrawn. The condom must be wrapped in tissue and thrown.

Protection at the hearing, Sex:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is possible to HIV and other STDs during oral sex. During the hearing, sex, the virus into the body through small incisions or wounds can in the mouth. The CDC recommends a condom for oral transport to a man. For transport by mouth to a woman who said that the CDC, you can Saran Wrap, Dental Dams (square piece of latex in some drugstore), or a square of a latex condom cut as a barrier between the mouth and vagina.

Read more.....

National family sex education months

Maybe you have questions about sex, but not about the planning, which for a while. Maybe you or think about sex. Wherever you are in your life, when it comes to your sexuality, it is important to use accurate information and support. A key source of this is that, if one parent Parents are sometimes not convenient to talk about sex with their children. Sometimes they do not know how to do it. Sometimes parents do not speak with their children because they know they do not have enough factual information. If you want your parents to talk to you about sex, maybe with him or her gaze on some Web sites for parents and help them! Make sure they think of sharing.
You must know the facts,

•Nearly 90% of parents wanted their children have, medical appropriate sex education.
•3 * 4 of the man in the United States, sexually transmitted diseases, young people called Chlamydia
•Two teenagers receive any hour of HIV in the United States.
•Each year, nearly 1 million American teenage pregnancy before being completed, and many schools before they are emotional, physical and financial capital can be used to ensure a baby.
•Many young people are confused about their sexuality and deserve, assisting, so that they can be happy.

The fact is…. Learning throughout accurate information about sexuality is to help you make the right decisions that suits you best. Your family, you can use these decisions. We hope you talk to someone in your family, if you need help.
Here are some great resources for you and for parents and families.

Teen Wire Article: In an interview with parents about sex

"Parents are really a good remedy, when it comes, sex and sexual health. You can give answers to questions, big and advice. But sometimes, there are intimidations approach difficult issues with parents. In this sense, the TAG team - Is arrived with some common situations and gave their suggestions for approaching, as a parent. Then they asked their parents a comment on the proposals. Here's what she had to say "

Families Are Talking (www.familiesaretalking.org)

Families Are Talking resources include:

•Families Are Talking quarterly newsletter (available in English and Spanish)
•Families are Talking postcards with ten tips for parents whose children about sex (available in English and Spanish)
•Http: / / www.familiesaretalking.org and http://www.lafamiliahabla.org, an informational site for parents and staff
•Innovative approaches to the strengthening of parents to children about sexuality of Communications, a publication for teachers, scientists and leaders at the commune level

Www.ruthinking.co.uk /

"The first time I talked with my mother about sex, we read a magazine about celebrities pregnant. He received the dialogue has begun."

Www.advocatesforyouth.org / parents /

"The start of negotiations on the facts of life can be difficult for some parents because they could not develop in an environment where the subject was discussed. Some parents may fear, they do not know, good answers or feel confused about the proper amount of information needed. To help this part of the Advocates for Youth's Web site - Parents' Sex Ed Center - contains all the information and resources you need for maintenance your children about sex. "

Read more.....

From touch or not touch

Masturbation

What issues?

Many people have questions about masturbation. "Is normal masturbate?" "How do you do that?" "Is it bad?" "Will it make me sick?" Will it be me, my hair to lose? "These are valid questions, and here are the answers. Then read on and discover what is real about masturbation.

"Then what is masturbation anyway?"

Masturbation is the act to touch, to spread itself to the pleasant feelings. He is sometimes referred to as "jackin 'jillin or" off "in the current discussion.

Masturbation is a great way for men and women to get to know their body. Yes, the men and the women. It is a misconception that only men masturbate, while the fact that women are being called to masturbate, as well as the men. Women tend to be for themselves a little more, and some men may be more to this issue. Some people are more at ease with the maintenance of their private sex life, including the activities of auto-pleasant. This is certainly not something that you in a job interview, if the employer asks: "Tell me something about yourself." For some people, respect for privacy guarantees, their sexual experience (s) intimate and comfortable.

There are numerous advantages to using our body to stay healthy and understanding of our different sexuality. The people who need to understand that sexuality and sexual feelings are normal and we are all sexual beings course, but the tendency to society, that part of our life seem negative or banned. Is it not time to do our own decisions in relation to our body and keep his views about society that?

Did you know that the healthy masturbant could you? That is true. Remember, the people they affect, and perhaps see regularly with their bodies, which look and feel than normal, and is in a position to the shortcomings quickly and to ask whatever, The immediate attention. As you know, the early detection of abnormalities or infection is important. Then, if you prefer not to touch, it is a good idea, again a mirror, and see from time to time. Masturbation can also lead to a person to explore, from the joy over her body and determine how the trigger. Knowledge, which worked to strengthen other sexual relations also in a position to say what you think your partner feels and what does not work. Yes, the people in the relationship to masturbate. You can even simultaneously as a form of "provisional" turn on them. Masturbation can also help people to understand their sexual response cycle, enabling them to realize the physical sensations and feelings just before ejaculation. This knowledge is of vital importance for people with the withdrawal method for the prevention of pregnancy.

"But I have heard that masturbate is dirty." Only if you are not in personal hygiene. The fact to masturbate is not dirty. However, it is important to ensure that manual and / or sexual devices are clean before they are in or around these sensitive areas, such as the penis and the vagina or anus.

There are different ways to get to masturbate. You just need to know what they like and what they are at home. Some people have their hands and fingers with a little oil and other aid from the toys, such as vibrators or ticklers. As always feel good is a good thing, that everything is clean to prevent infection, and cause no damage.

Do you remember that masturbation is perhaps not for everyone. The people masturbate, because at ease with them, and they want to do. There are other reasons why people can choose to masturbate and some advantages:

•A person can be activated or sexual relations, but the feelings are not prepared, these feelings with a partner.
•A person can only be a partner.
•A person can choose to masturbate, because they do not want any contract MST. Remember, you can not be a MST with a partner.
•A person can do, because they feel well.
•A person can do to relieve the stress.
•A person may just want with their bodies.

"But is this bad?" "People me differently?" Not if they do not know. It is the glory of him. Only you know and you talk with someone, unless you have nothing to fear. Tip line, if you masturbate, well-being and tranquillity with it, it can be good for you.

So, if someone says that you masturbation caused sterile, so you have no children, you will make you sick to lose your hair or make you blind, tell them to log on and get the real facts TEENSOURCE . ORG.

Read more.....

From touch or not touch

Masturbation

What issues?

Many people have questions about masturbation. "Is normal masturbate?" "How do you do that?" "Is it bad?" "Will it make me sick?" Will it be me, my hair to lose? "These are valid questions, and here are the answers. Then read on and discover what is real about masturbation.

"Then what is masturbation anyway?"

Masturbation is the act to touch, to spread itself to the pleasant feelings. He is sometimes referred to as "jackin 'jillin or" off "in the current discussion.

Masturbation is a great way for men and women to get to know their body. Yes, the men and the women. It is a misconception that only men masturbate, while the fact that women are being called to masturbate, as well as the men. Women tend to be for themselves a little more, and some men may be more to this issue. Some people are more at ease with the maintenance of their private sex life, including the activities of auto-pleasant. This is certainly not something that you in a job interview, if the employer asks: "Tell me something about yourself." For some people, respect for privacy guarantees, their sexual experience (s) intimate and comfortable.

There are numerous advantages to using our body to stay healthy and understanding of our different sexuality. The people who need to understand that sexuality and sexual feelings are normal and we are all sexual beings course, but the tendency to society, that part of our life seem negative or banned. Is it not time to do our own decisions in relation to our body and keep his views about society that?

Did you know that the healthy masturbant could you? That is true. Remember, the people they affect, and perhaps see regularly with their bodies, which look and feel than normal, and is in a position to the shortcomings quickly and to ask whatever, The immediate attention. As you know, the early detection of abnormalities or infection is important. Then, if you prefer not to touch, it is a good idea, again a mirror, and see from time to time. Masturbation can also lead to a person to explore, from the joy over her body and determine how the trigger. Knowledge, which worked to strengthen other sexual relations also in a position to say what you think your partner feels and what does not work. Yes, the people in the relationship to masturbate. You can even simultaneously as a form of "provisional" turn on them. Masturbation can also help people to understand their sexual response cycle, enabling them to realize the physical sensations and feelings just before ejaculation. This knowledge is of vital importance for people with the withdrawal method for the prevention of pregnancy.

"But I have heard that masturbate is dirty." Only if you are not in personal hygiene. The fact to masturbate is not dirty. However, it is important to ensure that manual and / or sexual devices are clean before they are in or around these sensitive areas, such as the penis and the vagina or anus.

There are different ways to get to masturbate. You just need to know what they like and what they are at home. Some people have their hands and fingers with a little oil and other aid from the toys, such as vibrators or ticklers. As always feel good is a good thing, that everything is clean to prevent infection, and cause no damage.

Do you remember that masturbation is perhaps not for everyone. The people masturbate, because at ease with them, and they want to do. There are other reasons why people can choose to masturbate and some advantages:

•A person can be activated or sexual relations, but the feelings are not prepared, these feelings with a partner.
•A person can only be a partner.
•A person can choose to masturbate, because they do not want any contract MST. Remember, you can not be a MST with a partner.
•A person can do, because they feel well.
•A person can do to relieve the stress.
•A person may just want with their bodies.

"But is this bad?" "People me differently?" Not if they do not know. It is the glory of him. Only you know and you talk with someone, unless you have nothing to fear. Tip line, if you masturbate, well-being and tranquillity with it, it can be good for you.

So, if someone says that you masturbation caused sterile, so you have no children, you will make you sick to lose your hair or make you blind, tell them to log on and get the real facts TEENSOURCE . ORG.

Read more.....

From touch or not touch

Masturbation

What issues?

Many people have questions about masturbation. "Is normal masturbate?" "How do you do that?" "Is it bad?" "Will it make me sick?" Will it be me, my hair to lose? "These are valid questions, and here are the answers. Then read on and discover what is real about masturbation.

"Then what is masturbation anyway?"

Masturbation is the act to touch, to spread itself to the pleasant feelings. He is sometimes referred to as "jackin 'jillin or" off "in the current discussion.

Masturbation is a great way for men and women to get to know their body. Yes, the men and the women. It is a misconception that only men masturbate, while the fact that women are being called to masturbate, as well as the men. Women tend to be for themselves a little more, and some men may be more to this issue. Some people are more at ease with the maintenance of their private sex life, including the activities of auto-pleasant. This is certainly not something that you in a job interview, if the employer asks: "Tell me something about yourself." For some people, respect for privacy guarantees, their sexual experience (s) intimate and comfortable.

There are numerous advantages to using our body to stay healthy and understanding of our different sexuality. The people who need to understand that sexuality and sexual feelings are normal and we are all sexual beings course, but the tendency to society, that part of our life seem negative or banned. Is it not time to do our own decisions in relation to our body and keep his views about society that?

Did you know that the healthy masturbant could you? That is true. Remember, the people they affect, and perhaps see regularly with their bodies, which look and feel than normal, and is in a position to the shortcomings quickly and to ask whatever, The immediate attention. As you know, the early detection of abnormalities or infection is important. Then, if you prefer not to touch, it is a good idea, again a mirror, and see from time to time. Masturbation can also lead to a person to explore, from the joy over her body and determine how the trigger. Knowledge, which worked to strengthen other sexual relations also in a position to say what you think your partner feels and what does not work. Yes, the people in the relationship to masturbate. You can even simultaneously as a form of "provisional" turn on them. Masturbation can also help people to understand their sexual response cycle, enabling them to realize the physical sensations and feelings just before ejaculation. This knowledge is of vital importance for people with the withdrawal method for the prevention of pregnancy.

"But I have heard that masturbate is dirty." Only if you are not in personal hygiene. The fact to masturbate is not dirty. However, it is important to ensure that manual and / or sexual devices are clean before they are in or around these sensitive areas, such as the penis and the vagina or anus.

There are different ways to get to masturbate. You just need to know what they like and what they are at home. Some people have their hands and fingers with a little oil and other aid from the toys, such as vibrators or ticklers. As always feel good is a good thing, that everything is clean to prevent infection, and cause no damage.

Do you remember that masturbation is perhaps not for everyone. The people masturbate, because at ease with them, and they want to do. There are other reasons why people can choose to masturbate and some advantages:

•A person can be activated or sexual relations, but the feelings are not prepared, these feelings with a partner.
•A person can only be a partner.
•A person can choose to masturbate, because they do not want any contract MST. Remember, you can not be a MST with a partner.
•A person can do, because they feel well.
•A person can do to relieve the stress.
•A person may just want with their bodies.

"But is this bad?" "People me differently?" Not if they do not know. It is the glory of him. Only you know and you talk with someone, unless you have nothing to fear. Tip line, if you masturbate, well-being and tranquillity with it, it can be good for you.

So, if someone says that you masturbation caused sterile, so you have no children, you will make you sick to lose your hair or make you blind, tell them to log on and get the real facts TEENSOURCE . ORG.

Read more.....

National Diabetes months: to test

All young people, an overweight, eat too much sugar, or have diabetes in their family, you should have a test for diabetes. The test is simple, not difficult, and if the cost is an issue, with numerous clinical community, and even on health fairs can offer tests free of charge or at very low cost.

Why is what we want you to know what diabetes? As the youths and diabetes can, in fact, more and more young people are diabetes all days! This is a very serious problem, because depending on the type of diabetes, and the way in which it is bad, a young blind, the kidneys, heart, high blood pressure and depression. Diabetes can also lead to problems in pregnancy.

The number of young people with diabetes is increasing for the same reason, it is more and more of the adults. The excess weight, not eat and not healthy enough for the exercise are the most common reasons for diabetes.

The good news? Diabetes can be prevented! And even if someone, the person is healthy and live a long happy life when a good program, followed by health.

If you have or know someone who has diabetes achieved, but there is much to learn, to help you. There is also a lot that you can learn to help the family members and friends who have diabetes .. There is even a website that the young people can use to communicate with other young people suffering from diabetes. Check it out now!

Read more.....

Condoms

Why is it so easy to forget to use a condom?

It was the fire of action. It began as a harmless kiss, but none of us resist the temptation, and before me, to note, John and I had sexual intercourse. If it is the time to think, to use a condom, none of us was prepared.

I met John this evening. It looked really sweet, nice, innocuous to say the less, but it was pretty much all I knew of it. What, and I thought it was really nice.

We were in his room and in his bed, and none of us wore no clothes, and we do not want to stop.

Before that night, I was always of those who boudé my friends, when they talked me about their sexual escapades, to learn from them how dangerous it is a night is now a day with all MST around. I was the one who used the transmission of condoms in schools and to a large extent by the National Condom, but I was having sex with a virtually unknown, and not by condoms.

The thought cross my mind, but I looked up to him, and it seemed as a man healthy. He was a rider, and really intelligent, and a clear separation. I figured I had nothing to fear.

I woke the next morning with an empty apartment with a note of the statement, as I hang my head. I left her flat to achieve what I had done. I could not believe that I, I did not stop, and to myself and the demand that we were given a condom. But for some reason it seemed so easy for them to let the little technical, while I at the moment.

I began to change, since I had only against AIDS or syphilis or gonorrhea or something else. I did not know what to do, and I have fear. I never thought that I am in a situation like this. I was on the control of births, so I was not freaking out about potentially become pregnant.

I called the clinic to a test MTS. You have the tests, but recommended that I return in a few weeks to be re-tested, as the MST not is not always immediately.

I went back to my house like the feeling that I kotzen. For the next three days, I checked my phone every five seconds to see if the clinic had, or if John had called. But after that night was John MIA, and then he had my number, I thought he would call me if I am wrong. "

Finally, a call comes from the clinic. I have been negative so far, but they have asked me to come again called for another test later in the month. Fortunately, I was still clear after my second check-up, but if there is a next time, I assure you that you are not, I do not know whether I would be as happy. I do not want to know.

I noted how easy it is to have sex with a condom, and not think about the consequences. But in contrast to the satisfaction of sex takes only a few moments, most of MTS remain with you forever. It is certainly not helpful to know you have a VHS or that you are pregnant, just a few minutes from the bonus. Take the time to stop what you are doing and to use a condom, because it is not easy, by not interfere.

Read more.....

Six Reasons to have sex every week

Studies show that regular sex (with caution, taking into account all measures) proposes a series of surprisingly positive impact on health.

Sex is good for adults. Nachgebend at regular intervals, at least once a week, is even better. Research Links Sex (with all safer-sex precautions and preventive measures), for an astonishing range of physiological benefits of pain to longevity. Many studies is not whether the address health bonus comes from the law itself or from the emotional intimacy, but the net effect is that some of the very physical side effects, especially for women . Here are six ways that sex helps your health:

1 It competes Colds and Flu. Sexual once or twice a week increases the level of physical immune system antibody immunoglobin A one-third increase in search of Wilkes University in Pennsylvania.

2nd There is a beauty treatment. In a study at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital in Scotland, by a jury, participants in a One-Way Mirror and guess their age. Those who are seven to 12 years younger than his age (with "superyoung") were also a lot of sexual pleasure four times a week on average. OK, maybe they had more fun too because it is young. But it is very likely that sex was helping, say the researchers. One of the reasons is a woman posed in terms of estrogen, which helps the skin and hair shiny flexible.

3rd It burns calories. A little more than four calories per minute, or the equivalent of four Hershey's kisses, and half an hour of love. Look at it as part of your plan weekly, and burn, Baby, Burn.

4th Yes, Honey, I Have a Headache. For a woman, a migraine can, in fact, one of the reasons why love and sex is not regarded as traffic to avoid an increase in endorphins and corticosteroids during arousal and orgasm is analgesic.

It promotes the 5th regular menstrual cycles. A number of studies of Behavioral endocrinologists Winnifred Cutler and colleagues from Columbia and Stanford University found that women who have sex at least once a week (except during their period), the regular cycle more of sober or sporadically active. (Other studies have shown that even lesbians Sex equalizes the menstrual cycle). Cutler argues that privacy is of utmost importance, not orgasms: "Regular exposure vis-à-vis an extraordinary love partner has an impact on the health and well-being."
6 It is possible to prevent accidents. Women use the muscles of the pelvic floor to people from the urine. As they older, they must ensure that this strong to avoid accidentally peeing. The same muscles during sex exercised, and, as in all muscles of the structure of programs, services need consistency.

And if you are too tired to have sex, see our By the Numbers schlummernd advice on how a little extra eyes closed during the day.

Read more.....

The sex, it is necessary?

Fans of abstinence was better to sit. "They" Saving before the big game, the big thing, the big hoedown or large bakeoff may have actually some advantages morality. Body mass, but it is not absolutely zip. There is no evidence it sharpens your competitive advantage. The best that modern science can say for sexual abstinence is that it is harmless if they practiced with restraint. Sexual intercourse, regular and enthusiastic, but a host of measurable physiological advantages, be you a man or a woman. (This assumes that you are on the sexual intercourse without obtaining a sexually transmitted disease.)

N one of the most credible studies correlating all with often sexual health, Queens University in Belfast, followed by the mortality of nearly 1000 middle-aged man in the course of a decade. The study was designed to test the people, under comparable circumstances, age and health. The results, published in 1997 in the British Medical Journal, were the men who have declared that the highest frequency of orgasm benefit from a mortality rate than half the laggard. Other studies (some rigorous, some are less) to show that the fact that the sexual intercourse, even a few times a week or club level has a causal connection with the following text:

-- Enhancing the sense of smell: After sex, production of the hormone prolactin spans. This, in turn, leads to the stem cells in the brain to develop new neurons in the brain olfaktorisches eyeball, from the middle of the olfactory sense.

-- Reducing the risk of heart disease: In 2001, after the above Queens University study, the researchers put the emphasis on cardiovascular health. His conclusion: Was the fact that the sexual intercourse three times or more per week, the people to reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke in half. At the booth of these results, the co-author of the study, Shah Ebrahim, Ph.D., showed beloved British gift for euphemism: "The relationship found between the frequency of sexual intercourse and mortality is great interest to the public."

-- Weight reduction, fitness scope: Sex, if nothing else, is exercise. A strong fight burns about 200 calories - about the same as the race 15 minutes on the treadmill or a squash game fiery. The heart rate, a person, is rising by about 70 beats per minute at 150, the same as an athlete before a maximum pressure. The British researchers have found that the equivalent of six Big Mac can be edited, in the coast, the sex three times per week for one year. Contractions of the muscles during the work of the pelvis, thighs, buttocks, arms, neck and chest. Gender also stimulates the production of testosterone, resulting in a strengthening of bones and muscles. Men's Health magazine has been to appoint the bed most of the equipment for the exercise ever invented.

-- Reduction of depression: it was the inclusion of the study in 2002 on 293 women. American psychologist Gordon Gallup pointed out that the participants, their partners sexually active men not used condoms are less prone to depression, that those where the partner. A theory of causality: Prostoglandin, a hormone, which is only in the seeds, can be absorbed in the female genital tract and female hormones modulate.

-- Pain relief: Shortly before the orgasm, the hormone oxytocin to increase to five times their normal level. That gives the endorphins, the pain of everything, arthritis, headaches in migraine. For women, the sex of the production of estrogens calls, what can the pain of premenstrual syndrome.

-- Less frequent colds and flu: Wilkes University in Pennsylvania, about people who said that the sex once or twice a week, 30% have higher antibody called immunoglobulin A, which is known for promoting the immune system.

-- Better control of the bladder: Heard Kegel exercises? You do what you know it or not, every time you get your stem cells flow of urine. The same set of muscles is during sexual intercourse.

-- Improvement of teeth: Plasma seed contains zinc, calcium and other minerals, the result of tooth decay. Since this is a site for the family, we delete the discussion of the system for the provision of minerals. It suffices to say that this could be much richer and more complex and fulfilling that experience by providing a tube of Crest - even Tartar Control Crest. The researchers have found brackets, which usually requires sexual rebuilding the brushing of teeth before and / or after intimacy, which, in itself, could be a better oral hygiene.

-- A happier prostate? Some urologists believe they see a connection between the lack of ejaculation and prostate cancer. The causal argument goes like this: For the production of seminal fluid, the prostate and bladder of seeds, these substances in the blood, zinc, citric acid and potassium, then concentrate up to 600 times. Each carcinogenic substances in the blood could be concentrated. Rather than dragging have concentrated carcinogens problem areas, it is better to sell. Regular old sex could do the job. But if the cleaning of the prostate are your only objective, masturbation might be a better way, especially for the non-monogamous males. With the sex with multiple partners, all alone, the man raised the risk of cancer by almost 40%. That's because he briefly an increased risk of contracting sexual infections. So, if you want all the supposed advantages in the treatment eliminates the risk to digitize. A recently published study by the British Journal of Urology International asserts that men in their 20s can reduce a third their chances in the prostate cancer by ejaculating more than five times a week.

While the possession of a strong appetite for sex - and the ability to meet physics - may not always be the cynosure of perfect health, a certain reluctance, can be a sign that something is seriously on the FRITZ, especially if the culprit is Infirme an erection.

Dr. J. Francois Eid, a urologist with Weill Medical College of Cornell University and Presbyterian Hospital in New York, notes that erectile dysfunction is to expand the vascular system. A lethargic member may say that you are sick of the blood vessels in other parts of your body. "This could be the first signs of high blood pressure or diabetes mellitus or an increase in cholesterol levels. It is a red flag, you should ask your doctor." The processing and perception, says Dr. Eid may have things to consider, even above: "The men who exercise and have a good heart and low heart rate, and heart-Fit, an erection, Fester. It is certainly a relationship. "

But is there such a thing as too much sex?

The answer, in the form of purely physiological, is the following: If you are female, not without doubts. If you are a male? You betcha.

Dre Claire Bailey of the University of Bristol say there is little or no risk of overdose of a woman on the sex. In fact, "she said, and the regular meetings can be not only a woman on a farm abdomen and buttocks, but also improve his posture.

Dr. George Winch Jr., an obstetrician / gynecologist in Elko, Nev.. That Nickt. If a woman before menopause and in good health, "said Dr. Winch, because an extraordinary amount of sex should have no problem." I do not believe that women can be many relations, "he says," as long as it not a sexually transmitted disease, and it was not a pregnancy involuntarily. Sometimes you can have a problem, the lubrication. If you can have it Vaginal excoriation - vaginal scrape. "

The women who are abstaining from sex run some risks. For postmenopausal women, these include vaginal atrophy. Dr. Winch has an average age of the patients, he said: "They had not in three years. Just not interested. Opening their vagina narrows itself obsolete. It is a disease that can lead to dysparenia, or the pain associated with intercourse. him I said, "See you prefer to buy a vibrator or you lose it would work."

For men, urologists Aïd said, it is certainly possible to be a good thing, now that drugs such as Viagra, Levitra and have a lot more stamina than men can even be good for them.

The penis, says Eid, is wonderfully resistant. But everything has its limits. The tissue of the penis, when it is too roistering a pummeling or extended, the damage. In the cases is enough already, that you are not heard, lasting damage.

"Yes," says Dr. Eid, "It is possible for a young man who was very energetic and rough, loves sex, affected his aufrichtbare tissue." The increase in the stiffness of the drugs, and moreover, they make possible for a man to have second and third orgasms without having to wait between acts.

"I look for the football player," said Eid. "They use the Viagra because they are sexually active. What they demand of their body is not reasonable. This is part of the game of soccer: You play in pain therapy." This kind of man does not listen to his body. It takes a snapshot of cortisone, and continues. And they have sexual intercourse in the same way. "

There is a reason the penis, in its natural state, suffers a period of flaccidité: That is, if it takes a little rest. In the blood, it is again with oxygen. "In the course of erection," says Eid, "very little blood flows into the penis. Estoc while, the pressure of up to 200 million water. Zero blood flows into the penis at the time." Oxygen, the tissue loosen up. "If you do not allow the penis in peace, and the muscle tissue does not receive enough oxygen. self, the erection extended to the oxygen to the tissues, and could possibly undergo priapism." (We recommend you to a medical encyclopedia and see it.) "The muscle becomes as swallowing, it is painful. pressure from the inside begins to rise. starting point in the dying cells. The higher the blood pressure and flow less. Possibly muscle dies. And then there are the scars. Therefore, it is an urgent necessity. "

Read more.....