Communication Skills Archive

Are You Too Old For Sex Education?

Posted on January 16, 2012.

While this piece is a few months old, its topic is fresh and troubling: a safe sex education session for adults over 60 was cancelled due to lack of interest. Given that those over 60 are still having lots of sex and enjoying it, it’s not like such a session isn’t necessary. Big Little Wolf [...]

Holiday favourites (Beyond Chocolate)

Posted on December 26, 2011.

No in depth blog this week as I’m too hyped up on chocolate and shortbread (so lucky a friend came through. My shortbread making skills are non-existent). I’m also relaxing with the family – losing at Yahtzee, to be honest. If you want some good reading as you sip your tea (my poison’s coffee) or [...]

STI Prevention Starts with Foreplay- Conversation that Is

Posted on December 19, 2011.

A few pieces last week brought it home again that aging doesn’t eliminate the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). In fact, it could make it a little higher. If you figure safe sex doesn’t apply because your partner doesn’t have a STI or you can’t get pregnant, reconsider. According to a recent report in [...]

Media Watch helpful with Mannequins and Muffs

Posted on December 12, 2011.

My endless rant has so much fodder it’s disheartening. Regular reader and Twitter friends know that one of the things I post about is body image. It not only affects women and girls, but boys and men as well. It’s amazing how female forms (Note the S- there IS more than one) are presented, objectified, [...]

As it Gets Dark, Remember the Women- and Speak

Posted on December 5, 2011.

Twenty-two years ago I was living in Montreal as a university student, working two jobs to get through and loving my scrappy young life. As the light disappeared in the late afternoon of December 6, I heard on the radio (those days before the web) that there had been a shooting, and young women were [...]

The Back Story Behind “Poor” Health Choices

Posted on November 21, 2011.

In our “take charge of your health” culture, the dark side of that can be blame. If faced with a health issue, you either didn’t do enough of something to prevent it, or you did too much and brought it on yourself. There are many factors influencing the ups and downs of health, and while [...]

Body Image Outrage- Let Them Be Kids

Posted on November 7, 2011.

I’m in the midst of body image outrage. I was angry, appalled and disheartened to read about the bras being sold for four year-olds. Seriously, what is up with that? I am so frustrated with the ongoing onslaught on little girls and boys by association. One is formed to be viewed and the other as [...]

Be Nice- It Could Help Your Health

Posted on October 24, 2011.

If your experience is similar to mine, when you were a child some adult in your life told you that you needed to be “nice.” And if your experience is like mine, you have questioned “nice” many a time at different moments, from the mundane to the meaningful. When someone pushes ahead of you in [...]