safe sex Archive

Lie Back and Think Of….

Posted on May 18, 2012.

It’s Victoria Day in Canada, the recognition of the Queen’s Birthday and longstanding connection to “our” Mother Ship, England. Many Canadians have no connection to England as conqueror or otherwise, but that’s a whole other political blog that may or may not be about sexual health. Thinking about what to post on this day, the [...]

Like Mother, Like Daughter

Posted on May 14, 2012.

If you’re in perimenopause or post-menopausal your body has some similarities to a teenager’s. Puberty was a process- maybe one you’d rather forget for its pimples and weeping, but nevertheless, it was a process. And as you went through it, your body was changing inside and out. The same happens in perimenopause and post menopause [...]

Whole Health Decisions

Posted on May 7, 2012.

I read such a great piece on health decisions last week. Amy Berman, diagnosed with a form of breast cancer that has a nasty survival rate talks about her choice of palliative care (to enhance the quality of time she has left) rather than aggressive treatment (that might give her more time but almost certainly [...]

Here’s To You, Kid

Posted on April 30, 2012.

When I read Maggie Lamond Simone’s post last week I startled the dog by snorting out loud. It was so spot on, the humbling realization that she’s become her own mother when it comes to mothering. I’ve had the self-same realization numerous times over the past few months. My girl is growing fast and at [...]

Microbicides 2012: Switching Sex Up for Safety

Posted on April 23, 2012.

Last week was Microbicides 2012, an international conference of researchers and advocates that met in Sydney. If you’re scratching your head wondering what a microbicide is, fair enough. They are gels, suppositories, or insertable devices that contain HIV fighting compounds. They will put HIV prevention choices in the hands of women and men for situations [...]

A Love Song to Coffee

Posted on April 16, 2012.

I love that brown beverage of delight, coffee. I savour my first sip, enhanced by the sweet taste of alone time before the family is up. I can’t imagine giving it up, so I’m always keen to hear the latest on its health effects. Last week’s news didn’t let me down. It’s not the threat [...]

Weighing HIV Statistics for Safety

Posted on April 2, 2012.

I’m often asked about “who’s most at risk for HIV,” and it can be a complicated answer. A lot goes into “risk” for health issues and it depends on what I’m really being asked- statistics? Biological vulnerability? Gender inequalities? Race-related inequalities? Socioeconomic disparities? Or is someone looking for reassurance about their relationship? Facts are, some [...]

It’s not the Same as Books, But….

Posted on March 26, 2012.

Last week my friend Sharon came into town for a dentist appointment- she has a good one she can’t leave even though she’s moved a ferry ride away. Sharon has four kids under age ten, but she came alone and thus a little giddy. My kids were out of town, so off we went to [...]