Celebrating 40 years of Audacity

This year marks the 40^th anniversary of our organization’s legacy of serving the Calgary community with comprehensive, non-judgmental sexual health information. Although our organization was officially registered on June 27, 1972, we are taking the opportunity to mark this milestone over the entire year ahead.

We began as a grassroots volunteer organization and have been providing comprehensive sexuality education and counselling to the Calgary community since 1972. In the early 70’s, our work focused on improving access to birth control and increasing support for women facing unplanned pregnancies. Since that time, we have evolved to include a range of services and programs to ensure that individuals are able to make informed, positive choices about their sexual and reproductive health.

We believe that healthy sexuality is more than the absence of disease or unintended pregnancies; it also encompasses the positive aspects of relationships and sexuality. Our programs and services for families, youth, adults and seniors reflect our awareness of the holistic nature of sexual health and its impact across the life span.

At the CSHC, we continue to ensure that women and men have access to comprehensive sexual health information.  Sexuality still remains a taboo subject for many, STI rates are rising, and Canadians continually need to actively defend and advocate for their reproductive rights.

We still have much work to do, and we know that we will continue to have the community’s support behind us.

We have had many supporters and advocates in our community in the past 40 years, and we hope to celebrate and acknowledge them this anniversary year.

ALUMNI CELEBRATION

This month, we are hosting a gathering of our past and current Board Members and Staff. Please join us to sip some bubbly, share our stories and celebrate 40 years of audacity!

Thursday, March 29^th, 2012

5pm – 7pm

Please RSVP to Sylvia at 403-283-5580 ext 316 or skessel@calgarysexualhealth.ca

Sexting: What you need to know!

Thinking of sending your valentine a sexy text? 

A recent study in the Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality provides some insight into the issue of sexting - a combination of "sex" and "texting" that refers to the sending of sexually related text or images from one mobile phone to another.

While we assume that the sender wants the image to be private, statistics reveal that this is not always respected. 

17% of those who had received a sext reported that they had sent it on to one or more other people (Associated Press / MTV 2009 survey)

25% of teen girls and 33% of teen boys reported that they had seen nude or semi-nude sexts that were intended for someone else (NCPTUP / Cosmogirl.com 2008 survey)

Before hitting "send", here are some things to consider:

• Most relationships don't last forever. In many cases where nude photos have been shared with others, it was an ex-partner who did the sending!
• Once your send / post something in cyberspace, you lose control of it forever. There is no way to fully delete it.
• There can be unexpected consequences if the images are eventually seen by family, friends, people who don't like you, or even future employers.
• When the image involves someone under 18, sexting may violate Canada's child pornography laws.

Good news. Sex is safe for most heart patients!

A recent report released by the American Heart Association says if you're healthy enough to walk up two flights of stairs without chest pain or gasping for breath, then you can have a love life. 

The report also says that sex is something that doctors should discuss with all heart patients - yet few do because they're uncomfortable talking about it of they lack information.

Are you a health professional working with older adults or heart patients? We can help you build your comfort level in supporting their sexuality! Check out our upcoming workshop:

  
Supporting Sexuality with Older Adults
Designed for those working with older adults, you will increase your confidence and comfort talking with clients about sexuality. Receive practical suggestions, tips and resources to start talking about sexual health and advocating for sexual wellbeing with your older adult clients.

When:        Wed, Feb 15, 2012;  9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where:      Calgary Sexual Health Centre, #304, 301-14 St NE
Fee:           $50.00 per person, including workshop materials



To register:
Contact Valerie Barr at 403.283.5580 ext. 317 or vbarr@calgarysexualhealth.ca.


Please note:  Level 'A' Alberta Social Work Continuing Education Credits are available for attendance at these workshops via a partnership with the Calgary Counselling Centre.  General public are also welcome to attend.