Thoughts from Courtney Bauer
When Miley Cyrus was 15 years old, the condom company Lifestyles offered her $1 million to appear in their advertisements. She refused their offer. Is a 15 year old with a young fan base not the right person to promote condoms or, is it a good thing because it would get condom advertisements out to younger teens and thus bring down the teen pregnancy rate?
Does having a pre-teen idol advertize condoms decrease the age at which teenagers will lose their virginity? Are shows that teens watch such as “The Secret Life” on ABC Family or “Gossip Girl” on CW to blame for the increase of teen pregnancy? Some people believe that teen sex is on the rise because shows like these create an atmosphere where teen sex is accepted. According the Center for Disease Control one third of girls in the United States will become pregnant before the age of twenty, which is an increase from past years. So if teens want to be like the people in these shows then perhaps it is reasonable to say that if Miley is advertising condoms, and therefore advertising sex, then teens will try to emulate her by having sex. The other possibility here is that if Miley advertises condoms then teens will use them because they want to be like Miley.
So does Lifestyles have the right idea by trying to appeal to younger audiences or are they adding to the problem on teens losing their virginity at younger ages?
What do you think about this? Leave your comments on this page.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,393141,00.html
http://www.livestrong.com/article/12504-teen-pregnancy-rates-usa/
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
'Sext' Me
Written by Dana Shaffer, SBI Health Education Intern
What’s with teenagers and the outbreak of ‘sexting?’ ‘Sexting’ has become a growing trend amongst teens in the United States. Teenagers, these days, are more technologically advanced than ever before; their lives are hi-tech and digital. Their technological expertise intensifies their desire to entice and arouse their partner via technology. Vocabulary of this new generation, of teenagers, is provocative and sexually enticing.
‘Sexting’ is the act of text messaging with hopes of having a sexual encounter or multiple encounters, later on, with the receiver who is usually a boyfriend or girlfriend of the sender. ‘Sexting’ could also be a way to flirt or want to “hook up” with someone sincerely or in a more joking manner. Initially, it may come off as a casual and flirtatious gesture but as the fire ignites, between both parties, it may seem more and more sexually explicit and suggestive. Teenagers, who actively engage in ‘sexting’ seem to take provocative pictures of themselves and/or videos usually nude or performing sexual acts.
Popular culture and the social media contribute to the sexuality of our teenagers. “Teens have long associated sexuality with greater independence, personal control and a path to adulthood.” (www.theyoungandthedigital.com) Teenagers are experimenting with their sexuality; they long to overcome and explore their sexual curiosities. Mobile media and social networks, which are at their fingertips literally, are the biggest sources of exploration.
Teenagers use mobile media and social networks to express themselves because it is a form of private communication between two parties… unless of course one party decides to breach such privacy. This is a huge issue! According to research, 1/3 of teenage boys and ¼ of teenage girls say they’ve seen nude and/or semi-nude images, which were originally meant to be private. Such findings pose an enormous concern.
While the digital world is an incredible and beneficial aspect of society, we need to find a way to protect our teenagers and future generations from being exposed and humiliated. In my own opinion, teenagers and active participants in ‘sexting’ need to be aware of the consequences before they hit SEND. They also need to realize that technology amplifies the interconnectedness of people and society on a much broader spectrum; when you expose yourself, via technology, you are putting yourself on display for all eyes to see.
What’s with teenagers and the outbreak of ‘sexting?’ ‘Sexting’ has become a growing trend amongst teens in the United States. Teenagers, these days, are more technologically advanced than ever before; their lives are hi-tech and digital. Their technological expertise intensifies their desire to entice and arouse their partner via technology. Vocabulary of this new generation, of teenagers, is provocative and sexually enticing.
‘Sexting’ is the act of text messaging with hopes of having a sexual encounter or multiple encounters, later on, with the receiver who is usually a boyfriend or girlfriend of the sender. ‘Sexting’ could also be a way to flirt or want to “hook up” with someone sincerely or in a more joking manner. Initially, it may come off as a casual and flirtatious gesture but as the fire ignites, between both parties, it may seem more and more sexually explicit and suggestive. Teenagers, who actively engage in ‘sexting’ seem to take provocative pictures of themselves and/or videos usually nude or performing sexual acts.
Popular culture and the social media contribute to the sexuality of our teenagers. “Teens have long associated sexuality with greater independence, personal control and a path to adulthood.” (www.theyoungandthedigital.com) Teenagers are experimenting with their sexuality; they long to overcome and explore their sexual curiosities. Mobile media and social networks, which are at their fingertips literally, are the biggest sources of exploration.
Teenagers use mobile media and social networks to express themselves because it is a form of private communication between two parties… unless of course one party decides to breach such privacy. This is a huge issue! According to research, 1/3 of teenage boys and ¼ of teenage girls say they’ve seen nude and/or semi-nude images, which were originally meant to be private. Such findings pose an enormous concern.
While the digital world is an incredible and beneficial aspect of society, we need to find a way to protect our teenagers and future generations from being exposed and humiliated. In my own opinion, teenagers and active participants in ‘sexting’ need to be aware of the consequences before they hit SEND. They also need to realize that technology amplifies the interconnectedness of people and society on a much broader spectrum; when you expose yourself, via technology, you are putting yourself on display for all eyes to see.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Vaginas Speak, Come Listen
Thoughts from Courtney Bauer
Come hear women talk about vaginas. The world famous Vagina Monologues are coming to UB Sunday March 21 and Monday March 22nd. There are shows at 1pm and 7pm on Sunday and at 7pm on Monday. Tickets are $8 with a UB ID and $10 without. They can be purchased at the SBI ticket office or at the door, but hurry and get them before they sell out! All of the money from the show goes to programs that work to end violence against women. This year, part of the proceeds will go to help women in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The Vagina Monologues were written by Eve Ensler and are based off 200 interviews with women. Each monologue is a different woman’s story. Some of the Monologues are humorous and some are very emotional but, all are sure to entertain. The monologues will “make you laugh, make you cry, make you happy, and hopefully make you proactive in the end.” says Amanda Hibbard, a cast member of the show.
One of the more emotional monologues will be performed by Kayla Maryles. It is called “My Vagina Was My Village.” It is about women who were slaves in Bosnia and Kosovo. There are also more light-hearted monologues such as “The Woman Who Loved to Make Vaginas Happy” which is about a prostitute who loves to pleasure women. There is a monologue in this show that will touch everyone.
After you are done listening about vaginas, how about eating one? SBI Health Education will be selling chocolate vagina pops for $1 at both showings and everyday in our office Hayes Annex C on South Campus. There will also be a Chinese Auction after the show. The money from the sale of the vagina pops and the Chinese auction will also go towards ending violence against women.
Hope to see you there!
Come hear women talk about vaginas. The world famous Vagina Monologues are coming to UB Sunday March 21 and Monday March 22nd. There are shows at 1pm and 7pm on Sunday and at 7pm on Monday. Tickets are $8 with a UB ID and $10 without. They can be purchased at the SBI ticket office or at the door, but hurry and get them before they sell out! All of the money from the show goes to programs that work to end violence against women. This year, part of the proceeds will go to help women in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The Vagina Monologues were written by Eve Ensler and are based off 200 interviews with women. Each monologue is a different woman’s story. Some of the Monologues are humorous and some are very emotional but, all are sure to entertain. The monologues will “make you laugh, make you cry, make you happy, and hopefully make you proactive in the end.” says Amanda Hibbard, a cast member of the show.
One of the more emotional monologues will be performed by Kayla Maryles. It is called “My Vagina Was My Village.” It is about women who were slaves in Bosnia and Kosovo. There are also more light-hearted monologues such as “The Woman Who Loved to Make Vaginas Happy” which is about a prostitute who loves to pleasure women. There is a monologue in this show that will touch everyone.
After you are done listening about vaginas, how about eating one? SBI Health Education will be selling chocolate vagina pops for $1 at both showings and everyday in our office Hayes Annex C on South Campus. There will also be a Chinese Auction after the show. The money from the sale of the vagina pops and the Chinese auction will also go towards ending violence against women.
Hope to see you there!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Not a Magnum Man?
Thoughts from Courtney Bauer
Recent articles have suggested that many men are wearing condoms that are too big because they are ashamed of their penis size. Well it’s about time that men matched their Trojan size to their penis size. You wouldn’t wear size 22 shoes if you were a size 12. So why are you wearing magnums if you need a Beyond Seven brand condom? Wearing condoms that are too big could decrease pleasure for you and your partner as well as make the condom more likely to slip off and thus making the condom less enjoyable and less effective.
Even though small condoms don’t say “small” people still want to carry around a condom that says “large”. This is just a little FYI but I have never heard of anyone who is more willing to have sex with a guy just because he is “packing a magnum.” So if you have experienced condom slippage or lack of sensation during sex while using a condom then maybe you should try a Beyond Seven brand condom, Lifestyles brand “Snugger Fit” condom, or Durex brand “enhanced pleasure.”
Maybe if condom sizes were labeled like Starbucks’ drink sizes people would be more willing to buy smaller condoms. Just like Starbucks’ smallest size is called “Tall” the smallest condom size could be “plentiful.” The medium condom size could be called “immense” and the large size could be called “monumental.”
There is something else you need to know, even if you have a penis that is large enough to be a medical anomaly, all latex condoms will still fit you. They are capable of being stretched over a human head or arm, yes even the “small” ones. So no, you don’t need Magnums or other large variety condoms.
So is the “size” of the condom really more important than the health of you and your partner? Is it more important than having pleasurable sex? If the answer is no then try giving a little bit smaller condoms a try.
http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/health/2010/02/16/2010-02-16_many_men_refuse_condoms_because_of_poor_fit_study.html
Recent articles have suggested that many men are wearing condoms that are too big because they are ashamed of their penis size. Well it’s about time that men matched their Trojan size to their penis size. You wouldn’t wear size 22 shoes if you were a size 12. So why are you wearing magnums if you need a Beyond Seven brand condom? Wearing condoms that are too big could decrease pleasure for you and your partner as well as make the condom more likely to slip off and thus making the condom less enjoyable and less effective.
Even though small condoms don’t say “small” people still want to carry around a condom that says “large”. This is just a little FYI but I have never heard of anyone who is more willing to have sex with a guy just because he is “packing a magnum.” So if you have experienced condom slippage or lack of sensation during sex while using a condom then maybe you should try a Beyond Seven brand condom, Lifestyles brand “Snugger Fit” condom, or Durex brand “enhanced pleasure.”
Maybe if condom sizes were labeled like Starbucks’ drink sizes people would be more willing to buy smaller condoms. Just like Starbucks’ smallest size is called “Tall” the smallest condom size could be “plentiful.” The medium condom size could be called “immense” and the large size could be called “monumental.”
There is something else you need to know, even if you have a penis that is large enough to be a medical anomaly, all latex condoms will still fit you. They are capable of being stretched over a human head or arm, yes even the “small” ones. So no, you don’t need Magnums or other large variety condoms.
So is the “size” of the condom really more important than the health of you and your partner? Is it more important than having pleasurable sex? If the answer is no then try giving a little bit smaller condoms a try.
http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/health/2010/02/16/2010-02-16_many_men_refuse_condoms_because_of_poor_fit_study.html
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Do you like piña coladas and SEX?
Thoughts from Courtney Bauer
Do you also like free pizza?... free condoms?... free prizes? If you do in fact enjoy these things then you are in luck because on Tuesday, February 23rd the annual SBI Health Education spring break event will be held in the flag room in the union from 11am to 3pm.
This year the theme of the event is sun, sex, and safety. So if you also dislike catching an STI, having an unplanned pregnancy, and ending up in unsafe situations over break come on up to the flag room and gain some free knowledge as well as FREE STUFF!
Also join us for interactive games on the hour at 12, 1, and 2. Prizes will awarded to the winners and include gift cards so bring your game face.
Do you also like free pizza?... free condoms?... free prizes? If you do in fact enjoy these things then you are in luck because on Tuesday, February 23rd the annual SBI Health Education spring break event will be held in the flag room in the union from 11am to 3pm.
This year the theme of the event is sun, sex, and safety. So if you also dislike catching an STI, having an unplanned pregnancy, and ending up in unsafe situations over break come on up to the flag room and gain some free knowledge as well as FREE STUFF!
Also join us for interactive games on the hour at 12, 1, and 2. Prizes will awarded to the winners and include gift cards so bring your game face.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
So you think you know Plan B?
Thoughts from Courtney Bauer
Did you know Plan B can prevent pregnancy up to 5 days after unprotected sex?
It is most effective within 72 hours of unprotected sex. It is best to take it as soon as you can after unprotected sex, but it is still 75%-89% effective when taken in the first five days after unprotected sex.
Does Plan B have severe side effects?
The most common side effect when taking Plan B is some slight nausea. The nausea can be prevented by eating a light snack when taking it. Other than that the other side effects are rare.
Will emergency contraception abort a pregnancy?
No, EC will neither abort nor harm a pregnancy. It works just like a birth control pill because it inhibits ovulation, thickens cervical mucus, and changes the lining of the uterus. When it prevents ovulation there will be no egg to fertilize. Thickening the cervical mucus stops sperm from getting into the fallopian tubes to fertilize an egg. The changes in the lining of the uterus make it hard for a fertilized egg to implant and therefore hard to start a pregnancy.
Can you get emergency contraception on campus?
Yes, you can get it at SBI Health Education in Hayes Annex C on south campus for $25. You can also get it at the Sub Board pharmacy in Michael Hall for $25.
If you don’t have sex a lot can Plan B be used as a regular form of birth control?
It is not a good idea to use Plan B as a regular form of birth control because it is less effective and can be more expensive than other hormonal methods such as the pill, the ring, etc.
Did you know Plan B can prevent pregnancy up to 5 days after unprotected sex?
It is most effective within 72 hours of unprotected sex. It is best to take it as soon as you can after unprotected sex, but it is still 75%-89% effective when taken in the first five days after unprotected sex.
Does Plan B have severe side effects?
The most common side effect when taking Plan B is some slight nausea. The nausea can be prevented by eating a light snack when taking it. Other than that the other side effects are rare.
Will emergency contraception abort a pregnancy?
No, EC will neither abort nor harm a pregnancy. It works just like a birth control pill because it inhibits ovulation, thickens cervical mucus, and changes the lining of the uterus. When it prevents ovulation there will be no egg to fertilize. Thickening the cervical mucus stops sperm from getting into the fallopian tubes to fertilize an egg. The changes in the lining of the uterus make it hard for a fertilized egg to implant and therefore hard to start a pregnancy.
Can you get emergency contraception on campus?
Yes, you can get it at SBI Health Education in Hayes Annex C on south campus for $25. You can also get it at the Sub Board pharmacy in Michael Hall for $25.
If you don’t have sex a lot can Plan B be used as a regular form of birth control?
It is not a good idea to use Plan B as a regular form of birth control because it is less effective and can be more expensive than other hormonal methods such as the pill, the ring, etc.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Are you naughty or nice?
Thoughts from Courtney Bauer
Behind closed doors would you rather "squash" your partner or massage their feet? Squashing is a fetish well publicized by the Tyra Banks show. It involves one of the partners (typically one who is overweight) falling onto the other partner and in essence "squashing" them. The pain involved in the squashing can increase feelings of arousal, much the same way people are aroused by S&M.
Are you turned on yet? If not then read on. So maybe squashing is a little too nice for you? Well then can I interest you in some hand cuffs and whips? S&M is sadomasochism. The sadism is if you derive pleasure from inflicting pain while the masochism is deriving pleasure from receiving the pain. This fetish as opposed to squashing, requires a few more toys. Luckily, there are plenty of good adult stores in Buffalo.
So naughty fetishes aren’t for you? How about something like podophilia? No not PEDophilia, PODophilia, or more commonly known as a foot fetish. Partners who have a love of feet are turned on by gentle foot massages and perhaps a nice little kiss on the toe. A foot fetish can be very loving and sensual, especially if there is massaging involved. Luckily this fetish doesn’t require toys and the safety risk is lower than that of squashing, but it may require getting a pedicure.
If even a foot massage is too risqué for you then maybe you are better off sticking to your teddy bears and stuffed crocodiles. What could be better than the feel of soft synthetic fur on your skin? In that case you can consider yourself a plushophile. So take your partner, or just yourself, and head to the carnival to win yourself a brand new toy!!
Fetishes are fun and arousing but make sure you always talk to your partner before breaking out the whip or costumes. You may scare them off. Also with things that involve any kind of bondage or pain make sure you and your partner have a safe word or safe action. Make sure your safe word or action is not in any way related to sex or what you are doing.
Behind closed doors would you rather "squash" your partner or massage their feet? Squashing is a fetish well publicized by the Tyra Banks show. It involves one of the partners (typically one who is overweight) falling onto the other partner and in essence "squashing" them. The pain involved in the squashing can increase feelings of arousal, much the same way people are aroused by S&M.
Are you turned on yet? If not then read on. So maybe squashing is a little too nice for you? Well then can I interest you in some hand cuffs and whips? S&M is sadomasochism. The sadism is if you derive pleasure from inflicting pain while the masochism is deriving pleasure from receiving the pain. This fetish as opposed to squashing, requires a few more toys. Luckily, there are plenty of good adult stores in Buffalo.
So naughty fetishes aren’t for you? How about something like podophilia? No not PEDophilia, PODophilia, or more commonly known as a foot fetish. Partners who have a love of feet are turned on by gentle foot massages and perhaps a nice little kiss on the toe. A foot fetish can be very loving and sensual, especially if there is massaging involved. Luckily this fetish doesn’t require toys and the safety risk is lower than that of squashing, but it may require getting a pedicure.
If even a foot massage is too risqué for you then maybe you are better off sticking to your teddy bears and stuffed crocodiles. What could be better than the feel of soft synthetic fur on your skin? In that case you can consider yourself a plushophile. So take your partner, or just yourself, and head to the carnival to win yourself a brand new toy!!
Fetishes are fun and arousing but make sure you always talk to your partner before breaking out the whip or costumes. You may scare them off. Also with things that involve any kind of bondage or pain make sure you and your partner have a safe word or safe action. Make sure your safe word or action is not in any way related to sex or what you are doing.
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