Sexual Health Awareness Day

In a world bombarded with masks and CO-VID 19, we can’t forget about another  important aspect of health: sexual health. This Friday, September 4th, is ‘Sexual Health Awareness Day. Sexual health is a big part of life and is affected by other aspects of health. This includes physical, mental, emotional, and social health. Understanding sexual health means you are well informed, careful, and respectful to yourself and others.

Most people learn about sexuality and sex early on. You may have discussions with parents, siblings, teachers, or mentors. Or you may discover it on your own.  In doing so, we also discover the benefits and risks associated with sexual health.  Some ways to take care of your sexual health include having open communication with loved ones about sex, relationships, and the prevention of HIV, STDs, and pregnancy, can help promote a person’s health and reduce the chances of engaging in behaviors that place them at risk. In addition to always using a condom during every sexual encounter,  taking the initiative to visit your local clinic to get tested should also be a priority. According to The World Health Organization (WHO), sexual health is defined “as a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity.”  The part about the absence of disease is important to remember because some people don’t consider their sexual health until the positive test result for an STD or pregnancy. Your sexual health matters and it is all inclusive:

‘Screen for STD’s and pregnancies!’ 

Sexual Health Awareness Day reminds us that the more informed you are about you’re sexual health, the more prepared you are to make responsible choices.