Warning: Teens And Parents Not Talking Enough About Sex

A study into the population of East Asians in Canada has found that teens are unlikely to talk about sexual health with their parents, which is putting their wellness and wellbeing at risk. Although it was found that East Asian students were less likely to be sexually active, those who were sexually active were more likely to indulge in risky sexual behaviour.

 

The study has emerged from the University of B.C in Vancouver, and suggests that language and cultural barriers may be to blame for the lack of frank and open dialogue between parents and their children on the topic of sex. The study was published in The Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality and has opened up further discussion about why East Asians may feel this taboo about sexual discussion between parents and teens.

 

It has become more commonplace for young people to be sexually active – in North America, around half of all students in Grades 9 and 10 say that they have had sexual intercourse. This 50 percent drops to only 10 percent, however, when looking solely at young people of East Asian heritage living in America and Canada.

 

Despite the low percentage of those actually engaging in sexual intercourse, those who do are at higher risk of unsafe practices. Around 70 percent of young East Asians who do have sex have some kind of other high risk behaviour. Around one in four say that they use alcohol or drugs as part of their sex life, over a third of them had had sex with multiple partners in the past 12 months, and over half of those surveyed had had sex without using a condom.

 

And seven out of those 10 reported high-risk behaviour, according to the study. One in four reported using drugs or alcohol, more than one third reported having had multiple partners in the last year, and more than half the girls surveyed had not used a condom.

 

It is thought that the more traditionally conservative cultures could be contributing to the problem, as children of this heritage were less likely to speak to their parents at home about sex or to be given advice about safe sexual practices.

Categories: Asia, condom nbsp, culture, east asian, east asians, high risk, language, multiple partners, risk behaviour, sexual intercourse, sexually active, young people

A Smile Goes a Long Way: How Positivity Leads to Success

When it comes to getting a job, or general corporate wellness, a sunny attitude may be the greatest tool in your arsenal. This is according to a study of recent MBA graduates, who found that optimistic people get hired more quickly than their less-optimistic peers, and happy workers were more likely to get promoted.

According to Vicky Oliver, an image consultant in Manhattan and author of five bestselling books on personal branding, etiquette, and career development, including her latest, The Millionaire’s Handbook: How to Look and Act Like a Millionaire Even If You’re Not, ‘Being happy on the job improves your reputation. Optimism also makes you more resilient, able to adapt to new situations, and solve problems faster. Happy employees get better feedback from bosses and peers. And they enjoy more job satisfaction because work doesn’t feel boring, difficult, or unpleasant.’

Oliver has outlined three main ways in which you can put on a happy face at work and smile all the way to the bank. Firstly, go to work every day wearing your ‘rose coloured glasses’. Find a lesson in every disappointment, and see a positive aspect in situations that don’t turn out the way you want. If you went for an interview or possible promotion but didn’t get the job, at least you’re on the company’s radar now and it will be easier to go back next time.

Also, watch your language! Upbeat words and phrases go a long way, as they have a powerful, subliminal effect on others’ moods and impressions of you. Your boss and colleagues are going to love dealing with you if you’re pleasant and positive. Try to jazz up even routine exchanges by adding words that convey a happy mood and upbeat energy. For example, in stead of ‘sure’ or ‘ok’, try using ‘I’d be delighted to’ ‘no problem at all.’

The best way to up your positivity is to get rid of negativity. Write down 10 statements you’d tell your best friend if she suffered a career setback, so when things go wrong you can give yourself a pep talk. If you feel a complaint coming on, don’t make a peep. Complaining will only make you and everyone around you feel worse. Find a way to say something constructive about a problem or challenge, or just keep quiet. Acting cheerful in the face of challenges will do great things for your career and professional reputation.

A Smile Goes a Long Way: How Positivity Leads to Success

Categories: language, pep talk, Positivity