© the other press 66 Party” Youth at Risk of HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections Kelly Parry News Editor A major Canadian study of adolescent sexual health, released in September, found that although fewer teens are engaging in some kinds of risky behaviour, a significant proportion of teens are at risk of HIV, other sexually transmitted infections (STI), and preg- nancy. The study surveyed more than 11,000 youth across Canada in grades seven, nine, and 11 about their knowledge, attitudes, behaviours, and other fac- tors that influence sexual health. The Canadian Youth, Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Study utilized e News two relatively new concepts originating with the World Health Organization: sexual health and healthy sexuality (the emotional, physical, cognitive, and social aspects of human sexuality). Young people who are taking sexual risks describe themselves as “party” people and are less involved in their schools. For the first time in Canada, the survey provides data on how young “party” people use and perceive sex- ual health services and edu- cation. Some details from the survey show: * Slightly less than half of grade nine students said that they used a condom the last time they had inter- course, but this proportion declined for grade 11 stu- dents, especially girls. e About one-quarter of grade nine students said they used a condom and birth control pills, and this proportion increased to about one-third of grade 11 students. * Six percent of grade nine girls and eight percent of grade 11 girls reported that they had been pregnant. * Knowledge about sexual health has declined some- what since 1989. For exam- ple, one-half of grade nine students think that AIDS can be cured if treated early. “This is an excellent study that provides valuable insight into what students are thinking regarding HIV/AIDS and _ related health issues,” said the Honourable Anne McLellan, Minister of Health. “I am concerned about the growing compla- cency that persists in the face of HIV and other sexu- ally transmitted infections in Canada. STIs can have devastating lifelong effects, and HIV/AIDS still kills. We need to get that message across.”A full version of the report is available at . Strategy to Help Reduce FASD Kelly Parry News Editor Premier Gordon Campbell announced a new provincial strategy for reducing fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). His announcement came at this year’s Canada Northwest Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Partnership Medical Symposium. This strategy will help improve prevention and support services, by better coordi- nating community, provincial, and fed- eral resources. “Each year, between 200 to 320 new- borns in BC are affected by FASD,” Campbell said. “There are resources available to help. For example, th province increased funding last year for early childhood development, includ- ing FASD initiatives, by $20 million. There are also community, health authority, and federal services as well as, educational and research resources from our post-secondary institutions. This strategy details how we can all work together to improve our preven- tion and support efforts, by focusing on clear, shared, effective priorities.” Page 6 The strategy is based on six principles for effectively reducing FASD: ship with the Children’s and Women’s Health Centre of British Columbia. The province is also investing $400,000 this year in support of the strategy. Goals include: better co-ordi- nation of provincial and federal fund- e http://www.otherpress.ca ing; expanded diagnostic and assess- ment capabilities; training for physi- cians and health professionals in dis- cussing alcohol use during pregnancy; and access to educational resources for justice personnel who deal with FASD. “This is the first time a provincial government has adopted such a com- prehensive strategy to prevent FASD,” said Dr. Christine Loock, developmen- tal pediatrician at Vancouver’s Sunny Hill Health Centre for Children and clinical associate professor at the University of British Columbia, “FASD is common, expensive and pre- ventable. All women need to be aware “of the risks associated with alcohol and pregnancy. We know that with the right supports women at higher risk will have healthier pregnancies, health- ier babies, and be better prepared to meet the needs of their offspring. This will help to break the cycle of addiction and mental health concerns affecting so many of the families at risk.” October 8, 2003 Online Sexual Health Resource for Women Kerry Evans Managing Editor It is always important for women to be up-to-speed on the latest health news. Many young women are just learning about the changes their bodies are expe- riencing. Older women are undergoing just as many changes. Others simply don’t want to make a doctor’s appoint- ment just to ask a question. For these women, the website, , provides access to the guidance they are seeking. At you will find health news, interviews with health experts, a virtual health cen- tre, resource databases, and an interac- tive chat room called Le Club. The site allows women to find up-to-date infor- mation, news, and research findings on health, disease, and lifestyle trends. There are articles on relationships, sexu- ally transmitted diseases, pregnancy, abortion, contraception, and sexual health information for women of all ages. What sets this site apart, from the many other online health sites, is the quality of the information. All content is written and reviewed by health experts at Sunnybrook and Women’s College Health Sciences Centre. The Centre is an amalgamation of three of Canada’s finest health care organizations, the Orthopaedic and Arthritic Hospital, Sunnybrook Health Science Centre, and Women’s College Hospital. It was creat- ed by a Special Act of Legislation in June 1998 and is fully affiliated with the University of Toronto. Being backed by health-care professionals gives this web- site credibility and provides sources women can trust. To help women make choices about their health care, the site also has an “Ask the Expert” section where a doctor is available to answer reader's specific questions about their health. Not all women feel comfortable speaking to someone in person and this forum allows women to pose questions that concern them. Having this online allows women to make informed decisions in the privacy of their own homes. “Women need resource that enables them to make good choices around reproductive health—family information ‘planning, protection from sexually transmitted diseases, and distinguishing between good and bad relationships,” says Dr. Sheila Dunn, medical director of the Bay Centre for Birth Control and professor of family and community medicine at the University of Toronto.