may-september 2012
Family Magazine
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Family Magazine
may-september 2012
contents 4 From the Desk of The Editor
22 News From CHAA
HIV and Sexual Reproductive Health
By Sharon Ramsaran
By Mr. George S. Griffith
8 Family Planning
Making the Fundamental Human Right a Reality
25 Building Blocks
By Dr. Babatunde Ostimehin
For Better Living for Young People
By Dr. Adrian Daisley
12 Accessibility vs Availability of Healthcare
By Monique Lavine-Hinds
14 Top and Fro
27 The Benefits of Teaching Financial Prudence
At an Early Age
By Melinda Belle
By jabari batson
29 Tips for Dining Out 16 Teen Births in Barbados
A Case Of Throwing Stones from Glass Houses
By Anderson Langdon
20 Sexual Addiction
Is it just wanting too much of a good thing?
By randy batson
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By Anderson Langdon
may-september 2012
Family Magazine
credits Editorial Consultant George Griffith
The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Barbados Family Planning Association but those of each author.
Associate Editor Anderson Langdon Advertising & Compilation Grace Husbands Gold Dust Multimedia Services Publisher Barbados Family Planning Association Website Address www.bfpa.net Email Address bfpa@caribsurf.com Design and Layout Blueprint Creative Inc.
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From the Desk of the Editor In recent times, some well- meaning though short sighted persons have been expressing the view that the achievement of sustained economic growth requires a greater population than presently exists in Barbados.
George Griffith
Any serious analysis of this assertion must take a number of pertinent questions into consideration. Firstly; has the landmass of Barbados been expanded beyond the 166 square miles? Secondly, is this country still one of the most densely populated in the world? Thirdly, can the existing landmass accommodate housing, health, education and other relevant social services for this “greater” population in terms of financial, manpower and spatial costs? It is exceedingly dangerous and utterly fallacious to think that women and men in this enlightened 21st century Barbados will increase the rate of their offspring in the absence of either compelling incentives offered by the state or in their own deliberate judgment based on perceived individual or family benefits. There can be no realistic discussion of Barbados’ population without acknowledging that in addition to citizens and permanent residents hundreds of thousands of visitors/tourist add to the population density albeit for short periods annually and consume the already stretched natural resources and services of the country.
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The Right Mix To say that Barbados is literally “maxed out” in terms of its population carrying capacity is therefore no exaggeration when these facts are factored into the equation. Hopefully policy-makers are aware that tourism, Barbados’ number one economic earner is a very fickle industry which would hardly tolerate overcrowding on the beaches, the nation’s highways, places of entertainment, shopping centers and other such places which have made this country unique to the wide variety of visitors on an annual basis for so many years. It is my humble opinion that increased levels of productivity, coupled with the right mix of export and foreign exchange earning activity would constitute a more realistic economic growth and development strategy than the very glib proposal of expanded population levels.
Parenting One of the greatest challenges to Barbados’ sustainability in the medium and short term is the quality of parenting available to the nation’s children, this has the potential of derailing any and perhaps all well
One of the greatest may-september 2012 Family Magazine challenges to Barbados’ sustainability in the medium and short term is the quality of parenting available to the nation’s children...
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meaning initiatives by the state, since the socialization of children is the key for good or ill to their well- rounded development. The development of personalities characterised by a wholesome set of core values, a heightened sense of right and wrong and respect for the fundamental rights and freedoms of self and others are indispensible to the reproduction of generations of citizens capable of building positively on the foundation laid by their predecessors.
And so as we celebrate our organisation’s 58th anniversary we must of necessity pause for reflection on Barbados of yesteryear...
The nation’s future
Population Policy and National Vision
A national commitment to ensuring that the nation’s youth has access to comprehensive Sexuality Education in the school system and unlimited access to reproductive health, education and other essential social services can and should be allowed to make that decisive difference to the development of our nation’s future. Without this national policy initiative the incidence of HIV and AIDS, poverty, premature sexual activity, unwanted pregnancy, illegal and unsafe abortions, societal instability and the development of environmental conditions most unsuited for that better quality of life we all hope and pray for could become an insurmountable possibility.
It appears as though a very critical sector of society is deep in denial with respect to a wide range of social issues. These issues must be addressed if today’s and future generations are to realise the great promise with which they are born.
It is to be regretted that as a people, too many of us view our country’s role and responsibility in the global market place with utter ambivalence. This attitude very often has a retarding effect on the nation’s ability to keep pace with the progressive thought, action and development taking place in today’s 21st century universe. One glaring example is the extent to which the “beating” of children remains institutionalised in our school system inspite of the expanding body of evidence which points to the adverse social, emotional and psychological consequences which follow, this level of backwardness. Another is society’s apparent failure to demonstrate an acceptable level of comprehension with respect to the normal and natural sexual maturing of children and the need to prepare them responsibly for those physiological and emotional changes which cannot be prevented or deferred throughout the process of puberty and adolescence.
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Part of this societal denial has to do with the dearth of effective parenting skills which has so permeated today’s society. It is now very difficult to identify any nationally recognised or consistent parenting strategy, capable of succeeding in today’s permissive sociocultural environment. The Barbados Family Planning Association’s (BFPA) long promised Parenting Academy is desperately needed in these times. The existing shortage of financial and manpower resources must not be permitted to stand in the way of this essential initiative since the future of Barbados as a well ordered and enlightened civilised society so desperately depends upon it. And so, as we celebrate our organisation’s 58th anniversary, we must of necessity pause for reflection on Barbados of yesteryear while projecting our minds on the future we hope to construct for today’s youth and generations yet unborn. The point to be made is that this country needs not only an appropriately enlightened population policy, but a national vision which can motivate, mobilise and inspire that national greatness which is so desperately needed in these challenging times. We can and must do more to shape our children’s future and that of our nation. This constitutes a more urgent national priority than population expansion.
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Family Planning Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin Executive Director of UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund
Since the late 1960s, the international community has proclaimed a person’s right to family planning, that is the right to decide whether, when and how many times to have children, as well as to the means to exercise this human right.
Those means include access to reproductive health care, including contraceptives, information, supplies and services. The right of individuals to determine freely the size of their families was emphasised and expanded by the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development, in Cairo. The Conference also put women at the very heart of population programs. Yet, in the developing world, an estimated 215 million women who want to delay or avoid their next pregnancy cannot exercise this right as they lack modern contraceptives, resulting in unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions and more than 100,000 maternal deaths. There are many reasons why many women do not or cannot take advantage of family planning. Sometimes, there are obstacles related to weak transportation systems that hamper delivery of contraceptives to women in rural or remote areas. Such obstacles could also be cultural or social. Other times, misinformation about use and safety discourages women from seeking family planning. In many places, family planning is provided by workers who lack the skills or sensitivity to respectfully, reliably
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Making the Fundamental Human Right a Reality
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and confidentially dispense advice, information and the full range of contraceptives. Women often fear punishment, including violence by their partners or families, or stigma by the community, if they try to use contraception. Many do not have money to pay for services or transportation, or cannot take time away from their families, work or school to take advantage of services, even when they are available. Modern contraceptive use among adolescents is generally low, and decreases with economic status. Fewer than 5 percent of the poorest young use modern ones. In too many cases, adolescents have no access to accurate information about contraceptives and their side effects. Among women who are married or in partnerships, unmet need for contraception is highest among those aged 15 to 24. Providing for the unmet need for family planning requires not only tearing down the barriers that women and adolescents face in their homes and communities, but also expanding the availability of quality information, supplies and services. The Guttmacher Institute and UNFPA estimate that meeting the unmet need for modern family planning methods in developing countries would cost about $6.7 billion annually. With $3.1 billion of this total now being invested, we have a shortfall of $3.6 billion. The need for modern contraceptives is expected to grow by up to 30 percent over the next 15 years, and the needed investments to cover the demand are large. Nevertheless, from a national perspective, universal access to family planning is a critical component for
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In too many cases, adolescents have no access to accurate information about contraceptives and their side effects... development and the expected returns and other benefits are much larger. Providing contraceptive information and services as part of sexual and reproductive health care can sharply cut unintended pregnancies from 75 million to some 22 million each year. It can reduce the 20 million annual unsafe abortions to about 5.5 million and lower maternal deaths by a third. Also, research shows that when a woman has access to voluntary family planning, she tends to have fewer and healthier children and invests more in their health and education, helping break the cycle of poverty.
But ultimately and, most importantly, access to family planning is a human right. Governments that have ratified international human rights agreements, such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, have an obligation to honour their commitments and protect human rights. Denying women the power and means to control the number and spacing of their children would deny them of their human rights to health, life and equal opportunity. The 21st century must enter history as ending that. Each one of us should help speedup that progress.
may-september 2012
Family Magazine
Fewer than
5%
of the poorest young use modern contraceptives.
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may-september 2012
Accessibility vs Availability of Healthcare
Monique Lavine-Hinds Healthcare Consultant Lecturer Barbados institute of management and productivity
In many instances, the success of healthcare in Barbados is determined by the availability and expansion of services being provided. One determinant of success is the decentralisation of these services to the community. Decentralisation in many instances refers to the physical movement of the structure to various
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When discussing healthcare, it is important to understand the difference between the availability and accessibility of healthcare systems.
locations. This is evident given the relatively rapid expansion of polyclinics, geriatric hospitals, and district hospitals in Barbados. The premise behind this idea was that those in rural communities would be more readily able to access these facilities and seek treatment. However, while these services may be more available, the question that needs to be asked is if these services
are accessible and what are the barriers which may prevent some individuals from accessing care. There are four aspects to consider when discussing the accessibility of healthcare services. If services are available, in terms of an adequate supply of services, then
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Family Magazine
Culture in the Caribbean plays an important role and people’s perception of these services and how others would perceive them if they are seen utilising these services.
a population may ‘have access’ to health care. The extent to which a population ‘gains access’ to health care also depends on financial, organisational and social or cultural barriers that limit utilisation. Thus utilisation is dependent on the affordability, physical accessibility and acceptability of services and not merely the adequacy of supply. The services available must be relevant and effective if the population is to ‘gain access to satisfactory health outcomes’. The availability of services, and barriers to utilisation, has to be evaluated in the context of the differing perspectives, health needs and the material and cultural settings of diverse groups in society. In Barbados, the first aspect in relation to the accessibility of healthcare services has been addressed as there are more services available compared to twenty years ago. However it is important to acknowledge the impact that financial, organisational, social and cultural barriers may have on accessibility of these services, even though they appear to be in adequate supply. Culture in the Caribbean plays an important role and people’s perception of these services and how others would perceive them if they are seen utilising these services. The introduction of polyclinics was to
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assist those who were unable afford private treatment and who were unable to travel to the city to gain access to healthcare. As Barbados evolves, we begin to see these institutions as a means to defining our status in society, whereas if you can afford to pay for private care, you will go elsewhere as polyclinics are only for the poor and those who have no other alternatives.
physical movement but making sure that every vector of society is exposed to these services This means going into communities and ensuring that care is being provided for those who need it. By doing so it may lessen the negative connotations persons may have towards these facilities and perceptions may change as it is not where care is accessed but that care is being provided.
Economic barriers also play a part, especially now in the current economic situation the nation is facing. Persons now have to prioritise, and something as little as two dollars to take a bus to get to a polyclinic can make a difference for some persons who are trying to make ends meet. This is important to consider when developing outreach community programmes to seek to make greater availability of services not only in the
Another aspect to consider is the demographic changes in Barbados as it develops. For many years the population of Barbados has been predominantly those of African and European heritage. However, with the introduction of CSME and the free movement of people in the Caribbean it is important to examine the barriers it presents for some persons accessing various healthcare services as religious persuasions; language barriers may
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inhibit new members of the population from assessing healthcare. Also, ethnic diseases differ, whereas persons of African descent are more likely to suffer from chronic illnesses such as Diabetes and Hypertension compared to those of Indian descent who those of Indian descent who have a genetic predisposition to suffer from heart disease or develop type 2 diabetes. It is important to identify where these persons live in our communities and record the relevant data to see what impact the integration of persons have on the accessibility of healthcare services ensuring that the services being provided are relevant in today’s society. These are just a few of the issues that need to be addressed when discussing healthcare reform and policy to ensure that the changes being made are effective and efficient as we develop as a nation.
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Teen Births in Barbados A Case of Throwing Stones from Glass Houses
Teen Births in Barbados: A Case of Throwing Stones from Glass Houses. I am a relatively young man and therefore felt compelled to write this article not only in my capacity as a social researcher but someone who views themselves as a fair and objective individual.
Anderson Langdon Social Psychologist Researcher in Social Psychology
In a recent newspaper article a medical professional made the statement that the number of teen pregnancies are “too high and the year has just started”. This is another example of irresponsible and unfounded public statements constantly thrown about by persons who should know better. Too often we casually let statements like the following past by the way side “These young people always breeding!” and “Wait she got another one.” Many persons have been allowed to make irresponsible and ill founded statements like the above without being held accountable for them. Therefore I am taking a stand and letting them know that statistical evidence is not in favour of their comments. Statements being made without the right information are unwittingly reinforcing the myth that our young women and young men are increasingly promiscuous and that they are having children at a younger age than at any other time in Barbadian history. It is simply not true in fact evidence will suggest that this is indeed far from true. In the last 5 years (2007 to 2011) Barbados has had less teenage births at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) than in
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I do agree that pregnancy is a concern for Barbadian society but not for the reasons many may think...
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the previous 5 years (2002 to 2006). Further evidence from the QEH shows that the percentage teen births of all births have declined from 28.6% in 1980 to 14.8% in 2011. This shows that teen births have actually been on a relatively predictable decline in the last twenty years. Therefore statements about young people constantly having children or that young girls are constantly pregnant are untrue. When these persons suggest that this did not occur when they were growing up they are throwing stones from glass houses. I do agree that teenage pregnancy is a concern for Barbadian society but not for the reasons many may think. The primary reason is that when young boys and girls become parents too early
they miss out on important avenues of personal growth and development which would prepare them to develop into mature adults. The second reason is the negative repercussions when young teens engage in sexual intercourse without contraception and risk exposing themselves to STI’s /STD’s and other Health risks. The third reason is the impact it has socially and economically on the teen parents, the Barbadian society and most importantly the new born child. What is also of great annoyance to me is the limited scope and unprofessional manner which exists in some sectors of our Public Healthcare and Education system as it relates to teen issues primarily teen pregnancy. Some healthcare professionals seemingly to
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satisfy their own moral and social needs do not offer clients the full range of services at their disposal. By not providing or identifying the full range of services inclusive of safe termination of pregnancy. These providers are in my opinion unprofessional, foolhardy and selfish. Medical services which are not discussed in the right settings and context opens the door for intervention in the wrong settings and from the wrong people. All information at a healthcare provider’s disposal should be provided to each and every client. While I am critical of the attitude of persons throwing stones; I am in
Family Magazine
agreement with the need to tackle the problem of teenage pregnancy. The reasons teenage pregnancies are occurring are not that much different for unwanted adult pregnancy or any pregnancy occurring in a society such as ours. However, I believe that they can all be tackled in the same way. What is this way you might ask?
Comprehensive Sexuality Education at all levels of Barbadian society.
Teen Pregnancies at QEH 2001 to 2005
Teen Pregnancies at QEH 2006 to 2010
Year
No. of Pregnancies
Year
No. of Pregnancies
2002
619
2007
513
2003
577
2008
521
2004
566
2009
525
2005
531
2010
468
2006
494
2011
447
Teen Pregnancies at QEH 2001 to 2005
Teen Pregnancies at QEH 2006 to 2010
No. of Pregnancies
No. of Pregnancies
494
YEAR 2006
540 520 500
531
YEAR 2005
YEAR 2004
566
YEAR 2003
577
480 460 440 420 400 YEAR 2007
619
YEAR 2002
0
200
400
600
YEAR 2008
YEAR 2009
YEAR 2010
YEAR 2011
800
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Sexual Addiction
is it just wanting too much of a good thing?
by randy batson
The idea that one is addicted to sex would usually be a source of amusement of many. This may be because sex is viewed as such a pleasurable activity that a heightened desire to indulge in it may be regarded as understandable or may fall within what may be seen as having a healthy appetite. Also up until now, there was no consensus as to whether there was such a thing as sexual addiction. Some experts believe that what is identified as addictive behavior is an expression of some other recognised psychological malady such as obsessive-compulsive disorder. The American Psychological Association, presently at least, does not formally recognise the condition. Some experts believe that the term sexual addiction actually reflects a societal discomfort with exceptional or extreme sexual behavior. Still, others regard this addiction as being real and very serious and akin to alcohol and drug addiction and therefore requiring similar treatment.
What exactly is sexual addiction?
What separates this form of addiction from a “normal” healthy interest in sex is the degree that sexual thoughts occupies the individual’s thinking and eventually their behavior... 20
This is described as having an intense obsession with sex and indeed sexual activity in general (not just intercourse) and compulsive sexual thoughts and behavior. What separates this form of addiction from a “normal” healthy interest in sex is the degree to which sexual thoughts occupy the individual’s thinking and eventually their behavior; to an extent as to interfere with the normal functions of their day to day lives. Therefore work and relationships with others may suffer and can even
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lead to indulgence in unlawful behavior. The addicted individual engages in sexual behaviour to such a degree that they persist even despite negative consequences to themselves or others, consequences which may include financial ruin, damage to health, destroyed relationships and perhaps criminal prosecution. The sex addict usually does not indulge in the behavior specifically for gratification and tend not to form emotional bonds with their partners. In fact, this addiction is seen as a symptom of some deeper issue and as indicated before, is believed to be associated with other psychological conditions as OCD or manic-depressive disorder. Indeed, the condition may be difficult for clinicians to isolate because it has symptoms similar to these other conditions. It is believed that sex addicts, like alcoholics, use sexual behavior, being the pleasurable activity it may be, to cope with feelings of inadequacy, unworthiness or of being neglected. It is believed that the addiction stems from low self-esteem developed over time out of dysfunctional relationships with family and others resulting in an inability to form satisfying and intimate relationships with others. They instead use sexual activity to cope with these negative feelings as well as the stressors of daily living. The behaviour is often accompanied with feelings of guilt and shame. There are often attempts to control it and if they fail, it then reinforces the negative self-perception and exacerbates the behavior. Other experts believe that one person may become addicted and not another because of some abnormality in the brain’s bio-chemistry and that this can be corrected with specific medication.
Symptoms The sex addict may not be addicted to sexual intercourse specifically or solely. The addict may be addicted to sexual activity in general. Many may not progress beyond compulsive masturbation, extensive use of pornography or using phone or computer sex services. However others may express their addiction through exhibitionism, voyeurism, rape or molestation. There are other symptoms: The addict may have frequent sex with many partners and may be indiscriminate in choosing their partners. He/she persistently craves sex and spends an inordinate amount of time seeking out sexual activity. This may manifest itself in cruising for partners or spending large periods of time seeking and viewing pornography. This is often done to the neglect of other spheres of their life including work, school or family. The behavior can escalate in terms of scope or frequency to achieve the desired effect. It is this point that the individual might then find themselves in situations for which they may be prosecuted.
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The addict may become irritable when prevented from engaging in the desired behavior.
Treatment It is believed that the same approach used to treat alcohol addiction may be used for this one as well. The individual has to be separated from the harmful behavior. Therefore they may have to receive inpatient treatment to remove them from specific sexual stimulus and people and situations that would facilitate compulsive activity. If the patient is treated in an out-patient setting they would require adequate social and family support. Furthermore, the guilt, shame, sense of despair and depression that is often associated with the malady has to be addressed and this must be done with a therapist to help the individual to cope. Therefore as humorous a condition as sexual addiction may seem at first glance, it is, like other forms of addiction, actually quite serious because of the detrimental impact it has on the life of the individual and those around them. It is a problem for which the afflicted may have to seek help and would require significant support as they undergo their struggle to overcome the condition.
Like other forms of addiction, it is actually quite serious... 21
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News from CHAA
HIV and Sexual Reproductive Health Sharon Ramsaran Communications Officer Caribbean HIV&AIDS Alliance
Sexual reproductive health relates to both human rights and development. The issues touch on sensitive aspects of people’s lives and tend to be surrounded by cultural taboos. It is a broad concept encompassing health
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and well-being in matters to sexual relations, pregnancies and births; and the AIDS epidemic is integrally linked to it since the majority of HIV infections are sexually transmitted or associated with pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding. Both HIV and AIDS and poor sexual and reproductive health are driven
by common root causes, including poverty, gender inequality and social marginalisation of the most vulnerable populations. The Caribbean HIV&AIDS Alliance (CHAA) has joined in the call by UNFPA to link HIV and AIDS interventions and general reproductive health services in its work with vulnerable populations
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...reducing stigma and discrimination and more vigorous legal and policy measures are urgently required... such as sex workers, men who have sex with men and persons living with HIV. Stronger linkages between sexual and reproductive health and AIDS programmes should lead to a number of important public health benefits such as: improved access to, and uptake of key services, better access of people living with HIV to services tailoured to their needs, reduced AIDSrelated stigma and discrimination, improved coverage of underserved and marginalised populations such as
persons living with HIV, sex workers and men who have sex with men. CHAA tackles these issues in several ways by promoting condom use, increasing access to condoms in communities, empowering sex workers and other women to negotiate safer sex and to access sexual reproductive health and HIV and AIDS services. Other initiatives include providing a basic package of HIV and AIDS services (information on safer sex, counselling and access to condoms) within key communities, night clubs, and events. CHAA recognises that
vulnerable populations are essential partners for an adequate response to the described challenges and for meeting the needs of affected people and communities; additionally reducing stigma and discrimination and more vigorous legal and policy measures are urgently required to protect persons living with HIV and AIDS and vulnerable populations from discrimination. Acknowledgements and sources of information: Global Health, United Nations Family Planning Association, World Health Organisation
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Our youth needs love and they have lots of love to give.
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Family Magazine
Building Blocks FOR BETTER LIVING FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
Dr. Adrian Daisley Certified Life Coach Marketing Consultant Founder of Brand www.facebook.com/ThinkProsper
When a wise master builder is tasked with the duty of building a house, he makes his assessment according to the following criterion: the physical size, the floor plan, and the amenities that serve the homeowner’s particular needs. The truth is that the most important part of the house is hidden from view, which is its foundation. A house can’t be stronger than its foundation. The same thing can be said about our youth’s lives which must be built on a good foundation. So what makes up a good structural foundation?
Time is too precious not to have fun, but it’s so easy to let this one slip... 1 Love Love is a central theme found in the lives of our fore parents. Our youth needs love and they have lots of love to give; love for God, for people, for life and their occupation.
2 fun We need to teach our generation to love laughing and fun things with other people or alone. Time is too precious not to have fun, but it’s so easy to let this one slip.
3 fREEDOM Freedom is something that our former generation valued, on all plains of life, from the physical freedom of movement to the mental freedom of thought and decisions, freedom was held in high regard.
4 AUTHENTICITY We need to teach our youth to be authentic and that the things they do, think and say are in direct connection with who they are. There’s so much outside pressure that competes for our youths’ lives. They all try to tell our youth who to be and how to live. Having the inner value that connects with who you are uniquely is essential in withstanding that pressure and choosing to be who you want to be, and choosing to do what you want to do. Not what THEY want you to do.
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5 GROWTH We need to teach youth to aim for growth in most aspects of their lives. My interest in personal development is rooted in this value. I’m fascinated by the potential, the energy and creativity of our youth especially when they are tapping into that potential personally and professionally. When our actions and words are aligned with our values, life is generally good and we feel content, confident and satisfied. But when our behaviors don’t match-up with our values, we soon begin to sense an uneasiness that begins to swell and grow inside of us.
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I want to point out two very important things, one is that the wise master builder of life is the one who hears and puts into practice the wisdom handed down to us from the Architect of the universe. This will result in the person’s life being established upon a solid foundation. The second point has to do with the storms of life. Just as a literal house has to endure inclement weather, so we must we teach our youth to weather life’s storms that can come as challenges and life’s difficulties. Likewise, we see how political parties and politicians subscribe to certain core values ranging from helping the poor, easing the burden of the middle class, improving the environment, making
government responsive and efficient, engendering loyalty and unity all of these values were handed down to them. Like literal storms, the trials of life are a given. Whether we acknowledge them or not, they will come. Whether we make preparations for them or not, they will come. We were never promised to be exempted from the tests of life. But we have the wisdom of the ages to help us to weather whatever it is that life sends our way. It is important for us to realize that all of us are building some kind of foundation for our life.
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Family Magazine
The Benefits of Teaching Financial Prudence At an Early Age By Melinda Belle
Budgeting is a very important practice to adopt. By giving them strong budgeting strategies, they are better equipped to handle their financial matters, when they go off to college, start to work and eventually get married. As a parent, education is very important to the development of your child and the establishment of your child’s future. It can open doors for furthering their education and provide the quality of life you desire for them to have. I truly believe that by granting children the gift of financial prudence at an early age, they are well on their way to financial success in every sphere of their lives. Here are some benefits of teaching your children financial management principles at an early age: You will build a solid foundation for your children to build on. You can start them off by purchasing a piggy bank and teaching them about saving. It is a fun, creative way to pique their interest. In turn, their curiosity about financial management will increase.
Budgeting is a very important practice to adopt. By giving them strong budgeting strategies, they are better equipped to handle their financial matters when they go off to college, start to work and eventually get married. By teaching them to sleep on certain purchases and delay gratification for example, they will become content with what they have. Also ensuring them they don’t need to get rich quick, will teach them about contentment as well. By avoiding “get quick rich” schemes, they are guaranteed to be financially stable. You can learn from each other. As you instil these principles into your children, you will be amazed at how they uniquely view financial management. They may very well see something that you may not have been seeing. In turn,
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you will be motivated to continue to set or set an excellent example for your children to follow. Today, some, I am afraid to say, simply do not want to take full responsibility for the current state of their monetary affairs. By teaching your children to make wise decisions with their finances, you will enable them to rebuild their countries’ economies in the long term. This future generation, our nation builders, can be the ones to change the financial landscapes of many nations, with one wise, financial decision at a time. Start teaching your child the importance of financial prudence today! Melinda Belle Astrape Finance www.astrapefinance.com
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By teaching your children to make wise decisions with their finances, you will enable them to rebuild their countries’ economies in the long term. This future generation, our nation builders
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Family Magazine
Tips for Dining out It is extremely difficult even in the most apt of circumstances to maintain a healthy diet and most people who are successful tend to be those who are confined to eating meals at home or meals they prepare themselves. The difficulty of maintaining a healthy diet however comes from those who dine out often. But do not worry we have got a few suggestions that not only help you enjoy dining out but help you maintain your diet and your weight loss or weight maintenance goals.
1. Avoid eating fried foods; fried foods
generally are high in cholesterol and saturated fats.
2. When ordering out be polite but firm
in your request for meal preparation. Many fine dining restaurants will prepare your food according to your needs so if you want less salt, broiled instead of fried make it known.
3. Always order the small portion instead
of the large portion where available, if not available ask for the reduction in portion or have the excess placed in a takeaway container to have another meal later.
Take Away
4. Order sauces and dressings on the
sides of your plate, so that you may use the amount you wish instead of the excess you do not.
5. Choose where you dine carefully
by making sure the restaurant itself has a healthy food policy or a healthy eating menu.
u men
7. When travelling by plane, call the
airline at least 24 hours in advance and explain that you are interested in the healthier options of meals.
6. Oriental restaurants are ideal for
healthy eating as the methods of preparation tend to utilise more health-based cooking materials.
men
u
Difficulty of maintaining a healthy diet however comes from those who dine out often 29
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8. For sandwiches, order lean cuts of
meat and healthier meats like turkey and roast beef or even fish.
9. Choose green salads, tomato, or
cucumber slices instead of french fries or potatoes as side orders
10. Eat a low-fat snack before going to a
party or a buffet dinner, this will curb your appetite and help you to eat less.
SNACKS CKS SNA
Follow these easy steps and it will almost be guaranteed to have a lasting impact on your diet when you dine out. However nothing beats the dietary impact of preparing your own meals at home.
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SNACKS
EDUCATION/INFORMATION Counselling and Education in Sexual And Reproductive Health: For Children, Adolescents and Adults. Tel: (246) 426 2027 Fax: (246) 427 6611 www.bfpa.net
MEDICAL SERVICES Contraceptive Services: Supplying Pills, Injections, Diaphragm Fitting, IUD Insertions, Condoms, Spermicides and Counselling on Family Planning Methods Pregnancy and Pap Smear Tests: Breast and Pelvic Examinations Emergency Contraception: For those who have unprotected encounters Permanent Contraceptive Methods: Voluntary Male and Female Sterilisation
Community Based Distribution Programmes: Contraceptive supplies and guidance to workers on their job sites. Family Life Education Programmes: Adolescent Parenting programme for teenaged parents and prospective parents. Lectures: Lectures given to schools, tertiary institutions, youth and community groups supported by audio visual aids and literature. Family Life Education and Peer Counselling Course: Courses offered at Introductory and Advanced Levels. Youth Group Affiliates: Youth Advocacy Movement (YAM)
Operations: Tubal Ligation, Endometrical Biopsy D & C and Loop cone Biopsy OPENING HOURS
Routine Medical Examinations: Routine checks, Weight, Blood Pressure, Blood Sugar Test, HIV/ AIDS Testing Specialised Services: Colposcopy/Cryo-Surgery Infertility Clinic, Antenatal Clinic Total Quality Care for Men: Urological care including Prostate Monitoring, Nutritional Counselling, Varicocele Repair, Prostatic Biopsy, Adult Circumcision, Vasectomy and other healthcare services
Monday to Friday
7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday
7:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Saturday
8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.