I do not watch much television. By the time I reach the end of the day and the dishes are done, the dog walked, and laundry folded, my bed is a more favorable option than trying to stay awake for a program. My television habits took an unexpected turn several years ago, when looking for […]
Becoming an “Askable Adult”
One of the most common pieces of advice that is given to parents, guardians, teachers, grandparents, and others alike is to be an “askable adult”. Quite simply: An adult that young people see as approachable, and they feel comfortable asking any question. When kids are young, the “askable adult” role is easy! “Why is the […]
Sex Education Legislation Changes
Many of our School Partners, Community Members and Parents are asking about the recent sex education legislation signed by Governor Pritzker on August 20th, Senate Bill 818. We are reaching out to assure you that Candor Health Education has the programming available to meet the requirements of the bill as well as offer some suggestions […]
Disposable Menstrual Products: Impact and Alternatives
Recently, an increased awareness among consumers surrounding the potential health and environmental impacts of “traditional” menstrual products has driven new public discourse in favor of more feasible, affordable, and sustainable alternatives. Examples of these products include reusable menstrual cups/disks, absorbent underwear/swimwear, reusable fabric pads, and disposable pads/tampons that are made with organic and ethically sourced […]
The Things I Wish My 10-Year-Old Self Knew About Her Body
It was fifth grade and we were in the middle of one of those infamous Chicago winters. I was wearing an ugly turtleneck sweater that I was super self-conscious about. I felt even more self-conscious about it while I was getting sick in the hallway of my elementary school. To this day, my heart goes […]
Sex Education as a Student, Teacher, Parent & Employee
I still remember getting on that bus going on the “infamous” fifth grade Robert Crown field trip. Some of my friends were excited because they were so curious about their changing bodies and what was going to happen as we became teens, but not me. I was dreading it. When I came home that day […]
Support the REACH Act
Recently I was with my sister and her two young grandsons. Peggy needed to use the restroom and the boys joined her. Two-year-old Jack said, “You don’t have a penis, right Grandma?” To which my sister replied, ”No, I don’t.“ Then Jack said, “You have a vulva because you are a girl, right?” My sister […]
Pandemic Has Created Greater Need for Sex Ed
According to a 2020 study, half of 11- to- 13 year-olds reported having seen pornography in some way. Of the children who admitted intentionally searching for pornography, nearly two-thirds of them said they had done so for one or more of the following reasons: 1) ideas for new things to try sexually, 2) learning about […]
Consent Lays the Foundation
Sexual health education is typically thought of as a class taught in middle school or high school with information on preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, the reality is that it’s so much more. One area that has recently garnered more attention is the notion of consent. Sexual education not only teaches young […]
The Keys to Ending “Period Poverty”
According to The World Bank, on any given day nearly 800 million people are menstruating, yet many people lack the necessary sanitation products needed to manage their periods. This lack of supplies is known as “period poverty” and affects millions of people in the United State and across the globe. Why does period poverty exist? […]