Today marks the first day of a NEW president.  In the past 8 years of the Bush Administration we have seen a negative impact in reproductive health, stem cells research, sexual education, contraception and gay rights.  This new president gives us all hope for a better America.  One in which freedom of sexual expression is acceptable.  Where women can choose their birth control option and not fear pharmacists turning them away.  Where kids can learn about sex-ed in a safe, reliable environment that prepares them for life and their own sexuality.  Where people’s differences are celebrated; not stigmatized.  This new presidential administration leaves me hopeful of the future…and hopefully we also see a positive change in sexuality too.

One mistake I see women make in therapy is to repeatedly tell their partner how much they hate their body.  When we tell our partner that we hate the way our body looks we are using the power of suggestion to implant negative thoughts.  If you hate the way your boobs look, and say it often enough; in time he will come to agree with you.  A recent study found that 71% of men are happy with their partner’s breasts so let’s go with it.  My advice; save negative feelings about your body for your best friend or your therapist.  This is the one secret however that you definitely want to keep to yourself.  For all you know, the breasts you hate may be something he loves so don’t spoil it for him.  www.doctorcannon.com

Here’s an interesting link.  It seems that recent archaeological findings suggest that in ancient Greece, homes were often split, with half being used for bars or prostitution. That would mean that they didn’t have “red light districts,” where certain behaviors were pushed off to the edges of society, but rather that this behavior was a part of people’s day to day life.  It’s interesting, because we often think of ourselves as a decadent society. As if we were the first generation to discover sex, infidelity and sex for money. Guess what? It goes back to the 4th century.

Here’s the link.

And mugs up to ancient greece.

This past week,the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey held its 36th annual sexuality program, also known as ’Sex Week’,  for second year medical students.  This program offers large group lectures, panelists, workshops, and small group debriefings surrounding various issues in sexuality.  Future doctors are exposed to a variety of information on sexuality and learn how to be accepting and non-judgmental of people’s sexual practices.  Students practice giving sexual histories and learn how to be sensitive and aware of spectrums of sexuality.

This January program had many sexuality professionals with different backgrounds, such as:  medical doctors, sexuality counselors, sex therapists, sex educators and social workers to name a few.  This year, ‘Sex Week” was fortunate to have three representatives from the Medical Center to present  on sexual dysfunction.  Dr. Michael Werner gave an intriguing lecture on male sexual dysfunction and Dr. Bat Sheva Marcus opened up the students’ eyes to  many issues women face when dealing with  sexual dysfunction.  Dr. Shannon Bertha served as the program coordinator as well as the opening lecturer on “Normative Sexual Behaviors”.

Which brings up a good question, “What is normal?”  Quite often, students, as well as patients and clients, want to know, what is normal?  At the end of the lecture there was only one conclusion….Diversity is normal.  Although some sexual behaviors may be different from what you personally practice, as long as people are consenting to a particular behavior, it shouldn’t matter if the behavior is “normal” in society.  Embrace your sexuality and do what pleases you and your partner most.