Dear Counsellor:

I am a teacher who is concerned about the sexual behaviour of students. It is alarming to see the teenage pregnancy rate and the attendant school dropouts.

- Marcia

Dear Marcia,

Teenagers are very interested in sexual activities. Their hormones are stimulating them and so their sexual energies need to be channelled into appropriate activities. Nothing is left to the imagination so the students want to experiment.

Students need to be involved in sports, clubs and church activities. The students need to exercise self-control as sex will always be available. Students need to know that they will be able to express themselves sexually when the time is right.

When they start to have sex early, they tend to have several sex partners over time. They then become at high risk for sexually transmitted infections like syphilis, gonorrhoea and HIV. Their behaviour is based on experimentation but is detrimental to their health. Having too many sexual partners puts the female at risk for early cancer of the cervix.

When we promote abstinence among students, we need to tell of the complications of sex. There is a myth that says that if students don't have sex, they will go mad. This is false!

I agree with the abstinence programme promoted by many groups as it has many benefits. Students and adults need to exercise control over their bodies and not give in to lust and temptation. One night of pleasure can end up with a lifetime of misery. Many females run away or try to commit suicide when they discover they are pregnant.

Abstinence is the gold standard.

Sleep problems

Dear Counsellor:

I have not been sleeping well for the past three months and the insomnia is getting worse. I am fatigued and irritable at times. What is wrong with me?

- Carol

Dear Carol,

Insomnia is affecting millions of people. There are many factors which cause it. People who work on different shifts tend to have sleep problems. Their sleep-wake rhythm becomes distorted. Persons who are depressed or anxious tend to experience sleep problems.

If you are physically unwell, your sleep might be disturbed. Please see your doctor to get an evaluation.

There are sleep aids which can be prescribed for a short period of time. Such medication will restore your normal sleep pattern. Counselling can deal with the issues that are causing worry and anxieties.

Here are some simple tips that you can utilise. Go into your bed at the same time every night. Remove the television and radio from the bedroom. You can have soft soothing music in the background. Think positive thoughts before you fall asleep. Make sure the pillows and the bed are comfortable. Exercise in the evening, not just before bedtime. Sleep is important as you want to feel refreshed in the morning. Go see your doctor and follow the instruction given.

Email your questions to Dr Yvonnie Bailey-Davidson at yvonniebd@hotmail.com or call her at 978-8602.