Dear Counselor,

I have been hearing about the sexual activities of students at school. I have children and adolescents and I am keen on finding help to educate them about their sexuality.

- Lorraine

Dear Lorraine,

Sex talk is always entertaining for children and adolescents. Sex is forbidden among the youths and causes a lot of curiosity and experimentation. Sex education starts from childhood and is geared to help individuals develop refusal skills, assertiveness and high self-esteem. The youths lack knowledge so they have to be taught about their bodies and the functions of their organs. The youths have to be taught that abstinence is the key and they should learn self-control.

Abstinence in this society is not an easy task and we have to sell the health benefits and the spiritual benefits to the youths. When the youths get involved in sexual activity it causes them to lose focus on their school work. Sexual activity increases the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases such as herpes, gonorrhea, syphilis or AIDS. A woman who has had several sex partners is at risk for cervical cancer and demoralisation of her spirits.

The youths need to have a special relationship with God, which will help them have a healthy lifestyle. A relationship with God on a daily basis will help the youths and their friends abstain from sexual intercourse until marriage. When people are in a committed relationship, which is legal, they are better able to deal with problems that will materialise. We all want to live healthy and feel fulfilled in our achievements. Early sexual activities come with the consequence of unwanted preg-nancies and induced abortions. The emotional turmoil and worry that are associated with teenage pregnancies and abortions are great and so should be prevented. The impact of early sexual activity lasts a lifetime.

A group of Christians is targeting schools to teach students abstinence, self-esteem and having a personal relationship with God. This is to be commended, as this will improve the spiritual life and health of these students.

Abstinence has great benefits and this should be told to the youths.

Dear Counselor,

I have been married for 10 years and lately my husband has been unable to maintain his erection. I get frustrated sometimes and these days we both lack the desire for sex.

- Yolanda

Dear Yolanda,

Sex in marriage can be beset with problems. There is more to sex than physical activity. The couple has to deal with both non-sexual and sexual issues appropri-ately. Disagreements, quarrels and disputes can lead to anger and lack of sexual desire. A couple needs to sort out the financial problems and issues with running a household. Time has to be allotted to deal with sexual matters. A couple needs to be kind to each other and nurture each other, as this will improve their sex life.

There should be plenty hugging, touching, kissing and spending time together. The individuals need to spend plenty of time together and pay attention to each other.