Daijiworld News Network – Mangalore (SS)

Mangalore, Jan 23: A health awareness workshop as part of the “Yuva Sapthaha – 2006’, was organized by the Mangalore University NSS and St Agnes College, on Sunday January 22.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Padmini Prasad, a well-known counsellor and gynaecologist, said that sex education should be an integral part of every individual from birth to death irrespective of age as it deals with various aspects of human development including the thinking pattern and behaviour. She added that there are a lot of phobias, misconceptions and myths about sex education, which needs to be dealt with and overcome.  Many times lack of proper guidance leads to several problems including depression and suicide, she said.

Ten per cent of abortions are reported from college students and as many as 50 to 75 per cent of those who are inflicted with HIV are in the age group of 15 and 25 years. Change in lifestyle, easy access to drugs, alcohol and pornography are some of the reasons, she said.

Dr Linda Christy, joint director, Collegiate Education, inaugurated the programme, while Sr Carmel Rita, principal, St Agnes College, presided.

Also present were Professor Gopal, Mangalore University NSS co-ordinator and Charles Pais, St Agnes College NSS co-ordinator.