State Lawmakers to Receive Condoms

News Excerpt from: FOX 40 News
February 10, 2009

SACRAMENTO - Today, Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California will give condoms to lawmakers to honor National Condom Day. The presents are also the organization's way of calling attention to the importance of funding preventative health care statewide.

"With these Valentine's 'Condom Grams' we are saying to state lawmakers 'Don't break our hearts. Join together to maintain funding for vital preventive services'," said Kathy Kneer, PPAC President and CEO, "A healthy budget equals a healthy California."

The 'Condom Grams' include an assortment of condoms, information about the savings associated with family planning services, and a message asking the State Legislature to maintain funding for preventative services.

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With the recent pass on funding for condoms in the stimulus, it looks like Planned Parenthood has taken the situation further into their own hands and moved onto the lawmakers! Legislatures might not receive the exact "Condy gram" in the picture, but in any case, hopefully these actions will show how important contraception is beneficial to the state's, as well as nation's, health.

In addition, hopefully it will show how public family planning and preventative services are important to the economy -- as they have helped significantly reduce the number of unintended pregnancies and abortions that occur.

Hopefully the package of "goodies" will make an impact on the legislatures!

Helpful Resources & Links:
- Provision To Increase Access To Medicaid Family Planning Services Cut From Stimulus Package (MAXPRO Blog)
- National Condom Awareness Month? Week? Day? (MAXPRO Blog)
- Condom Week (The Cauldron)
- Alternative uses in honor of national condom month (The Examiner)
- Hey Valentine, how about a condom? (The Examiner)
- Roses are red, condoms are clear (Daily Princetonian)
- Feature: Being Prepared (MAXPRO Blog)
- Ten Reasons Why Condoms Are The Best Contraceptive (MAXPRO Blog)

National Condom Awareness Month? Week? Day?

As I've mentioned before, I've found different variations on this month's awareness on condoms: National Condom Awareness Month (February), National Condom Awareness Week (February 14-21), and National Condom Awareness Day; appropriately celebrated on Valentine's Day (February 14). Again, whenever it is, it's probably best to celebrate safe sex all year!

While it's not hard to associate Valentine's Day with sex, not everyone practices safe, protected sex on the night of. It's said that many unplanned pregnancies can be pinpointed to Valentine's Day; which shouldn't really be a surprise because it's a day to celebrate and make love! Yet if you and your partner aren't ready to make the commitment of children, then condoms are a good alternative!

Another important concept to grasp on is that condoms help prevent the spread or transmission of Sexually Transmitted Diseases/Infections (STDs/STIs). It's important to get tested for such cases and protect yourself during sex. While some STIs show no major signs, avoiding to use protection can cause serious health risks later on.

In any case, safe sex is probably the best sex! ..so celebrate it!

Articles & Resources
- Condom Week (The Cauldron)
- Alternative uses in honor of national condom month (The Examiner)
- Hey Valentine, how about a condom? (The Examiner)
- Roses are red, condoms are clear (Daily Princetonian)
- Feature: Being Prepared (MAXPRO Blog)
- Ten Reasons Why Condoms Are The Best Contraceptive (MAXPRO Blog)

For fine condom products for all your National Condom Month needs, please visit our website & store:
MAXPRO Condoms
MAXPRO Store

No Glove, No Love. No Test, No Sex

News Excerpt from: LA Singles Examiner
February 5, 12:03 AM
by Niki Payne

With Valentine's Day approaching, you can bet that plenty of couples (or non-couples, for that matter) will probably be knocking boots a lot this month.

Maybe it's love, maybe it's lust. Or maybe it's loneliness and self-esteem issues that get your legs to open wider than the Grand Canyon. Whatever the case, it's important to note that February happens to be National Condom Month. Kind of ironic, don't ya think?

What's even more ironic is that I recently overheard a friend tell another friend that a girl he was dating (for about a week or so) asked him to get checked out before she would agree to sleep with him.

Now, my mom always preached to me to do the same, but I'd always laugh at her thinking, "What person my age would actually do that?" So when I heard the topic come up, of course my ears perked up naturally.

How does someone typically respond to a request like that? After all, it's not an unreasonable request considering how promiscuous people can be these days. But what it you're in the heat of the moment and you really, really, really want to put it inside her or really, really, really want him to put it inside you already?

Most people "know" the risks and yet do it anyway figuring it's just a "one-time exception." Only it's not, and once is one time too many if you're not in a committed relationship.

Among some of the most common sexually transmitted infections ("disease" seems to imply a slow death) are chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphillis. Of course, when someone does contract one of these sexually transmitted bacterial infections, no one really talks about it. That's because STD's are a totally taboo topic. Don't believe me? Play a game of "Ten Fingers" with a group of friends and see how much slower fingers go down when you say, "Never have I ever has an STD."

People keep that ish on the DL as well as their sexual history, probably because they've never been checked out or are afraid to get checked out.

I was in complete awe when I discovered that some of the people I know have never taken an STD test before. Are you kidding me? Maybe it's because I'm a woman and have grown accustomed to getting tested every year along with my annual pap smear, but I think it's so incredibly important to get yourself tested frequently if you are sexually active.

I recommend getting checked out every 3-6 months because that's about how long it takes sometimes for the infection or disease to manifest. And if you do find yourself in the unsettling scenario of having contracted an STD from one of your partners (and you care enough to inform them), know that you have the option of letting him or her know via an e-card through an Internet Notification Service created specifically to notify past partners of possible infections.

We grow up learning that abstinence is the key to practicing safe sex. F that ish! We all know that none of us are going to start abstaining from sex any time soon. So if you really want to practice safe sex, ask your partner to get checked out and always use a condom.

The way I see it, if a girl doesn't hear back from a guy after making such a request, you know he was only interested in an easy lay and wasn't planning on sticking around long. On the other hand, if he does agree, he might actually have plans to keep you around a little. Either that, or he hasn't been laid in a really long time.

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There really shouldn't be a fear in getting tested. If it's about embarrassment, why be embarrassed? Lots of people get tested! ..that's why the wait at the Planned Parenthood clinic is always so long! ..or at least I heard.

Maybe it's the fear of getting bad news? Even if "bad news" were the case, it's better to find out sooner than allowing it worsen. Ignoring it won't only make it worse, but you have the chance of "spreading the bad news" to other people! Boooo.. don't be that person!

In addition, not all birth control methods will protect you from the risk of STDs. If used properly, condoms will help in the preventing of contracting STDs. If you read the fine print, the pill can't do any of that. :(

I also looked into the whole National Condom Month. After Googling it, I found that there are different variations on the celebration. There's the aforementioned (February), along with National Condom Week (February 14-21), and National Condom Day (celebrated on February 14/Valentine's Day). Whatever it is, celebrate it throughout the year!

Have fun & be safe ♥


For fine condom products for all your National Condom Month needs, please visit our website & store:
MAXPRO Condoms
MAXPRO Store


Helpful Resources:
- Feature: Being Prepared (MAXPRO Blog)
- Ten Reasons Why Condoms Are The Best Contraceptive (MAXPRO Blog)

Condom Display At Mall Raises Eyebrows

Update:
News Excerpt from: WWJ Newsradio 950
Posted: Thursday, 05 February 2009 8:54AM

AIDS Group Claims Mall Banned Condom Display

Troy (WWJ) -- The Michigan AIDS Coalition said Thursday that an HIV/AIDS Awareness display has been pulled from a Somerset Collection storefront in Troy.

The display, at Armani Exchange, featured hundreds of red condoms forming a giant heart as part of the National AIDS Fund's "Give Love, Get Love" effort ahead of Valentine's Day.

The group said more than 70 malls nationwide have allowed a similar display--and Somerset was the only one that banned it.

WWJ has a call in to Somerset spokesman Thursday morning for comment.




Original Post: February 4, 2009

News Excerpt from: KSBW-TV
January 31, 2009

With Valentine’s Day approaching, you wouldn’t think a heart-shaped window display would cause much controversy.

But this one is made out of red condoms.

It’s right on the front window of the Armani Exchange store at Arden Fair Mall in Sacramento, California.

The display reads, “give love, get love…and practice safe love.“

It’s part of a promotional campaign for the National AIDS Fund.

A mall spokesperson says they’ve received a few calls from concerned shoppers with questions. The mall has no comment about the display because it’s in a space leased by the store.

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Another Valentine's Day related post! ..expect a lot of them in the next few days! ♥

I just thought this article was interesting. There's nothing really harmful in promoting safe sex and I think A|X found a creative, innovating, and cute way to promote it!

What do you think?


Helpful Resources:
- Feature: Being Prepared (MAXPRO Blog)
- Ten Reasons Why Condoms Are The Best Contraceptive (MAXPRO Blog)

Pubs Offer Condoms Over Valentine's Day

News Excerpt from: Illawarra Mercury
BY ANGELA THOMPSON
2/02/2009 3:52:00 PM

Beer, wine, spirits, and condoms.

Wollongong watering holes will stock more in their bars this month as part of a campaign to promote safe Valentine's Day loving.

Pub-goers at four pubs will receive free condoms with their pints in the lead-up to the day, very deliberately included in the sexual health campaign, The Big Gamble.

The campaign targets members of the heterosexual population who have recently changed partners and comes after a dramatic spike in chlamydia notifications in the region.

"When people start a new relationship they might not know the sexual background of the person they're having a relationship with and lots of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have no symptoms," Healthy Cities Illawarra sexual health promotion officer Naomi Cox said.

"We thought Valentine's Day was an appropriate time to get that message out there and get people thinking about their sexual health.

"Along with the presents and love that comes with Valentine's Day, we also encourage people to use condoms and be aware of sexually transmitted infections."

Chlamydia notifications to South Eastern Sydney Illawarra Area Health Service tripled between 2000 and 2006, with a particularly large spike recorded between 2004 and 2005.

Condom packs, together with coasters and posters bearing the safe sex message, will be distributed to the University of Wollongong Unibar, the Beach Bar, North Gong Hotel and the Harp Hotel.

Healthy Cities recommends people beginning a new relationship have a sexual health check-up, particularly if they don't plan to use condoms. Those who recently ended a relationship, had unsafe sex or whose partner had an STI should also have a check-up.

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Valentine's Day isn't just a commercial day celebrated around little cards and heart-shaped boxes of chocolates, but it's a day to celebrate love! ..and what's another way to show love by "making" it? ♥

Although Valentine's Day is a special day, it shouldn't be a day to forget about safe sex! ..and despite the spike in chlamydia outbreaks in the South Eastern Sydney Illawarra Area, it's still a good idea to promote safe sex everywhere; especially on a day where copious amounts of people will be "doing it."

I understand that it might not be appropriate to just give patrons condoms in some locations, but having them readily available may be convenient and serve as a reminder to people who might have just "forgotten." Creatively distributing them (i.e. packaged discreetly, gift boxes) could even be an option for inconspicuously nudging safe sex.

Overall, it can't hurt to be safe.. literally :)

If you want to be prepared beforehand, MAXPRO condoms can provide for your Valentine's Day needs! Visit our store at http://store.maxprocondoms.com


Helpful Resources:
- Feature: Being Prepared (MAXPRO Blog)
- Ten Reasons Why Condoms Are The Best Contraceptive (MAXPRO Blog)

Ten Reasons Why Condoms Are The Best Contraceptive

News Excerpt from: Finding the Best Cure

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

There are numerous contraceptive methods that you and your partner can use. Popular approaches include everything from pills to injections to implants. Perhaps the best known contraception method is the use of condoms. When used correctly all of these techniques can be very effective methods of preventing unwanted pregnancy.

But the well known fact is that using condoms is considered by most experts to be the easiest, least expensive, and least intrusive method of contraception. The use of condoms can have important health and safety benefits as well.

Here are 10 reasons to use condoms rather than alternative contraceptive methods:

1. Condoms make sex less messy. They are neat and tidy.

2. Condoms are widely available in pharmacies, supermarkets, drug stores, shopping malls and convenience centers. They can also be ordered online from many well established websites.

3. Condoms are a virtual necessity for busy people in modern society because they are ready to go at any time.

4. Condoms are easy to use. The intervention of a health care professional, or the use of drugs is not required.

5. When used properly condoms are a highly reliable method of birth control. On average they are up to 98% effective.

6. There is no need to “take” a pill that has a dramatic effect on your entire body and alters natural processes. Condoms are only required when you are having sex.

7. Condoms can actually enhance the sexual experience because they are available in many sizes, shapes, textures, and flavors.

8. There are no medical side effects as with virtually all other birth control methods.

9. Condoms are the most effective way to protect women from infections and the development of cancer of the cervix.

10. Condoms are the only contraceptive that helps to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.

The benefits of condoms are so important and so compelling that many people who have tried alternatives are returning to condoms. They have decided the unwelcome side-effects of other methods that rely on drugs or intrusive implants are not acceptable. An increasing number of people are simply unwilling to tamper with the natural cycles of their body.

Perhaps even more important, experts around the world have come to realize that condoms are the only way to create a significant barrier to infection and sexually transmitted diseases. As a result, the distribution and use of condoms has become one of the most important weapons in the battle against the spread of HIV aids and other sexually transmitted diseases [...]

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As exhibited in the article, there are many reasons to consider (or reconsider) condoms — and I'm sure there are more reasons than just the 10 presented!

With sex becoming more and more prominent in today's society, it's definitely important to make sure you, as well as your partner, are safe when engaging in "intimate moments." Risks of STD's, HIV, and HPV are heightened when unprotected sex is practiced. As stated by the American Cancer Society (ACS), "Condoms (rubbers) may protect against HPV when they are used correctly, and it is important to use them because they do protect against AIDS and other sexual diseases."^[1]

In addition, when used correctly, condoms are 98% effective in protecting you from pregnancy. While the common Birth Control Pill (BCP) can be as effective, it's also a pill you have to remember to take every day. Granted you often forget to take the pill, it lessens the effectiveness. BCP can also alter a woman's natural cycle, and while there might be advantages to this, there are definitely some disadvantages. First of all, it doesn't protect you from sexually transmitted infections so it is still advised to use a condom in addition to BCP. Per Planned Parenthood, other disadvantages include: breast tenderness, change in sexual desire, nausea, vomiting, etc.^[2]

Okay, let's re-evaluate the Pill.. So it has the possible chance to change sexual desire? ..and it doesn't protect from STIs? This isn't some kind of ploy to sway you away from BCP, but if you haven't really given much thought to your safe sex method, these may be reasons to re-access what is important to you and your partner, as well as your body.

Another reason to consider condoms is their shelf life! "When stored in a cool, dry place condoms without spermicide are generally good for around five years from the time they are manufactured."^[3] So if sex is an occasional thing for you (i.e., monthly, semi-annually, etc), at least you can have some condoms on reserve and feel safe knowing that you can be protected. Again, just be sure to check the expiration date after you blow off the dust!

If the embarrassment of having to buy condoms is something that's swaying you away from this form of protection, then there is no real reason to fear any longer! As stated in the article, with modern technology, you can buy condoms online in the privacy of your own home. MAXPRO condoms has just that solution: MAXPRO Store

With all that said, don't you think it's time to buy some condoms? :)

For fine condom products, please visit our website & store:
MAXPRO Condoms
MAXPRO Store


Helpful Resources & References:
¹ What Cause Cancer of the Cervix (American Cancer Society)
² Planned Parenthood: Birth Control Pill (Planned Parenthood)
³ Condom Expiration Dates (Go Ask Alice!)
- Using A Condom Properly (guardian.co.uk)
- Birth Control A Friendly But Risky Alternative to Condoms (TigerWeekly)
- Feature: Being Prepared (MAXPRO Blog)
- Embarassing Moments Buying Condoms (MAXPRO Blog)

Feature: Being Prepared

Running to the store to pick up an item you need is usually a minor inconvenience, right? Now imagine you and your sweetie just started getting hot and heavy, the kisses are passionate, your hands are caressing each others bodies and as the clothes begin to come off you wonder if either of you have a condom. You check your drawer and just what you were afraid of, there is nothing but an empty tin. We have all been there, first you run to the room-mates sock drawer frantically searching for a condom (don’t forget to check the expiration date!) and when that plan fails you search your mind for fast options and actually consider trying to dig out that condom lollipop you got at the last bachelor party in Vegas. We are too smart to even consider going to battle without being armed so you make the “I’ll be right back” announcement as you walk out the door praying your partner will not be asleep when you return. This trip to the store is going to be a hard one, no pun intended.

A standard Maxpro 12 condom tin can cover a first round of preparation. I like to keep condoms in my purse so they are with me at all times. The purse designers anticipated the need for such a compartment and conveniently provides a small inside zipper pocket that can accommodate at least 2 condoms. Ladies take advantage of it! Aside from my purse I have condoms strategically placed around my house.

I always keep 2 at the very back of my second drawer in the bathroom just in case a house-quest decides to join me mid-shower. And of course there is the good ol’ sock drawer where 98% of us keep our condoms and other “goodies”. Drawers in any room can generally be a good place to store condoms, it provides a cool dark place and keeps them out of sight. There are even 2 in my desk drawer at the office and 2 in my gym bag, just in case the opportunity arises. If you noticed I always keep them in quantities of two it is because for me the meal is not over until I’ve had appetizers and a second helping of the main course, but for some of you it will just come in handy for the next time.