The Northwestern Health Unit’s Sexual Health Program regionally will launch a new website tomorrow (Feb. 12) geared towards adolescents and young adults between the ages of 15 and 24.
Found at www.havefunbesafe.ca, the website contains up-to-date information and resources on sexual health issues such as contraception, abstinence, sexually transmitted infection (STD testing) and healthy relationships, to name a few.

“Adolescents are one of the biggest Internet users,” said Arlene Lesenke, clinic services program manager for the Northwestern Health Unit.
“Given high rates of use, access and interest in the Internet, the development of a website provides an innovative way of reaching young people across the region,” she added.
Chlamydia remains the most commonly reported sexually-transmitted infection and notifiable disease in Canada. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada in 2006, there were 20,399 cases of chlamydia in the province of Ontario alone. The number of reportable cases of chlamydia continues to rise, making it a topic for concern.
Chlamydia and gonorrhea have disproportionately affected adolescents and young adults age 15-29, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada, 2003.
These adolescents and young adults are at a greater risk of contracting the infections and need to be aware and educated on how to protect themselves and their partner.
To launch and raise awareness of the new website, public health nurses throughout the region will visit high schools tomorrow to distribute promotional materials. Promotional items will also be dispensed throughout the communities in order to reach those adolescents and young adults who are no longer in the high school setting.
As part of the launch, there will be a chance for three individuals in the Northwestern Health Unit catchment area—between the ages of 15 and 24 and upon completion of an educational and interactive quiz—to win one of three Product RED iPod Nanos.