| 307 Room 519-B | Symposium Presentation Monday, July 11, 2005 Time: 8:30 AM-9:30 AM |
Dare to be Creative: Art and Humor in Sexual Health Promotion.
Santos-Ortiz, Maria del Carmen*,1, Rodriguez-Diaz, Carlos, 1 Graduate Health Education Program School of Public Health, San Juan, Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico
ABSTRACT- Art and humor have been identified as powerful tools in health promotion and diseases prevention. Art have been used in HIV/AIDS prevention, cancer, personal and group empowerment, alcohol and tobacco prevention, among other. During the last decades, humor has become a serious and important aspect both in disease prevention and health promotion efforts. These alternatives can be used to educate as well to entertain. In public health both are used as a way to increase personal and groups receptivity and to promote health and disease prevention. Sexologists can use art and humor to transmit health messages dealing with sensitive issues, decreasing anxiety and motivating in a non-threatening way. It is important that sexual health professional recognize art and humor as valuable alternatives. Adequate attitudes, knowledges and skills are required to apply these tools effectively. When using them, professionals should consider characteristic of the population including cultural expressions and norms related to humor and the appreciation of art. During this workshop the participant will: Identify basic principles on how to use art and humor in sexual health promotion activities; Demonstrate how to use art or humor in sexual health interventions The session is design to include an introduction to the workshop (facilitators presentation, objectives and methodology), concepts discussion, exercises ( analysis and demonstration) followed by the final discussion and evaluation. During the workshop the facilitators will incorporate group exercises and discussions, conference, and role playing. Sexual Right includes among others the right to have adequate sexual education and services access. During this workshop professionals that work in the sexology discipline will recognize humor and art as important components when dealing in this area. Humor and Art can facilitate these processes and contribute to more adequate and sensitive interventions. This activity is design for Spanish speaking professionals working in the sexology area, specifically those who includes sexual health education and promotion interventions.
Key words: humor, art, sexual health promotion, public health, health education