Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/267325
24 BRAVA MAGAZINE | MARCH 2014 THRIVE WELLBEING Whether you chose to use the euphemism about "the birds and bees" or something similar, talking to children about sexual- ity is one of the most important conver- sations you can have. It may be uncomfortable, but it's also important children know they can get re- LIˬBLEINFORMˬTIONFROMYOU.YǠRSTTIP Be open and honest. Instead of avoiding the topic or creating a silly answer to the question "Where did I come from?" I'd take advantage of their curiosity and give the full answer to any school-aged child. (Hint: "Ask your father" doesn't count!) From there, don't beat around the bush. When my 8-year-old son asked DR. MOM HAVING "THE TALK" how babies got into mommy's tummies, I pulled out my old anatomy text book and explained the difference between males and females, the sperm and the egg, and how one can come in contact with another. As my son shook his head in awe and disgust, I answered his ques- tions patiently. If you're not sure how to word your explanations, resources can help! To give my son a visual, we then watched a You- Tube video on a sperm meeting an egg ˬNDTHEǠRSTSTˬGESOFEMBRYOFORMˬTION I also recommend books such as "It's So Amazing!" or "It's NOT the Stork!" by Robie Harris, which offer detailed expla- nations and accurate pictures tailored to your child's level of understanding. I encourage families to begin these con- versations as soon as they feel their child is able to understand the subject. As more questions have come up in my home and as my son's body changes, he's been will- ing and anxious to discuss his curiosities because he knows that we'll give him a full and honest answer. In our over- sexualized society, wouldn't you rather have your child's views come from your carefully considered discussion instead of from the kids in the back row of the bus? –Dr. Kristin Seaborg, pediatrician with Group Health Cooperative GOOD TO KNOW MALE INFERTILITY Approximately 50 percent of infertility is attributed to male-related factors. As you trouble shoot the reasons, beware of these common myths—busted by Dr. Dan Williams, a male infertility specialist with UW Clinics and Generations Fertility Care. Boxers vs. briefs: "The concept is that exposure to excess heat is detrimental to sperm production and quality," says Dr. Williams. "[While] there is individual susceptibility to the effects of heat, there are no good studies that show that boxers or briefs make any difference." Male fertility supplements: "There is a very large market for supplements that claim to improve male factor fertility. Unfortunately, there is no good scientific evidence these supplements increase pregnancy rates," says Dr. Williams. Vasectomy reversal: "[Many fear] a rever- sal will be unsuccessful if it's been a long time since the vasectomy. This is not true!" Dr. Williams explains. "A skilled micro- surgeon trained to perform these complex reconstructions can help sperm return many years after a vasectomy." Eat, Breathe, Thrive March 4 kicks off the next six-week program of this series at Blackbird Family Yoga, designed to provide complementary yoga-based therapy to those struggling with eating disorders or skewed body image. "Almost every woman I know is on this spectrum, whether she's suffering from anorexia, overeating for comfort or just hates her thighs with a passion," says Blackbird Family Yoga owner, Amanda Uphoff. "That's our goal—to not just survive, but to find a new way of looking at our body. To thrive," Uphoff explains. The program, facilitated by Uphoff and Sarah Higgins, will provide a safe space to share your story and tap into a community-based network of support. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Blackbird Family Yoga, 6720 Frank Lloyd Wright Ave., Middleton. blackbirdfamilyyoga.com. SAVE THE DATE