Elder abuse
Here's a good reason we should teach pastors and parish nurses to assess for domestic violence:Older adults being cared for by a spouse may be at a higher risk of abuse, especially if the caregiver is coping with personal health problems.
So says a new study by researchers at the University of Pittsburg.
The study, published in the February issue of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, suggests that clinicians be sure support groups and respite care services are available to depressed spouses who care for an older mate.
With their unique access to families, pastors may be at the front line of assessing these problems.
Certainly, faith leaders can take three important steps:
First, naming this demon from the pulpit so that an abused spouse can be encouraged to seek help.
Second, adapting respite care programs for people with cancer and AIDS (which many congregations have already developed) to the situation of aging Baby Boomers who may find themselves at the end of their coping skills.
Third, helping older caregivers identify, name, and address the sources of their anger and frustration in ways that help them cope more faithfully with the pressures they face.
.: Posted by Duane Bidwell on Monday, February 28, 2005
Abstain, block, and talk
Maybe my days in HIV ministry have permanently altered the way I think about the issue, but there's nothing surprising in the American Psychological Association's announcement today that "Just Say No" isn't an effective approach to sex ed or HIV prevention in youth.In press release today, the APA Committee on Psychology and AIDS states that
evidence shows that comprehensive sexuality education programs for youth that encourage abstinence, promote appropriate condom use, and teach sexual communication skills reduce HIV-risk behavior and also delay the onset of sexual intercourse [I highlighted the bold words].The abstinence-only approach preferred and championed by the Bush administration actually increases the risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease, the committee chair argues.
My quip in front of congregations was always this: AIDS doesn't spread because of too much sex; it spreads because of too little love--for our selves, for our bodies, for our partners, and for God.
.: Posted by Duane Bidwell on Wednesday, February 23, 2005