Dear Valentine: Let's 'Share Affection, Not Infection'

Afros, shag carpet and flared pants take a backseat to condoms and lube as 70's-retro inspiration is back in style for this year's National Condom Day on February 14.

"It's a sex-positive message with a fun image," said Liz Hammond, manager of the Family Planning NSW Health Promotion Unit.

The annual celebration of condoms is happening across NSW durring February and March with O-Week activities and health promotion stalls in Sydney, Newcastle, Dubbo and Penrith.  Family Planning NSW staff members are passing out free condoms and lube, as well as "Share Affection, Not Infection" t-shirts and postcards.

Download the resources: postcard, banner and t shirt.

A new strategy for this year's National Condom Day promotion is the newly created "Share Affection, Not Infection" Facebook page.

"This year we are taking National Condom Day to where the people are," said Hammond, "and Facebook is where many people spend lots of their time. 

"We hope the page generates fun and honest discussion about condom usage, partner negotiation and safe sex issues."

Within few days of the "Share Affection, Not Infection"  Facebook page going live, nearly a hundred fans have joined and are now enjoying  condom fun facts, related news stories about condoms and safe sex information.  

"The page is great for quick and credible information," said Hammond. "Simple and easy to use,  just like condoms."

Using a condom and lube every time you have sex is one of the best ways to protect against unwanted sexually transmissible infections like Chlamydia and HIV, as well as unwanted pregnancies.

Family Planning NSW has been handing out thousands of condoms each year on National Condom Day, and to find this year's activities, go to www.fpnsw.org.au or the "Share Affection, Not Infection" Facebook page.

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