Hello everyone; as the title indicates this article will be focusing on using one’s head (the one on your shoulders) before giving it, during these coming spring and summer months of warm weather. I will also talk about another way to use your head (you know the one) this summer, to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS, or provide support to persons already infected.

Already we are starting the summer BBQs with friends, and coming up shortly are the ARGRA rodeo, and the various gay campouts - and let us not forget the Calgary Stampede. These are all great times to get together with friends; old and new and throw back a few beverages and perhaps other party favours to further enjoy these times together. This is all great fun until that moment when someone forgets to use their head (again the one on your shoulders) before maybe choosing to give some – or else there can be very nasty ramifications.

Many people believe that oral sex is a form of safe sex. But the truth is that oral sex is not considered a safe sexual practice in that there is a slight chance that one may become infected with, or transmit a sexual infection to another individual.

The chances for this transmission to occur increases significantly if the person performing oral sex has poor dental hygiene, but also if they have had dental cleaning within 24 hours, a tooth extraction or other serious oral surgery and - believe it or not – has brushed their teeth within an hour of performing oral sex (better to have a mint or gum). The reason being, that all of these can result in open wounds or aggravated gums where HIV and other sexually transmitted infections can be passed on.

There is only one true form of safe sex, that is abstinence…but we all know that, in most cases, is not a reality for many people. That being said, I ask you all to remember that using a condom for oral sex is the most effective way to reduce the chance of HIV or other sexually transmitted infections from occurring, and I encourage you to make this a regular part of your sexual practices; for your safety and the safety of your sexual partner(s).

But there is something more “fun” focused that we can all partake in over the summer, and still get to use the right head; who knows you may even meet someone who will want to give you some later on. I am talking about the many fundraisers and events that will be happening over the coming months that are all working to support HIV/AIDS organizations and charities.

We have the Imperial Sovereign Court of the Chinook Arch (I.S.C.C.A.) who have their special BBQ specials happening at the Eagle and Backlot, where you can buy burgers at a great price with proceeds supporting their charities for the year: AIDS Calgary and the SHARP Foundation being two of them.

There is the Lawn Bowling Tournament for the SHARP Foundation in August along with the Chili cook off held at the Eagle in September. The Artists for the Quality of Life have two shows in June, one at the Texas Lounge and another at the Twisted Element; and let us not forget the Annual Donnie Peters Cut a Thon and AIDS Calgary Walk for Life in September.

These are but a few of the events I have been made aware of and I know that others are being planned or are in the works so keep your eyes and ears open for an opportunity to support any one - or all - of them.

Remember this summer is a time to have fun; enjoy the sun, bushes, parks, rivers, campouts, rodeos, or whatever else brings you and your friends together. Just remember to cover your head(s); you wouldn’t want to get burned and ruin such a beautiful summer.