MEET THE WOMEN OF THE EL PASO CENTER FOR DIABETES

The women of the El Paso Center for Diabetes play a crucial role in ensuring the success of their participants. Spearheaded by Executive Director Sandra Gonzalez, a dedicated team of nine work to provide a comprehensive and personalized approach to diabetes management; this includes Diabetes Self-Management Education classes, Sabrosa Vida cooking classes, and FREE walk-in A1C screenings to name a few.

The El Paso Center for Diabetes is a proud partner with Paso del Norte Health Foundation and coordinating agency for the Diabetes Alliance. If your organization would like more information about joining the Diabetes Alliance, please contact the Center.

Call the Center at (915) 532-6280 or visit epdiabetes.org

It’s always a good time to discuss one of the world’s most essential, controversial, and exciting topics: SEX! I can imagine that just seeing that word written has filled you with dread, excitement, or a mixture of the two. To relieve your emotions, one way or the other, I will approach the discussion about sex with one of my favorite things -apart from food -- MUSIC!

Hip hop group Salt-N-Pepa once said, “Let’s talk about sex, baby.” As an old guy, born in the 70s, the 90s raised me emotionally and sexually. So, let’s dive into this topic using some of the hottest hip hop references from the 1990s.

You may say, well, why hip hop?

Why not?

Hip hop, for many, has defined the world around us and provided a soundtrack for our lives, sometimes even while having sex. The evolution of sexuality in hip hop has been dramatic and multifaceted in its influence. As hip hop has grown from an underground movement to a multi-billion dollar industry, artists’ lyrical content frequently references sex, sexual health, and HIV/STI prevention. No longer limited to primary motivations such as pleasure and attraction, hip hop has created a dialogue about sexuality in a complex and more profound way, addressing topics such as virginity, expression of identity, AIDS, gender fluidity, and consent. By exploring sexuality in its lyrics, hip hop has broken down taboos and helped promote a culture of safe sex and sexual health awareness.

Therefore, the history of sexuality in hip hop is integral to understanding how it has shaped music culture and influenced social movements.

Namely, it is a powerful reminder of the influence music producers, artists, and fans have to discuss sexuality and its topics honestly, provocatively, and authentically. By doing so, this dialogue has become a tool for developing positive messages and increased acceptance and education about sexual health.

But music without the act is, in a sense, just fantasy.

There’s nothing wrong with sexual fantasies; however, in an evolving world where sexual rights, primarily through the “Me Too” movement, have come front and center, it’s remarkable that the great lyricist, Biggie Smalls (aka The Notorious B.I.G.), said it best, “You’re dead, wrong if you think that the sex is all about you.”

Sex should be a consensual act between two adults who are comfortable and willing to engage in it. Always ensure you have explicit consent from your