‘Sex is the best medicine’
WELLNESS SHOW: McGrath talks intimacy
Did your new year’s resolutions fall a bit flat? Why not seek out some solid how-to’s on enjoying a more balanced, holistic and healthier life by attending the 24th annual Wellness Show?
Running Friday to Sunday at the Vancouver Convention Centre East, the show features 300-plus exhibitors and speakers, including local sex expert and CKNW’s Sunday Night Sex Show host Maureen McGrath.
QYour Wellness Show talk is titled Building Resilience: The Challenges, Business and World of Sex. Can you tell us what that means?
AI will talk about common challenges women face in business and some of the challenges that I have overcome while working in a taboo field in a man’s world and how a person’s success relates to happiness and sexuality.
Are there trends in the world of sex education?
More products made with female sexual desire in mind ... Sexy podcasts are popular. More focus on sex research, including women and LGBTQ, allowing for a better understanding of the mechanistic basis for sexual dysfunction and therapeutic response.
Is society getting better at talking about sex?
Yes and no. Many people want to learn about sex and find out if they are normal, whatever that is. The taboos still remain, especially around sexual desire for women and shame associated with erectile dysfunction in men.
What in your mind is a healthy sex life?
Going after the sex life that you desire. Have no shame about your sexuality or your healthy sexual desires. Feeling good about your body and asking for what you want is key. The most important is that you enjoy sex.
How important is it for us to have frank conversations about our own sexuality?
Vital. We need to own our sexuality as it relates to self-esteem, sexual self-esteem and importance in our relationships. Get in touch.
The radio sex call-in show has a great and long history. Why do you think it has been such a popular genre?
It is an educational tool in a society that shrouds the subject of sex in shame. People can call in anonymously and ask questions which may benefit many others who were afraid to ask. Sexual health concerns are common.
How important is sex to overall wellness?
Connection between sex and wellness is underrated. Sex is the best medicine. It treats stress, pain and insomnia. Sex will help to strengthen the pelvic floor and ward off colds. All of this without any side effects.
If you could give out only one piece of advice, what would it be?
Learn everything you can, what feels good, try new things and practise. Sex is to be enjoyed, so enjoy it. Get help if you need it. Your health depends on it.
What do people do when they find out what you do for a living?
They smile and say, “That’s fabulous” or “I want your job.” Then they start telling me about their sex life. They will get personal very quickly as though the questions they have, they have kept inside for a long time. I assure them that all is confidential, but I might do a radio show about their issue or write a blog. They laugh ... and I assure them I will never give up my source.