Thoughts from Courtney Bauer
April is STI Awareness month. So why not get tested? Even if you don’t show any symptoms of having an STI you may still have one. Most STIs show no symptoms at all. Do you think you can tell whether or not someone has an STI? Well you can’t and they may not even be able to tell you whether or not they have one because they may not know themselves. This is why if you are sexually active it is a good idea to get tested regularly.
Did you know that by age 25, 1 out of every 2 sexually active young people will have an STI? Did you also know that half of all new sexually transmitted infections occur in people between the ages of 15 and 24?
There is good news in all of this, as UB offers STI testing options, a panel test. It is available to students who qualify for just $10. However, do not bring cash to your appointment it will be billed directly to your student account. Don’t worry though, it won’t say that you were billed for an “STI test” it will simply say “health services fee.” Your health care provider will decide what tests are right for you, so be honest about what you've been doing! Call Student Health Services and set up your appointment today (716) 829-3316.
Celebrate STI awareness month grab a friend, partner, neighbor, or even go by yourself and GET TESTED!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Fund Raising and Awareness
Written by Kayla Maryles, SBI Health Education Events Coordinator and Education Intern
I believe that fund raising and awareness is an essential part to not for profit organizations such as SBI Health Education. I think a lot of people forget about fund raising and how it can benefit an organization tremendously. Many people within the health and human services field base a lot of their work solely on the client, the community, and education. I think that using fund raising, as a means of bringing awareness is a great, innovative way to include all of services provided in the heath and human services field.
One major example that I can think of is the V-DAY Campaign, which is a global movement to end violence against women and girls. In order for this campaign to make a mark, they have taken a creative approach to creating awareness about ending violence against women and girls. The founder of the V-DAY Campaign, Eve Ensler started the movement by writing a play called, The Vagina Monologues. This production sparked a very intriguing way of raising money for a cause. It incorporated the arts and theater while telling stories that empowered and provoked interest, laughter, sadness, and thought about some very serious topics involving women and violence. I believe that The Vagina Monologues is an exemplary model that showcases how fund raising can be educational and beneficial; not only because of raising money to be donated to the cause, but also by raising awareness.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Turn Your Head and Cough
Thoughts from Courtney Bauer
Should men go for regular sexual health check-ups similar to when women go to the gynecologist?
My opinion is yes. If a man is sexually active he should be tested for STIs (sexually transmitted infections) regularly. The only excuse for a sexually active male not getting tested is if he is in a monogamous sexual relationship in which his partner has been tested and not found to have an STI. Being tested regularly is important because it is very possible that people may not know they have an STI. The most common symptom of an STI is having no symptoms at all. So even if you do not have any symptoms, sores, discharge, etc. you may still be carrying an STI that could possibly be transmitted to someone else.
When doctors hold the testicles of a patient and ask them to turn their head and cough they are checking for hernias. There is another good reason to check your testicles. Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men between the ages of 15 and 35. The first signs of testicular cancer are most often found by TSE (testicular self exam). You can learn how to do this most effectively by meeting with a doctor.
Another good reason for men to talk to their doctor frequently about their sexual health is because if a problem does arises they will feel more comfortable talking to their doctors about it.
So if you love sex and love yourself visit a doctor for a sexual health check up or an STI test.
Should men go for regular sexual health check-ups similar to when women go to the gynecologist?
My opinion is yes. If a man is sexually active he should be tested for STIs (sexually transmitted infections) regularly. The only excuse for a sexually active male not getting tested is if he is in a monogamous sexual relationship in which his partner has been tested and not found to have an STI. Being tested regularly is important because it is very possible that people may not know they have an STI. The most common symptom of an STI is having no symptoms at all. So even if you do not have any symptoms, sores, discharge, etc. you may still be carrying an STI that could possibly be transmitted to someone else.
When doctors hold the testicles of a patient and ask them to turn their head and cough they are checking for hernias. There is another good reason to check your testicles. Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men between the ages of 15 and 35. The first signs of testicular cancer are most often found by TSE (testicular self exam). You can learn how to do this most effectively by meeting with a doctor.
Another good reason for men to talk to their doctor frequently about their sexual health is because if a problem does arises they will feel more comfortable talking to their doctors about it.
So if you love sex and love yourself visit a doctor for a sexual health check up or an STI test.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Disney Condoms
Thoughts from Courtney Bauer
When Miley Cyrus was 15 years old, the condom company Lifestyles offered her $1 million to appear in their advertisements. She refused their offer. Is a 15 year old with a young fan base not the right person to promote condoms or, is it a good thing because it would get condom advertisements out to younger teens and thus bring down the teen pregnancy rate?
Does having a pre-teen idol advertize condoms decrease the age at which teenagers will lose their virginity? Are shows that teens watch such as “The Secret Life” on ABC Family or “Gossip Girl” on CW to blame for the increase of teen pregnancy? Some people believe that teen sex is on the rise because shows like these create an atmosphere where teen sex is accepted. According the Center for Disease Control one third of girls in the United States will become pregnant before the age of twenty, which is an increase from past years. So if teens want to be like the people in these shows then perhaps it is reasonable to say that if Miley is advertising condoms, and therefore advertising sex, then teens will try to emulate her by having sex. The other possibility here is that if Miley advertises condoms then teens will use them because they want to be like Miley.
So does Lifestyles have the right idea by trying to appeal to younger audiences or are they adding to the problem on teens losing their virginity at younger ages?
What do you think about this? Leave your comments on this page.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,393141,00.html
http://www.livestrong.com/article/12504-teen-pregnancy-rates-usa/
When Miley Cyrus was 15 years old, the condom company Lifestyles offered her $1 million to appear in their advertisements. She refused their offer. Is a 15 year old with a young fan base not the right person to promote condoms or, is it a good thing because it would get condom advertisements out to younger teens and thus bring down the teen pregnancy rate?
Does having a pre-teen idol advertize condoms decrease the age at which teenagers will lose their virginity? Are shows that teens watch such as “The Secret Life” on ABC Family or “Gossip Girl” on CW to blame for the increase of teen pregnancy? Some people believe that teen sex is on the rise because shows like these create an atmosphere where teen sex is accepted. According the Center for Disease Control one third of girls in the United States will become pregnant before the age of twenty, which is an increase from past years. So if teens want to be like the people in these shows then perhaps it is reasonable to say that if Miley is advertising condoms, and therefore advertising sex, then teens will try to emulate her by having sex. The other possibility here is that if Miley advertises condoms then teens will use them because they want to be like Miley.
So does Lifestyles have the right idea by trying to appeal to younger audiences or are they adding to the problem on teens losing their virginity at younger ages?
What do you think about this? Leave your comments on this page.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,393141,00.html
http://www.livestrong.com/article/12504-teen-pregnancy-rates-usa/
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
'Sext' Me
Written by Dana Shaffer, SBI Health Education Intern
What’s with teenagers and the outbreak of ‘sexting?’ ‘Sexting’ has become a growing trend amongst teens in the United States. Teenagers, these days, are more technologically advanced than ever before; their lives are hi-tech and digital. Their technological expertise intensifies their desire to entice and arouse their partner via technology. Vocabulary of this new generation, of teenagers, is provocative and sexually enticing.
‘Sexting’ is the act of text messaging with hopes of having a sexual encounter or multiple encounters, later on, with the receiver who is usually a boyfriend or girlfriend of the sender. ‘Sexting’ could also be a way to flirt or want to “hook up” with someone sincerely or in a more joking manner. Initially, it may come off as a casual and flirtatious gesture but as the fire ignites, between both parties, it may seem more and more sexually explicit and suggestive. Teenagers, who actively engage in ‘sexting’ seem to take provocative pictures of themselves and/or videos usually nude or performing sexual acts.
Popular culture and the social media contribute to the sexuality of our teenagers. “Teens have long associated sexuality with greater independence, personal control and a path to adulthood.” (www.theyoungandthedigital.com) Teenagers are experimenting with their sexuality; they long to overcome and explore their sexual curiosities. Mobile media and social networks, which are at their fingertips literally, are the biggest sources of exploration.
Teenagers use mobile media and social networks to express themselves because it is a form of private communication between two parties… unless of course one party decides to breach such privacy. This is a huge issue! According to research, 1/3 of teenage boys and ¼ of teenage girls say they’ve seen nude and/or semi-nude images, which were originally meant to be private. Such findings pose an enormous concern.
While the digital world is an incredible and beneficial aspect of society, we need to find a way to protect our teenagers and future generations from being exposed and humiliated. In my own opinion, teenagers and active participants in ‘sexting’ need to be aware of the consequences before they hit SEND. They also need to realize that technology amplifies the interconnectedness of people and society on a much broader spectrum; when you expose yourself, via technology, you are putting yourself on display for all eyes to see.
What’s with teenagers and the outbreak of ‘sexting?’ ‘Sexting’ has become a growing trend amongst teens in the United States. Teenagers, these days, are more technologically advanced than ever before; their lives are hi-tech and digital. Their technological expertise intensifies their desire to entice and arouse their partner via technology. Vocabulary of this new generation, of teenagers, is provocative and sexually enticing.
‘Sexting’ is the act of text messaging with hopes of having a sexual encounter or multiple encounters, later on, with the receiver who is usually a boyfriend or girlfriend of the sender. ‘Sexting’ could also be a way to flirt or want to “hook up” with someone sincerely or in a more joking manner. Initially, it may come off as a casual and flirtatious gesture but as the fire ignites, between both parties, it may seem more and more sexually explicit and suggestive. Teenagers, who actively engage in ‘sexting’ seem to take provocative pictures of themselves and/or videos usually nude or performing sexual acts.
Popular culture and the social media contribute to the sexuality of our teenagers. “Teens have long associated sexuality with greater independence, personal control and a path to adulthood.” (www.theyoungandthedigital.com) Teenagers are experimenting with their sexuality; they long to overcome and explore their sexual curiosities. Mobile media and social networks, which are at their fingertips literally, are the biggest sources of exploration.
Teenagers use mobile media and social networks to express themselves because it is a form of private communication between two parties… unless of course one party decides to breach such privacy. This is a huge issue! According to research, 1/3 of teenage boys and ¼ of teenage girls say they’ve seen nude and/or semi-nude images, which were originally meant to be private. Such findings pose an enormous concern.
While the digital world is an incredible and beneficial aspect of society, we need to find a way to protect our teenagers and future generations from being exposed and humiliated. In my own opinion, teenagers and active participants in ‘sexting’ need to be aware of the consequences before they hit SEND. They also need to realize that technology amplifies the interconnectedness of people and society on a much broader spectrum; when you expose yourself, via technology, you are putting yourself on display for all eyes to see.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Vaginas Speak, Come Listen
Thoughts from Courtney Bauer
Come hear women talk about vaginas. The world famous Vagina Monologues are coming to UB Sunday March 21 and Monday March 22nd. There are shows at 1pm and 7pm on Sunday and at 7pm on Monday. Tickets are $8 with a UB ID and $10 without. They can be purchased at the SBI ticket office or at the door, but hurry and get them before they sell out! All of the money from the show goes to programs that work to end violence against women. This year, part of the proceeds will go to help women in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The Vagina Monologues were written by Eve Ensler and are based off 200 interviews with women. Each monologue is a different woman’s story. Some of the Monologues are humorous and some are very emotional but, all are sure to entertain. The monologues will “make you laugh, make you cry, make you happy, and hopefully make you proactive in the end.” says Amanda Hibbard, a cast member of the show.
One of the more emotional monologues will be performed by Kayla Maryles. It is called “My Vagina Was My Village.” It is about women who were slaves in Bosnia and Kosovo. There are also more light-hearted monologues such as “The Woman Who Loved to Make Vaginas Happy” which is about a prostitute who loves to pleasure women. There is a monologue in this show that will touch everyone.
After you are done listening about vaginas, how about eating one? SBI Health Education will be selling chocolate vagina pops for $1 at both showings and everyday in our office Hayes Annex C on South Campus. There will also be a Chinese Auction after the show. The money from the sale of the vagina pops and the Chinese auction will also go towards ending violence against women.
Hope to see you there!
Come hear women talk about vaginas. The world famous Vagina Monologues are coming to UB Sunday March 21 and Monday March 22nd. There are shows at 1pm and 7pm on Sunday and at 7pm on Monday. Tickets are $8 with a UB ID and $10 without. They can be purchased at the SBI ticket office or at the door, but hurry and get them before they sell out! All of the money from the show goes to programs that work to end violence against women. This year, part of the proceeds will go to help women in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The Vagina Monologues were written by Eve Ensler and are based off 200 interviews with women. Each monologue is a different woman’s story. Some of the Monologues are humorous and some are very emotional but, all are sure to entertain. The monologues will “make you laugh, make you cry, make you happy, and hopefully make you proactive in the end.” says Amanda Hibbard, a cast member of the show.
One of the more emotional monologues will be performed by Kayla Maryles. It is called “My Vagina Was My Village.” It is about women who were slaves in Bosnia and Kosovo. There are also more light-hearted monologues such as “The Woman Who Loved to Make Vaginas Happy” which is about a prostitute who loves to pleasure women. There is a monologue in this show that will touch everyone.
After you are done listening about vaginas, how about eating one? SBI Health Education will be selling chocolate vagina pops for $1 at both showings and everyday in our office Hayes Annex C on South Campus. There will also be a Chinese Auction after the show. The money from the sale of the vagina pops and the Chinese auction will also go towards ending violence against women.
Hope to see you there!
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