Summertime! When the living's easy!

By Rachel Pazda, Volunteer

Summer is just around the corner and we will all be going our way for a few months. Some of us have been accepted to that summer internship, some will be working to save some cash, while still others are just trying to make it through finals and will decide what to do with the summer months later. Whatever is in your day planner, don’t forget the most important thing this summer…. Personal protection!

Throughout the school year SBI Health Education offers sexual health education, counseling for women’s health and birth control, free condoms and STI/HIV counseling for all students at UB. These services are also offered during the summer time Monday through Thursday from 9am to 4pm. However, as most of us will be leaving for the summer, the office won’t be its usual bus ride away. So what options are available for the summer for safety and testing?

Most states have Planned Parenthood offices, Health and Disease Control Centers, HIV Prevention organizations, and of course, local hospitals. Your family doctor is also a valuable resource for you to use if you have any concerns for your health during the summer. Local drugstores have condoms and emergency contraceptives for sale, so take advantage of the opportunity to guard yourself against STI’s and unwanted pregnancy! In the case of domestic violence or assault, Crisis Centers around the nation are always on call to help you and give you any support you need, free of any charge.

Any question that you might have about anything, SBI Health Education is a great place to pick up some info before everyone heads their separate ways! Have fun and enjoy your summer break this year!