By Courtney Bauer
Finally the sun is shining and some lucky people have already gotten a sunburn. Classes are ending and people are putting away their heavy winter clothes. This can all only mean one thing. People are about to get a whole lot HORNIER! Once you find your summer fling you’ve got to find some condoms. Come to SBI Health Education on South Campus or go to the ticket office on North and stock up last minute on FREE CONDOMS! Or if you’re here over the summer we will be too. Just call our office to see where we are located (716-829-2584).
Warmer weather does mean hornier people but it also means you have to find somewhere cool to hide your condoms. You cannot store them in hot temperatures. This means you should not leave them in your car, wallet, pocket, or bra. Also do not leave them next to your lawn chair for easy reach. They cannot be left in direct sunlight. They also cannot be stored somewhere very cold or moist. So if you go to the beach do not throw them in your cooler. If you plan on making waves at the beach just have sex right away so that you don’t have to worry about storing them.
Condoms are best stored in dry room temperature places. Great places to store condoms are the drawer of a night stand, next to your tupperware in your kitchen cabinet, or in a cute dish on your living room coffee table. Always remember to check for an expiration date and an air pocket with all of your condoms.
Happy Humping!
Monday, May 16, 2011
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Benefits of Sex Ed in Schools?
By Lars L., SBI Health Education independent study intern
The American Medical Association recently published a graph which accounted for the leading causes of death in the U.S., showing the public that lifestyle factors are becoming the greatest killers in America. The leading “lifestyle factor” cause of death was tobacco-related (about 400,000 people a year) and deaths due to firearms was 6th on the list (35,000 deaths a year). Following that, sexually transmitted diseases account for 30,000 deaths a year.
While it seems small comparable to tobacco, it is in my belief that it accounts for more deaths than it should. Hypothetically speaking if we were able to get everyone in the world properly protect themselves while engaging in sexual activity, we would be able to dramatically decrease the death toll due to STD’s, or even abolish them completely. With that in mind, it’s extremely frustrating to me that as civilized and developed as the U.S. is “supposed” to be, that we continue to suffer from this problem. It’s evident that something must change in order to see a decline in the rates of STD’s.
While some children may have their parents to rely on for education in the areas of sexual health, most will only know what they have learned from school, so I thought it would be useful to take a look into sex education in the U.S. Throughout the country, teens are now receiving less information on birth control, while receiving more information on abstinence-only policies. When asked about the shifts in formal education, one in five teachers believed that restrictions on sex education were preventing them from meeting their needs. When it comes to human health, I believe that disclosing information that could used to protect a person from contracting a disease should be considered a crime.
Currently, there is no evidence that abstinence only education delays teen sexual activity. Recent research has shown that abstinence only strategies lower contraceptive use in sexually active teens, putting them at risk for unintended pregnancies and STI’s. However, there is evidence that sex education programs that provide information about both abstinence and contraceptive use can help delay the onset of sexual activity among teens, reduce the number of sexual partners, and increase contraceptive use when they become sexually active. This information was provided by former Surgeon General David Satcher in June 2001.
Less is more, only when more is no good. In the case of sexual education MORE is good!
The American Medical Association recently published a graph which accounted for the leading causes of death in the U.S., showing the public that lifestyle factors are becoming the greatest killers in America. The leading “lifestyle factor” cause of death was tobacco-related (about 400,000 people a year) and deaths due to firearms was 6th on the list (35,000 deaths a year). Following that, sexually transmitted diseases account for 30,000 deaths a year.
While it seems small comparable to tobacco, it is in my belief that it accounts for more deaths than it should. Hypothetically speaking if we were able to get everyone in the world properly protect themselves while engaging in sexual activity, we would be able to dramatically decrease the death toll due to STD’s, or even abolish them completely. With that in mind, it’s extremely frustrating to me that as civilized and developed as the U.S. is “supposed” to be, that we continue to suffer from this problem. It’s evident that something must change in order to see a decline in the rates of STD’s.
While some children may have their parents to rely on for education in the areas of sexual health, most will only know what they have learned from school, so I thought it would be useful to take a look into sex education in the U.S. Throughout the country, teens are now receiving less information on birth control, while receiving more information on abstinence-only policies. When asked about the shifts in formal education, one in five teachers believed that restrictions on sex education were preventing them from meeting their needs. When it comes to human health, I believe that disclosing information that could used to protect a person from contracting a disease should be considered a crime.
Currently, there is no evidence that abstinence only education delays teen sexual activity. Recent research has shown that abstinence only strategies lower contraceptive use in sexually active teens, putting them at risk for unintended pregnancies and STI’s. However, there is evidence that sex education programs that provide information about both abstinence and contraceptive use can help delay the onset of sexual activity among teens, reduce the number of sexual partners, and increase contraceptive use when they become sexually active. This information was provided by former Surgeon General David Satcher in June 2001.
Less is more, only when more is no good. In the case of sexual education MORE is good!
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
H.R.3 – No Taxpayer Money for Abortion Act Sponsored by Representative Christopher Smith (R-NJ)
Written by: Rachel Pazda
I recently was made aware of a bill that is before the House of Representatives, H.R. 3 – No Taxpayer Money for Abortion Act. Based on the title it would seem the goal of Rep. Smith and others who are supporting the bill is rather straight forward… to stop taxpayer money from funding abortions. Fair enough, members of Congress have the right to propose bills for and against Reproductive Rights; it’s what makes our country great, the right to fight for what you believe in even when a person across the aisle disagrees with you. But the bill isn’t just about abortion funding; it’s about funding abortions that are being sought by rape victims.
Although it would be easy for me to, without pause, destroy the whole bill with simple logic and legal argument, I will focus on only one key point: Mr. Smith and his compatriots are attempting to redefine rape. The fight for rape to even be properly acknowledged in society has yet to be won, and if the wording in H.R. 3 is not drastically altered the progress made for victim’s rights will be effectively negated. According to the bill, only victims of “forcible rape” will be eligible for tax dollar assistance to fund the abortion of a pregnancy that was a result of the assault. The phrase “forcible rape” is not elaborated or defined throughout the rest of the text. Which raises some somewhat obvious, but non-the-less important, questions: What is force? Is coercion force? What about refusal to accept “No” for an answer? What if the rapist had drugged the victim, would that be considered force? Or is a rape victim only allowed to claim to be “forced” if she is covered in blood and bruises? If the victim is on life support due to her injuries and is unable to even request an abortion because she is in a coma, is that force enough? Or would the abortion still be unfunded due to the fact that since the rape victim is unable to make the decision it would most likely fall to the family to make the decision and since legally the woman cannot be forced to have an abortion wouldn’t it technically be illegal to fund the abortion procedure with tax dollars? Seems like a rather complicated, unnecessary can of worms that would re-victimize women who have been raped because Mr. Smith doesn’t want to pay for abortions with tax revenue. Perhaps I am wrong to believe that we should actually increase funding to help the victims of rape with counseling and medical services rather than decrease their aid, but I don’t think I’m wrong. It is wrong and irresponsible for our government to pass a law that is in its very essence a definition of victim blaming and minimization of trauma experienced by women who are raped, whether their bruises are in their skin or in their psyche.
As an individual, I ask you to take action and speak up! Call your Congress people and let your representatives in Washington and in your state capitals know what you think. I know I will make my representatives aware that I am not ok with this law and as citizens representatives they are obligated to vote as their constituent’s desire. I have included a link that can be used to find out who your representatives are if you are unsure.
https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml
Just choose your state, enter your zip code + 4 digit zip code extension and click on “Contact My Representative”. You will be directed to your representative’s website.
Below is a link to the text of H.R.3.
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/billtext.xpd?bill=h112-3
I recently was made aware of a bill that is before the House of Representatives, H.R. 3 – No Taxpayer Money for Abortion Act. Based on the title it would seem the goal of Rep. Smith and others who are supporting the bill is rather straight forward… to stop taxpayer money from funding abortions. Fair enough, members of Congress have the right to propose bills for and against Reproductive Rights; it’s what makes our country great, the right to fight for what you believe in even when a person across the aisle disagrees with you. But the bill isn’t just about abortion funding; it’s about funding abortions that are being sought by rape victims.
Although it would be easy for me to, without pause, destroy the whole bill with simple logic and legal argument, I will focus on only one key point: Mr. Smith and his compatriots are attempting to redefine rape. The fight for rape to even be properly acknowledged in society has yet to be won, and if the wording in H.R. 3 is not drastically altered the progress made for victim’s rights will be effectively negated. According to the bill, only victims of “forcible rape” will be eligible for tax dollar assistance to fund the abortion of a pregnancy that was a result of the assault. The phrase “forcible rape” is not elaborated or defined throughout the rest of the text. Which raises some somewhat obvious, but non-the-less important, questions: What is force? Is coercion force? What about refusal to accept “No” for an answer? What if the rapist had drugged the victim, would that be considered force? Or is a rape victim only allowed to claim to be “forced” if she is covered in blood and bruises? If the victim is on life support due to her injuries and is unable to even request an abortion because she is in a coma, is that force enough? Or would the abortion still be unfunded due to the fact that since the rape victim is unable to make the decision it would most likely fall to the family to make the decision and since legally the woman cannot be forced to have an abortion wouldn’t it technically be illegal to fund the abortion procedure with tax dollars? Seems like a rather complicated, unnecessary can of worms that would re-victimize women who have been raped because Mr. Smith doesn’t want to pay for abortions with tax revenue. Perhaps I am wrong to believe that we should actually increase funding to help the victims of rape with counseling and medical services rather than decrease their aid, but I don’t think I’m wrong. It is wrong and irresponsible for our government to pass a law that is in its very essence a definition of victim blaming and minimization of trauma experienced by women who are raped, whether their bruises are in their skin or in their psyche.
As an individual, I ask you to take action and speak up! Call your Congress people and let your representatives in Washington and in your state capitals know what you think. I know I will make my representatives aware that I am not ok with this law and as citizens representatives they are obligated to vote as their constituent’s desire. I have included a link that can be used to find out who your representatives are if you are unsure.
https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml
Just choose your state, enter your zip code + 4 digit zip code extension and click on “Contact My Representative”. You will be directed to your representative’s website.
Below is a link to the text of H.R.3.
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/billtext.xpd?bill=h112-3
“It might be more worthwhile if we stopped wringing our hands and started ringing our congressmen.” ~Author Unknown
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
The "Ins and Outs" of Valentine's Day
by Lauren Little
Assistant Supervising Counselor
St. Patrick has his day; ghouls and ghosts even get their own too. It’s only fitting that lovers should have a day on the calendar as well. By the 14th of February, whether or not Cupid’s pegged you from behind (no pun intended), you’ve undoubtedly witnessed the overblown commercialism that is the Valentine’s day blitz. Is there anything real or earnest about the exchange anymore?
Well, there’s a few ways to ensure that at the very least the sex is real, up to par, and, of course, safe:
-Planning. It’s what makes Batman the best at what he does and you can be guaranteed he does it in the bedroom too. If you can make it appear spontaneous, there are bonus points to be scored, but going to extra mile can be surprising in itself. You don’t need a utility belt to stash your condoms, water-based lube, and dental dams, instead, strategically place them around the bedroom or intended places of fornication. Wherever that may be. Remember if you don’t have time to strategically purchase your condoms and lube so that the middle-aged cashier at Walgreen’s doesn’t notice, come stop by Hayes Annex C on South Campus to stock up on your FREE stash. Oh yeah, and Lifestyles Ultra Lubricated and Durex Love condoms have snazzy red packaging that fits the Valentine’s theme.
-Be Creative. There’s no Oscar for Most Mediocre Performance. Think outside the box (or get in one if you’re into that sort of thing) and try something different. As long as it’s safe (no hanging from the ceiling fan that’s missing a few screws), GO FOR IT! Of course, make sure you and your partner discuss new positions, toys, etc before trying them out. Keep in mind, whatever your muse inspires you to try, always use latex! No one wants their most memorable Valentine’s Day to be the one they got Chlamydia.
-Be Romantic. Nothing says, “I love you,” like a Hallmark card and a box of Russell Stover. Oh wait, just about anything is more romantic than that. Instead of just shoving a box of chocolate and a few roses into your partner’s arms, place the otherwise inert petals in the bed and seductively feed your lover the chocolates. This harkens back to the Be Creative clause. Also, if you’re thinking about using chocolate in other, more imaginative, ways, it’s best to keep it away from lady parts. Nothing spoils the post-Valentine’s Day glow like a sugar fueled yeast infection. Yummo! However, guys, you’re free to go swim in the stuff if you so much as please (so not fair, right?). If are really looking to spice things up taste wise, condoms, dental dams, and water-based lube come in a variety of seductive flavors.
-Love yourself! You don’t have to commission a ten foot tall nude portrait of yourself riding a tiger, but don’t sell yourself short either! Don’t feel obliged to sleep with someone just because you feel the date predicates it; make sure it means something and you’re getting exactly what you want out of it. If it’s your first time with that person, make sure you use protection and discretion. If your only date for the night is with Facebook, close down the laptop and treat yourself to a nice candle-lit bath. Or, if you’re stuck in the dorms, go take a nice hot shower and take as long as you want in there. No one’s judging!
These are just a few of the many things to think about for February 14th. If all else fails, remember, there’s always March 14th.
Pi Day. Because who doesn’t like pie! (What were you thinking about?)
Assistant Supervising Counselor
St. Patrick has his day; ghouls and ghosts even get their own too. It’s only fitting that lovers should have a day on the calendar as well. By the 14th of February, whether or not Cupid’s pegged you from behind (no pun intended), you’ve undoubtedly witnessed the overblown commercialism that is the Valentine’s day blitz. Is there anything real or earnest about the exchange anymore?
Well, there’s a few ways to ensure that at the very least the sex is real, up to par, and, of course, safe:
-Planning. It’s what makes Batman the best at what he does and you can be guaranteed he does it in the bedroom too. If you can make it appear spontaneous, there are bonus points to be scored, but going to extra mile can be surprising in itself. You don’t need a utility belt to stash your condoms, water-based lube, and dental dams, instead, strategically place them around the bedroom or intended places of fornication. Wherever that may be. Remember if you don’t have time to strategically purchase your condoms and lube so that the middle-aged cashier at Walgreen’s doesn’t notice, come stop by Hayes Annex C on South Campus to stock up on your FREE stash. Oh yeah, and Lifestyles Ultra Lubricated and Durex Love condoms have snazzy red packaging that fits the Valentine’s theme.
-Be Creative. There’s no Oscar for Most Mediocre Performance. Think outside the box (or get in one if you’re into that sort of thing) and try something different. As long as it’s safe (no hanging from the ceiling fan that’s missing a few screws), GO FOR IT! Of course, make sure you and your partner discuss new positions, toys, etc before trying them out. Keep in mind, whatever your muse inspires you to try, always use latex! No one wants their most memorable Valentine’s Day to be the one they got Chlamydia.
-Be Romantic. Nothing says, “I love you,” like a Hallmark card and a box of Russell Stover. Oh wait, just about anything is more romantic than that. Instead of just shoving a box of chocolate and a few roses into your partner’s arms, place the otherwise inert petals in the bed and seductively feed your lover the chocolates. This harkens back to the Be Creative clause. Also, if you’re thinking about using chocolate in other, more imaginative, ways, it’s best to keep it away from lady parts. Nothing spoils the post-Valentine’s Day glow like a sugar fueled yeast infection. Yummo! However, guys, you’re free to go swim in the stuff if you so much as please (so not fair, right?). If are really looking to spice things up taste wise, condoms, dental dams, and water-based lube come in a variety of seductive flavors.
-Love yourself! You don’t have to commission a ten foot tall nude portrait of yourself riding a tiger, but don’t sell yourself short either! Don’t feel obliged to sleep with someone just because you feel the date predicates it; make sure it means something and you’re getting exactly what you want out of it. If it’s your first time with that person, make sure you use protection and discretion. If your only date for the night is with Facebook, close down the laptop and treat yourself to a nice candle-lit bath. Or, if you’re stuck in the dorms, go take a nice hot shower and take as long as you want in there. No one’s judging!
These are just a few of the many things to think about for February 14th. If all else fails, remember, there’s always March 14th.
Pi Day. Because who doesn’t like pie! (What were you thinking about?)
Monday, November 29, 2010
HPV Can Cause Cancer in Men!
Written by Courtney Bauer
According to the CDC the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) can cause penile, anal, head, and neck cancer in men. It is also a leading cause of genital warts. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection. There is no HPV test for men. There is also no cure for HPV. HPV is spread by skin to skin sexual contact. Therefore, it cannot be fully prevented with condoms because condoms do not always cover all of the skin that is coming into contact with another person. This is the bad news.
The good news is that Michael Hall (Health Services) on South Campus is having an HPV vaccine clinic Wednesday December 1st and Tuesday December 2nd. They are giving the vaccine to male and female students twenty six years old and younger. If your insurance does not cover the vaccine Michael Hall has a supply they can give away for free. This is not a walk in clinic you must make an appointment by calling (716) 829-3316.
The vaccine that will be given is the Gardasil vaccine. This vaccine protects people against four strains of HPV. Two of the strains cause the majority of genital warts. The other two strains can cause cancer. The vaccine cannot cure someone if they have already caught one of these strains, but it can protect them if they have not. You can still get the vaccine even if you are already sexually active because you may not have been exposed to these strains of HPV yet so you can still be protected.
According to the CDC the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) can cause penile, anal, head, and neck cancer in men. It is also a leading cause of genital warts. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection. There is no HPV test for men. There is also no cure for HPV. HPV is spread by skin to skin sexual contact. Therefore, it cannot be fully prevented with condoms because condoms do not always cover all of the skin that is coming into contact with another person. This is the bad news.
The good news is that Michael Hall (Health Services) on South Campus is having an HPV vaccine clinic Wednesday December 1st and Tuesday December 2nd. They are giving the vaccine to male and female students twenty six years old and younger. If your insurance does not cover the vaccine Michael Hall has a supply they can give away for free. This is not a walk in clinic you must make an appointment by calling (716) 829-3316.
The vaccine that will be given is the Gardasil vaccine. This vaccine protects people against four strains of HPV. Two of the strains cause the majority of genital warts. The other two strains can cause cancer. The vaccine cannot cure someone if they have already caught one of these strains, but it can protect them if they have not. You can still get the vaccine even if you are already sexually active because you may not have been exposed to these strains of HPV yet so you can still be protected.
Fun in Flavors!
Submitted by: Dominiqua Griffin
Flavored condoms? Edible underwear? Both are made to spice up your sex life! While they’re meant to be fun, you should still use them correctly to stay safe!
Edible panties are fun, but may involve the risk of sexually transmitted infection (STI). To ensure that you remain safe while giving oral sex, you can use a latex barrier (some call it a dental dam), which is a thin latex film. You must commit to using one side so that fluids are not transferred from your partner to your mouth, because STIs are transmitted through bodily fluids. It just creates a barrier between the genital area and your mouth. If you don't have a latex barrier, you can use a male condom split in half or cheap saran wrap. Cheap saran wrap is less porous and therefore prevents the transfer of fluids.
Flavored condoms for oral sex come in handy as well. They are preferred for oral sex over vaginal or anal sex, where they could cause irritation because of the sugary flavor. This can increase the chances of you or your partner getting a yeast infection. Before using them for vaginal sex, check the packaging to see if the company recommends it. If the condom is not recommended for vaginal sex then don't use it for anal sex as well because the same thing can occur - irritation.
Edible, flavored, or otherwise, have fun and be safe! Remember that SBI Health Education gives out free condoms (non-flavored), so come visit us!
Flavored condoms? Edible underwear? Both are made to spice up your sex life! While they’re meant to be fun, you should still use them correctly to stay safe!
Edible panties are fun, but may involve the risk of sexually transmitted infection (STI). To ensure that you remain safe while giving oral sex, you can use a latex barrier (some call it a dental dam), which is a thin latex film. You must commit to using one side so that fluids are not transferred from your partner to your mouth, because STIs are transmitted through bodily fluids. It just creates a barrier between the genital area and your mouth. If you don't have a latex barrier, you can use a male condom split in half or cheap saran wrap. Cheap saran wrap is less porous and therefore prevents the transfer of fluids.
Flavored condoms for oral sex come in handy as well. They are preferred for oral sex over vaginal or anal sex, where they could cause irritation because of the sugary flavor. This can increase the chances of you or your partner getting a yeast infection. Before using them for vaginal sex, check the packaging to see if the company recommends it. If the condom is not recommended for vaginal sex then don't use it for anal sex as well because the same thing can occur - irritation.
Edible, flavored, or otherwise, have fun and be safe! Remember that SBI Health Education gives out free condoms (non-flavored), so come visit us!
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