2008 Woodie Awards
Getting tested, talking with partner important
Staff editorial
Issue date: 11/30/07 Section: Staff Reflections
Sexually transmitted diseases are certainly a serious concern on college campuses and the University of Northern Colorado should be commended for raising awareness about AIDS.
With information booths and free testing provided this week at the University Center, the University Program Council and GLBT have done their part to help keep students educated about HIV and AIDS. Additionally, there has been a Red and White dance scheduled for Saturday, with proceeds going toward the Northern Colorado AIDS Project.
AIDS is an issue which has fallen out of the lime light in recent years, especially with the emergence of several other STDs, but it still claims thousands of lives every year. Hopefully students who are concerned about their health took advantage of the opportunity to get tested for free.
College is certainly a time in many students' lives when they choose to be sexually active, but it is important to be safe and overcome the fear of asking a partner if they have been tested. It is definitely a difficult conversation to have, especially if your partner is someone you have not become well acquainted with. However, if students make the decision to be sexually active, they need to understand all the risks and consequences that come along with that decision.
It would be silly to contract a seriously fatal STD because you were afraid of asking an awkward question. You may risk offending your partner, but if you are to the point in your relationship where you are sexually active with someone, you should also be comfortable talking about all the complexities sex brings into a relationship.
And if you are worried about your own health, please get tested. No one should have to live knowing they have infected others because they did not get tested for an STD.
With information booths and free testing provided this week at the University Center, the University Program Council and GLBT have done their part to help keep students educated about HIV and AIDS. Additionally, there has been a Red and White dance scheduled for Saturday, with proceeds going toward the Northern Colorado AIDS Project.
AIDS is an issue which has fallen out of the lime light in recent years, especially with the emergence of several other STDs, but it still claims thousands of lives every year. Hopefully students who are concerned about their health took advantage of the opportunity to get tested for free.
College is certainly a time in many students' lives when they choose to be sexually active, but it is important to be safe and overcome the fear of asking a partner if they have been tested. It is definitely a difficult conversation to have, especially if your partner is someone you have not become well acquainted with. However, if students make the decision to be sexually active, they need to understand all the risks and consequences that come along with that decision.
It would be silly to contract a seriously fatal STD because you were afraid of asking an awkward question. You may risk offending your partner, but if you are to the point in your relationship where you are sexually active with someone, you should also be comfortable talking about all the complexities sex brings into a relationship.
And if you are worried about your own health, please get tested. No one should have to live knowing they have infected others because they did not get tested for an STD.
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