The previous edition of Twenty Something received so much feedback from readers about STD's, the saga has to continue.
The Sex-capade Chronicles: Part II.
Ahhhh, leaving Ball State for a week of warmer, more exotic destinations where the sun shines brightly, the palm leaves sway and the ocean waves beat against the sand - how lovely. Think of all the fun you'll have, the new people you'll meet, the places you'll see and the diseases you'll contract - if you're not careful.
After all, you'll be partying with people from all over the nation, emerging yourself into a realm of national statistics, since the Center for Disease Control and Prevention just released some new info last week on how prevalent STD's are among 15 to 24 year olds.
As you scamper around tonight packing your tanning oil, towels, swimsuits and condoms (knock on wood), you might want to cut out this article and throw it in your suitcase too. I made a little manual to assure you the best Spring Break ever. Just a few fun facts you'll probably want to keep within reading distance.
Before you throw back a few too many drinks each day and become too drunk to know who or what you are doing, whip out your official copy of Meghan's- How-Not-to-Become-a-Statistic-on-Spring-Break-2004 official training guide and read the highlights.
As 12 of you stay in one hotel room sipping on vodka and orange juice for breakfast, think about the following:
-- Approximately 18.9 million new cases of STD's occurred in 2000, 9.1 million were among 15 to 24 year olds. The study included the eight most common STD's: chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, genital herpes, HPV, hepatitis B, trichomoniasis and HIV.
-- Many carriers don't show any symptoms, resulting in inaccurate numbers. Only those who know they have an STD are represented.
So later, at lunch, when you've moved on to chugging a few beers in the afternoon sun, remember this: Because many people don't even know they have an STD, it makes it impossible to know how many cases are really out there. Just because you haven't noticed any symptoms, don't think you're in the clear. If you've had unprotected sex, you may be a carrier and not even know it.
Anyway, the girls are all done up in halters and mini skirts, and the guys have on their best ready-for-action outfits. It's evening and everyone's ready to hit the town for a wild night of promiscuity. But, before you leave that hotel room, ask yourself: Do I want to come back to Ball State with a few more souvenirs than I bargained for? Like one of the eight most common STD's for instance.
No, you don't. And we sure don't want you bringing us back souvenirs like that either - a post card would be fine, or one of those "sand in a jar" things or even a sea shell - but no STD's.
Have fun next week but think twice about the consequences of not being careful.
Write to Meghan at mefarr@bsu.edu
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