An STD information seminar was held Thurs. April 29, in building 9C, helmed by Head Nurse Practitioner Marty Whitford.
Whitford spoke to the students about the different types of STDs and viruses that students commonly catch and encouraged students to go to the Health Center for free testing.
“Two-Thirds of Sexually Transmitted diseases occur in people twenty-five years and under,” said Whitford. “Testing is free at the Student Health Center.”
Throughout the presentation, Whitford showed students slides of the various types of diseases and infections and what to look out for, reminding them that not all cause internal or physical signs of infection.
“STDs have no symptoms, ” said Whitford. “They are transmitted through vaginal and oral sex. Abstinence is the only method that is one hundred percent safe.”
Whitford finished her lecture by demonstrating the proper way to put on a condom.
Melissa Beach, the campus health promotion specialist, followed Whitford by explaining critical things to look out for when using a condom.
“The most important thing you have to do before using a condom, is to check the expiration date,” said Beach. “You also need to check for air inside the condom. If it is flat, then chances are it’s been punctured.”
Beach continued by explaining the differences between male and female condoms to students and how each worked.
Whitford ended the session by giving the students a series of links and websites that will further answer any questions they might have on sexually transmitted diseases and reiterated that students could visit the Student Heath Center with questions or for free testing..
Staff doctors include Dr. C. Grant Peek, Dr. Allison Curtis, and Dr. Anne Walker.
Peter Pham
Staff Writer
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