Communication can prevent STDs, USU says
In an effort to prevent sexually transmitted diseases and increase communication among students in relationships at Utah State University, the Student Health and Wellness Center is sponsoring Healthy Relationship Week.
“It’s about being able to communicate with your partner,” said Jescee Bennett, a tobacco coordinator and health education specialist who is coordinating the Monday through Friday event.
Bennett said communication is important, no matter what kind of relationship an individual is in, but especially for those who are married or dating.
“Anybody can get an STD. Anybody can get pregnant. It is important to have good communication,” Bennett said.
Activities will be provided for students to become educated about STDs and safe sex, Bennett said. Throughout this week, there will be a booth in the Taggart Student Center with information and candy. Bennett said they would also be handing out condoms and information on contraception.
“We want students to be aware of how to prevent STDs and unwanted pregnancy,” Bennett said.
During the week, Bennett said, students can enter drawings to win prizes from the USU Bookstore, Hastings, the Blue Bird Restaurant and others. Students will also be able to share their ideas for creative dates at the booth.
Bennett said a Jeapordy game will also take place in the TSC Sunburst Lounge at 1 p.m. on Wednesday. Jim Davis, from the Wellness Center, will be the host and Al Lambert, Associated Students of Utah State University student advocate vice president, will be one of the contestants.
“They are both really excited,” Bennett said.
Jeopardy questions will be on some of the same topics that will be talked about in the booth, Bennett said, such as dating, STDs and other general tips for strengthening relationships. Bennett said there would also be other opportunities for students in the audience to win prizes.
This is Bennett’s first year running Healthy Relationship Week and Jeopardy is something new that was added.
“If is goes well this year, we may do it again,” Bennett said.
The theme for the week is “Follow Your Heart. Chose Healthy Relationships.”
Many students said they were unaware of Healthy Relationship Week, but thought that is was a good idea.
“I didn’t even know we had a Healthy Relationship
Week, but I think it is a good idea to have it, especially the week of Valentine’s Day,” said Whitney Beck, a freshman majoring in elementary education. “I think it is important to have that kind of information available to students because this is the time when they are making those kinds of decisions.”
Bennett said this was something she hoped students could learn from and be excited about. She said she wants students to understand that there are many STDs out there and the best way to avoid getting them, if you’re sexually, active is to communicate with your partner.
-mikayliek@cc.usu.edu