Well, spring break has come and gone. It was a nice break from my studies, but of course my boss was lost on the meaning of spring break and I had to work every day last week. Hmmph! I am excited that spring training has begun for my beloved Yankees and that the weather is *somewhat* getting warmer...even if it isn't consistent.
I had another "class crossover" moment this week. In my Community Healthcare text it stated that "...it is estimated that up to half of all new HIV infections occurring in the United States are found in people under the age of 25." It goes on to declare how alcohol and drug abuse are contributing factors in health problems of younger persons, as well. I know that these two may very well go hand in hand. We all know that we can lose our inhibitions when under the influence of alcohol and drugs, which can then lead us to not protect ourselves.
At football games I have attended in the past (at UCF and other college campuses) I have seen young adults consuming large quantities of alcohol in a short amount of time. It happens, it's college. Can we all just stop and think about the amount of alcohol that is going into our bodies and how we can safely end up home in our beds instead of next to some icky dragon breath guy (or girl!) in the morning? This specific example has never happened to me, but I've been in certain situations in my young adult years that I look back and cringe about. If you're going to drink that much, make sure you are with a sober friend who will help you get back home and not go off into the night making idiotic decisions.
An Introduction to Community Health, 6th edition
Did you Know?
If you didn't go to the Womens Infected Panel you may have missed the POZ magazine handout we received. The cover story of the December issue of POZ magazine detailed HIV discrimination and stigma. The article posted the results of a survey that asked what people thought about HIV/AIDS.
Sprinkled throughout the article were personal stories about stigma people had faced, including a person whose doctor came out in a hazmat suit for his/her office visit! Stigma and discrimination with the general public due to ignorance and lack of education is one thing; to have this done to you by your own physician is another. I can't imagine how this person must have felt... in a medical office with a supposedly educated person nonetheless. It never ceases to amaze me how fear can really drive a person to stupidity, in my opinion.
One of the pictures in the magazine showed a young black man with the t-shirt "Got AIDS?" printed on it. Someone from this class (and possibly from my blogging group) had mentioned this t-shirt campaign previously. I think it is very "in your face" and sends a strong message to others reading it. As a side note, this person's name is Anthony Bolden and we have now become Facebook friends. He does HIV education and awareness through his Facebook to help others become more aware and less fearful about HIV disease. Ah, social networking at its finest!
www. POZ.com
I can't believe an educated doctor would come out in a suit like that! I would feel so small if I was his patient. That is not a comfortable feeling. I wish I could have attended the Women's Panel, but I live closer to Tampa and can only attend one panel. I have seen the Got AIDS? shirts. I watched an HBO special for the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. It was a 4 hour concert celebrating the Hall of Fame. Annie Lennox was a performer and she was wearing the shirt on stage - good exposure for the cause!
ReplyDeleteI had to work the entire week of spring break as well, but instead of my normal night shift, I worked days which allowed me to come home and get some work done. I have been stressing the alcohol issue forever it seems like. I have been exposed to alcohol during my entire college career, but I just got to the point to where I will have one drink while I'm out. I have friends that have had drunken nights where they wake up not knowing what they did the night before. This is also related to my did you know topic, because so many college students fall into this category. Keep trying to get the point across to our peers!
ReplyDeleteI think it is funny how you mention the alcohol statement the week after spring break. I am sure many college students around the world made irresponsible decisions, and will not understand the consequences until they are sober. My friends in Alabama drank their entire night away and I feel like those days are over for me. I still drink, but I try to learn my limit and quit before I get wasted.
ReplyDeleteThe women's panel was a lot of fun for me. I can not wait to go to the men's panel in April!
Is he positive? Would he like to be a pen pal? I'm always looking for new people to interact with students.
ReplyDeleteI would have reported the doctor to the local medical society and then sued him for that behavior. That violated that persons right to confidentiality.