Safety a concern during break
Patricia Myers, Contributing Writer
Issue date: 3/16/06 Section: News
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Careful planning and safety measures can preserve this vision while preventing spring break nightmares. Sexually transmitted diseases, unwanted pregnancy, rape and alcohol poisoning can be prevented by making positive decisions.
The American Medical Association reports that during spring break 83 percent of college females and graduates surveyed drank heavily. This increase was accompanied by a 74 percent increase in sexual activity rate.
Spring break celebrants, who drink, regurgitate, black out and engage in unprotected sex with more than one partner increase their risks for sexually transmitted diseases or unwanted pregnancies, according to the AMA Website. Steps can be taken to remain self-sufficient and independent.
To promote positive choices of protection during spring break, free condoms are available at the Pat Walker Health Center reception desk for all students. Other services offered are free HIV testing and counseling on Thursday and Fridays and pregnancy tests by appointment according to a poster in the health center.
Contraceptives that prevent pregnancy may not be effective against sexually transmitted diseases. Condoms provide sexual safety from diseases and pregnancy, according to the poster. However, the only way to prevent STDs and unintended pregnancy is by practicing abstinence.
In addition, date-rape drug consumption can be prevented by declining open drinks and accepting drinks only from waiters and bartenders.
Spring Breakers should also avoid binge drinking. According to a University of Wisconsin study, 75 percent of college males and 43.6 percent of females report being intoxicated on a daily basis during spring break Alcohol Binges often lead to alcohol poisoning, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Web site.
Alcohol poisoning depresses nerves that control involuntary actions such as breathing and the gag reflex (which prevents choking). These functions stop after a fatal dose of alcohol according to the site.
Even when passed out, blood alcohol concentration can continue to rise. After consumption, alcohol in the stomach and intestine continues to enter the bloodstream and circulate throughout the body.
