Protect Your Partner

 It’s no surprise that most college students are sexually active. Whether it is with a significant other, or perhaps an accidental one-night stand, people are doing it. However, sometimes the pleasure isn’t worth the pain. The effects of unsafe sexual decisions can leave participants fighting the strain of the human papillomavirus.

            Anyone who is sexually active is at risk for the human papillomavirus, especially those who have a lot of sexual partners or those who do not use protection. There are over 100 types of HPV, approximately 40 of which are sexually transmitted.

            In an attempt to raise awareness, ACTION Health and the Bloomsburg University Psychology Association have teamed up to host an event titled “Are You at Risk for Cervical Cancer?” which will be held tonight at 7 p.m. in the Kehr Union Multi-Purpose Room 245A and run until 8:30 p.m.

            “It has been a year since this program was presented and many new students have joined Bloomsburg University and can benefit from this education,” said Executive Director of ACTION Health Allison Clark. “Our intention is to provide the program on an annual basis and are always looking for additional opportunities to present this important information for the community.”

            The event will feature guest speaker Cindy Rupp from the Columbia/Montour Family Health Center, as she explains HPV and its effects on individuals. Those who attend the event will have the opportunity to take a pre-test to test their knowledge about HPV, listen to an educational seminar, and take a post-test to discover their new-found knowledge.

            Free pizza, cookies, and refreshments will be served at 7 p.m. Facts about HPV will follow. Door prizes at 8:15 p.m., where students will have the opportunity to earn gift cards from the Cinema Center, Steph’s Subs and more, will end the event.

            “The purpose of the event is to understand HPV and its link to cervical cancer,” said Clark. “HPV is the cause of most cases of cervical cancer and is extremely common, affecting approximately 20 million Americans each year.”

            “Anyone who is sexually active is at risk,” explained Clark. The virus can affect both men and women. It can cause genital warts in both men and women, and can cause cervical cancer in women.

            “Both men and women can benefit from attending [the event], since HPV affects both men and women,” said Clark. “In addition, the Center for Disease Control has just recently approved the Gardasil vaccine for men for the prevention of genital warts, so the information is applicable to both men and women.”

            Members of Bio Allied Health and upper-class nursing students will be attending the event, and as well as certain Human Sexuality classes that will be attending the event for extra credit. However, the event is open to the public. Clark encourages all students to attend the event, as it will be both fun and informational. Besides, what college kid would turn down free pizza and cookies?!