transmitted diseases) are also very common among college students. College life is associated with “finding oneself.” This can include drinking, doing drugs, sleeping around, and experimenting with homosexuality. All of these things can be extremely dangerous to one’s health not only in the physical sense but also in an emotional sense. Diseases are contracted so easily even when protection is used. There are thousands of different kinds of STDs, many of which are incurable and untreatable. The symptoms can range from a rash to death. STDs are so common that almost everyone who is sexually active is at risk for contracting a disease. A condom is not always valid protection against these diseases. Condoms can break or the disease could seep through or it may be that the disease’s rash has spread to the surrounding area and any contact with that area could cause one to contract the disease. HIV is a virus that can be transmitted through any type of unprotected sex and the sharing of needles whether it be for drugs, piercing the skin or even for a medical procedure. At the Gannett Health Center one can receive counseling and get testing done. The counselors can help one decide if they need to be tested, and offer moral support for those who have contracted the virus. They can also refer students to treatment centers around the are that can postpone the onset of illness indefinitely.Colleges have greatly improved their health care and food services over the past few years. While going away to college can be a very large and scary step, if a person is responsible and ready to make that step, it can be a very healthy and much needed experience in one’s life. There are so many opportunities that college opens up to a person. One is able to meet new people and try new things. Giving up the comforts of living at home is an essential step in the growing up process. College life is a great stepping s...
