Sexual Health Awareness

A sexual health awareness workshop (SHAW) is being held this Tuesday, Oct. 9th by the Student Health Resource Center and will be open to all, not limited to students. The workshop is being held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in room 268.

SHAW is a free two-hour workshop that takes place numerous times throughout the year. Topics discussed include "gynecological exam, clinical breast exam, breast and testicular self-exam, birth control methods, STIs and HIV/AIDS, safer sex techniques, and partner communication." Females are encouraged to bring their partners.

Young women are able to obtain birth control and learn how to practice a healthy sex life. Below is listed the types of birth control offered by the student health center and their costs.

Birth Control Prices (All prices subject to change)
Types of Birth Control and Cost

Birth Control Pills
Aviane (generic for Alesse) $12.65
Cyclessa $2.50
Apri (generic for Desogen) $2.20
Kariva (generic for Mircette) $17.40
Mononessa (generic for Ortho Cyclen) $22.05
Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo $5.00
Portia (generic for Nordette) $12.65
Trinessa (generic for Ortho TriCyclen) $22.20
Yasmin $51.35
Seasonique (3 month supply) $155.45
Vaginal Ring
Nuva Ring $35.10
Injection ("The Shot")
Depo Provera (one injection/3 months) $52.00

If the designated workshops do not work with your schedule, the student health center will allow seperate appointments to be scheduled.

Don't be intimidated, health should be a top priority! The student health center is here to assist!

The Risks of Dorm Life

The excitement of starting college and moving into a dorm room can be overwhelming, young adults are obtaining the freedom they always desired throughout high school. What many students do not know, is that every freedom is accompanied with risk and responsibility. One of those risks is Meningococcal disease, and one of those responsiblities is getting the vaccination.

Meningitis is an infection of the fluid that surrounds the brain and the spinal cord. Above is a picture showing the meninges, where the infection occurs.

According to Student Health Services, about 2,600 people get meningococcal disease each year in the US, 10-15 percent of these people die, in spite of treatment with antibiotics. Of those who live, another 11-19 percent lose their arms or legs, become deaf, become mentally retarded, or suffer seizures or strokes.

Of the recorded cases each year, 100-125 occur on college campuses. By getting the vaccination, it can prevent many people from getting sick and protects about 90 percent of those who do get sick.

CSULB offers meningitis vaccine clinics for enrolled students each fall. For more information, Student Health Services can be reached at (562) 985-4771

For further information on meningitis, here is an interesting article:

http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/infections/lung/meningitis.html