2008 Woodie Awards
What happens on spring break doesn't stay on spring break
Dr. Wider urges youth to consider stats
Jackie Carbajal
Issue date: 3/25/08 Section: Features
Spring Break '08 is a home stretch away and with that comes the necessary proactive safety advice from the campus, family and friends. Many just looking to "don't worry be happy" for a week may mistake concern for annoyance, believe rules are meant to be broken, and consider those cautious as 'square.' Warnings can only go so far-in one ear and out the other, but the truth doesn't lie.
Jennifer Wider, M.D., author of The Doctor's Complete College Girls' Health Guide: From Sex to Drugs to the Freshman 15, warns college girls of the possible repercussions of activities that ensue during a stereotypical college Spring Break vacation. Alcohol, drug use, and promiscuous sexual activity can lead to sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy, overdose, and serious health problems.
"An American Medical Association survey of college students found that 83 percent agree that Spring Break trips involve more or heavier drinking than typical college life," says Wider, M.D. "Almost three-quarters of the surveyed students acknowledged that increased sexual activity takes place on these trips-70 percent know friends who were sexually active with more than one partner on Spring Break. STDs and pregnancy are two very real risks of spontaneous sex that have lasting consequences after the trip ends."
Information mentioned by Wider originated from an online survey of 644 women age 17-35 conducted from Feb. 27-March 1, 2006.
Wider adds that the only 100 percent preventative measure against an STD or unplanned pregnancy is abstinence; however, youth should prepare themselves in the event they do have sex during Spring Break. In addition to always using a condom, women can make sure to refill their birth control prescriptions before they leave for Spring Break. Plan B emergency contraception (EC) is now available without a prescription at pharmacies for anyone over the age of 18. To download a card that makes purchasing EC more privately, visit www.go2planb.com. Women should never substitute EC for birth control as the pill is not effective when already pregnant and does not protect against STDs.
Jennifer Wider, M.D., author of The Doctor's Complete College Girls' Health Guide: From Sex to Drugs to the Freshman 15, warns college girls of the possible repercussions of activities that ensue during a stereotypical college Spring Break vacation. Alcohol, drug use, and promiscuous sexual activity can lead to sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy, overdose, and serious health problems.
"An American Medical Association survey of college students found that 83 percent agree that Spring Break trips involve more or heavier drinking than typical college life," says Wider, M.D. "Almost three-quarters of the surveyed students acknowledged that increased sexual activity takes place on these trips-70 percent know friends who were sexually active with more than one partner on Spring Break. STDs and pregnancy are two very real risks of spontaneous sex that have lasting consequences after the trip ends."
Information mentioned by Wider originated from an online survey of 644 women age 17-35 conducted from Feb. 27-March 1, 2006.
Wider adds that the only 100 percent preventative measure against an STD or unplanned pregnancy is abstinence; however, youth should prepare themselves in the event they do have sex during Spring Break. In addition to always using a condom, women can make sure to refill their birth control prescriptions before they leave for Spring Break. Plan B emergency contraception (EC) is now available without a prescription at pharmacies for anyone over the age of 18. To download a card that makes purchasing EC more privately, visit www.go2planb.com. Women should never substitute EC for birth control as the pill is not effective when already pregnant and does not protect against STDs.
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