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Western Carolinian Volume 61 Number 17

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  • February 22,1996 Western Carolinian Human Resources SCAAR Teaches Rape Awareness by Jennifer Jackson Staff Reporter "Last year, SCAAR was not allowed to have a table at Western's fall semester Open House. It was just that some people didn't want parents to know that there was even a need for a group like SCAAR," said Jennifer Pociask, president of SCAAR. The issue has been resolved, and SCAAR will be allowed at this year's Open House. SCAAR, the Student Coalition Against Acquaintance Rape, is a WCU program. Although there are similar programs at other schools, Jennifer Raper reestablished SCAAR about five years ago to educate the community about rape prevention. "We are not a support group for rape victims, but do give information to students and anyone about how to deal with rape issues," said Pociask. "If someone needs to report a rape or help dealing with one, contact Public Safety or June Wytoch at the university's Counseling and Psychological Services located in Scott dorm," she added. Chad Hall, SCARR's 1995 president, says, "We feel through education that we can prevent sexual assault." The group gives students information on how to stay safe at parties by traveling in groups. "They say that 'friends don't let drunk friends stay at parties.' Also, SCARR gives rape prevention workshops to sororities and fraternities," said Hall. Each year, SCAAR receives money from the university, usually around $1200. Hall said, "The money buys promotional items such as pens, cups, and pamphlets. Last year at the spring Open House, we gave out around 500 of these items to parents, faculty members and students." The money is also used for sponsoring programs and paying for any expenses the group may have. Programs include guest speakers—often rape victims—who share their stories and give information about preventing a sexual assault. During the week of October 23, 1995, SCAAR sponsored a "Rape Awareness Week" where they held a candlelight vigil, skits, a self-defense program, and, with the Wellness Program, / "Condom Day." SCAAR is making plans for this semester and next year. A definite item on the schedule is an informative display at the Open House toward the end of this semester. This semester, there are only six active members, but 22 total. Pociask said, "Everyone is welcome, freshman through senior, male or female." SCAAR holds meetings every Wednesday night at 7 p.m. The new meeting place will be announced. Along with making new plans, the group has plenty of room for new members. Pociask said, "We are looking for officers, as well as members. If you are interested, please come to one of our meetings." For more information about the program, contact Lisa Sons in the Housing Office at 227-7303. U.K. Adventure Planned by Jessica Devaney Staff Reporter Maurice Phipps, professor in the Parks and Recreation program, is leading an outdoor adventure trip to the United Kingdom. For anyone who has never visited the UK, the trip is a wonderful opportunity where you are insured the non- tourist activities. The adventure trip will be from July 21 to August 3. The scheduled activities include mountaineering, sea and surf kayaking, rock climbing, and caving in some of the United Kingdoms most beautiful areas. Students will also play a game of cricket on the green, visit a local pub, and hike to the Druids' temple. Accommodations will be the Benmore House, Pately Bridge (known as the best village in Europe), and an actual Scottish castle. Participant's equipment, food, and transportation are provided, and you can even receive university credit as courses PRM 434 and 435. For more information on the adventure of a lifetime, contact Dr. Maurice Phipps or pick up a pamphlet in the PRM office located in the basement of the infirmary. The Western Carolinian is printed on recycled, and recyclable, paper. The Carolinian & Physical Plant staff encourage students to recycle, rather than trashing our community. STDs and You by John Bubacz Staff Reporter Since the mid-1980s, information about HIV/AIDS has become increasingly available. Radio and television commercials are loaded with statistics: one in 250 people are infected with the HIV virus; 5909 reported AIDS infections have been reported in North Carolina; and seven AIDS infections were reported in Jackson County. (These statistics, from the Centers for Disease Control, are cumulative numbers from June, 1981 until January, 1996. The increasing focus on HIV has made people more aware of the dangers of promiscuity, but few of the ads have brought attention to other STDs (sexually transmitted diseases). Many STDs, such as viral hepatitis (A, B, C, and D), are more communicable than HIV. Sexual contact may transmit the viruses associated with the hepatitis infections, whose victims may show flu-like symptoms, abdominal pains, jaundiced skin, or warts on or around the genitals or anus. Viral hepatitis will remain asymptomatic for long periods of time, but is incurable and becomes symptomatic at any time throughout the life of the infected person. Another incurable viral infection is herpes. Oral herpes (herpes simplex virus- type 1 or HSV-1), can not only be transmitted by oral-genital, oral-anal, and genital- anal contact, but, more sobering, by oral-oral contact, or kissing. Genital herpes (HSV-2) is transmitted by any contact with genital sores, by clothing, hands, or other body parts. HSV-1 is characterized by sores or "fever blisters" in the mouth or throat or on the tongue or gums. HSV-2 causes similar sores on the genitals, thighs, or anus of the afflicted person. Anti-viral drugs are available to reduce the frequency of symptoms, but the virus remains in the body for life. Viruses aren't the only culprits in STDs. Bacteria cause other infections, such as chlamydia, syphilis, and gonorrhea. Symptoms include, but are not limited to, painful, more frequent urination; abdominal pain; hard, round painless sores (chancres); thick, yellow penile discharge; and irregular menstrual bleeding. Bacterial infections are communicable by oral, anal, and genital contact and are treated with antibiotics. Although treatment is available for some STDs, others have no treatment—and no cure. HIV is deadly and asymptomatic for up to 11 years. This means that an infected person can unwittingly spread the virus to many unwary recipients. The best prevention for STDs is abstinence, which means no sexual contact. For those who don't consider this an option, condoms are a somewhat reliable alternative, as are rubber dams. When used properly and consistently, condoms provide protection against many diseases (to a lesser degree, the HrV virus). However, since many diseases are transmitted by physical contact, the American Social Health Association (ASHA) recommends the following: use condoms in association with spermicides; limit your number of sexual partners (preferably, remain in a monogamous relationship); have yourself tested for HIV every 3 to 6 months, and for other STDs if you or a recent partner are symptomatic. Testing and treatment for STDs is confidential and free of charge at WCU's Graham Infirmary or any North Carolina Health Department (HIV testing is not available at the infirmary). Condoms (male or female) are available free at the Health Department or in the restrooms of the infirmary for 250 each. The implications of having sex have certainly changed in recent decades. The risk of pregnancy is no longer the only thing to consider. Sex can still be enjoyed if precautions are taken, so be safe and have fun. The above information is from the Student's Guide to AIDs and Other Sexually Transmitted Diseases—Allyn & Bacon, 1993. More information is available from the National AIDS Hotline (Centers for Disease Control) by dialing 1-800-342- WCU Holds Wellness Fair The Wellness Program will be sponsoring a Wellness Fair on Tuesday, March 5 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. in the fitness center in Reid. A variety of organizations, both on-campus and off- campus, have been invited to participate in the fair. There will be many hands-on activities, educational information and free samples. Some of the activities include: • Stress assessments • Fitness testing • Massage •Acupressure (from 1-3 p.m.) • Cholesterol screening ($5 fee) • Diabetes screening ($5 fee; must fast from 9 p.m. the night before) For more information, contact Carta Cosio, director of the Wellness Program at 227-7018. Information Courtesy of the Wellness Program
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Object’s are ‘parent’ level descriptions to ‘children’ items, (e.g. a book with pages).