From every direction, college students are being bombarded with ads for chocolate, flowers, and giant stuffed animals. There is no day more anticipated for college kids to lay out all the stops for romance than February 14th. Most college boys and girls alike are hoping to go out for a fancy dinner, or even a passionate kiss from someone, but most students are not ready for the negative side effects that Valentines day can bring.No college women or man wants to wake up with the news of a sexually transmitted infections or unintended pregnancy.
200 million flowers are bought around Valentines day, and 1.1 Billion chocolate boxes are being consumed, but along with those sales increasing so are the sales of condoms. Condom sales actually increase an average of 25% around Valentines day. Although condom sales are going up, the few weeks following Valentines day is also increasing the sales in pregnancy tests for college women as well. College women and men alike must be educated this Valentines day on how to be safe. Luckily at FIU, our health services center is helping in spreading awareness for safe sex. On February 10th student health services will be hosted an “It’s Time for Sex Carnival” in the GC pit from 10am until 2pm. On February 11th and today they will be offering free testing for Valentines day at Lot 3 across from the Barnes and Nobles.
So as Valentines day approaches do not forget to keep a few key things in mind:
• Do not feel pressured to do something you normally would not do just because it is Valentines day.
• Protect yourself from sexually transmitted diseases by using condoms. For FIU students they are free in the student health services office.
. • Collegiettes… if you are taking some form of a contraceptive, do not forget to take it. Set an alarm if you have to!
Protect yourself this Valentines day and enjoy every bit of the Romance in the air!