Chlamydia, herpes, gonorrhea and syphilis; it seems that the only thing less infectious than these diseases is the spread of awareness. According to the Sexual Health Centre in Lethbridge, the spread of sexually transmitted infections is at an all-time high with no end in sight. Nowhere is this more prevalent and important than on campus.

‘Got the clap?’ is not the question you want to be asking your significant, or less than significant other. But the numbers tell us that if southern Albertans don’t start taking an active roll in their sexual health, things could get out of hand.

Last week was Sexual Awareness Week at the Lethbridge College and the LCSA took the opportunity to spread information about common symptoms and preventative measures. They did this to promote a growing problem that stems from ignorance rather than accessibility. Most students and young adults don’t think of the risks involved in having unprotected sex. This includes oral and anal sex.

STIs can cause harm to your body, mental state, and relationships. Yet these issues are not making an impact on Lethbridge residents. Students are meeting new partners for the first time and may be too trusting of their intimate partners sexual past. STIs don’t discriminate homosexuals, heterosexuals, first nations, Caucasians, foreign students, or lifetime southern Alberta residents. Everyone and anyone are at risk for contracting an STI.

But is any of this news to us? Have we not heard this all before? What lengths do we need to go to in order to ensure people are practicing safe sex? It has gotten to the point where you just don’t have an excuse for getting an STI in the first place. Pleading ignorance is no longer acceptable. There are constant fundraisers and awareness campaigns such as the red ribbon campaign, not to mention children being enrolled in sex ed. from the 4th grade on.

Why are southern Albertans missing the memo? Why do we have this sense of immunity within us that makes us think that it can’t happen to us?

Teen sex just seems like it’s not taboo anymore. Actually, not only is it not taboo, it’s a ratings boost! The teens featured on the showsTeen Mom and 16 & pregnant are not criticized, they are on the covers of People, and are making headlines on Entertainment Tonight.

Entertainment? Is that what this is? Is it entertaining to see young girls say ‘no’ to college education and ‘yes’ to early pregnancy? Some of these so-called “stars” have served lengthy jail sentences for spousal abuse! Is it entertainment that five-year olds are wearing revealing outfits and trying to win a contest based on sexual appeal? Sorry, they call it ‘beauty’, not sexual appeal.

But maybe that’s missing the point. Surely southern Albertans know the difference between being entertained by others’ ways of life, and treating these people as role models. We at the Endeavour have faith that our fellow southern Albertans are not being affected by pop culture.

So what is it that is not being said? Are people unaware of what an STI does to you? Is it that anal leakage, rashes and sores on the genitals are not enough of a reason to avoid syphilis? Or that discharge from the genitals, cramping and rashes are not reason enough to avoid chlamydia? Call it scare tactics if you want, but this is real, and you can count on the fact that someone you have met has had, or has, an STI.

Whatever the reason, it’s happening still. People line up every year for flu shots, but turn away from sexual health clinics. This just doesn’t make sense.

Bottom line; Get checked and be vigilant. Nobody is asking you to remain completely abstinent, just to be proactive about your sexual health.

Lethbridge College is happy to provide free condoms at the health center, and you can also get free condoms at the Sexual Health Centre in downtown Lethbridge. Appointments can be made with a doctor at the college, as well as many great physicians in our community. All of which can help you be sure that your sex life is a healthy one.