Editor, Daily Nexus,

I’m doing something today that I never thought I’d do: I’m praising the Wednesday Hump. For the last 6 to 7 years, I’ve read this weekly column and usually come away pissed off, frustrated or embarrassed. But this Wednesday, I was finally pleased. Not only was the information health-oriented, but also real. Jenny Paradise is the first Wednesday Hump writer to impress me and make me excited about Valentines Day! However, in all her glory, I also feel she was not that convincing. Getting tested can be a scary thing to do, and for many the “ignorance is bliss” routine is just easier. Ms. Paradise breaks down this cop-out with: “If you have an STI, there is no changing that fact. The best thing you can do is suck it up and deal with the consequences.”

While this is true and important, it is more motivating to talk about the positive reasons for getting tested. First, many STIs can be cured, especially if caught early! Bacterial infections like Chlamydia can be treated the same day and can put you back in action shortly thereafter! Second, for more serious STIs, getting tested early can actually prevent “many infections from leading to serious health complications” she talked about. New drugs and treatments are changing the “death sentence” myth that was drilled into our heads as kids. There are people living for 50+ years with HIV, for instance, because they got tested and have open communication with their partner.

Furthermore, let me praise Jenny Paradise some more for telling women to get the HPV Vaccine: Gardasil. This amazing new drug is the FIRST EVER VACCINE AGAINST CANCER! Yeah, that’s right – first ever. One of the collaborating doctors who created the drug works at our own Student Health Service: Dr. Cox. If you’d like more information about it, stop by Student Health Service and pick up an info packet or come by the Arbor all next week as the Sex and Relationship Interns celebrate national Sexual Responsibility Week.