Originally intended to celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the East Carolina University Healthy PIRATES planned and implemented the first annual  "peace.love.pirates.cure" Cancer Awareness Event on October 1, 2008.

 

They worked with many organizations on and off campus collaborate with this event. "peace.love.pirates.cure"  was a huge success and brought over 700 students to the fair to learn about all types of cancer, from breast and testicular, to colon, ovarian, lung and cervical. There was a Tree of Hope that let participants write a name of a loved one who had survived or succumbed to cancer that they wanted to honor or remember.

• "Hooked on Hookah" by Elon University

• "Building Blocks from the BURG: Enhancing Your Peer Education Group" by Frostburg State University

• "Kicking Butts 25 Feet at a Time" by the University of North Carolina, Wilmington

• "Bite the Bug Before It Bites You!"  by the University of North Carolina, Wilmington

Frostburg State University's BURG Peer Education Network

 

Great job presenting and showing the entire network what Area 12 is all about!

 
Spring Break has become a week idealized by heavy drinking and partying.  While most students choose to go home, work, or do community service over the break, some want the experience they have seen glamorized in movies and television.  Here are a few ideas to prepare for a safe and fun trip.
 
First, use a reputable travel agency.  Some companies target students knowing that many will not do research.  Be skeptical about solicitations that sound too good to be true.  Read the fine print on "all-inclusive" offers that may only provide one meal per day or encourage extreme drinking.  Learn as much as you can about your destination, including local laws and things to do beyond the parties.
 
Check out your cell phone service.  If your phone won't work internationally, many phone service providers allow temporary calling plan changes, allowing you to communicate while traveling.  Designate a time to talk to your parents during the week just to check in.  Just in case of emergencies, give your parents the phone number to the hotel/condo/villa where you are staying.
 
Be sure to pack sunscreen, lip balm, and other small sun necessities and use these products throughout the day.  Drinking alcohol in the sun can increase dehydration.  Drink water throughout the day and take care of your body.
 
On your campus, discuss confrontation skills so that friends can take care of each other when they find themselves in a dangerous situation.  Talk about using the buddy system and always staying with a group of friends.  Encourage your friends to know their personal drinking limits and how to prevent negative consequences on their trip.  Be blunt - what is our plan to avoid the "Girls Gone Wild" scenario?
 
This break week can help students survive the stress of spring semester.  Help your friends to plan a safe and relaxing trip.  For more tips and information, check out ww.friendsdrivesober.org and www.cdc.gov/women/owh/springbreak/. 

 




Just like you are a resource for credible health information on your campus your Student Advisory Committee Representative, also known as a S.A.C., is resource for you in your affiliate role. All twelve S.A.C.'s were trained in Denver mid January. During the training they learned about their new role, The BACCHUS Network organization, and created their own SMART goals. SMART goals are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely.

Specific

• The goal should be focused and target a detail within the larger picture

Measurable

• The goal should include a quantitative number that evaluates improvement

Attainable

• The goal should have an end result that can be reached

Realistic

• The goal should be practical; it should push you but should be within your reach

Timely

• The goal should include a deadline as to when you want to achieve it

Think about creating your own SMART goals this quarter or semester and realize all you do! If you have any questions email your S.A.C.

The S.A.C. is apart of your area team. Your area team volunteers are there because they believe in the importance of health education. They are comprised of the Area Consultant, State Coordinators, and the Student Advisory Committee Representative.

You don't need to have a question to send us an email we would love to hear about your successful events, unique parts of your program, or helpful tips to make your experience more meaningful. If they cannot answer your question then they can find an answer for you. We look forward to a great year serving you!

The number of Americans newly infected with the sexually transmitted diseases chlamydia and syphilis continues to rise, federal health officials reported Tuesday, with chlamydia infections hitting a record million-plus new cases annually.

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