USM groups reminding us not to be stupid

As spring break approaches, many students pack up their bathing suits and alcohol, and they update their Facebook statuses with all-caps countdowns– 3 DAYS UNTIL SB2010! In all the excitement, however, Student Health Services hopes students make smart decisions.

In collaboration with Health Raisers, a student organization that advocates healthy lifestyles for students, Student Health Services are hosting "Don't Be Stupid Week," a campaign to remind students to be responsible over spring break.

"Many students know the consequences and risks associated with behaviors such as drinking and driving, unprotected sex, smoking, and tanning beds, yet they do these things anyway," said Jodi Ryder, one of the event's coordinators. "We are trying to promote the idea that that is stupid and students should be smarter about decisions."

To reach students, members of Health Raisers and SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) will have a table set up in the lobby of the union from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. every day this week. They will provide information on general safety, travel safety, alcohol, sex, prescription drug abuse, and skin care.

"I hope students stop by each day to receive information from our peer educators as well as ask any questions they may have," said senior Santee Ezell, the president of Health Raisers. A senior double majoring in sociology and community health sciences, Ezell said her organization promotes health awareness, trying to catch students' attention in creative ways.

The event's other coordinator, Ashley Threatt of Student Health Services, said they have sponsored similar programs in the past, but this year, they have taken a new approach.
"We thought a different spin would be to talk to students like they're adults," said Threatt. "You know what to do, so be smart. We've always tried to do some sort of spring break health awareness. But this year,

there's a new spin. It's more approachable and something they might be more open to."

Junior Cedric Michel, a biology major from France, said Don't Be Stupid week sounds like it could be useful to him. His spring break plans are to go to Panama City with two of his friends, one of whom is from France.

"I've heard about spring break being a party all the time," he said. "So I just want to see what it really is."