By Vanity Delbridge—

Some of us hear it all too often, but others are not as fortunate. You know, always protect ourselves; Why we should ALWAYS use a condom. Given today’s times, this is not always &/or usually the case; it’s easier said than done.

I say the latter because many NJCU students can attest to being sexually involved without the use of contraceptives, or have been there at some point in your life. Yes, raw-dogging it. It’s almost always the preferred way to go in terms of pleasure for some

But is it the safest?

Condoms are not only a barrier method against STD’s and unwanted pregnancies, IT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE! Yes people, the risk of contracting HIV/AIDS is VERY REAL.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that more than one million people are living with HIV in the United States. One in five (20%), of those living in the U.S. with the disease are unaware of their infection. New infections continue at far too high a level, with approximately 50,000 Americans becoming infected each year.

Having worked for two different pharmacies, I can attest first hand to it, particularly the small, independent pharmacy. It was here that I’d be getting medication ready for those infected regularly. So much so, that the medications were not only in its own location, but pulled from the fast rack. In other words, these particular meds were used on a continuous basis throughout the day.

Having become familiarized with such patients, I’d often look to see what he/she looked like; whether or not they looked sick. And let me tell you, with the exception of the gay population (gay and bisexual men of all races are the most affected by HIV), you would never know. Almost half of their patient population was HIV/Aids infected.

I remember pulling medication one particular afternoon when a sudden chill ran through my body. Yes, it’s a scary thought indeed. One, no one should have to live with. But if you should choose to engage, always do so the safe way.

I mean, let’s be realistic Condoms are not 100% effective at preventing anything. But 99% is better than zero. The only other and guaranteed safe mechanism is ABSTINENCE.

But how many of us can say we lead such a Lifestyle?

If you happen to find yourself in this category, then Kudoss to you! At least you can always rest easy knowing you’re free from some of the dangers lurking amongst us.