By JENNIFER GOOGINS
Staff Writer
 

Many of these services are offered at the Health Center, which ensures confidentiality. Medical costs are included in the cost of tuition.

When it comes to women's health, Sally Beck is the one to call. Beck is a general nurse practitioner specializing in women's health at the Health Center. She is holding an open forum this Monday, Oct. 6, at 4:30 p.m. in the Multicultural Center.

Women are encouraged to come and ask questions about any health issues concerning them, ranging from contraceptives to physical examinations.

Women who are unable to attend and can make an appointment with Beck by calling the Health Center.

When a women shows up for an appointment, there is a waiting room downstairs that might be more appealing than waiting upstairs in the main room. Records, like visits, are confidential, with all information is kept strictly between the woman and Beck.

"If you don't have guaranteed confidentiality then students won't talk to you about issues that are important to them," said Beck.

"When I was a college student I found women's health care to be really lacking," Beck said. "I think I brought that experience with me. I'd like to be a part of encouraging women to visit the Health Center."

This philosophy makes a woman's visit to the Health Center that much more comfortable. A student knowing that a woman will be attending her, one who has had some of the same experiences with health care, may enable the student to be more relaxed and allow Beck to help her with greater ease.

Men's nurse Bernie Vigna said, "the only times guys come in [to the Health Center] is if they're scared."

Vigna is concerned that in an average week, approximately 40 females and only one male come into the Health Center.

"A lot of times guys will come in with a symptom, a rash or testicular pain," Vigna said. "So I can do a culture to ease their mind -- and use that time to reinforce safe sex."

Vigna said there are condoms and pamphlets on how to conduct testicular exams in the health center. "Most guys don't have a clue that the largest risk group is between the ages of 17 and 35. Guys in this bracket should be conducting self examinations."

Vigna said men can make an appointment to see him, to discuss issues concerning them or to schedule an examination.

There are no immediate plans to hold an open forum for men, but if men are interested, Bernie encourages them to call him.

You can reach Sally or Bernie at 786-6199.