By Virginia You
Staff Writer

Purdue’s Student Wellness Office holds countless information that is valuable for students.

"We want to be a service to students," said Chico Jensen, sexual health coordinator. "We give information so that the students have the information to make informed decisions (about sex)."

Sex is a topic that can turn many heads, but it is still something that many don’t know about.

"There’s very little sex education in this country," said Jensen.

To help students be more knowledgeable in this subject, Jensen provides presentations for residence halls, classrooms and groups where he discusses and answers the most frequently asked questions.

"The more you know, the more you learn you need to know," said Jensen.

According to Jensen, most people who have a serious problem don’t go to the University health center. Instead, they prefer to go home to their regular doctor.

The office provides numerous pamphlets, brochures and fliers on a diverse range of sexually transmitted infections.

The three most common diseases on campus are also the three most common nationally. They are HSV (genital warts), chlamydia and HSV (herpes).

The office also provides information on alcohol and the results of it when mixed with drugs or sex.

"Alcohol is a depressant. It can impair our motor functions; it can cloud our decision making," said Nancy Maylath, director of the Student Wellness Office. "For some people, the chemicals in the brain are altered and we can see mood swings."

The office supports friends being there for friends to help them abstain from drinking.

"I think that students need to be role models by letting their friends see that they can think of things to do that don’t involve drinking," said Maylath.

"We want Purdue to be a safe campus for everybody. We’re not trying to take away anybody’s fun," said Maylath. "But we think there are a lot of ways to have fun. They don’t always have to involve alcohol."

Sue Abney, nutrition educator for health and fitness, said that by providing presentations and programs, the office is giving back to the community.

"Our department as a whole feels that we owe something back to the taxpayers, so I often go to groups in town or to state meetings for presentations," said Abney.

Purdue's Student Wellness Office also has health and nutrition pamphlets available for students such as guides to good eating, the food pyramid and exercising away stress.