February 11-15 was Safer Sex Week. Events to mark this observance were across the island under the theme: You have the Power to Choose - Use a Condom Everytime.

It was especially important as we continue to grapple with the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Every sexually active person is at risk for this disease, but unfortunately not all of us take that fact to heart.

A survey carried out in 2000 revealed that only 32% of our men and women see themselves at risk for the disease. There reasons for believing that they can contract the disease are that they do not use condoms consistently and they have more than one sexual partner.

However, it is fact that each time you have sex you put yourself at risk. It does not matter how well you think you know your partner or how long you have been in your relationship. You don't have to have lots of lovers to get AIDS. It is not a disease that only affects indecent people.

Additionally, choosing not to use a condom also puts you at risk for many other STI's. Some of these, like Herpes, have no cure though treatment is available. Other STI's like Pelvic Inflammatory Disease can affect a woman's ability to have children.

As the saying goes, it is better to be safe than sorry. Protect yourself. It is your body and your life. You have the power to choose. Use a condom everytime.

History

Safer Sex Week was first observed in 1994. It was created to heighten awareness of safer sex practices, primarily condom use. During this period, individuals are encouraged to take their sexual health seriously and use a condom with every sexual encounter. The week was carefully chosen as it is normally the week in which Valentine's Day falls and as persons find creative ways to express their feelings it is important that the matter of safer sex be considered.