Safer sex options, views on your vision

January 30, 2012 by Gail Rattigan 

Question: I’m allergic to latex but always want to use protection during sex. Are there non-latex condoms? Or another form of protection against STDs and STIs?

Answer: Congratulations on being responsible for your health by practicing safer sex! Non-latex can be found anywhere regular condoms are sold.

They may be described as polyurethane instead of non-latex. We have non-latex available in the Rebel Wellness Zone, upon request to the Wellness Educator or Administrative Assistant.

Safer sex kits with condoms and lubricants are always available from the Rebel Wellness Zone.

If an organization is interested in a program regarding safer sex or relationship communication, please contact the Wellness Educator or Healthy Rebel Peer Educators at 895-0288.

Q: I go for my annual eye exams and wear contacts and glasses. But sometimes I still squint to read signs or something on the TV. How do I know if I’m going blind? This is kind of scary to me.

A: Squinting is very common and is a natural sub-conscious action we do to adjust our eyes focus.

It is possible that your eye doctor was not able to correct your vision to perfect with your glasses/contact prescription or you may need your prescription adjusted.

Near-sightedness (not being able to see distances well) is not a sign of risk for blindness.

It is very common for near-sightedness to worsen during adolescence requiring stronger and stronger glasses, but it will stabilize by adulthood. If you are going to the eye doctor regularly, they will check you for conditions that could lead to blindness such as cataracts, glaucoma, diabetes and macular degeneration.

One common cause of squinting, especially outside, is bright light so wear good sunglasses.

Excessive close computer work can also cause eyestrain so if you’re working at the computer, be sure the screen is at eye level and take a break every hour.

The questions above were answered by Student Health Center Associate Director Gail Rattigan, MSN, FNP-BC. Questions for this column can be submitted via fax to (702) 895-1515 or via email to lifestyles@unlvrebelyell.com. Your identity will never be revealed. All questions are answered by the trained and professional staff at the Student Health Center.