LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
CAMP Safe |
by Sal Seeley |
Put 'em up: Don't get KO'd by HIV/STDs
You know, one of the best things about summer is that so many handsome, happy vacationers come to visit Rehoboth Beach. I've had the chance to talk with some pretty remarkable people while doing outreach work, and they've given me some positive feedback about the CAMPsafe program. Everyone so far has enjoyed our first postcard of the season: synchronized swimming. This week the Olympic sport featured on the card is boxing. Boxers are always fully outfitted with all of the protective gear they need to be safe in the ring. We all know that a boxing ring, like our sexual encounters, can be very dangerous. So no matter what the activity, make sure you are properly outfitted when you go out to play! Have you ever gone out for a night on the town, found the perfect man, and then felt like it was going to be a knock- down-drag-out fight to get him to play safely and by the rules? It happens all the time! You have to make sure when you get in the ring with a hot man, you're wearing protective gloves! A boxer would never enter the ring unprepared, and neither should you. You may be getting weary of hearing me talk about HIV prevention all the time but before I go down for the count, I want to remind you that practicing what I preach not only protects you from getting busted up with HIV but it also helps protect you from other STDs as well. There are some very nasty new STDs out there, and some old STDs, rearing their ugly heads again. The incidence of syphilis is on the rise in the gay community and it isn't pretty! I have talked to many guys who are getting chlamydia from too many punches in the mouth! Other STDs should concern you too. We want to knock them out. Wearing a condom, like having the proper equipment in the ring, protects both partners. I often hear guys tell me that they didn't know that not wearing your gloves was as dangerous for the one doing the boxing as it is for the one getting boxed! It's true! So protect yourself and your partner by always wearing the best protection when you enter the ring. Knowing your challenger is also a way to protect yourself. Know your challengers weaknesses and strengths and you will come out a winner. Wearing condoms is always a must whenever you are punching below the belt. But if you are just getting ready to do some punching and are worried about your fancy foot workyou know the stuff that often leads up to the boxing remember to think, and really do some very fancy foot work. It is a good idea to spend some time with your sparring partner. Take a nice shower with the lights on and look for previous injuries or things like rashes, drips, sores and such. Protect yourself and ask about the things that concern you. If you are not satisfied with the answers, stay out of the ring. A lot of the STDs can be cured with a BIG shot of penicillin (ouch) or a few pills and a couple of days or weeks on the sidelines, but some can't so why set yourself up? A good boxer always keeps his guard up and keeps from getting knocked out without a good fight. Don't be any different. Keep your guard up. Wear the best protection. Practice your moves. Go for the gold! We want you in the winner's circle at the end of the summer. Give me a call if you want some information on improving your punch! And I can even give you some pointers on fancy foot work too! I am available any time CAMP Rehoboth is open and you can always email your questions whenever you think of them. I'll do my best to make sure you have the best information! I'll also be on the beach most weekends offering information and answering questions and you can frequently find me in AOL chat rooms under the name of salvatoreseeley or campsafem4m. The goal for all of our games this summer is to have fun and to play safely. With the right equipment you and your partners will all be winners. If you have any question about your HIV status, stop by CAMP Rehoboth on June 27 or 28 for National Testing Day and take an AIDS test. Be safe, be happy, be healthybe a winner! We need you! We are still looking for a part-time outreach worker to help with beach and bar outreach. Hours are flexible, the job is easy, and the pay is very good! Contact Sal at 302-227-5620. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 14, No. 7 June 18, 2004 |