Impact of alcohol on the body
The consumption of alcohol negatively impacts every organ in your body in both the short-term and long-term.Alcohol consumption weakens the immune system, which reduces your ability to combat infectious diseases.Alcohol also has the potential to alter your thoughts and behaviors.
Alcohol consumption and COVID-19
Chronic alcohol consumption can lead to weak vaccine responses and reduce protection.It is best to avoid alcohol consumption altogether to be vigilant of your surroundings.When consuming alcohol, it is impossible to leave your mask on. Without practicing proper physical distancing or mask wearing, the virus can easily spread if you are not vaccinated.
The law
Drinking alcohol under the age of 21 is illegal. Distributing alcohol to underage students is prohibited no matter the student’s age. Consuming or possessing alcohol in public spaces, or under the legal drinking age is prohibited. Violations of the law or campus policies can have serious consequences. For example, possessing a fake ID (false identification) can carry federal and state penalties.
There is no excuse for drinking and driving.
It is illegal to drive while under the influence. While the best (and safest) plan is not to drink, sometimes plans change. Take a ride service, such as Uber, Lyft, or taxi instead of getting behind the wheel while intoxicated or in a car with someone who may have been drinking.
Intervene when people need help.
Know the signs of alcohol poisoning – unconsciousness or semi-consciousness, slow or irregular breathing, and cold, clammy, pale, or bluish skin. If you see a person showing one or more of these symptoms, call the police immediately (911 if off campus, or 410-455-5555 if on campus).
Remove yourself from compromising situations.
If you or a friend find yourselves in a situation where there are too many people in a space to physically distance, step out for your safety.
Get tested if potentially exposed to COVID-19.
If you get notified about a positive COVID-19 case at a gathering you attended, contact Retriever Integrated Health (RIH) at 410-455-2542. COVID-19 testing is available to fully vaccinated, asymptomatic community members.
If off-campus, free tests are available at the Baltimore Convention Center as well as other sites across Maryland. Out-of-state community members are encouraged to explore testing locations near them.
]]>The Center for Democracy and Civic Life’s work builds from the idea that all of us, and the ways we pull together to address challenges and create our shared future, truly matter. Today we are releasing the October 2021 edition of Community Matters, a monthly newsletter that offers a window into this work. Read on to discover ways you can get involved and connect with each other.
For an alt text version of the October 2021 edition, click here.
On September 9, 2021, members of the UMBC community gathered to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks by learning from panelists who were here at the time how people at UMBC responded to and were impacted by these events. Panelists included Dr. Freeman Hrabowski, Dr. Diane Lee,Tom Moore, Brett McKenzie, ‘04, and Karim Said, ‘04, ‘07, ‘13. The Center for Democracy and Civic Life hosted the program in collaboration with Initiatives for Identity, Inclusion, and Belonging (i3b), Off-Campus Student Services, and the Wisdom Institute.
If you would like to view the program, the recording is available here.
September is Sexual Health Awareness month! Sexual health is about more than sex- it’s being able to recognize and maintain healthy relationships, understanding your body, exploring your sexuality, promoting healthy sexual behaviors, and preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancy. There is a lot that falls under the comprehensive sexual health umbrella.
Here are a few tools to help you learn more about your sexual health:
The first step to any sexual activity is always to obtain Consent with a sexual partner(s)
You must ask someone if they want to have sex or be touched (kissing, hugging, etc.)
If someone says “no,” then you must stop immediately. Remember, the absence of “no” does not mean “yes”.
Once you have consented/receive consent, you must now protect your self and your partner(s). Contraceptives work exceptionally well to prevent STIs and/or pregnancy, when used correctly.
If you choose to engage in sexual activity, use condoms (external or internal) or dental dams (for oral sex) every time.
Abstinence is the only 100% contraceptive method that can prevent pregnancy and STI transmission.
Birth control prevents pregnancy but does not prevent STIs - condoms and birth control work together.
Retriever Integrated Health (formerly UHS and the Counseling Center) has condoms (internal and external), lubricant, and dental dams available for all students free of cost.
If you are sexually active, it is CRITICAL to know your status and your partners.
Get tested regularly for STIs. Find free (and confidential) testing sites here.
If you ever experience itching, burning, bleeding (outside of menstruating), or discolored discharge in your genital area, then see your health provider immediately.
Sexual health also includes having open conversations with your friends and partners about healthy relationships and behaviors.
Know the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships.
Practice healthy communication skills with everyone in your life - romantic and platonic.
Remember, it is your responsibility to protect yourself and your sexual partner(s) from STIs. This month (and beyond), challenge yourself to have open conversations with your friends and sexual partner(s) about all things sexual health. Remember, sexual health is about more than just sex!
If you would like additional information, check out the resources listed below:
Learning more about Sexually Transmitted Infections -https://www.cdc.gov/std
UMBC Pride Center - https://i3b.umbc.edu/spaces/the-pride-center/
LGBTQIA+ Health https://www.cdc.gov/lgbthealth/index.htm