Jodi Ryder

Recent posts

“Sex in the Dark” Highlights Events Planned by Student Health Services

The phrase “condom fashion show” should easily suffice in grabbing people’s attention.

Student Health Services at The University of Southern Mississippi hopes the unconventional “contest” will do much more than that by helping raise awareness about the dangers of unprotected sex.

The fashion show is part of a special Sex in the Dark event sponsored by Student Health Services and the Southern Miss Activities Council from 7-9 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 10 in the R.C. Cook Union Building, Room B. The program will also include a panel discussion by campus “sexperts” who will answer questions submitted anonymously about sex and sexual relationships.

“The fashion show is just a fun activity that’s edgy enough to get people talking – which is what we want,” said Jodi Ryder, health education and promotion coordinator at Southern Miss. “Sex can be an uncomfortable topic and we want to create a fun, relaxed atmosphere to bring awareness to the risks and responsibilities that come with it.”

Ryder notes that the fashion show will consist of Southern Miss students modeling outfits they constructed from condoms supplied by Student Health Services. “Don’t worry, there are rules to make sure all entries are decent,” said Ryder. A cash prize will be awarded to the winner.

February represents a busy month for Student Health Services which also plans activities related to National Eating Disorders Week (Feb. 20-26) as well as the department’s annual health fair, set for 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Feb. 23 in the Union lobby.

When asked if she believes students are doing enough to protect themselves health-wise, Ryder said, “I would like to say yes but I don’t think that’s the case. That’s why we have these awareness events. When I’m out talking with students I realize how unaware they are of risks and dangers that come with certain behaviors. We offer a lot of education as well as clinical services at a price you can’t beat.”

For more information about Student Health Services call 601.266.5266 or visit http://www.usm.edu/healthservice/

Filed under: Hattiesburg, Medical, USM, Hattiesburg Mississippi, Jodi Ryder, Southern Miss Activities Council, Student Health Services, University of Southern Mississippi

Student Health Services Offering New Programs

New Services Offered At USM Clinic

HATTIESBURG, Miss. – Student Health Services (SHS) at The University of Southern Mississippi has added a new, more-convenient way for students to access records and schedule appointments through an online health portal.

Developed over the summer and available now, the comprehensive information portal can be utilized at https://shsweb.usm.edu/PyramedPortal/Login.aspx

“It makes clinic visits easier and faster for students because they can schedule a time, choose which doctor they would like to see, plus complete any necessary health forms before they visit,” said Jodi Ryder, health education and promotion coordinator. “Of course, this is also very convenient for us too.”

Ryder points out that the portal allows students to view their health records, such as immunization and screening history, which will help them better monitor their past, present and future needs. “This is especially helpful and convenient for those who may need this information when applying to another program or traveling overseas,” she said.

Other important services available for the first time through the clinic include the Gardasil vaccine for men and free HIV testing.

The Gardasil vaccine protects against four strains of the Human Papillomavirus – two of which cause about 75 percent of cervical cancer and two of which cause approximately 90 percent of genital warts. Women have been able to get the vaccine through SHS for some time, but the FDA only recently approved the vaccine for men. The vaccine is administered through three injections over a six-month period.

“The vaccine is not free but is covered by many insurance companies for those who are eligible,” said Ryder. “For those without insurance, there are other options such as payment assistance programs that will allow students to get the vaccine for very little to no cost.”

Ryder said free HIV testing has been available on campus in the past but normally in conjunction with specific events. Now, SHS has partnered with the AIDS Services Coalition to provide regular free testing at the university clinic in a secure, confidential environment. The tests will be provided on the first and third Tuesdays of each month.

“The test involves a small finger prick for blood and the results will be given to the patient before he or she leaves,” said Ryder, who notes that all students, faculty and staff are eligible for testing.

For more information about these services and others, call Student Health Services at 601.266.5390.

Filed under: Ellisville, Featured, Forrest County, Hattiesburg, Lifestyle, Medical, USM, AIDS, Cervical cancer, Gardasil, Human papillomavirus, Jodi Ryder, Social Issues, Student Health Services