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Show WSUSIGNPOST.COM AIDS DAY continued from front “Since 2012 there has been an increase in HIV cases in the United States. HIV needs to enter the conversation,” Stokes said. According to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention, about 1,218,400 people aged 13 and older are infected with the virus, including 156,300 who are unaware they have the virus. The CDC says that HIV cases have risen over the past decade and that the number of new infections remain too high. The WHO (World Health Organization), a subsidiary of the UN, has labeled HIV as one of the most significant public WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2015 THE SIGNPOST health challenges. Thanks to antiretroviral therapy, a combination of medications that prevent growth of the virus, HIV-positive people now live longer and healthier lives. Kestin Page, the assistant diversity director, helped spearhead an endeavor to honor World AIDS Day by coordinating with Weber’s GSA, the LGBT Resource Center and Weber/Morgan Health Department to host free HIV testing in the Shepherd Union Building. Students were able to walk in, fill out a form and have themselves tested for HIV without charge. “So far people have been very supportive and most everyone who has done it BOWL continued from front food were collected and $172 was donated from strikes. Weber Cares pantry volunteer Arusa Ashfaq said she noticed the difference on the shelves after the event. She has been volunteering since the start of the semester to fulfill volunteer hours for her pre-med major. “Afterward, I was like, OK, this is what this is supposed to look like.” The purpose of the Weber Cares programs are to increase healthy eating options, decrease food insecurity and increase students’ ability to stay in school and finish their degree. The program maintains a pantry on the fourth floor of the Shepherd Union directly above the bowling alley. The pantry is open Monday through Friday 12:30-3:30 p.m. 3 are happy they did it,” Page said. “HIV affects everyone whether you’re rich, poor, black, white, gay or straight.” Page says that it is recommended that those who are sexually active be tested every six months. He hopes to have free HIV testing every year and potentially make it available to Weber students at all times. “Have no fear about testing,” Page said. “If you are positive, there are supporting networks everywhere to help you though. This shouldn’t be a stigmatizing factor.” Follow Michael on Twitter @MichaelGrennell and offers food to students who are running low. It has been running low on nonperishable items and needs more assistance keeping its shelves stocked. Ashfaq, a sophomore, said the food drives from this fall have been helpful, but she is concerned about the supply come spring. “This is the season of giving, and there are a lot of drives going on,” she said. Ashfaq added that volunteers did put away some of the extra supplies for later. If you are interested in donating non-perishable food items to the Weber cares pantry, feel free to look on Weber State University’s online home page, or you can ask the front desk in the Shepherd Union. Follow Michael on Twitter @MichaelGrennell PHOTO BY ARIANA BERKEMEIER | THE SIGNPOST The Latinos in Action booth in the Shepherd Union Building on World AIDS day. EL NIÑO continued from front have one by this time of the year. Although El Niño occurs every two to seven years, the intensity of the event varies each year. Fox 13 Salt Lake City reminded Utah residents of the last big El Niño that happened in 1997. This event created weather-related havoc across the globe, causing mudslides in California and a drought in Indonesia. Scientists use the Oceanic Niño Index (ONI), which measures sea surface temperatures (SST) in the tropical Pacific, to determine the intensity of El Niño. SST above 0.5 degrees Celsius are considered El Niño conditions, and anything above 1.5 degrees Celsius is a strong El Niño. In the 1997 El Niño event, the ONI value was measured at 2.3 degrees Celsius above normal. This year’s El Niño was measured at 1.0 in August and has been increasing each month. It is uncertain exactly which month El Niño will peak and what its final strength will be, however, the NOAA predicted the sea surface temperature to be 2.0 degrees Celsius above normal by late fall/ early winter. With El Niño changing weather patterns across the world, what does this mean for Utah’s ski season? Since the southern branch of the jet stream is more active in El Niño winters due to the change of circulation in the atmosphere, Utah is expected to have a wetter-than-normal winter with plenty of snow. These weather conditions will give students a chance to get out enjoy Utah’s winter this year. Weber State’s outdoor rental program provides students access to rentals for all kinds of winter sporting equipment. SAD continued from front PHOTO BY LICHELLE JENKINS | THE SIGNPOST Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can be treated with therapy or prescribed medications. around depression that people feel embarrassed feeling depressed or they feel that they should be able to fix it themselves,” Melisa Russel, a psychology major at WSU, said. Light therapy is a common method to help those who are struggling with the symptoms of SAD. Light therapy involves having a full-spectrum artificial light being emitted from a light box that mimics natural outdoor light. This is thought to help cause chemical changes that occur in the brain which are tied to moods. Bunderson explains that she copes with these symptoms by realizing that she will have tough times, but works on staying focused and ac- “I think it’s an exceptional event for us,” said Daniel Turner, WSU Outdoor Program coordinator. “The rental center provides a good opportunity for students to get outside and try new things.” Students can also purchase discounted lift tickets from the outdoor program to Powder Mountain for $65, and to Snowbasin for $77. Both ski resorts are just a short half hour drive from WSU. The outdoor program will be hosting a WSU ski day at Powder Mountain and Snowbasin this ski season. WSU ski day at Powder Mountain will be on January 9 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. WSU ski day at Snowbasin will be January 23 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit www.weber.edu/outdoor/ for more information on WSU ski days and outdoor rentals. Comment on this story at wsusignpost.com cepting her reality. According to Chapman, students that are struggling with or may be struggling with seasonal affective disorder or depression should consider getting support through the counseling center at the Weber State main campus for free. Chapman also shared that there is a nurse that can prescribe medication to help students, if needed. For students wanting more information about where to find help, visit the Counseling and Psychological Services Center located in the Student Services building. They can also be reached by phone at 801-626-6406 or on their website. Comment on this story at wsusignpost.com I save lives. You can too! Donate blood-plasma. Biomat USA Earn up to $240 every month! 3073 Harrison Blvd, Ogden . (801) 392-2296 375 S. St Suite H, Clearfield www.BiomatUSA.Grifols.com |