To Plan B or not to Plan B

Are you someone with functioning ovaries and a uterus? Do you think you ever might come in contact with sperm?

If so, stay tuned for Peer Health’s next Free Plan B Day, which will happen in the next coming weeks (before Fall Break) in the Polar Bear Huddle of Buck Fitness Center.

Just because something is free, doesn’t necessarily mean you should grab it without knowing exactly what you’re putting in your pocket.

Plan B or Levonorgestrel is an emergency contraceptive pill designed to be taken within 2 days of unprotected sex. The Levonorgestrel prevents fertilization by inhibition of ovulation in order to prevent unintended pregnancy. Side effects can include nausea/vomiting, abdominal pain, tiredness, dizziness, changes in menstrual periods, breast tenderness, diarrhea, and headaches.

Debunking some myths: If you or someone you know is hesitant to use Plan B, keep in mind that what you hear isn’t necessarily what is true. So here are some cold, hard facts.

–       Even after sex you can still take steps to prevent unintended pregnancy.

–       Plan B does NOT cause infertility.

–       Plan B is NOT the same as an abortion. 

–       Plan B does NOT protect against diseases.

–       Plan B does NOT protect you until your next period.

–       Using Plan B more than once is not harmful

Debunking the biggest myth of them all, just because you miss a Peer Health “Free Plan B” Day, doesn’t mean you no longer have access to it at Bowdoin. Plan B is available for free at the Health Center, or if you’re nervous, ask a Peer Health friend and we’ll B there to help you out.

Before we don our puffy jackets, angrily slam our windows shut, and start our incessant whining about the weather we knew was coming, let’s take a second to look our the windows right now. What do we see? That’s right… sun. Fall is the most spectacular season in Maine and while this good weather and sunshine may not last long, they hold the key to outdoor adventures and your ticket to a happy and serene state of mind.

How do you take advantage of this spectacular season?

Apple picking at Rocky Ridge Orchard and Bakery is possibly one of the Maine-iest and yummiest activities this time of year. Just 15 minutes down the road in Bowdoin, Maine, you can pick as many apples as your heart desires, and if you’re in the mood for something a little more filling, walk inside and fill up before hibernation.

Morse Mountain in Phippsburg, is a 30 minute drive, but so rewarding as you ascend a mountain that overlooks the Atlantic on a short mile hike to a sparkling beach. Even though the area is owned by Bates, it’s actually still pretty breathtaking.

Acadia National Park is the only National Park in the Northeast and home to Cadillac Mountain, one of the first spots to see the sunrise each day. The two hour drive is well-worth the scenery and most definitely worth the hike.

Don’t have access to a car?

Simpson’s Point is an easier way to see some ocean and it’s only a hop, skip, and a jump away from campus, 3 miles South down Maine Street. An easy bikeride away, fork left at Simpson’s Point Road and continue until you hit a boat ramp. We can’t promise it’ll be warm, but it sure is refreshing.

Brunswick Farmer’s Market is a great place to grab a piece of fruit or a piece of homemade blueberry crumble. Right on the green in downtown Brunswick, the market is open from 8 am until 2 pm on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Brunswick Town Commons is the Narnia to Bowdoin’s Campus set just behind Farley fields. Enter into the miles of town-owned trails for a run, a bike ride, or just to sit on the banks of the numerous ponds through the entrance that begins right alongside the soccer field, parallel to Harpswell Road.

Soak it in polar bears!

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