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Halifax RL players back sex health drive
HALIFAX rugby league players are backing health chiefs' bid to tackle a potentially devastating disease.
Members of the Fax squad helped launch Calderdale's chlamydia awareness campaign.
The three-month Free to Pee project will urge under 25s to get tested for the sexually transmitted infection that has tripled in Calderdale over the last seven years.
Halifax RLFC centre Richard Varkulis said: "Before I got involved in the campaign, I didn't realise how bad chlamydia can be.
"I wasn't aware it can leave you infertile or that it can affect men as much as women.
"It's worrying when you hear that there often aren't any symptoms with it, but it's good news it can be easily detected by a simple urine test.
"I, as well as the other players, am backing this campaign as we think it's really important that young people are aware of chlamydia and know it can be sorted out with a short course of antibiotics.
"I would encourage anyone to take this test."
Chlamydia is the most common of all sexually transmitted bacterial infections.
Calderdale health chiefs' attempts to raise awareness of the disease include giving some people who get screened a Nintendo Wii.
Julia Bramble, chlamydia screening programme manager, said: "We're looking at different ways of engaging younger people in the area and believe, with the help of recognised faces supporting the campaign, we will see a significant rise in screening.
"The activity planned, such as Wee for a Wii, has been designed to get the message across to young people. We are doing everything we can to make it as easy as possible for people to be tested and treated for this infection.
"We are targeting local universities and colleges and will be visiting student nights at pubs and clubs to help spread the message that once chlamydia is detected it can be easily treated."
If left untreated, chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease and leave men and women infertile.
Urine tests for the infection are being offered at sites across Calderdale. It can be treated with antibiotics.
Results can be delivered by post, telephone or text. For more information call 01484 344320.
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Friday 10 February 2012
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