THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, July 30, 1995 TAG: 9507280176
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 08 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY PHYLLIS SPEIDELL, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 64 lines
IN LESS THAN a month, Hollie Writtenberry will enter a new phase of her life as a freshman at Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg.
Hollie, 18, a 1995 Nansemond- Suffolk Academy graduate from Suffolk, is excited, but she's a little nervous too.
``Besides the question of whether or not you will fit in at college, you hear all the horror stories about safety on campus and about not taking care of yourself,'' she said.
``Good Sense/Campus Prep,'' a seminar sponsored by Obici Hospital, will address some of Hollie's concerns, as well as other questions from young women about to enter college and from their parents.
The program was designed to help female freshmen stay healthy, wealthy (or almost) and wise during their first year on campus, according to Cheryl Baer, public relations coordinator at Obici.
Dr. Keith Goodman, obstetrician and gynecologist, will discuss health issues, including nutrition (how to beat the dreaded weight gain known as the freshman 15), sexually transmitted diseases and contraception as well as the importance of annual physical examinations.
Gail Pruden, vice president of Commerce Bank, will offer tips on personal finances and student budgeting. Pruden said students should learn to manage their own checkbook. ``Back off, Mom and Dad; it is their responsibility,'' she cautioned.
ATM cards and credit cards are convenient but need to be used wisely. ``They can be friend or foe,'' Pruden said.
Brenda Wise, director of Citizens Against Crime, will speak about safety on campus. Her topics include a young woman's guide to date rape, how to recognize a dangerous situation and how to lessen your chances of becoming a victim.
Wise advises women to be alert to a date's behaviors that may signal danger, including hostility or violence in other situations when he does not get his own way, intimidating looks or actions and touching in intimate places ``by accident.''
She also advises young women to be assertive in communicating their limits clearly, to be aware of the messages and signals they are sending both verbally and nonverbally, to make a first date a group date and to trust their intuition.
It is important for young women to know that politeness may be misunderstood and that there are times when they need to be assertive in saying no when they mean no.
Hollie plans to attend the seminar with her mother and father. ``I think my parents will have some extra security knowing that I know enough to take care of myself,'' she said.
The seminar will be held Thursday at the Holiday Inn on Route U.S. 460, Suffolk. All local women entering college this year are invited, along with a parent.
Refreshments will be served and door prizes awarded. Although the program is free, seating is limited. For reservations, call 934-4999. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
Dr. Keith Goodman
Will address college health issues
by CNB