Did you know that there was a change in the recommended mammogram and Pap test procedures last week? Or that November is the national month for awareness of testicular and prostate cancer? No? Well, you should.

As college students, it’s important to be aware of current health issues and updates, especially when living in close quarters, such as a dorm, where the spread of disease can be rapid. Moreover, the value in staying up-to-date with the ever-changing standards of the medical community is one that benefits this generation, as well as future ones.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force stated that females should get their first cervical cancer screening at 21, and be re-screened less frequently than previously thought (see Page 1). It is also now recommended that women get their first mammogram at 50 years of age, instead of 40. These are all important changes, and whether or not you agree with them, it’s important to be aware of their existence. This requires being proactive about medical information, not just waiting for your annual physical to roll around.

One of the latest health developments for females is Gardasil, a vaccine created to prevent certain strains of human papillomavirus (HPV). And let’s not forget the semi-controversial H1N1 vaccine, which is being offered to students by Health Services.

As college students, we have reached the age where our parents should no longer be constantly holding our hands as we navigate the medical system. This information is easily accessible online and in the media, and it’s our responsibility to keep track of it to make educated decisions about our health. This applies to both sexes — self-examination is recommended to men and women as they enter their late teens.

Being educated can do more than protect your health, it can save a life. According to www.Givelife2.org, someone in the U.S. needs blood every two seconds, and more than 38,000 blood donations are needed every day. Yet only 5 percent of the eligible donors in the U.S. actually do give their blood in any given year, despite the fact that it is a relatively fast and simple procedure.

These are things that directly impact our lives, and the lives of others. Ignorance is no excuse for not taking action, especially since all the information in the world is waiting for our generation to take advantage of it. No matter your age, gender or health history, keep informed about current advances and changes in the medical world.