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Should a younger man have sex with an older woman?

All my friends are always telling me that I should try having sex with a girl who is ten years older than me. I am 22 years old and my sexual partners have always been my own age or even a few years younger than me. Personally, I don't fancy the thought of going to bed with an older woman, even though my friends tell me that I would learn a lot and would enjoy the experience. What do you think? I really can't bring myself to have sex with an older person. Am I abnormal or do you think I am right? Have you ever come across this type of problem before and, if so, what have you advised the people to do?


Is reusing cooking oil safe?

I am trying to convince my good friend not to save the grease she cooks with for re-use. Instead of draining grease out of a pan after frying it, she saves and stores it to use again. It seems to me that grease that is cooked once is bad enough, twice must be horrible. Am I unjustly picking on her, or am I right that there is an even greater health risk when you cook with pre-cooked oil/grease?


When do I need to get treatment for depression?

I'm a college student who is struggling with the decision on when to see a doctor for treatment with my depression symptoms. I believe that I need to get treated for depression, but I'm just as scared about not getting treatment as I am about starting antidepressant drugs in my current lifestyle. As far as I can tell, I'm exhibiting the classic symptoms of depression, and have been for a while — frequent crying fits, days where I lose all motivation, and sometimes, even thoughts of suicide. But I drink frequently, almost every weekend, and use marijuana occasionally, and I am quite unsettled by the possible interactions between antidepressants and these other substances. In my day to day life I do very well — I hold a good GPA, have good relationships and a good social life, function well most of the time, and stay in shape for sports. I don't intend to change my lifestyle significantly to make room for depression treatment. But when do I need to get help? I don't want to force an unnecessary change on myself, but I don't want to put myself in danger from depression, or even worse, from the drug interactions between antidepressants and alcohol or weed. What is the tipping point?


Student Resource

Alice! Health Promotion (Morningside)

Alice! Health Promotion works to create and sustain a healthy University community in which students can achieve their personal and academic goals. Students may engage with Alice! directly through one-on-one health education visits, participating in workshops and trainings, and partnering to prioritize health and well-being within the campus community.


Student Resource

Nicotine Cessation (Morningside)

Columbia students can meet with a tobacco cessation specialist, who will provide individual support and help students understand the process of quitting along with developing a personal plan to stop using tobacco. They may also provide options for nicotine replacements or other medical support.


Student Resource

Medical Services (Morningside)

Medical Services provides routine and urgent medical care, travel medicine, immunizations, sexual and reproductive health services, LGBTQ health care, and confidential HIV testing, among other services. 


Student Resource

Sexual Violence Response (CUIMC & Morningside)

Sexual Violence Response & Rape Crisis/Anti-Violence Support Center works to promote behaviors that foster positive, healthy, and consensual relationships, and supports survivors of violence through advocacy, connection to resources, community education, training, and engagement. 


Student Resource

Physical Education & Recreation (Morningside)

The Physical Education & Recreation Program of Columbia University at The Dodge Fitness Center meets the educational, recreational, and wellness needs and interests of the University community. 
 


Student Resource

Nutrition Services (Morningside)

Following a balanced pattern of eating has a number of potential benefits. Learn about the current dietary recommendations, how to talk with a nutritionist, and other ways to talk about food and your body. 


Student Resource

Well-Being and Health Promotion (CUIMC)

The Well-Being and Health Promotion team leads, facilitates, promotes, and participates in collective, systemic and innovative action for student health and well-being at CUIMC. In partnership with students, staff, and faculty, they work to co-create an equitable and just campus community in which the people, programs, practices, policies, and spaces foster student health and well-being.


Student Resource

Public Safety (CUIMC)

In the event of a security, fire, or medical emergency on the Medical Center campus, contact Public Safety or call 911.


Student Resource

Nutrition Services (CUIMC)

Students at the CUIMC campus can make an appointment to speak with a nutritionist about proper meal planning, setting realistic nutrition goals, and other nutrition questions. 


Student Resource

Medical Services (CUIMC)

Medical Services within Student Health on Haven provides a full range of primary care services and any needed referrals to specialty services as needed  for students at the CUIMC campus.


Student Resource

Disability Services (CUIMC & Morningside)

Disability Services facilitates equal access for students with disabilities by coordinating accommodations and support services, cultivating a campus culture that is sensitive and responsive to the needs of students on the Morningside and CUIMC campuses. 


Student Resource

Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS) (Morningside)

Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS) supports the psychological and emotional well-being of the Morningside campus community by providing counseling, consultations, and crisis interventions — all of which adhere to strict standards of confidentiality. Drop-In Counseling Offices offer the opportunity for students to meet with CPS counselors, without an appointment, when immediate support, resources or referrals are needed. 


Student Resource

Counseling Services (CUIMC)

The Counseling Services of Student Health on Haven offers services from social workers, psychologists, and psychiatrists to provide short-term individual and group psychotherapy, psychiatric evaluations, and referrals for ongoing treatment with community-based providers as needed.


Student Resource

BASICS Program (Morningside)

The Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students (BASICS) is designed to assist students in examining their drinking and other drug-use behavior in a non-judgmental, non-labeling, and private environment. This service is available to all all registered undergraduate, graduate, and professional students on the Morningside campus, including Affiliated Schools: Teachers College, Union Theological Seminary and Jewish Theological Seminary.


Are You In An Emergency?

Emergency 911

Phone: 911

An emergency is any situation that requires immediate assistance from the police, fire department or ambulance. Examples include:

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