By Broadside Sex Columnist Billy Curtis

If you went around and asked people what they thought the hardest thing about a relationship was, odds are the most prevalent answer would probably be trust.

We trust our doctors with our lives, our bankers with our money, and we trust our families to be there when need be, but why is it so difficult for us to trust other people with our hearts?

Photo by Courtney Erland

This interview was conducted via e-mail with Executive Director of George Mason University’s Student Health Services and University Life, Wagida Abdalla, M.D.

Q: How do you get swine flu?

A: The 2009 H1N1 flu virus, originally referred to as swine flu, is spread like other flu viruses mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something—such as a surface or object—with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

Q: What are common symptoms of the virus?

A: Sudden onset of: fever greater than 100º F, chills, sweats, cough, sore throat, headache and body aches. These symptoms last about three to seven days.

Q: What can we do to prevent getting the flu?

A: Wash hands often with soap and water. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

• Get vaccinated against H1N1 flu and seasonal flu.

By Broadside Style Editor Patrick Wall

Ever told someone to be a “fat penguin”? Probably not. For most people, talking like this would earn them a fair share of strange looks. For Dave Coleman, it is what he does for a living.
Affectionately known as the “Dating Doctor,” Coleman has spoken to over two million people, spending his career helping men and women around the world deal with issues of relationships, dating and sex.

Last Monday, Coleman brought his wealth of expertise to George Mason University.

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An Opinion Piece by Broadside Opinion Editor William Curtis

Imagine sitting in a health care reform town hall meeting. You’re there simply to become better informed with the policies and changes that President Barack Obama’s administration is trying to bring to health care.

You’ve heard the news reports about the outrage and occurrences that have brought a pessimistic shadow over such meetings.

You assume that your town is too friendly to become one of those unfortunate towns that are broadcasted over ABC news because of the seemingly pointless and random racial outbursts and attacks on other people because of their dissenting opinions.

But boy were you wrong. An outburst ensues; it starts with unintelligent banter between two people, then it escalates into two men screaming at one another.

You begin to think how something so simple as health care could cause so many people to become so enraged. And just as you finish that thought, a scream fills the entire room.