Doctors: Give us your wee for a Wii
Doctors are trying to capitalise on the fact that it's impossible to think about the Nintendo Wii without also thinking about, well... going for a wee.
They have appealed for urine samples from 15 to 25-year-olds – so they can be tested for chlamydia – by offering a chance to win one of the games consoles.
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They are saying they want 'a wee for a Wii'.
The campaign is being launched during the Freshers' Fair at the University of Lincoln tomorrow.
The play on words is the brainchild of NHS Lincolnshire which is on a mission to reduce cases of the sexually transmitted disease.
The organisation, formerly known as the Lincolnshire Primary Care Trust, plans to screen 14,000 youngsters for the often symptomless infection by April.
If untreated the infection, which can be prevented by using condoms, can lead to infertility.
Michele Presbury, chlamydia screening coordinator for NHS Lincolnshire, said: "Nationally, one in 10 sexually active 15 to 25-year-olds has chlamydia and these figures are the same in Lincolnshire.
"The test is simple – a urine sample for men or a vaginal self-swab for women – and treatment is by oral antibiotics so it couldn't be simpler."
University of Lincoln student Kayley Adams (20) said she would take the test if there was a chance of winning a Wii.
"It's only a little test," she said.
"I think a lot of students don't look after themselves and have a carefree attitude because they're away from home for the first time."
Fellow student Keeley Wilson (20) said: "I probably wouldn't get tested if there was no incentive.
"But if you could win a Wii you'd probably do it even if you weren't at risk."
For the full story and to find out more about chlamydia testing, see Monday's Lincolnshire Echo.
11 Comments
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by kazzy, bath
Wednesday, March 11 2009, 7:52AM
“I would do a test even if there wasnt a wii involved if it is for free there is no halm in keeping yourself safe. The wee for a wii is a brilliant idea to get alot more people to come forward as some are just embarassed in getting tests and think people think their dirty but your not. I think they need to start doing things like wee for a wii in alot more towns and get people forth before it is too late. So go on people do a wee for a wii. x”
by Keith, Lincoln
Tuesday, September 16 2008, 6:44AM
“Amy, Lincoln, what exactly constitutes 'Full Time'? Anything over 12 hours per week is considered full time in education. Hardley onerous work eh? Plenty of time left to get a part time job, wherever it may be. Yes, I agree, thanks to the students, Lincoln has become what it has. Full of beered up students wasting the £18k of loans on beer. You can spot the students during term time, they stick out like a sore thumb. God help the country if we will be relying on the likes of these for our future. Of course, I agree that the testing is available for every youngster in Lincolnshire, but why, if you know so much, is it being launched at Freshers week? Forgive me if I am wrong, but is that not soleley for students? For your information, Lincoln was here way before the students arrived, and I have no doubt it will be here long after the students leave. For your information, yes, I am qualified, probably to a higher level than you will be.”
by Shannon :) x, Huntingdon
Tuesday, September 16 2008, 5:53AM
“Haha i dontt get it so you give your wee for a wii ?
heyy i'd do that :) x”
by Lincoln GP, Lincoln
Monday, September 15 2008, 7:16PM
“As a Lincoln GP we wrote to 100 young people to ask them to book for these tests, and we got no response. Schemes like the free Wii can help to bring people through the door. Freshers Week is the best time to increase awareness. It is not helpful if all students are considered lazy and ungrateful to society because one day (like in my case) they will contribute a great deal to society.”
by Lincoln GP, Lincoln
Monday, September 15 2008, 7:13PM
“As a Lincoln GP we wrote to 100 young people early in the year to invite them for the screening, and we got no response. I think that increasing awareness such as this article at the time of Freshers Week is important. Incentives like the free Wii do not amount to "freebies", they just help get people through the door. It is definitely unhelpful if all students are considered lazy and ungrateful to society, because one day students will contribute a great deal to society. They just need to be given a chance when they are most vulnerable. I also think that some young people do not understand what is at stake, and become apathetic. Schemes like this can help.”
by Non, a student
Monday, September 15 2008, 12:42PM
“We are dependant on students for Drs and Dentists, didn't realise that Lincoln had a medicine school. I am sympathetic to you Amy, as an ex student, but it is your condescending tone that gets you a bad reputatation. The city is not dependant on the universities being here, the universities are dependant on the city.”
by Amy, Lincoln
Monday, September 15 2008, 12:03PM
“Miss Lincs, Open your eyes! The testing is not just available to students but to all young people in Lincolnshire! But seeing as you have taken the student population on... what free stuff are you referring to exactly? Oh thats right the free £18,000 worth of debt after graduating for all the loans necessary to get through university. I think you will find that the students of lincoln have made this city what it is today and will continue to bring the sort of revenue which will continue to ensure that the residents of lincoln have jobs to go to! Contrary to your believes many students take up part time employment while they are university so your comments about finding a job at mcdonalds are ignorant and offending! Students at university are there to study FULL-TIME and anyone who has been to university will agree that this is certainly the case. Whether you like it or not students are the future, for without them we would have no doctors, dentists or teachers! Think about that next time to decide to badmouth students... your health and well-being is dependent on these potential-graduates!”
by Dave Walsh, Lincoln
Monday, September 15 2008, 11:53AM
“How irresponsible of Keeley Wilson to say "I probably wouldn't get tested if there was no incentive". It really does beggar belief. I sincerely hope she conveys this to any past or potential partners............”
by Fat Boy Slim, Lincoln
Monday, September 15 2008, 11:33AM
“Miss lincs?? more like missing link to me.”
by miss lincs, lincoln
Monday, September 15 2008, 8:44AM
“yet again the students in lincoln get more free stuff, what about actually helping the residents of lincoln and giving them the help and support they need, if students are so hard up the stop the drinking and whatever else they waste money on and try working, mcdonalds and other takeaways are always crying out for staff so why dont students pull there fingers out and work.”