December 1, 2008 marks the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day. The Centers For Disease Control (CDC) estimates that more than 56,000 Americans become infected with HIV every year partially because 25 percent of those living with HIV are not even aware that they are infected with the deadly disease. Testing is critical to keeping the spread of HIV down. The more aware you are, the more you can protect not only your own health, but also the transmission of HIV to others. If you’re not sure if you should be tested for HIV, take a look at these questions. If your answer is yes to any of them, you need to take an HIV test.

• Have you injected drugs or steroids or shared equipment (such as needles, syringes, works) with others?
• Have you had unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex with men who have sex with men, multiple partners, or anonymous partners?
• Have you exchanged sex for drugs or money?
• Have you been diagnosed with or treated for hepatitis, tuberculosis (TB), or a sexually transmitted disease (STD), like syphilis?
• Have you had unprotected sex with someone who could answer yes to any of the above questions?

The average length of time for HIV to become detectable in your body is 25 days after exposure. In rare cases it could take up to 6 months before the disease can be detected. It’s a good idea if you are concerned and take an HIV test that comes up negative within 3 months of exposure to repeat the test in another 3 months.

For more information about testing and to find an HIV testing site in your area, check out the CDC’s National HIV and STD Testing Resources website.

You can also text your zip code to KnowIt (566948) to find HIV testing centers near you.

And for more information about AIDS and how to prevent it check out AIDS.gov.

Every two minutes, someone is sexually assaulted in the United States. Of those assaults, an estimated 60 percent are not reported to the police. The Rape Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) operates a national hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE, to help connect rape survivors anywhere in the country with their local rape crisis center. RAINN also launched an online hotline through their website, providing victims with even more anonymity than over the phone. Continue reading Sexual Assault: Getting Help Now »

Between school, homework and other activities, it’s often tough to make health one of your kids’ priorities. It can feel like there’s simply not enough time in the day for them to do everything and make sure their growing bodies are getting the workout they need, but the consequences can be shocking. The International Obesity Task Force reports that 27 percent of all U.S. 10-year-olds are overweight or obese. But there are ways to ensure your kids are getting the right amount of exercise. The following is a list provided by the University of Michigan Health System of top secret ways to help your kids keep fit without them figuring it out. Continue reading Make Fitness A Family Priority »

 

As the holidays approach, many of us will be traveling to dinners and parties, to enjoy the company of friends and family. It’s a time of celebration, but unfortunately, it’s also the time of year when drunk driving is on the rise. Last year, more than 12,000 people were killed in crashes when involving a driver with a blood alcohol content greater than the leagal limit of .08.

Each year, during this holiday season, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) conducts the Tie One On For Safety public awareness initiative, to encourage us all to “Drive Safe, Sober and Buckled Up.” The campaign aims to raise awareness about the dangers of drunk driving, and promotes always wearing your seat belt, which remains the best defense against a drunk driver. Continue reading Tie One On For Safety This Holiday Season »