Monday, December 7, 2009

December is AIDS Awareness Month

This month is dedicated to increasing awareness about HIV/AIDS, a global epidemic. It’s important to continue educating the public and funding more research and medical interventions to assist those who are HIV positive and those living with the condition known as AIDS. While treatment options have gotten better over the years, there is still work to be done.

World AIDS Day was December 1st, but there are still ways to get involved in the cause.

1) Education

Educate yourself and the people you know about HIV/AIDS. If you need help, try these websites for more information:

Planned Parenthood Federation of America
AIDS Delaware
Teens Health
POZ
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

2) Prevention

To prevent yourself from getting the virus, remember to use condoms for every act of intercourse. HIV can be spread through oral, anal or vaginal intercourse and from blood to blood contact (e.g. sharing needles).

3) Testing

HIV testing is a quick and virtually painless process now. Rapid testing at Planned Parenthood of Delaware only requires a finger prick and about 10 minutes to wait for results. Take a friend or partner with you and get tested together!

Early detection is key!

Please call 1-800-230-PLAN to schedule an appointment for a confidential HIV test at Planned Parenthood of Delaware, or visit our web site for locations and information.

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