Today a new HIV test was approved for usage in the United States.  Although the test is already widely used in Europe as the primary test used to detect HIV, it has just been approved on expedited review by the FDA.

ARCHITECT HIV Ag/Ab Combo, the new test released by Abbott Laboritories, tests for HIV antigens and antibodies (hence the “combo”) and will be widely available for usage soon. Antigens are specific proteins that bind to the antibody and allow it to develop and fight.  More importantly, antigens are present in the body before the production of antibodies.

Now, HIV can be detected in the body weeks, even months, earlier than before! This is CRUCIAL to preventing the spread of HIV because newly infected individuals are often the most contagious (since they haven’t produced those antibodies). However, regardless of whether you get the NEW test or the “OLD” test… Get TESTED!

Click here for testing sites near you!

As is known, the majority of those who join the military for the first time are between the ages of 17 and 24 years-old. Unfortunately, many of these young men and women who choose the military as their career of choice, or just a stepping stone, are being turned away.

This year a study conducted by Mission: Readiness, an organization of retired senior military leader concluded that today, more than ¼ of 17 to 24 year-olds are too fat to serve in the military.

Nonetheless, the military is still meeting all of its recruitment requirements and has not seen an actual decrease in enlistment because of out-of-shape recruits. Mission’s spokesperson Amy Dawson Taggart believes this is because of the current state of the economy; she explains that the sour economy has driven many into military service and that as the economy improves, less and less recruits that qualify will want or need to join.

Still, the military will work with any recruit to help him or her lose weight and join, but “to develop a sustainable military, and society,” Taggart says, “our country must stress personal fitness and eating fast foods. No more fast foods.”

Do you think the military should change its standards?

                Or should we just head to the gym?

During May 2010, the District of Columbia’s health and government officials began distributing Trojan brand condoms to area schools, community centers, and other locations. In the District, where 3% of residents are HIV positive, condoms have been widely distributed to youth and young adults since 2005. However, the switch from Durex condoms from Trojan condoms is the District’s latest campaign to stress condom usage to young people.

                Surveys were conducted prior to the switch and teens explained that Trojan condoms were the most trusted, best fit, and most widely used (although world wide, Durex condoms the #1 brand) by young adults.

                While officials want to stress that most widely manufactured latex condoms work with similar, if not identical, efficiency, they are glad to appease young people by having the most popular brand available.

                The District has also allowed teachers, coaches, and other school employees to be able to distribute condoms after completing a 30-minute training session.  Students had complained of not being comfortable to go ask the school nurse instead of the teacher they were most comfortable with.

Health officials agreed that they would do everything in their power to ensure that young people are comfortable and fully prepared when deciding to engage in sexual activity. Their point, as is ours, was no matter what condom you choose, always practice safer sex.

Would you feel comfortable asking a teacher or couselor for contraception?

Let us know below!

Come out and join ASK US this Friday July 2nd, from 10am - 2pm, @ AID Atlanta, Inc. to decorate messages of hope… 

The History of National Testing Day

According to CDC, since 2004 there has been a 15% increase in the diagnosis of HIV in America. This statistic means two things: more peopeel are being tested, and more people are testing positive for HIV. So we ALL nee to play it SAFER, and get tested! Lucky for us, National HIV Testing Day is coming up!

As all of you active and aware HIV advocates know, June 27th 2010 is National HIV Testing Day. Clinics, health services, and community organizations all over the United States will open their doors and go out into the community to administer quick, easy, and accurate HIV tests to anyone and everyone. So when and how, exactly, did National HIV Testing Day come about?

In 1995, the National Association of People with AIDS  in a partnership with the Center of Disease Control, and other organizations started the first annual National HIV Testing Day. It  was developed especially to provide our country with a new outlook and new face to the disease. Since HIV’s debut on the national scene in the mid-1980’s, it was largely seen as a disease only acquired by drug-users and gay men. National HIV Testing Day’s mission was to change this stereotype, and show the world that ALL people, especially those in minority communities were at risk.

The Kaiser Family Foundation estimates that there are more than 1 million people living with HIV/AIDS in the United States, 25% of those people do not know they have it. So, in the spirit of those who, for more than 15 years, have advocated national testing, celebrate National HIV Testing Day and go get TESTED! Oh! And bring a friend!

Here a link to find a testing site near you!

We would like to extend a cordial invitation to the community to come out and show support of “A T-shirt Affair” presented by the Metro-wide Atlanta Youth Advocacy Coalition (MAYAC) ages 13-24. This will be held on the last Saturday of the month, February 27^th from 4-6 p.m. @ Atlanta Metropolitan College.

The event will showcase an artistic fashion show uniting youth throughout Metropolitan Atlanta as ONE voice to promote HIV/AIDS related concerns: awareness, education, testing and other issues in the community.

Please RSVP to askusteens@aidatlanta.org by February 23^rd.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Please come out and join us this Monday beginning @ 10 a.m

For more details, contact Craig Washington at 404-870-7760 or by email.

December 6th - 12th is Hand Washing Awareness Week.

Nearly 22 million school days are lost annually due to the common cold alone; help youth avoid the common cold.  Prevent the spread of infection & illness by encouraging youth to wash their hands regularly—at home and at school!

For more information, facts, and tips about hand washing, visit the CDC web site at Wash your hands.

Today is World AIDS Day, December 1, 2009. It is a human right to have access to care: talk about it! Get tested! Get involved! Most importantly, start today to make healthier decisions to save your life!