This weekend the United States observed National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.

It’s amazing- the advances that we have made in treating this disease since it first appeared on our shores only a few decades ago have changed the meaning of a diagnosis.  No more is it an instant death sentence, now people live with HIV/AIDS for many, many years.  But we have yet to cure this terrible disease.

And it continues to spread.

Take the time to get tested.  Take the time to talk to your partners about their partners.  Protect yourself and your loved ones by using protection, getting tested regularly, and staying informed.

And remember- HIV/AIDS is not some sort of mark of Cain, it is a disease.  No more, no less.  Never judge those who live with it, the stigma of living with disease is one of the greatest contributing factors to many people’s reluctance to get tested.  And the more you know about your own health, the more opportunities you will have to enjoy a long, happy life.

If you are at risk, ask your doctor to give you an HIV test.  Or find a testing center near you:

http://www.hivtest.org/