OUR HEALTH

Fighting The HIV/AIDS Epidemic:

What You Need To Know

(NAPSM)-Progress has been made in the fight against HIV/ AIDS. Yet experts say there's still much more work to be done-particularly in the African-American community.

HIV/AIDS is a leading cause of death for African-Americans, according to the National Center for Health Statistics.

In fact, despite accounting for only 13 percent of the U.S. population, African-Americans make up about half of the people who become infected with HIV and AIDS. Additionally, black people with AIDS often don't live as long as people of other races and ethnic groups with AIDS.

Fortunately, there are ways to help in the fight against HIV/ AIDS. The National Medical Association (NMA), which serves as a collective voice of physicians of African descent, says HIV/AIDS is an epidemic which must be fought on all fronts. The group is calling on African-Americans to come together to do the following:

Take Charge

Lower and/or reduce your risk of HIV/AIDS by practicing safe sex, meaning use condoms at all times or practice abstinence. If you use drugs, seek help and do not share needles. For more information on HIV prevention among injection drug users, visit www.cdc.gov/idu/default.htm.

Get Tested

The Centers for Disease Control and the NMA recommend that all Americans between the ages of 13 and 64 be tested for HIV as a routine part of medical care. Early diagnosis is critical. To find an HIV testing site near you, visit www.HIVtest.org.

Learn

Stay up to date on the latest HIV/AIDS information. Visit www.cdc.gov/HIV/links.htm.

Prevention is Caring

Be proactive. Care enough to share the latest HIV/AIDS news and visit your health care provider regularly and ask questions if you are unsure.

Find Help

Seek support from area HIV/ AIDS support groups and the department of health. Talk with someone from your faith-based or faith ministry, a family member or close friend.

Commit

Commit to call attention to the importance of fighting HIV/ AIDS-and to remember those who are affected. Help prevent further infection through prevention education efforts.

For more information, visit www.NMAnet.org.

African Americans are urged to do more to help fight HIV/AIDS.