by Sabine Kortals, Editorial Director

While African-Americans are known to run the highest risk of testing positive with HIV in their lifetimes, it’s perhaps less well-known that Hispanics in the United States also run a high risk for being diagnosed with the virus that causes AIDS.

The CDC’s recent Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report found that 1 in 36 Hispanic men and 1 in 106 Hispanic women in the United States are at risk…and the Estimated Lifetime Risk (ELR) of an HIV diagnosis among Hispanics is 1 in 52. While that’s lower than the ELR among blacks (1 in 22), it almost three times higher than the rate among whites (1 in 170).

Drilling down even further, the rate of HIV diagnosis among Hispanic males is three times higher than that of white males, and fives times higher among Hispanic women compared to white women.

But, remember: no one is risk-free…STDs, including HIV, can affect anyone of any background, race, ethnicity or socioeconomic status. So be aware of the risk factors that may apply to you, also including:

• A history of STDs and unprotected sex
• A new sexual partner or multiple sexual partners
• Men who have sex with men (MSM)
• Sexually active teens and young adults
• Sexual contact with sex workers
• Having sex under the influence of drugs or alcohol

If you recognize yourself in one or more of these lifestyle risks factors, be sure to get tested early and often…and protect yourself and others from the potentially serious effects of undiagnosed and untreated STDs.

Unzipped has just learned that Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath end every tour the same way.  Do they enjoy a feast of bats?  Drink the blood of virgins?  Maybe.  But that’s not news.  Ozzy writes in Britain’s Sunday Times Magazine that he and his bandmates end every tour with a visit to an STD clinic for testing and treatment.  A life of rock and roll has health consequences, but we have to say that we’re sincerely heartened by this story.  And we’re sure that Sharon feels the same.

• Learn about how private STD testing works
• Think you can tell an STD Fact from an STD Myth?
  

1 in 5 of the more than 1 million Americans infected with HIV don’t know it, according to the CDC.  With statistics as alarming as that, why don’t we make HIV testing part of our annual health routine?  It’s a good question and is something that is hotly debated in the public health sector.  What do you believe?  Do you believe that HIV testing should be treated just like routine screening for any other disease and should be included in regular check-ups?  Or, do you think HIV testing is different from screening for other diseases and should require special permissions from the patient before performing the test?

Weigh the facts.  According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, in 2006 only 21% of those surveyed said they’ve been tested for HIV in the last 12 months. And of those 21%, only half asked to be tested.  In 2006, the CDC released new U.S. guidelines recommending routine HIV screening of all adults in health care settings.  The national trend is moving toward eliminating any barriers to HIV testing so more people can be diagnosed earlier.  Earlier diagnosis yields better prognosis.  With early detection, there are fewer hospitalizations and better quality of life.  Also, early diagnosis yields fewer secondary HIV transmissions — prevents spreading to others.

The CDC recommendation is only a recommendation and not a requirement.  Universal HIV testing is not yet part of the American medical culture. We, as individuals, have to speak up and take control of our sexual health.  That’s why we’re providing a free HIV test with every 8 Test Panel from June 27 thru July 3.  Tell your loved ones, your friends, and everyone else you care about.  And if you have any questions, as always, give us a call.  We’re here to help.

• Get Tested for HIV
• Learn more about HIV
• Learn how private testing works

The New Year/New Decade is just around the corner! Make 2010 a year of great sex and great sexual health.  Why not start by making some resolutions? Here are a few to consider:

1. Carry a condom in your wallet or bag.  Be prepared for the unexpected.
2. Get tested for STDs on a regular basis. (We can help with that!)
3. Have the talk.  Ask new partners if they’ve been tested and then get tested together.
4. Work out!  Sex is better when you’re in great shape.
5. Discover ways to make sex better.  Get creative.

Have any good sexual health resolutions that you’d like to share?