Scarlett Johannson raises awareness of growing HIV epidemic

One of Hollywood's top young actresses, Scarlett Johansson, has used her celebrity status to encourage young people to get tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Over the last several years, Johansson has made it public that she gets tested for HIV every six months, according to media reports. As part of a generation that includes movie stars and celebrities with a reputation for making risky and dangerous decisions, she has become an unofficial spokeswoman for practicing safe sex.

However, the actress emphasizes that the purpose of her screenings is different from what some people may assume. Johansson has stated that getting tested on a regular basis is "part of being a decent human" and those who ignore or avoid annual screenings for STDs are "irresponsible."

People who have unprotected sex could be putting themselves and their partners at a higher risk of contracting an STD. In 2007, healthcare officials estimated that approximately 11,000 people aged 20 to 29 years had tested positive for HIV/AIDS, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

She has also mentioned to the media that Hollywood's stigma surrounding STDs is causing many young people to avoid making the important doctor's appointment.

Individuals who are concerned about their health, but are uncomfortable with going to an STD health clinic, can benefit from purchasing online testing kits.