HHS HealthBeat (March 10, 2006)

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I'm Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.

Picture someone with HIV/AIDS. Is it a gay man?

Then expand your vision. Women, especially women of color, are an increasing part of the epidemic.

March 10th is the First National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. HHS' Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health, Dr. Cristina Beato, suggests women talk with the men in their lives:

"You can't build relationships that are longstanding and healthy unless there's trust. And if you're not able to talk about HIV/AIDS – if you're not able to negotiate how to deal with that subject – it's going to be very difficult to have successful relationships."

Beato says women can practice ABC: A for abstinence until marriage, B for being faithful to one partner in a long-term relationship – and if you are in risky behavior C for condom use. She also says get tested to know your status.

Learn more at www.hhs.gov.

HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I'm Ira Dreyfuss.