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. |