Happy New Year! So what is your resolution this year? Are you going to finally get your house clean or run that marathon? Well here are the top ten things you should do this year, when it comes to your resolution.
1) Know your status:
Everyone has an HIV status. This is so important in the fight against the disease. Knowing your status is one of the healthiest things you can do. Find out today! In most cases it will only takes about 30 minutes to finish the test. (www.hivtest.org or text your zip code to 566948)
2) Get help for substance abuse:
That one is pretty self-explanatory. If you feel that you need help, please get help. Just remember that the people who are involved in recovery programs are there to help, not judge. (http://www.samhsa.gov/)
3) Depression and Anxiety:
Depression and Anxiety can be a serious mental illness. Both of them have distinct characteristics. Check out WebMD for more information, however, remember that nothing can replace the valuable advice of a trained medical professional. (http://www.webmd.com/)
4) Hepatitis:
Hepatitis is a disease that affects the liver. There are five forms of Hepatitis, but you should know that you can get immunized against A & B. To get more information on Hepatitis (http://www.cdc.gov/HEPATITIS/)
5) Sexually Transmitted Diseases:
Gay and Bi Men do not just get HIV. There are slues of other diseases that you can contract such as Syphilis, Chlamydia, etc. If you are sexually active you should get check for STDs. 1 out of every 2 people will contract an STD by 25. (http://www.findstdtest.org/)
6) Cancers:
Make sure get checked for Prostate, Testicular, and Colon Cancers. These tests should occur across the life span. You can do a Testicular Self Exam (http://tcrc.acor.org/tcexam.html). Check it out!
7) Alcohol:
I know we talked about substance abuse issues, but alcohol safety is key as well. Make sure that you always have a sober buddy! That way you know that you can get home safely. Try not to drink too much, and stay hydrated but drinking water between drinks. (I often finish my drink and then eat the ice, before get some water).
8) Tobacco:
You knew this was coming. If you use, try to stop. It could be the healthiest thing you do all year. 1-800-QuitNow is a great resource. They could even send you gum or patches. You can also check out http://www.nicotine-anonymous.org/.
9) Diet and Exercise.
This is everyone’s favorite resolution. “I want to lose weight!” I say great, just make sure that you are doing it in a healthy, productive way. Your doctor can help you and even refer you to a nutritionist. Make sure that you take a healthy path. I know that it is easier to do “Fad Diets” or take pills. Just be careful these things could have some serious side effects. If you feel that you may have Bulimia or Anorexia please seek help. (http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/anorexia-nervosa/default.htm)
10) Anal Papilloma:
This could be a serious problem. Anal Papilloma can lead to anal cancers in men. This is something that you talk to you doctor about. Many experts believe that you should have an anal pap smear like women have every year. (http://aids.about.com/cs/conditions/a/analpaps.htm)
So make your appointments, and make 2010 the healthiest year of your life!
(This list is adapted from the GLMA’s
“TEN THINGS GAY MEN SHOULD DISCUSS WITH THEIR HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS” http://glma.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=Page.viewPage&pageID=690)
Showing posts with label HIV Testing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label HIV Testing. Show all posts
Monday, January 4, 2010
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
From the Desk of L. Greene
Great things can happen when a community comes together for a great cause! St. Joseph County proved that by coming together, we were able to receive funding to provide HIV Counseling & Testing in OUR community!
St. Joseph County was denied funding to provide critical HIV Prevention services in 2010. Because of the overwhelming support of the St. Joseph County community we were able to receive funding!!!
Thank you to all who were able to contact local representatives and the Indiana State Department of Health! It really made a difference. Whether your contribution was great or small it is truly appreciated!!
Thanks again and remember that St. Joseph County must come together whether for HIV/AIDS or any other issue that affects our community, we must make sure our voices are heard!
Thanks and Happy Holidays,
Latorya Greene
Director of Prevention
AIDS Ministries/AIDS Assist
St. Joseph County was denied funding to provide critical HIV Prevention services in 2010. Because of the overwhelming support of the St. Joseph County community we were able to receive funding!!!
Thank you to all who were able to contact local representatives and the Indiana State Department of Health! It really made a difference. Whether your contribution was great or small it is truly appreciated!!
Thanks again and remember that St. Joseph County must come together whether for HIV/AIDS or any other issue that affects our community, we must make sure our voices are heard!
Thanks and Happy Holidays,
Latorya Greene
Director of Prevention
AIDS Ministries/AIDS Assist
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Wisdom Wednesdays
Hello Pumpkins! It’s The Divine Miss B…Alana Blackwell here to share my thoughts and views on HIV Testing!
It seems like just yesterday at the tender age of 22 that I was coming out in the GLBT Community, going to the clubs, meeting new friends and looking for that ever special person to be my boyfriend. Coming from a small farming community like I did, this was all very new and scary to me! I was hearing terms like barebacking, rimming and well you get my point…I’m sure it isn’t anything none of you have heard before!
It was also about this same time that I really started to hear things like are you “clean”, we won’t go there on what I thought they really meant. I also was being asked are you positive, negative, what’s your status? That’s when it hit me; a guy who turned out to be one of my best friends told me one day that he was HIV positive, he had been having unsafe sex with a couple of different guys and he became infected. It was then that I learned what those terms meant and how they would forever affect my life, friendships and relationships. In the 18 years that I have been out, I’ve lost about 10 friends to AIDS, have friends who are HIV positive and even still have friends who don’t make the wisest of choices when it comes to having sex with multiple partners and not playing it safe.
That very same day my friend told me he was positive I went out and got myself tested. It was one of the scariest moments of my life. The worst part was the waiting for your results; they didn’t have the rapid tests like they do today. I remember to this day how I felt when that nurse walked into the room and told me I was HIV negative; I set in that room with her and just cried, she reminded me that I was negative and I told her I understood that, but hadn’t always made the wisest decisions myself at times during sexual encounters. It was from that day on that I was tested every 6 months faithfully and to this day I still get tested and am still HIV negative because I decided to make wiser choices in my life.
You see pumpkins; we are only given one life to live on this earth. It is our responsibility to take care of ourselves, keep ourselves healthy and to protect ourselves from disease, abuses, etc…I can’t judge you for what you want to do with your life, how you want to take care of yourself and the decisions you make that may affect your life and possibly the lives of others. I can and will offer you my opinion!
Getting tested, whether you’re gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, questioning and even straight; will be one of the smartest things you will ever do in your life. Practicing safe sex, using a dental dam, not sharing needles, knowing how to be safe and play safe will only benefit you and those close to you!
Remember…Life May Be A Drag…GETTING TESTED ISN’T! Oh! One other thing…Don’t Be a Fool, Wrap You’re Tool!
Much Love and Happiness to You!
Alana Blackwell
The Divine Miss B.
Monday, September 21, 2009
How We Do That Thing, That We Do So Well!
Testing is the only way to truly know your status. I get a lot of people who are scared of the testing, or simply do not understand our confidentiality practices. Well, let me get into this by offering some information about HIV testing. There are two simple ways to test for HIV at our offices. You can test with an OraQuick ADVANCED® Rapid HIV Antibody test, or through Venipuncture (Blood Draw). I am going to walk you through the steps of how HIV testing is done.
“All HIV test require you to sign a consent form.”
If you come to one of our site where we are offering HIV testing then you MUST sign a consent form. If you choose to test anonymously then you will be given a code number and you do not have to sign your name. The consent form is a way to make sure that you understand that we are testing you for HIV, that you are at least 13 years old, that you know what the Window Period is, and that you understand what will happen if the test comes back reactive.
“Window Period”
For those of you who do not know, HIV testing at our sites is really HIV Antibody Testing. This means that we are actually trying to detect your body’s immune response to HIV. We do not test for the Virus itself. There are other tests for that called Viral Loads, which are very expensive. The window period according to the Indiana State Department of Health is 1-3 months. This does not mean that HIV is dormant in the body; this is just how long it takes for the body to build up enough Antibodies for us to test for. So for example: if you test at say our September Status Update (Saturday, September 26, 2009 at Truman’s from 12-4pm). We are actually testing for any risk activity from before June 2009.
“Anonymous Testing”
Anonymous means that we only collect some demographic information, like city, state, birth date, race, age, gender identity, and zip code. We do not collect name, address or telephone number. Your chart is then assigned a chart number and an “Opscan” number. That is what we use to identify you. You can test anonymously for HIV with both the rapid and venipucture tests.
“Confidential Testing”
Confidential testing is when we collect name, address, phone #, along with the rest of the information given during anonymous testing. This information is protected by law. It is actually some of the most protected health information in the United States. All health information is protected by Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). HIPAA states that at no time can healthcare employees release information about a patient without prior written consent or court order. Doing so will put us at risk for $250,000 in fines and up to ten years in jail. First I want to say that we will NEVER release information about HIV tests without written consent or court order. None of us make $250,000, and I for one am way to pretty to go to jail!
The only authorization we have to release this information without your consent is if we are Court Ordered to do so; in which case a subpoena has to be issued for each piece of information or if it is needed to save your life or the life of someone else. For more information on HIPAA: http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/
“Anonymous v. Confidential Testing”
No testing counselor can tell you how to test. That is your decision! Testing confidentially means that I can give you a copy of your results, you cannot get a copy if your test anonymously. It may also be easier to access care coordination services in Indiana if you test confidentially. The State of Indiana requires that we have two “positive” results on file to access care coordination services. That means if you test reactive or positive on any test we do a confirmatory test.
“Testing: Venipucture”
Testing through Venipucture or a blood draw is simple. After all of the paperwork is done, we then draw blood. That blood is then sent to the Indiana State Department of Health’s Laboratories in Indianapolis for testing. If you don’t like needles this isn’t for you! However, if you want to test for syphilis or hepatitis then you have to have a blood draw. The results of this test are then sent back after about two weeks.
“Testing: OraQuick ADVANDCED®” (http://www.orasure.com/index.asp)
This is only a screening test. This test will provide you with your results in 20 minutes in the same visit. That way you walk out knowing your status. The OraQuick test does not provide a “positive” or “negative” result, rather “reactive” and “non-reactive”. It is not use to confirm anyone’s HIV status.
You can test through oral mucosal cells (oral swab) or a finger stick (Blood). This test, according to the OraSure Technologies web page is, “Greater than 99% agreement with confirmatory Western blot” (OraSure Technologies , 2009) Either way you test is accurate and available for free.
“Paperwork”
Yes, there is a lot of paperwork that has to be done. Most of the information we are gathering on the forms is to help us understand what your risk factors are. This helps us to tailor our discussion to you and not just give you general information.
There are some pretty personal questions on there. You have the right to refuse to answer any of those questions. Don’t be shy with us, we have heard it all. We are not here to judge you in anyway. Honesty is always the best policy. Just remember that this information is between you and the person in the room.
Well that is testing in its basic form. If you have any questions do not hesitate to ask your testing counselor any questions. If you don’t understand what is going on then you need to ask! We will not be offended if you ask what we are doing. So I hope this has helped you understand the basics about HIV Antibody Testing.
Stay Healthy and Be FIERCE,
Patrick
OraSure Technologies . (2009). OraSure Technologies - OraQuick ADVANCE ® Rapid HIV-1/2 Antibody Test. Retrieved September 19, 2009, from OraSure Technologies : http://www.orasure.com/products-infectious/products-infectious-oraquick.asp
“All HIV test require you to sign a consent form.”
If you come to one of our site where we are offering HIV testing then you MUST sign a consent form. If you choose to test anonymously then you will be given a code number and you do not have to sign your name. The consent form is a way to make sure that you understand that we are testing you for HIV, that you are at least 13 years old, that you know what the Window Period is, and that you understand what will happen if the test comes back reactive.
“Window Period”
For those of you who do not know, HIV testing at our sites is really HIV Antibody Testing. This means that we are actually trying to detect your body’s immune response to HIV. We do not test for the Virus itself. There are other tests for that called Viral Loads, which are very expensive. The window period according to the Indiana State Department of Health is 1-3 months. This does not mean that HIV is dormant in the body; this is just how long it takes for the body to build up enough Antibodies for us to test for. So for example: if you test at say our September Status Update (Saturday, September 26, 2009 at Truman’s from 12-4pm). We are actually testing for any risk activity from before June 2009.
“Anonymous Testing”
Anonymous means that we only collect some demographic information, like city, state, birth date, race, age, gender identity, and zip code. We do not collect name, address or telephone number. Your chart is then assigned a chart number and an “Opscan” number. That is what we use to identify you. You can test anonymously for HIV with both the rapid and venipucture tests.
“Confidential Testing”
Confidential testing is when we collect name, address, phone #, along with the rest of the information given during anonymous testing. This information is protected by law. It is actually some of the most protected health information in the United States. All health information is protected by Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). HIPAA states that at no time can healthcare employees release information about a patient without prior written consent or court order. Doing so will put us at risk for $250,000 in fines and up to ten years in jail. First I want to say that we will NEVER release information about HIV tests without written consent or court order. None of us make $250,000, and I for one am way to pretty to go to jail!
The only authorization we have to release this information without your consent is if we are Court Ordered to do so; in which case a subpoena has to be issued for each piece of information or if it is needed to save your life or the life of someone else. For more information on HIPAA: http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/
“Anonymous v. Confidential Testing”
No testing counselor can tell you how to test. That is your decision! Testing confidentially means that I can give you a copy of your results, you cannot get a copy if your test anonymously. It may also be easier to access care coordination services in Indiana if you test confidentially. The State of Indiana requires that we have two “positive” results on file to access care coordination services. That means if you test reactive or positive on any test we do a confirmatory test.
“Testing: Venipucture”
Testing through Venipucture or a blood draw is simple. After all of the paperwork is done, we then draw blood. That blood is then sent to the Indiana State Department of Health’s Laboratories in Indianapolis for testing. If you don’t like needles this isn’t for you! However, if you want to test for syphilis or hepatitis then you have to have a blood draw. The results of this test are then sent back after about two weeks.
“Testing: OraQuick ADVANDCED®” (http://www.orasure.com/index.asp)
This is only a screening test. This test will provide you with your results in 20 minutes in the same visit. That way you walk out knowing your status. The OraQuick test does not provide a “positive” or “negative” result, rather “reactive” and “non-reactive”. It is not use to confirm anyone’s HIV status.
You can test through oral mucosal cells (oral swab) or a finger stick (Blood). This test, according to the OraSure Technologies web page is, “Greater than 99% agreement with confirmatory Western blot” (OraSure Technologies , 2009) Either way you test is accurate and available for free.
“Paperwork”
Yes, there is a lot of paperwork that has to be done. Most of the information we are gathering on the forms is to help us understand what your risk factors are. This helps us to tailor our discussion to you and not just give you general information.
There are some pretty personal questions on there. You have the right to refuse to answer any of those questions. Don’t be shy with us, we have heard it all. We are not here to judge you in anyway. Honesty is always the best policy. Just remember that this information is between you and the person in the room.
Well that is testing in its basic form. If you have any questions do not hesitate to ask your testing counselor any questions. If you don’t understand what is going on then you need to ask! We will not be offended if you ask what we are doing. So I hope this has helped you understand the basics about HIV Antibody Testing.
Stay Healthy and Be FIERCE,
Patrick
OraSure Technologies . (2009). OraSure Technologies - OraQuick ADVANCE ® Rapid HIV-1/2 Antibody Test. Retrieved September 19, 2009, from OraSure Technologies : http://www.orasure.com/products-infectious/products-infectious-oraquick.asp
Monday, September 14, 2009
Up Coming Events
Hey There!
There are some upcoming events for Project FIERCE:
September Status Update!
September 26 from 12-4pm at the Truman's Entertainment Complex.
This will include free HIV testing and a Mini-health fair.
See you all there!
There are some upcoming events for Project FIERCE:
September Status Update!
September 26 from 12-4pm at the Truman's Entertainment Complex.
This will include free HIV testing and a Mini-health fair.
See you all there!
Monday, August 3, 2009
FREE CONDOMS
Who doesn’t like to get something free? We now you can. www.getfreecondoms.org is giving away free condoms to anyone who wants them! Check out the link in the side bar! Head over and get free condoms!
Stay Health and Be FIERCE!
Stay Health and Be FIERCE!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Oral Sex and HIV/STD Transmission
So I have received a lot of questions about oral sex and risk of HIV transmission. There is a lot of research and information out there about this topic. So I am going to attempt to decipher it for you.
Can I contract HIV through Oral Sex?
The answer is yes! Studies in the United States have shown that the percent of risk ranges from 1% to 7%. However, there is no reliable way of really assessing the precise degree of risk. In an article from AIDSmap.com, researchers in the United Kingdom say “…oral sex carries a small but real risk.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have issued this fact sheet about Oral Sex and HIV. http://img.thebody.com/cdc/2009/oralsex.pdf
What other STD/STI’s can be transmitted orally?
You can transmit HIV, Herpes, HPV, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Chlamydia, and Hepatitis B.
Can I protect myself from Oral HIV/STD Infections?
YES! The good news is that they do make barrier methods for oral sex. They make flavored condoms and Flavored Dental Dams. Both of these are latex barriers that help protect you from transmitting a disease. Both of these products are available in our offices both in Elkhart or South Bend. You can order dental dams online at http://www.sheerglydedams.com/
Other ways of protecting yourself:
1) Abstain
2) Mutual Monogamy (only having one sexual partner)
3) Reduce the number of people you have sexual encounters with.
4) Do not swallow or get semen or vaginal fluids in the mouth.
5) Do not have oral sex while you have obvious cuts, blisters, sores on or in the mouth.
I hope this helps!
Stay Health and Be FIERCE!
Gadd, Chris (2004). Oral sex between men a 'small but real risk' for HIV transmission, survey shows. AIDSmap, Retrieved July 28,2009, from http://www.aidsmap.com/en/news/8C50587D-7487-4440-BCFD-3AF7C9EE92C3.asp
Can I contract HIV through Oral Sex?
The answer is yes! Studies in the United States have shown that the percent of risk ranges from 1% to 7%. However, there is no reliable way of really assessing the precise degree of risk. In an article from AIDSmap.com, researchers in the United Kingdom say “…oral sex carries a small but real risk.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have issued this fact sheet about Oral Sex and HIV. http://img.thebody.com/cdc/2009/oralsex.pdf
What other STD/STI’s can be transmitted orally?
You can transmit HIV, Herpes, HPV, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Chlamydia, and Hepatitis B.
Can I protect myself from Oral HIV/STD Infections?
YES! The good news is that they do make barrier methods for oral sex. They make flavored condoms and Flavored Dental Dams. Both of these are latex barriers that help protect you from transmitting a disease. Both of these products are available in our offices both in Elkhart or South Bend. You can order dental dams online at http://www.sheerglydedams.com/
Other ways of protecting yourself:
1) Abstain
2) Mutual Monogamy (only having one sexual partner)
3) Reduce the number of people you have sexual encounters with.
4) Do not swallow or get semen or vaginal fluids in the mouth.
5) Do not have oral sex while you have obvious cuts, blisters, sores on or in the mouth.
I hope this helps!
Stay Health and Be FIERCE!
Gadd, Chris (2004). Oral sex between men a 'small but real risk' for HIV transmission, survey shows. AIDSmap, Retrieved July 28,2009, from http://www.aidsmap.com/en/news/8C50587D-7487-4440-BCFD-3AF7C9EE92C3.asp
TESTING HOURS AND LOCATIONS:
AIDS Ministries/AIDS Assist
201 South William Street, South Bend, Indiana
M-Thur. 9 am - 4 pm F: 9am - 4pm
Little T’s Sports Bar
In the Truman’s Entertainment Complex
100 Center Street, 100 Center, Mishawaka, Indiana
1&3 Thursday 8 pm - 10 pm
2&4 Thursday 12:30 –1:30pm
Vickie’s Bar
112 West Monroe Street, South Bend, Indiana 46601
First Thursday of every month from 2pm - 4 pm
The Club
23861 Highway 33 East
2 & 4 Thursday from 8-10pm
AIDS Ministries/AIDS Assist
201 South William Street, South Bend, Indiana
M-Thur. 9 am - 4 pm F: 9am - 4pm
Little T’s Sports Bar
In the Truman’s Entertainment Complex
100 Center Street, 100 Center, Mishawaka, Indiana
1&3 Thursday 8 pm - 10 pm
2&4 Thursday 12:30 –1:30pm
Vickie’s Bar
112 West Monroe Street, South Bend, Indiana 46601
First Thursday of every month from 2pm - 4 pm
The Club
23861 Highway 33 East
2 & 4 Thursday from 8-10pm
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