Today is National HIV Testing Day in the USA and some other parts of the world. Observed on June 27, annually, this date is designated to remind us all of the importance of knowing our HIV status and in doing so, enhance our health. HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, is no longer the life-threatening condition that it once was and through treatment and medication, it is now a manageable disease. It remains, however, a communicable infection with serious consequences if untreated. That is the reason testing for HIV is very important to our health.
Last week, as an afterthought, I was sent to the my state’s conference on HIV/AIDS which is held annually throughout the state. It has been a number of years since I’ve attended one and I was anxious to see what, if any, personnel changes had occurred since the last time I was present at one. The convocation was sponsored by the state-wide health department and featured a number of guest presenters from across the southeastern region of the USA.
The World Health Organization has designated December 1, annually, as World AIDS Day. This date is significant as all of us, since 1981, are living in a world that is continually suffering the ravages of HIV/AIDS. Despite massive prevention education strategies launched both globally and locally, we have failed to protect ourselves from infection and the stigma falsely associated with those living with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), the virus that causes AIDS. As a result, we are all living in a world struggling with AIDS.
The title can be somewhat confusing to those who are unfamiliar with the event, so please allow me to offer a brief clarification. World Naked Bike Ride (WNBR) isn’t meant to imply that a person rides all around the world, clothes-free, in one continuous route. It is a global event that takes place in individual cities throughout the world at different times and dates within a calendar year. It is a ride that makes a statement against our dependence on fossil fuels and the riders use their nakedness to underscore that message.
In anticipation of tomorrow, April 22, officially being Earth Day, 2017, I’m sharing some perspectives on environmental stewardship today. Most of us realize that preserving what we have left of our planet is much more than just a one day activity. Conservation should take place on a daily basis in all of our lives so that the wonders of nature that we now appreciate in our lives will be here for future generations to enjoy in their lives.