the B. spot

I am rocking the red pump in support of a great initiative called the red pump project in recognition of National Women/Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.  Thanks to Luvvie and Karyn who thought of this unique way for bloggers to have a voice in something really worthwhile:-) 

A few HIV/AIDS facts: 

Follow the link for a complete report of startling statistics…

I recently spoke to Sheryl Lee Ralph who is not just talking the talk but is walking the walk and has put together some fantastic programs to enlighten and encourage those living with HIV/AIDS and educate those without the virus (to keep it that way)!  She and husband State Senator Vincent Hughes started TestTogether.org for couples who love each other (and themselves) enough to get tested…take note that as of 2007, twenty-one percent of the infected had no idea; something tells me that the number is not getting smaller.  Even you’re not in a relationship- get yourself tested for your own well being and piece of mind!  In the words of Wanda Fontaine (Cosmetech’s resident psychologist), “not getting tested is a form of self-hatred: on one hand you say you love yourself but yet you’ve never been tested or haven’t been tested recently.”  This is one passionate woman about this cause because it has affected her life so greatly. 

So people, please get out of this “it can’t happen to me”, “not him, he’s looks healthy”,  ”he loves me, he wouldn’t do that”, “just this one time won’t hurt”, “I’ve known him for years and he never so much as coughed”, “something that fine can’t be sick”, “I’m too young to get infected”, “I’m too old to get infected”, “that only happens to black women”, “I work out and take vitamins” and “that only affects poor/dirty/white/black/minority/gay (fill in the blank with whatever excuse you tend to use)”.          As you can see by the stats below, many women felt that way and are now counted among the infected…

• Woman represent larger share on new HIV infections
• Women of Color are particularly affected
• Young adults and teens, under age 30, continue to be at risk
• Please read this fact sheet published last month by the Kaiser Family Foundation- it will open your eyes and hopefully your mind to protect yourself and those that you love by checking yourself, protecting yourself and education yourself and others about this devestating virus

Take care of yourself ladies (and gents)!