The Red Ribbon Story

On February 7, 1985 at 2:00 p.m. the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent Enrique (Kiki) Camarena was attacked by five men while opening his truck doors intending to drive and meet his wife for lunch. The beige Volkswagen where he was forced in disappeared that warm winter afternoon in the streets of Guadalajara, Mexico. One month later, Camarena’s body was found savagely and grotesquely murdered.

When Camarena joined the US DEA, after having served as a Marine and becoming a police officer, his mother tried to convince him to resign, but he was determined to make a difference. In 1974, he was transferred to Guadalajara, Mexico, the center at the time of the drug trafficking empire and working as an undercover agent was investigating a major drug cartel believed to include officers in the Mexican army, the police and the government. A firm believer of the notion that even one person can make a difference in this world, Camarena, at the age of 37, sacrificed his life to prevent drugs from entering the United States schools and streets.

Honoring his memory, family and friends from his hometown in Calexico, California began wearing red badges of satin signifying his battle against illegal drugs. Soon, coalitions were formed and adopted the symbol of Camarena’s memory: the red ribbon. In 1988, three years after his torture and death, the National Family Partnership organized the first National Red Ribbon Campaign in an effort to reach million of US children and expand Camarena’s dedication to prevent drug use around the world.

Since Camarena’s murder, the Red Ribbon Celebration and every associated campaign has touched the lives of millions of people each year. Annually, during October 23rd to 31st, more than 80 million young people and adults show their commitment to a healthy, drug-free life by wearing or displaying the Red Ribbon. This nationwide effort has become a major force for raising public awareness and mobilizing communities to combat alcohol, drug and tobacco use among youth.

Years later, the red ribbon gained international appeal as a symbol of the fight against AIDS when it was worn by Jeremy Irons at the 1991 Tony Awards. Created by the New York-based Visual AIDS Artists Caucus, this visual symbol demonstrated compassion for people living with AIDS and support to their families. Inspired by the yellow ribbons honoring American soldiers servicing in the Gulf war and the US hostages of the American Embassy in Tehran, the color red was chosen for its connection to blood and as a symbol of passion. After becoming a politically correct fashion accessory, the Red Ribbon is worn on December 1st, each year in memory and support of the HIV/AIDS victims and also to increase public awareness and thus, research funding.

About the Author: John Gibb is the owner of ribbon resources, For more information on ribbons check out http://www.ribbon-advice.info

What You Need to Know About HIV

HIV is an abbreviation for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome or AIDS as it is generally called, is the result of this virus. When a person has AIDS, the immune system gradually break downs. The patient then becomes highly susceptible to infections and illnesses, which could even, be fatal. History dates its origin to June 5th 1981 in Los Angeles where the virus was found in five homosexual men. It was then called GRID or Gay-Related Immune Deficiency because people thought it only affected homosexual people. This theory was soon blown to pieces when cases were reported from all over. Today, AIDS has reached epidemic proportions. It has plagued most countries around the world and is considered a highly dangerous disease.

To gain a better understanding of HIV, we must first explore how it is transmitted.

a. HIV is a sexually transmitted disease. What does this mean? The mucous membrane lines different parts of the body such as the lips, genital areas, nostrils etc. When the mucous membrane comes in contact with sexual secretions of an infected HIV patient, the virus transfers from one to another. This is why the main cause for the spread of AIDS is unprotected sexual intercourse.

b. HIV is also transmitted through infected blood. Therefore, one has to take extreme precaution when undergoing blood transfusions. It is always advisable to go to a reputed hospital or clinic where infected syringes are not used. Intravenous drug users and hemophiliacs are at high risk to get HIV.

c. HIV can be transmitted from a mother to a child either in the womb, during childbirth or duing breast-feeding. The chances of this happening have been reduced with drugs and other procedures.

Some of the early symptoms include sinusitis, bronchitis, otitis, pharyngitis, weight loss, dry cough, unexplained fatigue, unusual blemishes on the tongue, herpes zoster and oral ulcerations. During the more advanced stages patients may have chronic diarrhea, continuous fever, extreme weight loss, oral hairy leukoplakia and candidiasis and pulmonary tuberculosis.

It is extremely important for people to be tested for HIV. In some communities, partners are required to take the HIV test prior to marriage. This is because it not only affects the infected individual but also can spread to the spouse and the unborn child. It is difficult telling someone you love that you have AIDS. However, is very vital for their health and safety.

Doctors, nurses and Medicare professionals are also exposed to this virus as they deal with syringes and needles on a daily basis. If you have AIDS and if you are looking for a doctor, then do some preliminary research on the doctor before you meet him or her. The doctor should be reliable and must be aware of the nuances of the field. You should choose a doctor who you are comfortable with.

About the Author: James Daugherty reports about the latest HIV news on his blog.

HIV Home Testing

HIV Home Testing – What It Really Means to Test Positive or Negative for HIV?

Making the decision to get tested for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, is a big choice to make. Taking the option of getting tested at home is a relief to many. Today, there are HIV home testing kits available for you to insure confidentiality of your results.Many people ask the question, "Why should you get tested for HIV?"There are a lot of reasons that people get tested for HIV. Maybe you’re sexually active and have engaged in behaviors that put you at risk of HIV infection. Maybe you’re starting a new relationship and have decided to get tested together. Whatever the case, there are many reasons why you should consider getting tested for HIV.

If you've had sexual intercourse (vaginal, oral, or anal) without a condom or you've learned that a partner was not monogamous, or you have been sexually assaulted. Sometimes condoms are not reliable and they break.If you have been sharing needles or syringes to inject drugs (including steroids) or for body piercing, tattooing, or any other reasons.
If you have had multiple sexual partners, found out that a partner has shared needles, learned that a past or current partner is HIV-positive, discovered that a partner has been exposed to HIV, had a recent diagnosis of another sexually transmitted disease (STD) or if you are pregnant.

HIV home tests can tell if you have been infected with HIV. When HIV infection occurs, the body develops antibodies to the virus. The HIV test checks to see if your body is making these antibodies. However, it doesn’t test for AIDS.There are three different ways to be tested for HIV: a blood sample, saliva or a urine sample. HIV home testing kits require a blood sample, which can be easily obtained by pricking your finger. HIV home test kits come with a detailed instruction booklet with illustrations which will take you through pre-test registration and counseling; collecting your blood sample; shipping that sample to an accredited laboratory then calling back for test results. You have the option of post-test counseling and referrals. Your results will then be available anywhere from 3-7 days, depending on which HIV home testing kit you purchase.

A positive test result means that your body is making HIV antibodies. If the test finds antibodies, that means you are infected with HIV. However, it doesn’t mean you have AIDS or will develop AIDS soon.

A negative test result means no HIV antibodies were found in your body. But, you could still be infected if you have been exposed to HIV in the last six months. Your body may not have produced enough HIV antibodies to show up yet. Consider getting tested again in a few months.

If you test positive, find a health-care professional who has experience with HIV treatment. The earlier you begin treatment, the more likely the virus will develop slowly, so you can stay healthy longer. Many HIV positive people live for many years without developing AIDS, but the odds are better the earlier you start treatment.

If you test negative, practice abstinence or practice safer sex. Use a latex condom during each act of vaginal, oral, or anal intercourse. Don’t share needles or syringes to inject drugs or for any other reason. Remember, if you had unprotected sex or any other risky behavior that can transmit HIV in the last six months prior to getting tested, you will need to get a follow-up test in six months to be sure you are not infected.HIV home testing kits offer anonymity because they use code numbers or names to identify your test. Your name is never used. You use the code to get your results. You are the only person who knows your results. With anonymous testing, you get to decide who to tell and when.

About the Author: The article is prepared by Christy Berger who writes for TestCountry.com. Some information about this article is taken from these resources Drug Testing Kits & HIV Home Tests www.testcountry.com/site_map/HIV_TESTS.htm HIV Express Home Test Kit – Confidential Home Access HIV Testing www.testcountry.com/site_map/CONFIDENTIAL_HIV_EXPRESS_TEST_KIT.htm Longer Version of Article can be found at HIV Home Testing http://resources.testcountry.com/HIV-Home-Testing.htm