To Tell or Not Tell

This last month was women’s health month and I am sad to report that face of HIV/AIDS has not changed. Unfortunately, young African American women still have more HIV/AIDS than any other group of minorities. One of the causes of this dilemma is that Brothers are not getting tested to see if they are infected. These men, who are unsure of their HIV status, are unknowingly infecting African American females. Ladies, be warned. The “down low” brother is still out there. A recent study reveals that 63% of homosexual men did not regret telling their sexual status to family or friends. Unfortunately the study was done on white homosexual males so the behavior of black homosexuals is not known. Much has been learn over the years about the behavior of people with a positive HIV status but more information about the behavior of African Americans and HIV is still unknown. The Center for Disease Control is considering recommending that HIV screening become part of routine blood work for everyone age 13-69. I think that is step in the right direction. I am Dr. Thaddeus John Bell --- Closing the Gap in Health Care.