Tag: testing day

HIV Testing Day!

NATIONAL HIV TESTING DAY (NHTD) IS SATURDAY, 27 JUNE 2026!

Prologue:

National HIV Testing Day (NHTD) was first observed in the USA on 27 June 1995. This was during the height of the global HIV/AIDS pandemic and all around the world, national, provincial, regional and state and local health agencies were frantically considering methods to try to reduce the international transmission (spreading) of this often fatal communicable disease. This observation was designed to encourage all persons to get tested for HIV, know their status and to seek appropriate care and treatment.

Reality:

HIV – human immunodeficiency virus – is the virus that causes AIDS – acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. AIDS is a direct result of HIV infection.

This is a basic fact known to humankind, with the probable exception of the current felonious and idiotic president of the usa – intentional usage of all lower case letters – proof positive that I can be just as pretentious as he is!

Our community and culture – same gender loving (SGL) – remain among the primary groups of people impacted by HIV. We have never been the sole recipients of infection with this condition but we are considered a “target audience.”

The Naked Truth:

Medicine and science have evolved since the onset of HIV/AIDS in the early 1980s. The sexual transmission of the disease is no longer considered the death threat it once was. Knowledge is indeed power! Knowing one’s HIV status and following treatment protocols provides us the gift of living life and enjoying ourselves! Take charge and take control! Have fun!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, June 26, 2026, and the proposed topic is: “SIR! Behold 57!”

Strippers!

Skinny-dipping (swimming naked) is for everyone!

National HIV Testing Day!

Red ribbon = HIV/AIDS awareness!

The red ribbon adorning our bare practitioner in the photograph above represents or symbolizes HIV/AIDS awareness (knowledge). It is featured here as a serious reminder that HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is the virus that causes AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). Despite advances in medication, there exists no cure for HIV infection; however, with proper care HIV is now manageable disease with medical supervision.

Undiagnosed, HIV remains a serious health threat. That is the reason this day is important for all of us. In order to receive life-saving treatment, we must know our HIV status. Testing provides us the power to seek treatment and take the process that allows us to manage our lives.

Gain control over your life!

HIV/AIDS Basic Facts

HIV is the virus that causes AIDS.

AIDS is a result of HIV infection.

HIV is not spread through everyday casual contact.

Only a doctor can diagnose AIDS.

The coronavirus COVID-19 and variants have overtaken health news reports recently but HIV/AIDS remains a major and, if undiagnosed, often fatal infection. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises more than 630,000 AIDS-related deaths for 2020. Testing gives us the opportunity to reestablish and to regain direction in our lives through counseling, education, medication and treatment.

Take the test.

Know your HIV status.

Control your life.

Testing is knowledge and knowledge is power!

Even now, a significant number of persons living with HIV have no idea that they are even infected. This not only deteriorates their own health but also the health of others they hold dear. Knowledge of one’s HIV status and regular testing keeps all of us healthy and safe!

Become involved in the efforts to remain healthy. Get tested and know your status. Encourage your family and friends to get tested so they can protect themselves and others. Encourage them to get involved in HIV/AIDS prevention education efforts within their own communities. It has been a long, slow process, but we are finally seeing progress in prevention efforts!

During the many years that I was a volunteer HIV/AIDS prevention education instructor to the American Red Cross, I was always amazed at the number of certification candidates who revealed they had never been tested for HIV. I truly believed then – as well a now – that a test should have been a prerequisite for enrolling to seek certification.

Don’t be a transmitter! Protect yourself and others! Take the test!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry for here is planned for tomorrow, June 28, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “SIR: 1969!”