HealthyLife Articles

Author: AIPM

Help Lower Your Risk For Heart Disease, Adopt Simple Changes

Heart & Circulation Problems

Be fussy about the fats you eat. Read food labels.

* Eat apples, oranges, oat bran, oatmeal, beans, and peas. These have a type of fiber that helps lower cholesterol.

* Replace a half-hour of watching TV with a half-hour walk.

* Walk the stairs more.

* Choose minimally processed foods. Include healthy protein sources, mostly plants and seafood. Cut back on salt and sugar-sweetened drinks.

* Add more minutes or steps of walking every day until you reach at least 30 minutes or 10,000 steps a day.

* Avoid secondhand smoke. If you smoke, get help to quit.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Hemorrhoids

Abdominal & Urinary Conditions

Hemorrhoids are veins in or outside of the anus that may become dilated or swollen.

Signs & Symptoms

* Bright red blood on or in the stool, on toilet paper, or in the toilet.

* Anal or rectal tenderness. Anal itching.

* Uncomfortable, painful bowel movements, especially with straining.

* A lump can be felt at the anus.

* Mucus passes from the anus.

Causes

Hemorrhoids are usually caused by repeated pressure in the rectal or anal veins. Often this is due to repeated straining to pass stool. The risk for getting hemorrhoids increases with:

* Prolonged sitting on the toilet and straining to have a bowel movement.

* Constipation.

* A low dietary fiber intake.

* Obesity.

* Pregnancy.

Treatment

Hemorrhoids are common. They are not likely to be a serious health problem. Most people have some bleeding from them once in a while.

Don’t assume that rectal bleeding is “just hemorrhoids.” See your doctor to find out the cause.

If symptoms of hemorrhoids are not relieved with self-care or with time, medical care may be needed. This includes:

* Laser heat or infrared light.

* Rubber band ligation. A rubber band is placed around the base of the hemorrhoid inside the rectum. The band cuts off blood flow to the hemorrhoid.

* Surgery.

* Cryosurgery. This freezes the affected tissue.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

* Drink at least 6 to 8 cups of fluid per day.

* Eat foods with good sources of dietary fiber, such as bran, whole- grain breads and cereals, vegetables, and fruits.

* Add bran to your foods. Add about 3 to 4 tablespoons per day.

* Eat prunes. Drink prune juice.

* Lose weight if you are overweight.

* Get regular exercise.

* Pass stool as soon as you feel the urge. If you wait and the urge goes away, your stool could become dry and hard. This makes it harder to pass.

* Don’t strain to pass stool.

* Don’t hold your breath when trying to pass stool.

* Keep the anal area clean. Use moist towelettes or wet (not dry) toilet paper after you pass stool.

* Don’t sit too much. This can restrict blood flow around the anal area. Don’t sit too long on the toilet. Don’t read while on the toilet.

* For itching or pain, put a cold compress on the anus for 10 minutes at a time. Do this up to 4 times a day.

* Take warm baths or use a sitz bath with hot water. A sitz bath is a basin that fits over the toilet. Get one at a medical supply or drug store.

* Check with your doctor about using over-the-counter products, such as:

– Stool softeners.

– Zinc oxide or anesthetic (numbing) products, such as Preparation H.

– Medicated wipes, such as Tucks.

– Suppositories.

Resources

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)

www.niddk.nih.gov

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Hepatitis

General Health Conditions

Hepatitis is liver inflammation. With hepatitis, the liver has trouble screening poisons from the blood. Also, the liver can’t regulate bile. This is a liquid that helps digest fats.

Signs & Symptoms

Signs and symptoms depend on the cause. Some persons have no symptoms. When symptoms first occur, they include fatigue, fever, appetite loss, nausea and vomiting, and joint pain.

Later, symptoms are dark urine, pale, clay-colored stools, and jaundice. This is a yellow color to the whites of the eyes and/or the skin.

Hepatitis in the Liver

Causes

One or More Types of Viral Hepatitis

* Hepatitis A. This is spread through food or water contaminated by the feces of an infected person that has the virus.

* Hepatitis B. This is caused by contact with infected blood or bodily fluids from an infected person. Examples are sharing drug needles or having sex. A mother can pass this virus to her baby during childbirth, too.

* Hepatitis C. Most often, the cause is contact with infected blood on needles, razors, toothbrushes, etc. Blood transfusions given before July, 1992 could be the cause, if the blood had the virus. Sexual contact may spread the virus, too.

* Hepatitis D. Sharing drug needles or having sexual contact with an infected person can cause this type, but only in persons who already have hepatitis B. It is not common in the U.S.

* Hepatitis E. This is caused by contact with food, water, or something contaminated with the feces of an infected person. This type is not common in the U.S. It is more common in Africa and India.

Non-Viral Causes of Hepatitis

* Some immune system disorders, such as Wilson’s disease. With this, too much copper is stored in the liver and other body organs.

* Chronic alcohol or drug use.

* Reaction to certain medicines. One example is long-term use or an overdose of acetaminophen. Heavy drinkers are more prone to this.

* Some herbs may cause hepatitis. Examples are kava and chaparral.

In some cases, the cause is not known.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the type of hepatitis and how severe it is. For non- viral forms, this includes treating the disorder or stopping the use of the substance that caused it. For viral forms, treatment includes self-care measures and medications.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

To Help Prevent Hepatitis A and E

* Get a hepatitis A vaccine if advised by your doctor or health department. There is no vaccine for hepatitis E.

* When you travel to countries where the virus is widespread, wash your hands often. Drink boiled water. Don’t eat unpeeled or uncooked fruits or foods rinsed with water. Don’t use ice.

* If exposed to hepatitis A, contact your doctor to get immune globulin (IG) within 2 weeks of exposure.

To Help Prevent Hepatitis B, C, and D

* Get 3 doses of hepatitis B vaccine if advised by your doctor. There is no vaccine for hepatitis C.

* Practice Safer Sex.

* Don’t share IV drug needles.

* Don’t share razors or toothbrushes. See that sterilized items are used for ear piercing, etc.

To Help Prevent Non-Viral Forms

* Use alcohol in moderation, if at all.

* Don’t combine alcohol and acetaminophen. Take products that contain acetaminophen, such as Tylenol, as directed. Heed warnings listed on the label.

To Treat Hepatitis

* Follow your doctor’s advice for medicines, etc.

* Rest.

* Drink at least 8 glasses of fluids a day.

* Avoid alcohol and any drugs or medicines that affect the liver, such as acetaminophen.

* Follow a healthy diet. Take vitamins and minerals as advised by your doctor.

Resources

National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention

800.CDC.INFO (232.4636)

www.cdc.gov/nchhstp

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Hernias

Abdominal & Urinary Conditions

A hernia occurs when body tissue “bulges” through a weak area or hole in a muscle. Often, this happens in the wall of the abdomen.

Signs & Symptoms

* A bulge in the skin. The bulge may be more easy to see when you cough, lift, or strain, or when you lie flat on your back. The bulge may feel soft.

* Mild pain or discomfort at the hernia site. The pain may only be felt when you strain, lift, or cough. The pain can be extreme when the hernia bulges out and can’t be pushed back in.

* For an inguinal hernia, weakness, pressure, burning, or pain in the groin area. A lump in the groin near the thigh may be seen when standing.

* Swelling of the scrotum.

Causes

A weakness in the wall of the abdomen is often the cause. Some persons are born with this problem. Hernias can run in families. Other causes include:

* Lifting heavy objects. Heavy coughing.

* Obesity.

* Straining to pass stool.

* Abdominal surgery.

* Being male or elderly.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the type and symptoms. Some hernias can be put back into the body. Others may need treatment with surgery.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

* Don’t smoke. If you smoke, quit. Avoid secondhand smoke.

* Maintain a healthy diet. Lose weight if you are overweight.

* Avoid constipation. Don’t strain to pass stool.

* Exercise to keep abdominal muscles strong. Follow your doctor’s advice.

* When you do sit ups, keep your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor.

* Follow proper lifting techniques.

* Wear a weight lifting belt to support the back when lifting.

* Wear a truss. This is a device that holds a hernia in place.

* For mild pain, take an over-the-counter medicine for pain. If even mild pain lasts longer than a week, see your doctor.

Common Hernias Include

* Hiatal hernia.

* Inguinal hernia. A part of the intestine bulges through a muscle near the groin or scrotum.

* Incisional hernia. This is a bulge through a muscle at the site of a past surgical scar.

* Femoral hernia. This is a bulge in the top front of a thigh. It is most common in obese women.

* Ventral hernia. This is a bulge in the middle of the abdomen, usually near the navel.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Hiatal Hernia

Abdominal & Urinary Conditions

With a hiatal hernia, the normal action that closes off the top of the stomach does not work well. Food or stomach acids back up into the esophagus. This is known as Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Signs & Symptoms

Many people have no symptoms with a hiatal hernia. Others have one or more of these problems:

* Acid reflux. Stomach acid backs up into the esophagus.

* Chest pain. {Note: Don’t assume that chest pain is due to a hiatal hernia.}

* Pain in the esophagus. Heartburn.

* Hiccups. Belching after meals.

* A hard time swallowing.

Causes

The actual cause is not known. Risk factors are obesity, being a woman, or being middle aged. Smoking, lifting, strong coughing, and straining with bowel movements also increase the risk.

Treatment

Hiatal hernias are usually not serious problems. Often they can be treated with self-care. If not, surgery is an option.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

* Don’t smoke. If you smoke, quit.

* Get regular exercise. This helps keep abdominal muscles in shape.

* Lose weight if you are overweight.

* Eat 5 to 6 small meals a day instead of 3 larger meals.

* Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods.

* Don’t lie down after eating. Wait 2 to 3 hours.

* Raise the head of the bed 6 inches. Put 6 inch blocks under the legs of the head of the bed or put a 6 inch wedge between the mattress and box springs at the head portion. Don’t prop your head up with pillows. Doing this puts pressure on your stomach area and can help force acid up into the esophagus.

* Don’t strain to pass stool.

* Take over-the-counter antacids or acid controllers, such as Pepcid AC or Tagamet HB. {Note: Read the labels before taking. Check with your doctor, too. Adverse side effects are more likely and more severe in older persons who take some acid controllers, such as Tagamet HB.}

* If you take aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen sodium, take it with food.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Hiccups

Respiratory conditions

Hiccups are simple to explain. The diaphragm (the major muscle which sits like a cap over the stomach) goes into spasms. The vocal cords close rapidly. This causes the “hiccup” sound.

Causes

* Eating too fast. Swallowing air with the food.

* Drinking carbonated beverages. Drinking too much alcohol.

* Doing things to make the stomach full enough to irritate the diaphragm, such as eating a lot of fatty foods in a short period of time.

Treatment

Hiccups seldom cause harm. Usually, they don’t last very long. Self-Care treats most cases of hiccups. Hiccups that persist could be a sign of a nervous system problem. A doctor needs to diagnose and treat this.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

Common Remedies for Hiccups

* Swallow 1 teaspoon of dry table sugar. If this doesn’t stop the hiccups right away, repeat it 3 times, at 2-minute intervals. {Note: For young children (that do not have diabetes), use a teaspoon of corn syrup.}

* Hold your tongue with your thumb and index finger and gently pull it forward.

* Drink a glass of water rapidly. {Note: Young children should drink a glass of milk slowly.}

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Hiccups In Children

Children’s Health

Signs, Symptoms & Causes

Hiccups happen when the diaphragm tightens up. (The diaphragm is a muscle used in breathing. It sits like a cap on top of the stomach.)

Babies usually get hiccups because they swallow air when feeding. The stomach gets bigger and squeezes the diaphragm. Sucking hard or eating too much can make hiccups worse. It helps to burp the baby often when feeding.

Older children get hiccups from drinking too much soda pop or eating too much too fast. An upset or too-full stomach can lead to hiccups. Hiccups can hurt, but they are usually harmless. And they don’t last very long.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care

* Give your child 1 teaspoon of sugar. Have him or her swallow it fast. Do it 3 or more times, once every 2 minutes, if the hiccups don’t stop right away. (Note: For younger children, use 1 teaspoon of corn syrup.)

* Give babies a swallow of water.

* If all that doesn’t work, try this: Gently push down the back of your child’s tongue with the handle of a spoon. Do it 3 or 4 times.

* Don’t scare the child to try to make the hiccups stop.

* Have your child drink water with their head forward and down.

* Here are some old folk cures you can try:

– Hold your child’s tongue with your clean thumb and index finger. Gently pull on the tongue.

– Give your child a little cracked ice to swallow.

– Have your child drink a glass of water fast.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
High Blood Pressure 2

Pregnancy & Prenatal Care

A blood pressure reading concerns the blood in the arteries. The top number in the reading is the systolic pressure. That’s the pressure when the heart muscle contracts. The bottom number is the diastolic pressure. That’s the pressure when the heart muscle relaxes.

An example of a blood pressure reading is 120/80. This is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). A blood pressure reading should be taken before pregnancy or at its start. This is called a baseline blood pressure. The baseline reading shows what is normal for that woman. During the first several months of pregnancy, blood pressure may drop a little. It often rises slightly later in the pregnancy. That’s because of the extra work the mother’s body is doing. A slight rise is normal then. High blood pressure in pregnancy is when there is an increase of 30 or more in the systolic pressure (top number). An increase of 15 or more in the diastolic pressure (bottom number) is also a sign of high blood pressure.

Causes

Preeclampsia

A common cause of high blood pressure in pregnancy is preeclampsia. This used to be called toxemia. Three things usually come with preeclampsia:

* High blood pressure

* Swelling of the face, hands, fingers, or feet

* Protein in the urine

Other symptoms of preeclampsia are:

* Sudden weight gain or gaining more than 2 pounds a week

* Headaches

* Vision problems like spots before the eyes or blurry vision

* Pain in upper belly

* Severe indigestion that doesn’t go away

Preeclampsia affects about 7 out of 100 pregnant women. It happens most often during a first pregnancy, but can occur again, especially with a new partner. And, it only happens during pregnancy. It goes away after delivery. Preeclampsia can lead to eclampsia. That’s when convulsions also occur. Eclampsia can result in a coma for the mother.

Risk Factors

The cause of preeclampsia is not known. High blood pressure does not have to be present before pregnancy. The things listed below may increase the risk for preeclampsia:

* First pregnancy or first pregnancy with a new partner

* Chronic high blood pressure or kidney disease

* Diabetes or lupus before the pregnancy

* Being overweight

* Being African American

* Pregnancy before age 20 or after age 35

* Being pregnant with more than one baby

* Preeclampsia in a past pregnancy or in a mother or sister

Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH)

High blood pressure can develop during pregnancy without other symptoms. This is called pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH). This type of high blood pressure often happens after the 20th week. After delivery, blood pressure usually goes back to normal.

Treatment

High blood pressure and preeclampsia can range from mild to severe. They can be treated with medical help and home care. But if serious symptoms are present, medicine and/or hospital care may be needed. The health care provider may induce labor (bring on labor). Or a Cesarean section (C-section) may be done.

When blood pressure remains high, not enough blood reaches the placenta. The fetus doesn’t get enough oxygen and nutrients. That can cause:

* Growth problems for the fetus

* Placenta abruptio.

* A baby that is born preterm, that has mental problems, is underweight, or stillborn

Questions to Ask

Self-Care

* Get a lot of rest. Sleep 8 to 12 hours at night. Take 2 naps during the day, if you can. When you sleep or rest, lie on your left side, as much as you can. This helps blood flow to the placenta. When you tire of lying on your left side, lie on your right side.

* Take medicine for high blood pressure as prescribed. If told to do so, take regular blood pressure readings at home. Ask your health care provider how to get a home test kit.

* Follow your health care provider’s advice about exercise.

* Do things to relax. Examples: listen to soft music, put your feet up, take a nap. Watch a TV show that makes you laugh. Put your hand on your belly to feel your baby move.

* Don’t take any medicine without your health care provider’s okay. That includes cold or sinus medicines and antacids.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Hiv/Aids

Sexual Health

HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. AIDS is acquired immune deficiency syndrome. It is caused by HIV. The virus destroys the body’s immune system. This leaves a person unable to fight off diseases. The virus also attacks the central nervous system causing mental problems. One million people in the U.S. have HIV, but about 25% of them do not know they have it. People ages 15 to 65 are advised to be screened for HIV.

Signs & Symptoms

Many people have no symptoms when first infected with HIV. Within a month or two, some people have flu-like symptoms. These include fever, fatigue, headache, and swollen glands in the neck and groin. These symptoms usually go away within a week to a month. They are often mistaken for other infections.

In adults, symptoms of HIV may take a few months to 10 or more years to appear. In children born with HIV, symptoms appear within 2 years.

Symptoms of HIV Before the Onset of AIDS

* Swollen glands.

* Fatigue. Weight loss.

* Fever and sweating that occur often.

* Skin rashes that persist. Flaky skin.

* Infections. These include herpes, shingles, and yeast infection.

* Short-term memory loss.

* Getting sick often. Slow growth in children.

AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV. With AIDS, a low level of cells in the blood called T4 cells occurs. Persons with AIDS get many illnesses. These include skin infections, pneumonia, and cancer.

Symptoms of AIDS

* Extreme fatigue. Weight loss.

* Severe and chronic diarrhea.

* Fever. Severe headaches.

* Shortness of breath. Coughing. A hard time swallowing.

* Abdominal cramps. Nausea. Vomiting.

* Lack of coordination. Vision loss.

* Mental status changes. Seizures. Coma.

Causes

HIV is spread when body fluids, such as semen and blood, pass from an infected person to another person. This includes having unprotected sexual contact and/or sharing drug needles.

Infected females can give HIV to their babies during pregnancy, birth, or breast-feeding. The risk of the baby getting HIV is lowered a great deal if the female takes antiviral medicines during the pregnancy and delivery. The baby takes medicine the first six weeks of life, too.

HIV is not spread from donating blood, touching, hugging, or (dry) kissing a person with HIV. A cough, a sneeze, tears, sweat, or using a hot tub, or public restroom does not spread HIV either.

Treatment

A rapid oral HIV test and blood tests detect antibodies to HIV. There is no cure for AIDS, but treatment helps the immune system fight HIV, infections, and cancers that can occur with it. Treatment includes medications (often used in multidrug combinations) and treating infections.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

* Take medication as prescribed.

* Take steps to reduce the risk of getting infections and diseases. Get enough rest. Eat healthy foods. Take vitamins and minerals as advised by your doctor.

* Get emotional support. Join a support group for persons infected with HIV. Let your family and friends know how they can help you.

To Reduce the Risk for HIV

* Follow Safer Sex.

* Don’t share needles with anyone. Don’t have sex with people who use or have injected illegal drugs.

* Don’t share personal items that have blood on them, such as razors.

* Don’t have sex with people who are at high risk for HIV:

– Persons with multiple sex partners or who inject illegal drugs.

– Partners of persons infected or exposed to HIV.

– Persons who have had multiple blood transfusions, especially before 1985, unless tested negative for HIV.

Resources

AIDSinfo

800.HIV.0440 (448.0440)

www.aidsinfo.nih.gov

CDC National AIDS Hotline (NAH) and National STD Hotline

800.CDC.INFO (232.4636)

www.cdc.gov/std

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Hiv/Aids 2

Women’s Health

HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. AIDS is acquired immune deficiency syndrome. It is caused by HIV. The virus destroys the body’s immune system. This leaves a person unable to fight off diseases. The virus also attacks the central nervous system causing mental problems.

Signs & Symptoms

When first infected with HIV, many people have no symptoms. Within a month or two, some persons have flu-like symptoms (e.g., fever, fatigue, headache, and swollen glands). These symptoms usually go away within a week to a month. They are often mistaken for other infections. In adults, symptoms of HIV may take months to 10 or more years to appear. In children born with HIV, symptoms appear within 2 years.

Symptoms of HIV Before the Onset of AIDS

* Fatigue. Weight loss.

* Swollen glands.

* Fever and sweating. These occur often.

* Skin rashes that persist. Flaky skin.

* Getting sick often.

* Short-term memory loss.

* Infections. These include herpes, shingles, and yeast infections.

In Women, Signs that HIV Could be Present Include:

* Chronic vaginal yeast infections.

* Abnormal Pap test from HPV exposure in the past.

* Cervical cancer.

* Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

* Some sexually transmitted infections, such as human papillomavirus (HPV). {Note: HPV can be present without HIV. Testing confirms its presence.}

AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV. With AIDS, there is a low level of cells in the blood called T4 cells. Persons with AIDS get many illnesses. These include skin infections, pneumonia, and cancer. These conditions are what lead to death.

Symptoms of AIDS

* Extreme fatigue. Weight loss.

* Severe and chronic diarrhea.

* Fever. Severe headaches.

* Shortness of breath. Coughing. A hard time swallowing.

* Abdominal cramps. Nausea. Vomiting.

* Lack of coordination. Vision loss.

* Mental status changes.

* Seizures. Coma.

Causes

HIV is spread when body fluids, such as semen or blood, pass from an infected person to another person. This includes having sex without a latex or polyurethane condom and/or sharing drug needles.

Infected females can give HIV to their babies during pregnancy, delivery, and breast-feeding. The risk of the baby getting HIV is greatly lowered if the mother takes antiviral medicines during the pregnancy and delivery. The baby takes medicine the first six weeks of life, too.

High Risk Activities for HIV Infection

* Anal, oral and/or vaginal sex without a latex or polyurethane condom, unless you limit sexual contact to one person and neither of you is infected with HIV. High risk situations are having sex:

– When drunk or high. (Judgement is impaired.)

– With multiple or casual sex partners or with a partner who has had multiple sex partners.

– With a partner who has used drugs by injection or is a bisexual male.

– When you or your partner has signs and symptoms of a genital tract infection.

* Sharing needles and/or “the works” when injecting any kind of drugs.

* Having had blood transfusions, especially before 1985, unless tested negative for HIV.

* Prolonged, open-mouth kissing with a person infected with HIV.

Blood screening tests are also done on donated blood which makes it highly unlikely that you’d get HIV from current blood transfusions. You cannot get HIV from:

* Donating blood.

* Casual contact, such as touching, holding hands, hugging, and dry kissing.

* A cough, sneeze, tears, or sweat.

* An animal or insect bite.

* A toilet seat. Using a hot tub or swimming.

Treatment

There is no cure for AIDS. Treatment includes:

* Medications. Multi-drug combinations are used.

* Measures to reduce the risk of infections and diseases (e.g., rest, proper nutrition, and vitamin supplements, as advised).

* Emotional support.

* Medical treatment for infections and chronic problems.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

Someday, a cure for HIV/AIDS may exist. For now, prevention is the best protection. Take these steps:

* Unless you are in a monogamous relationship in which you and your partner are HIV free, use male latex or polyurethane condoms every time you have sex.

* Don’t have sex with people who are at high risk for HIV. These are:

– Persons with multiple sex partners.

– Persons who inject illegal drugs.

– Partners of persons infected or exposed to HIV.

– Persons who have had multiple blood transfusions, especially before 1985, unless tested negative for HIV.

* Ask specific questions about your partner’s sexual past (e.g., have they had many partners or unprotected (no condom) sex?). Ask if they have been tested for HIV and if the results were positive or negative. Be aware, though, that the response may not be an honest one. You need to protect yourself! Get tested for HIV. Ask your partner to get tested, too. If you have been exposed to HIV, use prevention measures or avoid sex until you get tested for it.

* If you’ve had sex with someone you suspect is HIV positive, see your doctor.

* Don’t share needles with anyone. This includes illegal drugs, such as heroin, as well as, steroids, insulin, etc.

* Don’t share personal items that have blood on them, such as razors.

* Plan ahead for safer sex. Decide what you’ll say and be willing to do ahead of time with a potential sex partner.

* Keep a supply of condoms handy (e.g., in your purse, by the bed, in your pocket, etc.). Know the correct way to use them. Putting the condom on your partner can be a part of foreplay.

* Don’t have sex when your judgement is impaired, such as while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

* Avoid sex if either partner has signs and symptoms of a genital tract infection.

Detection

A rapid oral HIV test and blood tests detect antibodies to HIV. Get tested for HIV at doctors’ offices, clinics, and health departments or use a home test and counseling service, such as Home Access. You can buy this over-the-counter, by phone at 800.HIV.TEST (448.8378), or online atwww.homeaccess.com.

Resources

National AIDS Hotline

800.CDC.INFO (232.4636)

AIDS Info

800.HIV.0440 (448.0440)

www.aidsinfo.nih.gov

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026