Week 2!

Hello again! HIV awareness class is continually making me open my mind, to situations as in "what if this happened to me". I believe the class is helping me to be less judgemental to those that have fallen ill to HIV/AIDS.

After looking on HIV websites I have noticed something that sparked an interest. So, I am going to change the topic that I will focus on throughout my blogs. Instead of writing about how there is no cure, I want to focus on something I don't feel is equal. I want to know why are HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns or education sites always more pointed to talking the "men" in the world rather than women? It just seems as if women have no responsibility in the protection of HIV. I personally think everyone should play an equal role. But it just doesn't make sense to me as to why, testing and education is majorily shifted towards males. I don't know if there is an actual answer to this question or just many possible explanations, but hopefully I can start finding some reasons!

The HIV group I have found, is called "We Make the Change". This group is based in Florida and is founded by the Florida Department of Health. It was founded in 1999. They campaign to help inform Florida's minority groups. They promote safety and testing. I also thought it was quite humorous that after I had chosen my new topic of what about HIV interests me, I found something on this site that was perfect! The group has just released a new campaign addressing men to "man up".(HIV Sep 16 2009) They are encouraging men to take responsibility of their sexual actions to stop the spread!(HIV Sep 16 2009) But there was no mention of women,interesting!

Sites:
http://www.wemakethechange.com, Sep. 16 2009

The learning begins!

Hello! I'm Ashley and my major is Pre-Clincal. I am setting my goals high to become an occupational therapist! Helping others and making a difference in people's lives has always been a passion of mine. So, I now hope to learn more about HIV not only to educate myself, but others around me.
I'm not sure about everyone, but I know when I think about HIV, it is quite frightening. When I think about HIV, I automatically assume "death". But, I know that is not always the case for people. I know I have a bad habit of judging people, when I hear about someone having aids. From the news, and what we have been taught in school, I just assume prostitue or crack-head. I know these assumptions might anger others, but I don't have a mass amount of knowledge on the HIV subject. So, I do hope to learn more about this virus.
The thing about aids that interests me, well actually confuses me,is the fact that there is no cure. Scientists have discovered countless cures for a variety of diseases and sicknesses, but never HIV. It just baffles me that, we know what HIV is and what causes it, but still no cure? I wonder if there ever will be a cure? I also, wonder why some people can live with HIV for several years, and why some people die within a year of finding out?
Hopefully , I will learn some answers to my questions very soon!

Bye for now,
Ashley