For those of you who make new year's resolutions:
Have you noticed how most resolutions are things that are good for you in the long run, but nevertheless are hard to accomplish? You don't hear people make resolutions to eat more chocolate cake or watch more TV. Instead it's something like, "Start going to the gym regularly," "Loose the five pounds I gained over the holidays," or, "Quit smoking."
In public health terminology, these are called health-seeking behaviors, and usually people who do one thing that's good for their body tend to do other healthy things as well. When you successfully accomplish one goal, it motivates you to attempt others. Over time we have better health outcomes and more fulfilled lives.
When I was working on Project Respect, an HIV risk-reduction study that recruited over 6,000 STD clinic patients, we found that those people who took small steps, like putting a condom in a place where it would be readily available the next time they had sex, were far less likely to return with another STD. Now putting a condom on your night stand (or in your glove compartment) won't protect you from HIV, but it does make you more likely to use it. Putting condoms where you need them is a successful first step, and successful steps encourage further steps, which eventually lead to better health outcomes.
If you're HIV positive and have attended a support group, you've accomplished a difficult step. You've walked into a room full of strangers and acknowledged your HIV status. Asking and giving support is another step. Taking meds, seeing a doctor regularly, and taking control of your health are also positive, health-seeking behaviors. Congratulations on the steps you've taken so far, and best wishes for your future goals!
If you're negative, stoppping by and taking an HIV test is a great positive step.
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