Hollywood Popular Artists

Jun 25th 2013, 20:36

This Thursday is National HIV Testing Day, and people all across the country will be raising awareness about the importance of HIV (and STD) testing. Musicians Swizz Beatz and Juanes are chiming in as well. They want you to know yourself and know your status, and the only way to do that is to get tested.

Think HIV has nothing to do with you? Think again. The real deal is that young people in the US are greatly impacted by HIV. 2 out of 5 new HIV infections in the US are among 13-29 year olds. The good news is that whether HIV positive or negative, we can ALL do our part this HIV Testing Day to make a difference.

Check out what Juanes has to say about National HIV Testing Day and getting yourself tested. As he points out, there is a rapid test available where you can find out the results in only 20 minutes.  Be sure to ask if the "rapid test" is available at your local testing center. As Juanes says, "La unica manera de estar seguro es haciendote la prueba de IVH en apenas 20 minutos puedes saber los resultados."

+ Watch: Juanes Recommends the Rapid Test. 

Swizz Beatz also teamed up with GYT, and drops a crazy stat on us in the video below--1000 13-24 year olds are infected with HIV every month in the US. He also points out that you can't tell by looking at someone if they're infected. HIV has no look. And it doesn't discriminate. The only way to know for sure is to always know your status by getting yourself tested. It's also important to keep the conversation open with your partner about testing and protection. Getting tested is easy and painless, and you can find your local testing center here.

+ Watch: Swizz Beats Breaks Down The Stats. 

Whether you've tested positive or negative, we all have a role to play in ending HIV and AIDs. If you're negative, stay negative. Make using protection every single time (no matter what!), and getting tested on the reg part of your lifestyle. 1 in 5 Americans living with HIV doesn't  know that they are HIV positive. The ONLY way to know is to get yourself tested. If you find out that you're positive, there is treatment available that will help you live a long and healthy life.

For more on HIV and getting tested, head on over to GYTNOW.org.

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