2. HIV Test. In 2009, Latinos made up 20 percent of new HIV infections in the U.S.; 21 percent of that number was Latinas, whose rate of HIV infection is four times as high as Caucasian women. Why? Factors can include unprotected sex and undisclosed or unknown sexually transmitted diseases that increase HIV risk factors. People put off testing because they’re fearful of the results, but early detection can preserve the health of the person being tested—and the health of her children, if she is or becomes pregnant. Especially if you’ve never done it before, get tested this year. Tests can be free; check out National HIV and STD Testing Resources for more information.
