Party Hard but Be Careful
Terresa McCall
Reporter - SKNVibes.com
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National AIDS Coordinator, Gardinia Destang-Richards
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{Basseterre; St. Kitts} With the Christmas and Carnival season comes lots of partying, fun and merriment but an official of Health Promotion Unit is reminding persons to exercise caution during the season, remembering that HIV/AIDS is still a very harsh reality.
Gardenia Destang Richardson, National HIV/AIDS Coordinator (NAC) in the Health Promotion Unit, in an interview with SKNVibes.com, explained that it is expected that persons, during the Carnival season, would “party hearty” and enjoy themselves. She explained however, that this does not have to be done in a “careless” manner.
Destang-Richardson highlighted a number of pointers which persons should keep in mind while enjoying the carnival festivities.
“It’s ok to party and have fun but remember to party safe during this Carnival and Christmas season.
Among the pointers she identified were:
(1) Avoid the abuse of alcohol and drugs. Alcohol and drug abuse can impair the way you judgment. A lot of times when things happen, persons are under the influence, persons are not as able to make crucial decisions. ~~Adz:Right~~
(2) Abstinence is also the best possible option.
(3) Protect yourself. Always use a condom and use it safely and correctly.
(4) Be faithful to your partner.
The NAC made a special appeal to all who are not aware of their HIV/AIDS status to stop by the Independence Square in St. Kitts or the Methodist Church Hall in Nevis where they can get tested for the virus. Persons should note that testing is free of charge and the results will be returned the same day.
The exercise will be held in collaboration with Cable & Wireless and each person tested, will receive $10 credit to their cell phone.
In an effort to further sensitize persons about HIV/AIDS and related issues, the National AIDS Secretariat, also in collaboration with Cable & Wireless, will tomorrow be conducting a “Whistle Stop” around the island.
Richardson told SKNVibes that during this event, whistles will be blown as a means of getting persons attention and then written and verbal information about HIV/AIDS will be passed on.
“Knowing about HIV/AIDS and your status is having power because then you know you can do something about it. If you test positive we can assist you in maintaining good health. If you test negative we can help you to remain negative by giving you the information,” she concluded.
