Editor's Note: Attention, Attention is a new column we are bring to the people to keep them informed about sexual health issues.   We are pleased to be working with William Brawner, a ten-year veteran of sexual health issues education. So listen up and pay attention, attention!

HIV (Human Immune- Deficiency Virus) disease is an illness that breaks down the immune system. The disease effects the body's CD-4 cells which are white blood cells used to battle infection and disease. When an individuals CD-4 count goes below 200 that person is diagnosed as having AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome).

According to the Centers for Disease Control HIV can only be transmitted through three methods. The most popular trend of contraction is unprotected sex with

(Vaginal, oral, or anal) with someone whom has HIV. Over 65% of newly reported cases have extracted from this form of emaciation. Another method is sharing needles. Numerous people dispense needles to inject vitamins, steroids, and intra- venues drugs. What many people do not realize is HIV can also be passed by infected needles used for tattoos and body piercing. The only other form of contraction is from mother to child. This transmission occurs from the mother to the fetus, in the mother's womb, during birth or while breastfeeding.

HIV started as a disease which primarily affected white gay males, In fact, before the disease was given the name HIV society had named the illness gay pneumonia. Ironically, today the highest infection rates are among heterosexual African- American females. In fact the number one killer of African American females between the ages of 25 – 44 is AIDS.

There has been much assumption to why HIV is so prevalent in the African -American community. . Many people believe that it is due to the unavailability of information and education. Some experts it is due to the belief that many African –Americans still believe that the disease only affects homosexual white males. Others are convinced that this increase it's because of the amount of men who have sex with men and women, but refuse to reveal to their female partners. Whatever the reason this disease is running rampant and needs to be terminated.

Education and Attitude is key to fight against HIV. What people must realize is that HIV is a disease of behavior. If one does not have unprotected sex and share needles the probability of contracting HIV decreases dramatically.   Do the best to know your partner, and stay in monogamous relationships. Remember, no one else is responsible for our safety we must protect ourselves.

Stay tuned for more Attention, Attention and email any comments to community@geoclan.com