Scarlett Helps De-Stigmatize STD Testing in LA

Scarlett Johansson inadvertently made herself the unofficial STD testing Los Angeles spokesperson when she offered her opinion on how frequently people should be checked for HIV. In an interview, Scarlett spoke of how she considered it 'disgusting' and 'irresponsible' that people neglect to get checked for STDs.

For a short time, the actress and top-earning Hollywood star brought the media spotlight onto the social issue of regular STD testing. Los Angeles resident, Johansson told an interviewer that she gets tested for HIV every six months. Furthermore, she stated how she thinks poorly of people who don't try or care to know about their sexual health, saying that to get a regular STD test "is part of being a decent human".

Getting tested twice a year might seem exceptionally frequent to some people. Could being motivated to get tested so often indicate that the safe sex practices in Hollywood are otherwise lax or inadequate? Knowing the reputation for fast-and-loose living that Hollywood has, Scarlett was quick to point out that she is far from promiscuous, saying "[people] are mistaken for thinking I'm sexually available in some way."

Lifestyles and speculation aside, Johansson has raised the profile and reduced the stigma of STD testing in Los Angeles and beyond. The actress's comments motivated the British press to print statistics from the National AIDS Trust, which stated that there were as many as seven thousand new cases of HIV diagnosed in the UK in 2006. "Diseases will continue to spread unless we stop stigmatizing" said a spokesperson, adding that responsible behavior is the proper use of condoms and getting an STD test whenever you put yourself at risk.

L.A. Charities and Projects

Back on this side of the Atlantic, citizens can now find free STD testing in Los Angeles County.

APLA (which stands for Aids Project Los Angeles) is a disease prevention and advocacy service whose statistics show that there are between 42,400 - 46,600 people living with the knowledge and burden of a positive HIV test in LA.

This alarming figure is taken from the "Program of HIV Epidemiology and STD testing" by Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, an official study conducted two years ago, in 2008. Worryingly, the same study suggests that there is a significant portion of the local population (about 15,000) that does not know that they are carrying the virus.

Both APLA and the UK's National AIDS Trust agree that the issue of undiagnosed carrier is partly because of the shame, reluctance, apathy and stigma surrounding getting an STD test. In Los Angeles, APLA launched the 'What you don't know CAN kill you' in 1991 to try to encourage testing uptake.

American Testing

Looking further back, a 1985 country-wide poll placed 72% of American in favor of obligatory STD testing, which sounds encouraging. However, the same survey also suggested that half of our nation agree with quarantine for HIV carriers. Still more alarming is that 15 percent of Americans consider it a good idea to tattoo people who have the disease.

Despite the controversies and hearsay, when high-profile celebrities like Scarlett Johansson speak out on the issue, it helps the cause of activists and charities that are battling to raise awareness and stem the spread of HIV and other diseases.

Be Iron Man 2 This Halloween

Tony Stark and Pepper Potts, played by Robert Downey Jr. and Gwyneth Paltrow, made a great duo in Iron Man 2. Ivan Vanko gave Iron Man a run for his money, but in the end he didn't stand a chance. With the 3rd installment already in development, you should take advantage of your chance to be one of the most popular modern super heroes.

There are several classic red Iron Man costumes for kids and adults. The Mark 6 Light Up Deluxe Adult Costume is a great pick. This costume includes a jumpsuit that has a muscled torso and arms. The chest even lights up, just like in the movie! A helmet is included, but if you want to take it off, you might want the Tony Stark Facial Hair. This way you can have the same goatee and mustache as Tony Stark without growing out your own hair for weeks. Kids can try the Mark VI Classic Muscle Child Costume. Just add the Classic Child Gloves and you're all set.

So you'd rather be the bad guy? No problem. The Whiplash Adult Costume comes with Ivan's Signature chest piece and faux whips. You're sure to looks super intimidating. The costume doesn't include pants though, so you may want to add the black Men's Pants. They are simple, sleek, and perfect for this costume. Kids can also join in on the deviant fun with their own Whiplash Costume. Just add the Scrape Tattoos to create a really fierce look. No blood required!

Girls can be Iron Man too. It is, after all, the 21st century. The Ironette Sexy Adult Costume comes with s shiny red dress, boot covers, gloves, and an eye mask. Now that's one hot superhero! Younger girls can try the Iron Child/Tween Costume. Rather take Scarlett Johansson's role? Try the Black Widow Sexy Adult Costume. It includes a dark blue, low-cut faux-leather jumpsuit, belt, and 3-D wrist cuffs. The 4" patent Sexy Emma Adult Boots are all you need to kick super villain butt.

Don't forget to complete your costume with some great accessories. The Iron Man Face Tattoo is a great alternative to wearing a bulky helmet all night and the Arc Reactor Glow Accessory looks exactly like what you saw in the movie. If you're headed out for a night of trick-or-treating, the Folding Pail, which looks like Iron Man's face, is a great accessory. Just make sure Whiplash hasn't snuck anything dangerous into your candy stash!