With the short cold days of the season, we tend to not spend a lot of time outside nor as aware of keeping hydrated. When we do not get as much sunlight, Seasonal affective disorder (S.A.D.) can develop. With winter weather, people don't feel as thirsty when the temperature drops, and many forget to drink enough water. A study from the University of New Hampshire found that your chance of dehydration actually increases during the colder months. Even mild dehydration can affect our mood.

Here are some tips (in no particular order) to help push out the winter blues:

• Stayed hydrated: Drink a cup of water or warm beverage. Grab your favorite mug and enjoy a relaxing cup of caffeine-free tea. What scents is the tea giving off? How does it taste without adding any sweeteners?
• Go outside and look at the sky: Are there birds flying? Are there clouds? Are the clouds in any special shapes? 
•  Go outside and touch the ground: Is it warm or cold? Is there snow? What can you see on the ground?
• Go outside and look at your surroundings. What are three things that are beautiful? What can you smell?
• Go outside and go for a 5-minute walk. 



If these tips are not helpful, there is medical treatment for S.A.D., and it is recommended to speak to a medical professional when you are feeling down for days at a time and are not motivated to do activities that you normally enjoy. 

National Condom Week is observed each year from February 14-21 and was established to raise awareness about how safe and effective condoms are at helping to prevent sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancies. With so many varieties available, including different sizes, shapes, flavors, and materials, there is a condom suitable for everyone. Here are some ways you can celebrate condom awareness month: 



• Visit a reputable website to be sure you know how to properly use condoms.
•  Help raise awareness by sharing information with your networks and on social media.
• Learn more about the different varieties of condoms available. 
• Explore local resources where condoms can be accessed for free or reduced pricing.

Did you know you can order condoms and other safer sex supplies directly from CHERP? Simply visit https://www.aaihb.org/safe-sex-kit-request/ to fill out a quick form and have safer sex supplies shipped directly to you! 

In 2020, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were 30,635 new HIV diagnoses in the United States and dependent areas; of those, 5,450 (18%) were among women. Although there was a 17% decrease in all new HIV diagnoses from 2019, the CDC advises that 2020 data be interpreted with caution due to the COVID-19 pandemic impacts on HIV testing, access to care, and case surveillance activities in state and local jurisdictions. 

March 10 is National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NWGHAAD), a day to raise awareness about how HIV impacts women and to show support for women and girls living with HIV. To show your support and help promote NWGHAAD on social media, cut and paste one of the following two posts created by the CDC. 



Post 1:  

March 10 is National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, a day to raise awareness about the impact of HIV on women and show support for women and girls with HIV. https://bit.ly/3K7ibBM #NWGHAAD #StopHIVTogether

Post 2: 

Today is National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, a day to address the impact of HIV on women and girls. When we reduce HIV stigma and promote testing, prevention, and treatment for women, we can help #StopHIVTogether. https://bit.ly/3xF4x1j #NWGHAAD

Sources:

www.cdc.gov/hiv/group/gender/women

www.cdc.gov/hiv/library/reports/hiv-surveillance.html