ELIZABETHTOWN -- Raising the subject of sex can be embarrassing for parents and children, but it's vitally important, according to a news release from Essex County Public Health recognizing March as Talk to Your Kids About Sex Month. According to a 2007 national survey of 12- to 17-year-olds, respondents said their parents most influence their decisions about dating and relationships, the released continued. Parents want to talk with their children about sex but often don't know what to say or when to start the conversation. For more information, ask Public Health about free educational programs that cover sexuality and related topics such as HIV and sexually transmitted infections, peer pressure and peer power, substance use, effective communication and negotiation skills and healthy decision making. Call (800) 797-5772, 873-3511 or e-mail sallott@co.essex.ny.us.

Free, 10-minute HIV test available

ELIZABETHTOWN -- Essex County Public Health now offers Uni-Gold as a free, rapid HIV testing option. The Uni-Gold HIV test has a 99.7-to-99.8 percent reliability rate and delivers results in 10 minutes from a simple finger-stick method. "We have offered rapid HIV testing since September 2003 and started looking at Uni-Gold HIV testing last fall," said Susan Allott, RN, HIV program coordinator and test counselor, in a news release. If the rapid HIV test is reactive, clients are offered confirmatory HIV testing and must return for test results. Free anonymous and confidential and HIV counseling and testing are available by appointment at Essex County Public Health's 132 Water Street location in Elizabethtown and at scheduled off-site locations in the county. Phone (800) 797-5772, 873-3511 or e-mail sallott@co.essex.ny.us. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone ages 13 to 64 get tested for HIV.