Dayplanner

FRIDAY

Early diagnosis of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, is important to help manage the disease and avoid spread to others. Free confidential HIV testing will be offered in Salt Lake City, Midvale, Ogden, Orem, Park City, St. George and West Valley. All locations will use the simple, painless oral swab method of testing, and appointments are not needed.

It's part of the National HIV Testing Day nationwide, launched in 1995 by the National Association of People with AIDS.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says an estimated 180,000-280,000 Americans don't know they are infected with HIV and may continue to engage in behavior that could jeopardize their health and the health of others. Nationally, 50 percent of all new infections are in people age 25 and younger, and in Utah new infections are highest in those ages 25-40. So far in 2003, 49 Utahns have been diagnosed with HIV, and 61 cases were diagnosed the year before.

For a list of locations participating in National HIV Testing Day, call 801-538-6096, visit health.utah.gov/els/hivaids/whatsnew/hivaidsstats.pdf

SATURDAY

The Muscular Dystrophy Association will hold its annual March for Muscle 5k walk at Thanksgiving Point to benefit Utahns living with neuromuscular disease. Registration begins at 9 a.m., and the walk will start at 10 a.m. After the walk, participants will enjoy a barbecue and entertainment. To register, call MDA at 801-278-6200. Anyone can register until the day of the event, but all donations must be brought to the event and turned in before the walk.

Funds raised benefit MDA services, including the clinic at the University of Utah, a summer camp for youths with neuromuscular disease, support groups, educational information and assistance with purchase and repairs of wheelchairs, leg braces and assistive communication devices.

Last year, the event raised more than $45,000. Participants are organized into teams with a goal of each individual raising $100. Participants must raise at least $57, which funds one minute of research. Prizes are awarded to individuals and teams.

The grand prize is two round-trip tickets anywhere Southwest Airlines flies.