Check-in on Foursquare, Unlock a Healthier Sex Life

It's silly, but I love my foursquare badges. I remember feeling a dash of pride when I checked into LAX a few months ago and unlocked the "JetSetter" badge. I got a shot of joy when foursquare recognized my zeal for Brooklyn" (I <3 BK"). I wasn't thrilled when I unlocked the "Babysitter" badge -- 10 check-ins on the "playground circuit" -- but it did make me smile and boosted my badge count to 20. This week I plan to make history when I go get tested for STDs, check-in from the health center and unlock the MTV GYT badge.

Today, MTV and foursquare announced a new partnership to encourage sexually-active youth nationwide to GYT: Get Yourself Tested. GYT is a unique public-private health campaign that includes MTV, the Kaiser Family Foundation, Planned Parenthood Federation of America and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The campaign was launched to address the reality that 1 in 2 sexually-active young people will contract an STD by age 25 -- and most won't know it, as many STDs show no symptoms. When left untreated, STDs can lead to an increased risk of HIV infection, infertility and even cancer. Additionally, half of all new HIV infections in the U.S. occur among 15-25 year olds, and one in five people living with HIV in this country don't know they have it. The need for regular testing -- and open communication about testing -- has never been greater. 

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