This document provides guidance for newly diagnosed HIV positive individuals on disclosing their status to others. It recommends the following steps:
1. Forgive yourself - having HIV is not a punishment and anyone can get it, so do not blame yourself.
2. Give yourself time - there is no set timeline, some people need weeks or months to come to terms with their diagnosis while others need years, so take the time you need.
3. Choose who to tell wisely - only disclose to those you trust who will be supportive, as it could negatively impact your mental health if the reaction is not positive.
This document provides information to help someone who has recently tested positive for HIV. It outlines a 9 step process for taking care of oneself after an HIV diagnosis. The first step is to learn the facts about HIV, such as how it works by invading immune cells and reproducing. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and immune system can help keep HIV in check for years without medication. The document emphasizes that there is life after an HIV diagnosis and support is available.
This document discusses HIV/AIDS, including how to prevent transmission, living with the disease, and disclosing one's status to others. It notes that HIV/AIDS cannot be cured, though treatment can delay illness. It emphasizes using condoms to prevent transmission and getting tested regularly due to the stigma of disclosure and high-risk behaviors still occurring. The document encourages open communication between partners and testing as a way to protect health and potentially start a family.
The document discusses HIV/AIDS, including how to prevent transmission, living with the disease, and social impacts. Key points include:
1) HIV/AIDS can affect anyone regardless of attributes and the only way to prevent transmission is through safe sex practices like condom use.
2) Living with HIV/AIDS can include fatigue, weight loss, and loss of control over one's health as the virus progresses.
3) A diagnosis of HIV/AIDS can negatively impact social relationships and treatment by others due to stigma. Regular testing is important to prevention.
The psychological and social impacts of HIV/AIDS can be significant. People living with HIV/AIDS may experience fear, anxiety, depression, social isolation, and stigmatization. They can face challenges in relationships, employment, and perceptions from others. Children with HIV/AIDS may have to cope with a lack of a normal childhood, fears of dying, and changes in parental relationships. Overall, living with a chronic illness like HIV/AIDS takes a psychological and social toll on many people's well-being and quality of life.
Using caqdas to detect the needs and issues faced by families affected by hiv...Merlien Institute
This document discusses a study that used computer-aided qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS) to analyze interviews with families in Malaysia affected by HIV/AIDS. The study aimed to understand the needs of these families and children's vulnerability to HIV/AIDS. Key findings included issues with revealing HIV status due to fear of rejection and discrimination, a lack of HIV/AIDS knowledge among patients, and the important role of NGO outreach programs in providing financial, emotional and social support. The use of CAQDAS facilitated efficient analysis of themes and inter-rater reliability checks across the large dataset.
HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. AIDS stands for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Scientists believe HIV originated from chimpanzees in West Africa and was transmitted to humans through contact with their infected blood. The three most common ways HIV is spread are through unprotected sex, sharing needles, and from mother to child during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Less common ways of transmission include occupational needle sticks or transplants involving infected blood. Three main ways to prevent spread are getting tested and treated if positive, using condoms correctly, and not sharing needles for drug use.
Global Medical Cures™ | Womens health - Sexually Transmitted InfectionsGlobal Medical Cures™
This document provides information about sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including what they are, how they are transmitted, common symptoms, and testing options. It states that STIs are common in the US, with an estimated 19 million new cases each year. While both men and women can contract STIs, the document notes that women often experience more frequent and severe complications. It emphasizes that taking protective measures like condom use can help reduce the risk of acquiring an STI. The bulk of the document then provides detailed overviews of several common STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, HIV/AIDS, HPV, and others. For each STI, it outlines how transmission occurs, typical symptoms,
The document discusses HIV/AIDS statistics, transmission, testing and prevention in Florida. It notes that there are over 40,000 new HIV infections annually in the US, with over 100,000 cases in Florida which has the third highest rate. The C.H.A.N.G.E. program aims to increase testing among at-risk groups through peer outreach and education to help reduce undiagnosed cases. Volunteers are trained to discuss HIV risks and testing confidentially with friends and contacts to encourage testing.
This document provides information to help someone who has recently tested positive for HIV. It outlines a 9 step process for taking care of oneself after an HIV diagnosis. The first step is to learn the facts about HIV, such as how it works by invading immune cells and reproducing. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and immune system can help keep HIV in check for years without medication. The document emphasizes that there is life after an HIV diagnosis and support is available.
This document discusses HIV/AIDS, including how to prevent transmission, living with the disease, and disclosing one's status to others. It notes that HIV/AIDS cannot be cured, though treatment can delay illness. It emphasizes using condoms to prevent transmission and getting tested regularly due to the stigma of disclosure and high-risk behaviors still occurring. The document encourages open communication between partners and testing as a way to protect health and potentially start a family.
The document discusses HIV/AIDS, including how to prevent transmission, living with the disease, and social impacts. Key points include:
1) HIV/AIDS can affect anyone regardless of attributes and the only way to prevent transmission is through safe sex practices like condom use.
2) Living with HIV/AIDS can include fatigue, weight loss, and loss of control over one's health as the virus progresses.
3) A diagnosis of HIV/AIDS can negatively impact social relationships and treatment by others due to stigma. Regular testing is important to prevention.
The psychological and social impacts of HIV/AIDS can be significant. People living with HIV/AIDS may experience fear, anxiety, depression, social isolation, and stigmatization. They can face challenges in relationships, employment, and perceptions from others. Children with HIV/AIDS may have to cope with a lack of a normal childhood, fears of dying, and changes in parental relationships. Overall, living with a chronic illness like HIV/AIDS takes a psychological and social toll on many people's well-being and quality of life.
Using caqdas to detect the needs and issues faced by families affected by hiv...Merlien Institute
This document discusses a study that used computer-aided qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS) to analyze interviews with families in Malaysia affected by HIV/AIDS. The study aimed to understand the needs of these families and children's vulnerability to HIV/AIDS. Key findings included issues with revealing HIV status due to fear of rejection and discrimination, a lack of HIV/AIDS knowledge among patients, and the important role of NGO outreach programs in providing financial, emotional and social support. The use of CAQDAS facilitated efficient analysis of themes and inter-rater reliability checks across the large dataset.
HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. AIDS stands for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Scientists believe HIV originated from chimpanzees in West Africa and was transmitted to humans through contact with their infected blood. The three most common ways HIV is spread are through unprotected sex, sharing needles, and from mother to child during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Less common ways of transmission include occupational needle sticks or transplants involving infected blood. Three main ways to prevent spread are getting tested and treated if positive, using condoms correctly, and not sharing needles for drug use.
Global Medical Cures™ | Womens health - Sexually Transmitted InfectionsGlobal Medical Cures™
This document provides information about sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including what they are, how they are transmitted, common symptoms, and testing options. It states that STIs are common in the US, with an estimated 19 million new cases each year. While both men and women can contract STIs, the document notes that women often experience more frequent and severe complications. It emphasizes that taking protective measures like condom use can help reduce the risk of acquiring an STI. The bulk of the document then provides detailed overviews of several common STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, HIV/AIDS, HPV, and others. For each STI, it outlines how transmission occurs, typical symptoms,
The document discusses HIV/AIDS statistics, transmission, testing and prevention in Florida. It notes that there are over 40,000 new HIV infections annually in the US, with over 100,000 cases in Florida which has the third highest rate. The C.H.A.N.G.E. program aims to increase testing among at-risk groups through peer outreach and education to help reduce undiagnosed cases. Volunteers are trained to discuss HIV risks and testing confidentially with friends and contacts to encourage testing.
Złote Effie 2008; Media Trendy 2008 Wyróżnienie
Kampania programu You Can Dance wykorzystywała interaktywne nośniki reklamy zewnętrznej. Głośniki emitowały muzykę, kamery rejestrowały taniec, a filmy z tanecznymi popisami przechodniów trafiały na stronę programu. Kampania odniosła wielki sukces, po raz pierwszy zrealizowaliśmy komunikację wykorzystującą outdoor do generowania kontentu przez uczestników. Kampania otrzymała Złote Effie w 2008 roku.
Este documento clasifica los polígonos según sus ángulos interiores y el número de lados, dividiéndolos en concavos, convexos, triángulos, cuadriláteros y polígonos con nombre específico para aquellos con 5 a 12 lados, mientras que los demás se identifican por su número de lados.
This document discusses different types of diesel vehicles. It begins by defining a diesel truck as a simple but efficient and economic truck that can be recognized by its sound and size. It then notes that while some cars are diesel-powered, they may not appear to be like trucks. Finally, it presents high-performance diesel cars as exotic options that can be fast and fuel efficient like a V8 engine.
The document provides biographical information about the Jonas Brothers band members. It describes Kevin Jonas as the oldest of three brothers and part Italian, Irish, German and Cherokee Indian. Joe Jonas is the middle brother described as funny and transparent. Nick Jonas formed the pop-rock band with his brothers Joe and Kevin after originally pursuing a solo singing career. Their younger brother Frankie Jonas is known for acting and his role in the sitcom JONAS alongside his famous older brothers.
Networked teaching, networked learning, Personal Learning NetworksFabio Nascimbeni
Presenting ideas on networked teaching and on the concept of Personal Learning Environment (PLN), plus some tips on how to successfully build a PLN for educators.
Moorea is a small island located in French Polynesia near Tahiti. It has a tropical climate with temperatures between 24-30 degrees Celsius. The main industries on the island are tourism, including hotels, restaurants, tours and cruises. Transportation options include boats, buses, cars and airplanes. Notable attractions for visitors involve water activities like snorkeling, fishing and boat tours. The local culture features traditional Polynesian weddings and an annual marathon.
British humour tends to be more cruel, childish, and focuses on mocking people and establishments. It can include bullying sarcasm and finding humour in misfortune. British humour also incorporates more smutty jokes and disrespect towards authority figures than American humour. The different types of humour discussed include sarcasm, physical/visual comedy, satire, black humour, puns, parody, topical references, and cultural references.
The document discusses financial literacy topics and challenges for different demographic groups. It outlines 10 curriculum areas for financial literacy including managing money, credit cards, retirement planning, and estate planning. It emphasizes that women and minority groups face unique financial challenges such as earning less and having greater caregiving responsibilities. The document encourages attendees to take financial literacy courses and share financial information with others to gain control of their financial futures.
The Hesperus - We offer a large selection of Nautical Clocks shown of various types like Chelsea U.S Maritime, Danish Ship Clock,
Wooden Regulator Day and Date Clock and Russian Submarine Clock etc.
Pioneer Promos is a sourcing company located in Yiwu, China that provides various promotional products and services directly to customers. As a local representative, they offer competitive pricing, fast sourcing, quality control, and other services like product design and shipping. They can source over 200,000 product varieties from Yiwu's large international commodities market within 24-48 hours.
Verzetskranten Tweede Wereldoorlog naar WikipediaOlaf Janssen
Tijdens de Tweede Wereldoorlog zijn plusminus 1200 verzetskrantentitels uitgegeven. Deze zijn vrijwel allemaal full-tekst in www.Delpher.nl beschikbaar. Delpher biedt – behalve wat summiere publicatiegegevens - echter geen contextuele (achtergrond)informatie over die verzetskranten.
Voor veel mensen zal Wikipedia een natuurlijke plek zijn om dit soort informatie op te zoeken. Helaas is de inventarisatie en beschrijving van de WW2-verzetskranten op Wikipedia zeer onvolledig, van de 1200 worden er maar een handjevol beschreven.
Dit project heef twee doelen:
• Een Wikipedia-artikel (en geassocieerd Wikidata-item) maken voor elk van de 1200 verzetskrantentitels. Hierbij wordt gebruik gemaakt van informatie uit "De Ondergrondse Pers 1940-1945" van Lydia E. Winkel (http://www.niod.nl/nl/de-ondergrondse-pers-1940-1945), Delpher en de KB-catalogus. Vanuit elk artikel worden koppelingen gelegd terug naar deze bronbestanden.
• Het gebruiken van deze artikelen om (via de Wikipedia API) de krantentitels in Delpher van extra context te voorzien.
Meer info: https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Wikiproject/Verzetskranten
software development practices like procedural coding are like training wheels, they help when we start development, but are detrimental later. This presentation lists few such practices and their alternatives
A tribute to simon gillespie by dr. jeffrey lant master marketer and also col...howie martell
This document provides advice from Dr. Jeffrey Lant on how to participate in auctions as an art collector. It recommends getting catalogs from auction houses to familiarize yourself with their offerings. It also suggests meeting auction experts in your field of interest and creating your own team of advisors like conservators. Finally, it advises setting a budget limit and sticking to it when bidding to avoid overpaying. The overall message is that preparation, expertise, and discipline are key to successful auction participation.
Escuelas que trabajan para superar el fracaso escolar todos pueden aprenderBlopar
Este documento propone organizar reuniones con los padres de los estudiantes del primer año para favorecer las relaciones entre la escuela y las familias. Sugiere sensibilizar a los docentes sobre la importancia de involucrar a los padres y compartir información sobre el progreso de los estudiantes. También recomienda invitar a los padres a promover la participación de referentes significativos en el desarrollo y aprendizaje de los niños y mantener informada a las familias sobre los logros de los estudiantes. El objetivo es que padres y
WW2 underground newspapers on Wikipedia using DBPedia , 12-2-2016, The HagueOlaf Janssen
Presentation about my project (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/nl:Wikipedia:Wikiproject/Verzetskranten) describing and interlinking all 1300 Dutch resistance newspapers from WW2 on Wikipedia using DBpedia.
Given during the 6th DBpedia International Community Meeting on 12-2-2016 in The Hague (http://wiki.dbpedia.org/meetings/TheHague2016)
The document provides an overview of a simulation for an oil and gas exploration team. The team's task is to maximize return on investment by exploring a new petroleum province. They start with $200 million and can apply for more funds. The simulation involves multiple phases: finding basins from surveys, bidding on licenses, drilling exploration wells, testing discoveries, and applying for additional funding if needed. The goal is to accumulate knowledge points through accurate decisions and have the highest return on investment to win the simulation.
Vijay Mewada is a senior architect with 16 years of experience in planning, designing, and executing projects across various typologies. He is currently heading the design team at Fospor Designs India Pvt Ltd. Some of his notable completed projects include residential apartments, commercial complexes, and serviced apartments. He is currently working on projects like residential towers in Durga and serviced apartments in Vaikundam that are under construction.
This document provides an overview of living with HIV for someone who recently received a positive diagnosis. It explains what HIV and AIDS are, how the virus attacks and weakens the immune system, and how regular testing of CD4 count and viral load monitors disease progression and treatment effectiveness. The document advises seeking medical care from an experienced doctor and maintaining overall health through proper nutrition, exercise, and mental wellness practices. It notes that antiretroviral treatment may not be needed immediately depending on CD4 count and symptoms, but is usually required at some point to prevent AIDS. Connecting to local AIDS support organizations is also recommended for information, resources, and connecting with other HIV-positive individuals.
The future belongs to young people ...
and it is us who will be affected most by the decisions we take today on Aids/HIV epidemic, climate change, food, energy, environmental degradation, economic stability and the continuing challenge of world poverty.
Such decisions will influence the shape and quality of our future lives and could even dictate how long we will live. So it is very important that us, as individuals and as a group, take a keen interest in these issues now – and make absolutely sure our views are heard.
_____________________________
I heard about this contest from an email from Slideshare.
Złote Effie 2008; Media Trendy 2008 Wyróżnienie
Kampania programu You Can Dance wykorzystywała interaktywne nośniki reklamy zewnętrznej. Głośniki emitowały muzykę, kamery rejestrowały taniec, a filmy z tanecznymi popisami przechodniów trafiały na stronę programu. Kampania odniosła wielki sukces, po raz pierwszy zrealizowaliśmy komunikację wykorzystującą outdoor do generowania kontentu przez uczestników. Kampania otrzymała Złote Effie w 2008 roku.
Este documento clasifica los polígonos según sus ángulos interiores y el número de lados, dividiéndolos en concavos, convexos, triángulos, cuadriláteros y polígonos con nombre específico para aquellos con 5 a 12 lados, mientras que los demás se identifican por su número de lados.
This document discusses different types of diesel vehicles. It begins by defining a diesel truck as a simple but efficient and economic truck that can be recognized by its sound and size. It then notes that while some cars are diesel-powered, they may not appear to be like trucks. Finally, it presents high-performance diesel cars as exotic options that can be fast and fuel efficient like a V8 engine.
The document provides biographical information about the Jonas Brothers band members. It describes Kevin Jonas as the oldest of three brothers and part Italian, Irish, German and Cherokee Indian. Joe Jonas is the middle brother described as funny and transparent. Nick Jonas formed the pop-rock band with his brothers Joe and Kevin after originally pursuing a solo singing career. Their younger brother Frankie Jonas is known for acting and his role in the sitcom JONAS alongside his famous older brothers.
Networked teaching, networked learning, Personal Learning NetworksFabio Nascimbeni
Presenting ideas on networked teaching and on the concept of Personal Learning Environment (PLN), plus some tips on how to successfully build a PLN for educators.
Moorea is a small island located in French Polynesia near Tahiti. It has a tropical climate with temperatures between 24-30 degrees Celsius. The main industries on the island are tourism, including hotels, restaurants, tours and cruises. Transportation options include boats, buses, cars and airplanes. Notable attractions for visitors involve water activities like snorkeling, fishing and boat tours. The local culture features traditional Polynesian weddings and an annual marathon.
British humour tends to be more cruel, childish, and focuses on mocking people and establishments. It can include bullying sarcasm and finding humour in misfortune. British humour also incorporates more smutty jokes and disrespect towards authority figures than American humour. The different types of humour discussed include sarcasm, physical/visual comedy, satire, black humour, puns, parody, topical references, and cultural references.
The document discusses financial literacy topics and challenges for different demographic groups. It outlines 10 curriculum areas for financial literacy including managing money, credit cards, retirement planning, and estate planning. It emphasizes that women and minority groups face unique financial challenges such as earning less and having greater caregiving responsibilities. The document encourages attendees to take financial literacy courses and share financial information with others to gain control of their financial futures.
The Hesperus - We offer a large selection of Nautical Clocks shown of various types like Chelsea U.S Maritime, Danish Ship Clock,
Wooden Regulator Day and Date Clock and Russian Submarine Clock etc.
Pioneer Promos is a sourcing company located in Yiwu, China that provides various promotional products and services directly to customers. As a local representative, they offer competitive pricing, fast sourcing, quality control, and other services like product design and shipping. They can source over 200,000 product varieties from Yiwu's large international commodities market within 24-48 hours.
Verzetskranten Tweede Wereldoorlog naar WikipediaOlaf Janssen
Tijdens de Tweede Wereldoorlog zijn plusminus 1200 verzetskrantentitels uitgegeven. Deze zijn vrijwel allemaal full-tekst in www.Delpher.nl beschikbaar. Delpher biedt – behalve wat summiere publicatiegegevens - echter geen contextuele (achtergrond)informatie over die verzetskranten.
Voor veel mensen zal Wikipedia een natuurlijke plek zijn om dit soort informatie op te zoeken. Helaas is de inventarisatie en beschrijving van de WW2-verzetskranten op Wikipedia zeer onvolledig, van de 1200 worden er maar een handjevol beschreven.
Dit project heef twee doelen:
• Een Wikipedia-artikel (en geassocieerd Wikidata-item) maken voor elk van de 1200 verzetskrantentitels. Hierbij wordt gebruik gemaakt van informatie uit "De Ondergrondse Pers 1940-1945" van Lydia E. Winkel (http://www.niod.nl/nl/de-ondergrondse-pers-1940-1945), Delpher en de KB-catalogus. Vanuit elk artikel worden koppelingen gelegd terug naar deze bronbestanden.
• Het gebruiken van deze artikelen om (via de Wikipedia API) de krantentitels in Delpher van extra context te voorzien.
Meer info: https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Wikiproject/Verzetskranten
software development practices like procedural coding are like training wheels, they help when we start development, but are detrimental later. This presentation lists few such practices and their alternatives
A tribute to simon gillespie by dr. jeffrey lant master marketer and also col...howie martell
This document provides advice from Dr. Jeffrey Lant on how to participate in auctions as an art collector. It recommends getting catalogs from auction houses to familiarize yourself with their offerings. It also suggests meeting auction experts in your field of interest and creating your own team of advisors like conservators. Finally, it advises setting a budget limit and sticking to it when bidding to avoid overpaying. The overall message is that preparation, expertise, and discipline are key to successful auction participation.
Escuelas que trabajan para superar el fracaso escolar todos pueden aprenderBlopar
Este documento propone organizar reuniones con los padres de los estudiantes del primer año para favorecer las relaciones entre la escuela y las familias. Sugiere sensibilizar a los docentes sobre la importancia de involucrar a los padres y compartir información sobre el progreso de los estudiantes. También recomienda invitar a los padres a promover la participación de referentes significativos en el desarrollo y aprendizaje de los niños y mantener informada a las familias sobre los logros de los estudiantes. El objetivo es que padres y
WW2 underground newspapers on Wikipedia using DBPedia , 12-2-2016, The HagueOlaf Janssen
Presentation about my project (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/nl:Wikipedia:Wikiproject/Verzetskranten) describing and interlinking all 1300 Dutch resistance newspapers from WW2 on Wikipedia using DBpedia.
Given during the 6th DBpedia International Community Meeting on 12-2-2016 in The Hague (http://wiki.dbpedia.org/meetings/TheHague2016)
The document provides an overview of a simulation for an oil and gas exploration team. The team's task is to maximize return on investment by exploring a new petroleum province. They start with $200 million and can apply for more funds. The simulation involves multiple phases: finding basins from surveys, bidding on licenses, drilling exploration wells, testing discoveries, and applying for additional funding if needed. The goal is to accumulate knowledge points through accurate decisions and have the highest return on investment to win the simulation.
Vijay Mewada is a senior architect with 16 years of experience in planning, designing, and executing projects across various typologies. He is currently heading the design team at Fospor Designs India Pvt Ltd. Some of his notable completed projects include residential apartments, commercial complexes, and serviced apartments. He is currently working on projects like residential towers in Durga and serviced apartments in Vaikundam that are under construction.
This document provides an overview of living with HIV for someone who recently received a positive diagnosis. It explains what HIV and AIDS are, how the virus attacks and weakens the immune system, and how regular testing of CD4 count and viral load monitors disease progression and treatment effectiveness. The document advises seeking medical care from an experienced doctor and maintaining overall health through proper nutrition, exercise, and mental wellness practices. It notes that antiretroviral treatment may not be needed immediately depending on CD4 count and symptoms, but is usually required at some point to prevent AIDS. Connecting to local AIDS support organizations is also recommended for information, resources, and connecting with other HIV-positive individuals.
The future belongs to young people ...
and it is us who will be affected most by the decisions we take today on Aids/HIV epidemic, climate change, food, energy, environmental degradation, economic stability and the continuing challenge of world poverty.
Such decisions will influence the shape and quality of our future lives and could even dictate how long we will live. So it is very important that us, as individuals and as a group, take a keen interest in these issues now – and make absolutely sure our views are heard.
_____________________________
I heard about this contest from an email from Slideshare.
This document provides information for HIV-positive Latinos on health, treatment, and living with HIV. It discusses how an HIV diagnosis can affect people emotionally and the importance of seeking support from community organizations. It also emphasizes the importance of self-care, continuing life goals and education, and accessing appropriate medical care and treatment options. The overall message is that while having HIV brings challenges, individuals are not alone and can take steps to maintain their health.
After You've Tested Positive (Additional PLUS Reading Materials)Positive_Force
This document provides an overview of information for someone who has recently tested positive for HIV. It discusses how living with HIV today is different than in the past due to improved treatment options. The document also covers basic information about HIV and the immune system, when a person may need to start HIV treatment, and general health topics like developing a relationship with a doctor and considering support systems. The goal is to help those newly diagnosed with HIV understand their diagnosis and learn how to live well by taking care of their health and accessing available resources.
The document discusses the history and transmission of HIV/AIDS, noting that the first case was reported in the US in 1981 and over 1 million people had been infected by 2001, with over 400,000 deaths. It emphasizes that HIV can infect anyone and explains that the virus is most often transmitted through unprotected sex and contact with infected bodily fluids. The text provides information on testing, treatment, and prevention methods like condom use and advises readers not to believe HIV is not serious, as there is currently no cure.
The document discusses World AIDS Day which is on December 1st and focuses on getting to zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination, and zero AIDS-related deaths. It provides information about HIV, debunking several myths such as that HIV only affects Africa, that it cannot be treated, and that women cannot have HIV-negative babies if treated. It also shares statistics on the number of people living with and who have died from HIV/AIDS globally and in the UK and discusses the medical and social issues faced by those suffering from HIV/AIDS.
The document discusses World AIDS Day which is on December 1st and focuses on getting to zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination, and zero AIDS-related deaths. It provides information about HIV, debunking several myths such as that HIV only affects Africa, that it cannot be treated, and that women cannot have HIV-negative babies if treated. It also shares statistics on the number of people living with and who have died from HIV/AIDS globally and in the UK and discusses the medical and social issues faced by those suffering from HIV/AIDS.
HIV is a virus spread through certain body fluids that attacks the body's immune system, specifically the CD4 cells, often called T cells. Over time, HIV can destroy so many of these cells that the body can't fight off infections and disease. These special cells help the immune system fight off infections.
The document provides information about HIV/AIDS, including what it is, how it is transmitted, myths about transmission, symptoms of AIDS, and testing and treatment. It explains that HIV weakens the immune system, AIDS is the final stage of HIV infection when the immune system is severely damaged, and while antiretroviral drugs can suppress HIV, there is currently no cure. It aims to educate about the facts of HIV/AIDS transmission and dispel common myths.
This document provides information about HIV/AIDS, including definitions of HIV and AIDS, how HIV attacks and destroys immune cells, how HIV is transmitted, testing and treatment options, and recommendations for preventing transmission. It seeks to separate facts from common misconceptions and outlines the risks of contracting HIV as well as signs and symptoms of infection. Resources for further information and local testing sites are provided.
Tony Lane is the founder of Positive Life, an organization that empowers and supports people living with HIV through education, linkage to care, and community. The document discusses HIV/AIDS statistics in Fresno County, details about HIV transmission and treatment, the importance of disclosure and dating safely as an HIV positive individual, and resources available for support.
Tony Lane is the founder of Positive Life, an organization that empowers and supports people living with HIV through education, linkage to care, and community building. The document discusses HIV/AIDS statistics in Fresno County, details about HIV transmission and treatment, the importance of disclosing one's status, dating and relationships, ways to protect partners, and coping as someone living with HIV. It aims to educate about HIV while providing hope and empowerment to those affected.
HIV originated from a virus found in chimpanzees. It likely entered the US in the 1970s and was originally known as GRID since it seemed to affect gay men. In the early 1980s it became apparent that HIV could infect heterosexuals as well, and it was renamed to AIDS. In 1984, scientists identified HIV as the cause of AIDS. The first drug to treat AIDS, AZT, was approved in 1987. HIV attacks and weakens the immune system, ultimately leading to AIDS if not treated. It is most often transmitted through unprotected sex or sharing needles.
The document provides information about HIV and AIDS, including:
- HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus and causes AIDS by targeting and infecting CD4 cells, which weakens the immune system over time.
- AIDS is diagnosed when someone with HIV has a CD4 count of 200 or less or has an opportunistic infection. Opportunistic infections take advantage of a weakened immune system.
- Common myths about HIV transmission through casual contact or fluids like sweat are untrue. HIV is only transmitted through blood, semen, vaginal fluids, or breast milk.
- The immune system, made up of cells like T cells and B cells, protects the body from infection but HIV targets CD
A presentation on HIV&AIDS awareness. It useful for the Life-Orientation Educators and even anyone beacuse it has a very crucial information that can help anyone.
This presentation will cover the basics of HIV and AIDS. By the end of this presentation, we hope that everyone will understand what HIV and AIDS mean, how the virus is transmitted, and Saskatchewan HIV statistics.
HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus and causes AIDS. Many people may be infected for years without knowing through risky behaviors like unprotected sex and sharing needles. The only way to know for sure is to get an HIV test. If tested positive, one can take steps to prevent the onset of AIDS and spreading it to others. The best prevention methods are abstinence, monogamy, condom use, and getting tested. Those living with HIV can join support groups, disclose carefully, and focus on health through medication, exercise, and diet to combat stigma and live positively.
This document dispels common myths about HIV/AIDS through a series of myths and corresponding facts. Some myths addressed include that HIV always leads to a quick death, HIV status can be determined by appearance, HIV tests provide immediate results, and only certain groups are at risk of infection. The facts emphasize that early testing and treatment allows for a normal life expectancy, HIV status is private, and anyone engaging in risky behaviors can become infected. Overall, the document aims to reduce stigma by providing accurate information about HIV transmission and living with the virus.
There is no vaccine or cure for HIV, but treatment can allow those infected to live long and healthy lives. HIV is transmitted through certain bodily fluids, primarily blood, semen, rectal fluids, vaginal fluids and breast milk. Common ways of transmission include unprotected sex and sharing drug equipment. While oral sex poses a lower risk, safer sex practices like condoms are recommended. Anyone can acquire HIV regardless of age, sex, race or sexual orientation. Regular testing is important since there may be no symptoms initially despite one's ability to transmit the virus. With medical care, including treatment during pregnancy, the risk of transmitting HIV from mother to child can be reduced to less than 2%.
This document provides information about HIV/AIDS. It begins by stating that AIDS is one of the most serious and deadly diseases in human history. It then provides some statistics, such as that approximately 35 million people have died from AIDS since the beginning. The document goes on to explain what HIV and AIDS are, how HIV is transmitted from one person to another, the symptoms of AIDS, and important facts about prevention and treatment. It aims to increase awareness and understanding about this disease.
Histololgy of Female Reproductive System.pptxAyeshaZaid1
Dive into an in-depth exploration of the histological structure of female reproductive system with this comprehensive lecture. Presented by Dr. Ayesha Irfan, Assistant Professor of Anatomy, this presentation covers the Gross anatomy and functional histology of the female reproductive organs. Ideal for students, educators, and anyone interested in medical science, this lecture provides clear explanations, detailed diagrams, and valuable insights into female reproductive system. Enhance your knowledge and understanding of this essential aspect of human biology.
Cell Therapy Expansion and Challenges in Autoimmune DiseaseHealth Advances
There is increasing confidence that cell therapies will soon play a role in the treatment of autoimmune disorders, but the extent of this impact remains to be seen. Early readouts on autologous CAR-Ts in lupus are encouraging, but manufacturing and cost limitations are likely to restrict access to highly refractory patients. Allogeneic CAR-Ts have the potential to broaden access to earlier lines of treatment due to their inherent cost benefits, however they will need to demonstrate comparable or improved efficacy to established modalities.
In addition to infrastructure and capacity constraints, CAR-Ts face a very different risk-benefit dynamic in autoimmune compared to oncology, highlighting the need for tolerable therapies with low adverse event risk. CAR-NK and Treg-based therapies are also being developed in certain autoimmune disorders and may demonstrate favorable safety profiles. Several novel non-cell therapies such as bispecific antibodies, nanobodies, and RNAi drugs, may also offer future alternative competitive solutions with variable value propositions.
Widespread adoption of cell therapies will not only require strong efficacy and safety data, but also adapted pricing and access strategies. At oncology-based price points, CAR-Ts are unlikely to achieve broad market access in autoimmune disorders, with eligible patient populations that are potentially orders of magnitude greater than the number of currently addressable cancer patients. Developers have made strides towards reducing cell therapy COGS while improving manufacturing efficiency, but payors will inevitably restrict access until more sustainable pricing is achieved.
Despite these headwinds, industry leaders and investors remain confident that cell therapies are poised to address significant unmet need in patients suffering from autoimmune disorders. However, the extent of this impact on the treatment landscape remains to be seen, as the industry rapidly approaches an inflection point.
TEST BANK For Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 14th Edition by Bertram G. Kat...rightmanforbloodline
TEST BANK For Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 14th Edition by Bertram G. Katzung, Verified Chapters 1 - 66, Complete Newest Version.
TEST BANK For Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 14th Edition by Bertram G. Katzung, Verified Chapters 1 - 66, Complete Newest Version.
TEST BANK For Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 14th Edition by Bertram G. Katzung, Verified Chapters 1 - 66, Complete Newest Version.
TEST BANK For Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 14th Edition by Bertram G. Katzung, Verified Chapters 1 - 66, Complete Newest Version.
Integrating Ayurveda into Parkinson’s Management: A Holistic ApproachAyurveda ForAll
Explore the benefits of combining Ayurveda with conventional Parkinson's treatments. Learn how a holistic approach can manage symptoms, enhance well-being, and balance body energies. Discover the steps to safely integrate Ayurvedic practices into your Parkinson’s care plan, including expert guidance on diet, herbal remedies, and lifestyle modifications.
TEST BANK For Community Health Nursing A Canadian Perspective, 5th Edition by...Donc Test
TEST BANK For Community Health Nursing A Canadian Perspective, 5th Edition by Stamler, Verified Chapters 1 - 33, Complete Newest Version Community Health Nursing A Canadian Perspective, 5th Edition by Stamler, Verified Chapters 1 - 33, Complete Newest Version Community Health Nursing A Canadian Perspective, 5th Edition by Stamler Community Health Nursing A Canadian Perspective, 5th Edition TEST BANK by Stamler Test Bank For Community Health Nursing A Canadian Perspective, 5th Edition Pdf Chapters Download Test Bank For Community Health Nursing A Canadian Perspective, 5th Edition Pdf Download Stuvia Test Bank For Community Health Nursing A Canadian Perspective, 5th Edition Study Guide Test Bank For Community Health Nursing A Canadian Perspective, 5th Edition Ebook Download Stuvia Test Bank For Community Health Nursing A Canadian Perspective, 5th Edition Questions and Answers Quizlet Test Bank For Community Health Nursing A Canadian Perspective, 5th Edition Studocu Test Bank For Community Health Nursing A Canadian Perspective, 5th Edition Quizlet Test Bank For Community Health Nursing A Canadian Perspective, 5th Edition Stuvia Community Health Nursing A Canadian Perspective, 5th Edition Pdf Chapters Download Community Health Nursing A Canadian Perspective, 5th Edition Pdf Download Course Hero Community Health Nursing A Canadian Perspective, 5th Edition Answers Quizlet Community Health Nursing A Canadian Perspective, 5th Edition Ebook Download Course hero Community Health Nursing A Canadian Perspective, 5th Edition Questions and Answers Community Health Nursing A Canadian Perspective, 5th Edition Studocu Community Health Nursing A Canadian Perspective, 5th Edition Quizlet Community Health Nursing A Canadian Perspective, 5th Edition Stuvia Community Health Nursing A Canadian Perspective, 5th Edition Test Bank Pdf Chapters Download Community Health Nursing A Canadian Perspective, 5th Edition Test Bank Pdf Download Stuvia Community Health Nursing A Canadian Perspective, 5th Edition Test Bank Study Guide Questions and Answers Community Health Nursing A Canadian Perspective, 5th Edition Test Bank Ebook Download Stuvia Community Health Nursing A Canadian Perspective, 5th Edition Test Bank Questions Quizlet Community Health Nursing A Canadian Perspective, 5th Edition Test Bank Studocu Community Health Nursing A Canadian Perspective, 5th Edition Test Bank Quizlet Community Health Nursing A Canadian Perspective, 5th Edition Test Bank Stuvia
Osteoporosis - Definition , Evaluation and Management .pdfJim Jacob Roy
Osteoporosis is an increasing cause of morbidity among the elderly.
In this document , a brief outline of osteoporosis is given , including the risk factors of osteoporosis fractures , the indications for testing bone mineral density and the management of osteoporosis
These lecture slides, by Dr Sidra Arshad, offer a quick overview of the physiological basis of a normal electrocardiogram.
Learning objectives:
1. Define an electrocardiogram (ECG) and electrocardiography
2. Describe how dipoles generated by the heart produce the waveforms of the ECG
3. Describe the components of a normal electrocardiogram of a typical bipolar lead (limb II)
4. Differentiate between intervals and segments
5. Enlist some common indications for obtaining an ECG
6. Describe the flow of current around the heart during the cardiac cycle
7. Discuss the placement and polarity of the leads of electrocardiograph
8. Describe the normal electrocardiograms recorded from the limb leads and explain the physiological basis of the different records that are obtained
9. Define mean electrical vector (axis) of the heart and give the normal range
10. Define the mean QRS vector
11. Describe the axes of leads (hexagonal reference system)
12. Comprehend the vectorial analysis of the normal ECG
13. Determine the mean electrical axis of the ventricular QRS and appreciate the mean axis deviation
14. Explain the concepts of current of injury, J point, and their significance
Study Resources:
1. Chapter 11, Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology, 14th edition
2. Chapter 9, Human Physiology - From Cells to Systems, Lauralee Sherwood, 9th edition
3. Chapter 29, Ganong’s Review of Medical Physiology, 26th edition
4. Electrocardiogram, StatPearls - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549803/
5. ECG in Medical Practice by ABM Abdullah, 4th edition
6. Chapter 3, Cardiology Explained, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK2214/
7. ECG Basics, http://www.nataliescasebook.com/tag/e-c-g-basics
share - Lions, tigers, AI and health misinformation, oh my!.pptxTina Purnat
• Pitfalls and pivots needed to use AI effectively in public health
• Evidence-based strategies to address health misinformation effectively
• Building trust with communities online and offline
• Equipping health professionals to address questions, concerns and health misinformation
• Assessing risk and mitigating harm from adverse health narratives in communities, health workforce and health system
Muktapishti is a traditional Ayurvedic preparation made from Shoditha Mukta (Purified Pearl), is believed to help regulate thyroid function and reduce symptoms of hyperthyroidism due to its cooling and balancing properties. Clinical evidence on its efficacy remains limited, necessitating further research to validate its therapeutic benefits.
3. Did You Just Test
HIV Positive?
You’re Not Alone!
We don’t want to make light of what you’re going through.
Getting an HIV diagnosis may feel like the worst thing that has ever
happened to you. Anger, fear, numbness, confusion, depression—
all are completely natural reactions to testing HIV positive. Allow
yourself to feel the way you do. Don’t be hard on yourself or think
you have to be strong. You don’t have to be anything. It is your life,
your body and your health. Allow yourself to take time to decide
what you want to do. Then go do it.
But pay attention to this: There is life after testing positive.
One million Americans are now living with HIV, and approximately
18 percent of those newly diagnosed with HIV are Hispanic. In
fact, although they may seem invisible, more than 80,000 HIV-
positive Hispanic men and women are estimated to be living with
HIV in the United States.
so, take a deep Breath. No matter how alone you may feel
right now, know that there is a big community of people out there
ready to provide information, support, advice and many other
resources. In this booklet, you’ll meet some of these men and
women. We hope they will help you fight the fear, ignorance and
prejudice about HIV and HIV-positive people that unfortunately
still exist. We hope you’ll use this booklet to learn more about
HIV—and to discover some helpful steps you can take to live a full
and happy life with HIV.
1
4. STEP
Getting Smart
About HIV
Once you find out that you are HIV positive, one
of the most important things you can do is get
informed.
the FaCts aBout hiV: There are hundreds of different kinds of
viruses in the world. Some are just annoying, like the viruses that cause
colds. Others, like HIV or the hepatitis C virus, can cause serious, even
life-threatening, illnesses. How can you prevent HIV-related illnesses? By
taking care of yourself—which includes taking HIV medications that can
control HIV.
What hiV does to your Body: HIV is dangerous because it sets
up shop in your immune system, your body’s natural defense against
disease. It especially targets your “CD4 cells,” also called “T cells,”
which your body uses to fight infections. HIV takes command of these
cells—like a pirate taking over a ship—and uses them to reproduce
itself, creating millions of new viruses every day and slowly but surely
weakening your immune system, which is what can put you at risk for
developing potentially dangerous illnesses.
The stronger your immune system, the longer it can keep up the fight
against HIV. If you treat your immune system well—especially by taking
care of yourself, reducing stress, avoiding alcohol and not smoking
cigarettes or using recreational drugs—your immune system may be
able to keep HIV in check for years.
But even if you treat your body well, HIV can still eventually get the upper
hand. Then it’s time to call in the big guns: HIV medications. We’ll talk more
about HIV medications later. First, let’s dispel some myths about HIV.
2
5. “At first, I was scared to start treatment. I knew a little bit
about HIV, but I was pretty ignorant. I had heard stuff
like, ‘medications kill people,’ crazy stuff like that. When
I started treatment, I had side effects like diarrhea for a
couple of months. But it went away and I haven’t had
any problems at all, after that.”
—Raúl Roldán, diagnosed in 2006
Myth Versus reality
Even though the facts about HIV are well known and agreed
upon by every HIV specialist and every single HIV/AIDS
organization in the United States, there remains a lot of
misinformation about HIV.
Myth: hiV can be transmitted sex is the rule to keep your partner
through everyday contact. safe. Plus, you can get in serious legal
reality: There are absolutely no trouble if you don’t tell your partner
documented cases of HIV being about your HIV.
transmitted casually through handshakes,
hugging, sharing cups or dinner plates or Myth: hiV is a gay disease.
using the same bathrooms. reality: Tell that to the more than
125,000 women living with HIV in
Myth: hiV doesn’t cause aids. the United States. Or to the men
reality: After 25 years, there is a who got HIV through heterosexual
mountain of proof that HIV can cause sex or intravenous drug use.
life threatening illnesses and advanced
HIV, also known as AIDS. Everyone who Myth: there’s a cure for hiV,
ever got sick or died from AIDS had one but only the rich have it.
thing in common: They had HIV. reality: If rich people had a cure
for HIV or AIDS, people like Magic
Myth: taking hiV meds means Johnson, who is a multimillionaire,
you don’t have to practice would be cured. Yes, Magic looks
safer sex. fantastic and—even with HIV—is
reality: HIV meds can get rid of healthier than many HIV-negative
nearly all the virus in your blood. Americans. But that’s because
Although this will decrease the risk he takes care of himself and is on
of infection to your sex partners, HIV treatment—the exact same
blood, semen and vaginal fluids still treatment available to everyone
contain HIV. This means that protected with HIV in the United States.
3
6. STEP
Telling
Others
How do you tell friends or family that you have been
diagnosed with HIV? It’s one of the greatest challenges
you’ll face—and it’s not something to rush into if you’re
not ready. There are some important personal steps you
should take before you disclose your status to others.
ForgiVe yourselF ... like forgiveness.” That is the moment
HIV is a loaded term: An ignorant world that Heidi remembered something
has wrongly stuffed those three letters full she had forgotten: “Forgiveness is
of shame and judgment. But no matter something we choose; it only happens
what anyone tells you, HIV is not a when someone chooses it.”
punishment for sin or immorality.
Having HIV is not a crime. HIV is just a giVe yourselF tiMe
virus that causes a disease. It does not There’s no rule of thumb that can tell
discriminate. Anyone can get it. you how long you will need to come to
terms with your HIV diagnosis. Some
“In the beginning, I couldn’t forgive people need a few weeks or months;
myself for getting HIV,” remembers for others, it can take years.
Heidi Nass, who was diagnosed in
1996. “I felt compassion toward So give yourself time. Everyone adjusts in
others, regardless of what led them to his or her own way. Let yourself have
their infection, but I could not find it the time and space you need to find
for myself.” the answers you’re looking for.
This changed for Heidi when she spoke seek out support
with a close female friend, who had Once you have taken the time to get
gotten HIV long ago from using dirty used to your new status—and this may
needles when shooting drugs. Her friend take awhile—an important step to take
counseled, “If you’re looking for reasons is to find someone you can confide in—
to feel shame, you’ll always be able to someone you can trust who will be there
find them. At some point, though, you when you need them. Emotional support
might want to look for something else is essential for your survival. Although
4
7. “When I told a friend I was positive, she got up
off her chair and hugged me. I think at that time,
that’s all I needed. I needed to see that—even
though I had this dreaded disease that everyone
was saying was so terrible and only bad people
got—I could still get some affection, care or
concern from somebody else.”
—Bernadette Berzoza, diagnosed in 1989
figuring out in whom to place that partner. It’s no one else’s business—
trust can be a difficult decision. not your friends, not your family, not
your boss or your coworkers.
When Joseph Torres, who was
diagnosed in 1995, told his family, Some people find that it’s an important
they were “shocked, and there were part of their own healing process
a lot of tears. But there was also a lot to disclose their status to others,
of support from cousins and aunts and regardless of how they might react.
my brothers and sisters. … There are
a lot of people out there in this world Ultimately, by forgiving yourself, giving
who haven’t read about HIV, who yourself time to deal with your diagnosis
haven’t really looked into it. They make and then seeking out support, you’ll
comments that don’t make any sense, be able to get to a place where HIV
whereas my family members and is just another part of your life—not
friends, they went and studied HIV.” something that defines your life.
If you have no one in your immediate Ed Viera Jr., who was diagnosed in
circle that you feel you can trust, read 1987, says, “My advice to newly
Step 3 and contact one of the resources diagnosed people is to develop a
listed on page 19. Once you feel confident support network. It’s really important
that you’ve got a base of support, you to have one—to have a second and
can begin to reach out to the people you third family. In my case, my family
weren’t ready to talk to at first. turned their backs on me, closed
all doors. I had to develop support
Of course, there is absolutely no reason networks by going to HIV support
to tell everyone you know that you have groups. Go to a library, just talk to
HIV. The only person you are obligated people, get out there and stop being
to reveal your status to is your sexual isolated.”
“When I told my parents that I was positive, they
said, ‘You are our daughter, and we love you and
we will love you, three months, six years, 10 days
... whatever the time you will live, we will be
with you.’ ”
—Gracia Violeta Ross Quiroga, diagnosed in 2000
5
8. Dealing With
Machismo and
Homophobia
If you’re Hispanic, you already know how talk about it or even my homosexuality.”
common the culture of “machismo” is Enrique says that when he tells someone
among Hispanics. Avoiding condoms, that he’s homosexual or HIV positive or
having a lot of sex partners and both, “I can see a change in the look on
dominating women are still subtly their face. I transform from Chico to ‘this
encouraged. Homosexuality is for the guy.’”
most part still taboo. All of these are
reasons why HIV rates are growing in the For Enrique, it’s not easy to judge others
Hispanic community, researchers say. for their stance on HIV. After all, before
he was diagnosed, “I was one of them,”
Even after you’ve been diagnosed with he admits. “I was like my homeboys.
HIV, machismo can still have a major I didn’t care about HIV. I hardly knew
impact on your life. about HIV. I just knew you got sick and
died. But now that I’m a part of it, it’s
silenCe very different on the other side.”
“There’s a thick blanket of denial in the Enrique decided that the best way for
Latino community,” confides Enrique him to break through the silence and
Franco, an Army fight stigma is through actions, rather
veteran who was than words. “I’m not going to force it,”
d i a g n o s e d in he states. “I’m just going to live through
2007. “The Latino my actions to demonstrate that not all
community accepts gay guys try to hit on guys and think
my HIV, but it’s ‘in about sex all the time, or talk about girly
Enrique Franco
the family.’ They stuff.”
don’t talk about
it. ... We treat HIV like the pink elephant James Nicacio, who was diagnosed in
in the living room. It’s there, but we won’t 2001, has had a similar experience with
6
9. “I think that the machismo in the Hispanic
culture has blocked the progress and
acceptance of people who are living with
the virus. I know people who say they
can’t even mention their status to their
friends and family members. It’s the fear of
rejection, of being discriminated or feeling
less than others. That’s why you shouldn’t reveal your
status to another person until you are internally ready.”
—José Wilson Montoya, diagnosed in 1999
his family. “My for anyone. When the disease is as
mom is very stigmatized and feared as HIV, it makes
accepting of it doubly hard. But for many Hispanic
me and all the men, it’s not easy to acknowledge that
decisions that they may need help. “There’s just too
I make in life. much stress to do it alone,” says Roger
James Nicacio She’s accepted Solar, who was diagnosed in 1999. “In
the fact that the Hispanic culture, the macho man
I’m gay, but it’s something that was stands his ground. He supports the
really never talked about,” James says. family. He takes care of himself. He’s
“I think that’s pretty common in a lot the one who goes out and gets that
of Mexican families; it’s not discussed. job and gets the money. Whether you
I am who I am and I’m out.” However, are sick or not, you bite your tongue
James realizes he is fortunate: His and you don’t say anything.”
family has been completely accepting
of his homosexuality and his HIV status. However, Roger is one of many Hispanics
“Once I did tell them, once they said who urge people with HIV to fight these
that they loved me no matter what social pressures. “It’s wrong,” he says.
and that they were going to support “You need people.You need help.You need
me, and give me every opportunity to to be able to talk
take care of myself, then I could move to somebody.
forward.” You need to be
able to cry. You
need to be able
getting help to laugh. That’s
Coming face to face with a life- the only way you
threatening disease is daunting can live!” Roger Solar
7
10. Name: ahmad salcido
CD4 Count: 545
Viral Load: undetectable
Diagnosed: 2007
Age: 23
Job: student
“WHEN I tested HIV
positive,
felt lonely and deserted,” Ahmad
I
his friend’s urging, Ahmad moved
to San Francisco, partook of HIV
support groups and counseling,
Salcido recalls. “There was a pain and even managed to become part
that wouldn’t go away.” He knew of a clinical trial that provides him
he wouldn’t be able to cope with with free HIV treatment.
his diagnosis alone, but he also
knew that he couldn’t turn to his Ahmad also changed his lifestyle:
family: He’s never been very close He’s eating smarter and making
with his Mexican mother or his sure his health and happiness
Arabian father—in fact, they still are a priority. “I have to take care
have no idea that he’s gay, and of myself now more than ever
he feels it has to stay that way, now that my immune system is
at least for now. “My Mexican compromised,” he says. “I’m
culture does not approve of HIV, learning how to make the right
or of being homosexual,” Ahmad choices.” With help from his
says. “Being Muslim and being therapist, he’s putting together a
gay? Wow!” plan for how to come out to his
family without hurting them—or
But Ahmad had one person he himself.
felt certain he could trust, a close
friend living in San Francisco Looking back, Ahmad no longer
who Ahmad now calls his “little feels the despair he initially felt
angel.” Ahmad’s decision to share after he was diagnosed. Living
his HIV status with that friend with HIV is not as bad as he feared
was a difficult one, but it made it would be, he says. “This is a new
all the difference in the world: At beginning.” n
8
11. STEP
Getting
Connected to
Support
As we mentioned, nobody should face an HIV diagnosis
alone. So, whatever your reservations, make sure you
connect with other HIV-positive people. It’s a key step
towards solving both the emotional and practical
problems of living with HIV. Knowing when you need help
is vital. An HIV/AIDS organization can be a lifeline. Many
such organizations have case managers who can help you
move forward on many of your health care issues.
You’ll find most, if not all, of the taking HIV medications
following at HIV/AIDS organizations: • HIV prevention counseling, safer sex
• HIV support groups workshops and free condoms
• Mental health and substance abuse Most big cities have several HIV/AIDS
counseling organizations geared to meet the needs
• Case managers who can connect you of different populations. For help in
to government aid you may need, finding a local organization, go online to
such as Medicaid, disability insurance www.thebody.com/hotlines.html or call
or medication assistance the CDC Health Line at 1-800-232-4636.
• Expert information on HIV and For online information for anyone
nutrition, fitness and other issues just diagnosed with HIV, visit:
www.thebody.com/justdiagnosed.
• HIV treatment information and
adherence workshops to help with
“One of my friends who was sick told me to go to the
San Francisco AIDS Foundation. I knew that I could
learn a lot over there ... focus on getting healthy
and learning about medications. That’s why I’m still
there, almost every day. They have different classes.
Right now I’m taking a class on HIV medications.”
—Rubén Echeverría Hernández, diagnosed in 2002
9
12. STEP
Finding Quality
Health Care
Even if you don’t yet need treatment, it’s essential that
you find a medical professional who is experienced
in treating people with HIV. Regular checkups with
an HIV health care provider are extremely important,
even when you don’t feel sick.
You’ll need to find a health care sensitive issues—everything from sex,
provider (this could be a physician, drugs and alcohol use to missing
nurse practitioner or physician doses of HIV meds. Communication
assistant) with special training in HIV between you and your health care
who has treated 20 or more people provider is critical, so if you struggle
with HIV, in the past two years. You’ll with English, be sure to find someone
want someone who stays on top of fluent in Spanish.
the newest information about HIV
medications, tests and other issues. Your health care provider is your partner
in fighting the virus. She or he will be
However, it’s just as important to your ally for a long time, helping you
choose someone you like, someone deal with the ups and downs of HIV
you feel you can trust and be open disease, the drugs that control the virus,
with. This means you’ll need to find the side effects that may come with the
someone you can be honest with about drugs, and many other health issues.
“Get educated. Find a support group, so that if you
need to talk to somebody, you can talk there. Because
there are people like you who are dealing with the
same thing. Also, get a doctor who is a specialist
on HIV. That’s important, because not every doctor
knows about HIV.”
—Louis Curbelo, diagnosed in 1987
(pictured with his HIV-negative wife Rosalía)
10
13. “It’s important that undocumented people
know that they should seek HIV treatment
and health care and know that they are not
going to put themselves at risk for being
deported. There is health care for them.”
—James Nicacio, diagnosed in 2001
There’s a nationwide network of abuse and other issues. You may be
services, programs and resources to help assigned to a case manager, who
people with HIV remain healthy—even will become the person you can
people who may be undocumented or turn to first for whatever help you
have no insurance or low incomes. need—such as figuring out which
government programs can pay for
Many big cities have state-of-the-art your HIV medications and HIV care.
HIV clinics for people who have no
insurance. An HIV clinic will give you Live in a rural area? Getting the best
better care than other types of health HIV care possible may mean traveling
clinics or hospital emergency rooms, to the nearest city several times a
since it is staffed by HIV specialists year—an extra effort, but one that
and is equipped specifically to help will repay you with better health.
people with HIV. When you enroll in
these clinics, you get medical care For a list of HIV clinics near you, call
from a top team of HIV health care the CDC Health Line at 1-800-232-
providers as well as counseling and 4636 (for Spanish operators, dial 2 on
support for mental health, substance your phone when message begins).
“First things first: Find a good doctor, someone who
is an expert on HIV; get checked frequently; get your
basic counts at least every three months. Also, begin
getting more balanced nutrition. It’s also good to get
closer to your family, to stop risky behaviors and to get
information. If you can, get yourself a computer and get connected
to the Internet. There’s a lot of information out there.”
—Hector Olmo, diagnosed in 2005
11
14. STEP
Learning About
HIV Treatment
Your HIV-positive test result only lets you know that
you’ve been infected with HIV. To find out if it’s time
to get HIV treatment, you’ll have to visit a health care
provider and get two additional tests.
Most HIV-positive people can live many A normal CD4 count for someone
years with HIV before they need to take without HIV is usually between 500
medications to control it. However, and 1,600. Experts generally agree
every person who tests HIV positive that when your CD4 count goes below
should immediately have two additional 350, you’re at a high risk for developing
tests: a CD4 count and a viral load test. potentially dangerous illnesses, so you
These tests are the critical measuring should begin taking HIV medications
tools you and your health care provider before your CD4 count hits 350.
will use to see what the virus is doing
in (and to) your body. Cd4 Count explained
Healthy 500 – 1,600
the Cd4 Count test
Borderline Low 350 – 500
This test, also known as a “T-cell count
test,” gives an indication of the number Low 200 – 350
of CD4 cells in your bloodstream.The Extremely Dangerous 0 – 200
more CD4 cells you have, the stronger
your immune system is.
the Viral load test
After living with HIV for a while (if you Viral load tests provide an estimate of
don’t take medications), the number how much HIV is circulating in your
of CD4 cells you have will usually fall. blood. Generally speaking, your viral
This is a sign that your immune system load is not considered as critical as your
is being weakened. CD4 count in determining the health
12
15. “HIV is just three big letters. People hear it and panic.
But it’s just a big word.”
—Beatriz Díaz, diagnosed in 1992
of your immune system. However, resistance test. A resistance test will
once you begin HIV treatment, it is a tell you if your HIV has already become
good measure of how well your HIV resistant to any HIV medications. HIV is
medications are working. “resistant” to a medication if it keeps
multiplying rapidly even during the
A viral load test measures the amount time you are taking the drug. Changes
of HIV in a small amount (milliliter or (known as mutations) in the virus, can
mL) of your blood. Current viral load cause resistance.
tests can detect as few as 50 copies of
HIV per milliliter of blood. When your How could this happen? The person
viral load test indicates that you have you got HIV from may have been on
fewer than 50 copies/mL of HIV, your HIV treatment and his or her virus
health care provider will tell you that may have become resistant to one or
your viral load is “below the limit of more HIV medications. Transmitted
detection,” or “undetectable.” along with HIV was their resistance
to certain drugs. So before you take
This does not mean that you no treatment, you’ll want to be sure your
longer have HIV in your body. Even HIV is not resistant to any drugs.
someone who has an “undetectable”
viral load can transmit HIV. However,
an “undetectable” viral load means dealing With hiV and
that your medications are doing an other illnesses?
Be sure to stay on top of HIV as well as
excellent job of keeping HIV in check.
any other infections or illnesses. If you
are infected, for example, with HIV and
resistanCe testing hepatitis B or C, your physician may
Besides a CD4 count and viral load refer you to a liver specialist who also
test, your HIV specialist will look at specializes in HIV. If you are seeing
your overall health with a general other health care providers, besides
blood count test. You may also be your HIV specialist, be sure that they
given something called an HIV drug are all in contact.
13
16. Name: esmeralda
CD4 Count: 900
Viral Load: undetectable
Diagnosed: 1998
Age: 35
Job: housekeeper
ESMERALDA
(not her real name) discovered
had nowhere to go. So, she bravely
crossed the border into California to
live with her sister-in-law. While she
that her husband had HIV only was pregnant with her second baby,
after his death, a few days after a boy, she took medicine to prevent
he had entered the hospital for the transmission of HIV and didn’t
the first time. The couple had breastfeed him. He is HIV negative.
been living in a small Mexican
Esmeralda’s life soon took a turn
town. At first, his family didn’t
for the better. A social worker, a
tell her what was wrong.
nurse and a peer advocate helped
She soon discovered that she too had Esmeralda with services. Through
HIV. She was breastfeeding her baby them, Esmeralda met women
daughter at the time and, to protect with HIV who became her good
her daughter from getting HIV, she friends. They gave her rides to
was told to stop breastfeeding. appointments and supported her.
She remembers being “really, really
These days, Esmeralda is happily
scared” for her baby. Fortunately,
married to an HIV-negative
her daughter was HIV negative. But
man. She’s doing well medically
Esmeralda discovered that she was
and she even works full time
pregnant again.
cleaning houses. On evenings
Four days after her husband’s and Saturdays, she takes English
death, Esmeralda was encouraged lessons. She also volunteers at a
to move out. With little money, one women’s HIV organization and
baby, and another on the way, she an HIV clinic. n
14
17. Pregnancy
and HIV
In the dark old days of the late 1980s
preferred anti-hiV
Medications for
and early 1990s, when little HIV
pregnant hiV-positive treatment was available, having HIV
Women
dashed all hopes of motherhood. But
• Retrovir (AZT)
• Epivir today, with the right care, a woman
• Viramune with HIV can expect to lead a long
• Kaletra
and healthy life.
So, if your dream is to become a
anti-hiV Medications to
mother, the likelihood that you’ll have
avoid if you’re thinking
about getting pregnant an HIV-negative child is greater than
or if you are pregnant it’s ever been before. In fact, there’s
• Sustiva
• Atripla a baby boom among HIV-positive
• Videx + Zerit women. What do you need to know
about pregnancy and HIV? Turn the
page for answers to some frequently asked questions. Don’t forget
that regardless of whether or not you want to get pregnant, you
need regular gynecological care as well as HIV care.
“The biggest challenge in being pregnant and
HIV positive is the fear and not knowing, because
I didn’t know whether my son would be positive
or not. At first, I was very uneducated about
HIV and pregnancy, because I never intended on
getting pregnant ... I cried every day, and prayed every day.”
—Jessica Mardis, diagnosed in 1995,
mother to an HIV-negative son
15
18. Frequently Asked
Questions About
Pregnancy and HIV
Thinking about getting pregnant? Wondering how
pregnancy will affect your HIV? Browse through these
frequently asked questions and get some answers.
i don’t Want to get pregnant. of using a turkey baster to paying top
Can i take ContraCeptiVes? dollar at a fertility clinic. The key is for
Various HIV medications interact the HIV-positive partner to have an
with oral contraceptives, making undetectable viral load.
them less effective, so you’ll need to
also use other contraception to avoid i Want to BeCoMe a Mother,
pregnancy if you are taking HIV meds. But i’M hiV positiVe. Will My
BaBy also Be inFeCted?
is it harder For hiV-positiVe The most critical thing is for you to
WoMen to get pregnant? have an undetectable viral load. If your
Women with HIV may have a harder viral load is undetectable, and if you
time getting pregnant. If you’ve been take anti-HIV medication before and
trying to get pregnant for a while, during pregnancy and delivery, your
you may want to see a fertility doctor baby only has a 1 to 2 percent risk of
experienced with HIV-positive women. being infected. If you do not take HIV
treatment, the baby has a 20 to 30
My partner is hiV negatiVe percent chance of being HIV infected.
and i’M not. Can We still
start a FaMily? Will anti-hiV MediCations
There are many ways to have a baby when harM Me or My BaBy?
you are in a mixed-status relationship. The majority of HIV medications have
Although there is no method that is 100 been shown not to harm babies. Only
percent risk-free, there are many low- Sustiva, which is one of the drugs in the
risk options, from the at home method one-pill, once-a-day regimen of Atripla,
16
19. “I started taking HIV medications after my
second child was born. That’s when my
fight started—fighting to be OK. I needed
to be OK, I had to be OK, for these kids.
Because I’m not leaving these kids
alone.”
—Esmeralda, diagnosed in 1998
and the combination of Videx and Zerit HIV medications for approximately six
should not be taken by any woman weeks.
thinking of becoming pregnant. Talk
to your doctor about which other Can i BreastFeed?
drugs may be harmful during your Breast milk can transmit HIV, so it’s
pregnancy. If you are already taking recommended that women with HIV
anti-HIV medications, the worst thing do not breastfeed and instead use
you can do is stop taking them without infant formula.
consulting your doctor first.
is pregnanCy diFFerent For
C-seCtion or Vaginal Birth? hiV-positiVe WoMen?
Plan for a normal vaginal birth only if Research shows little difference
you have an undetectable viral load. If between pregnancy in HIV-positive
your viral load is above 1,000, plan for women and negative women. Women
a C-section since a C-section would taking HIV medications may be more
dramatically reduce your chance of likely to give birth prematurely or have
transmitting HIV to your baby. babies that weigh less than average.
Will pregnanCy aggraVate hoW do i Find an
My illness? oBstetriCian Who is
HIV does not progress any faster in knoWledgeaBle aBout hiV-
HIV-positive women who get pregnant. positiVe WoMen?
It’s important, however, that you get The best person to ask for a referral is
your HIV and any other disease, such your health care provider, if he or she
as diabetes, under control before you is an HIV specialist. Otherwise, call the
get pregnant. largest HIV organization near you and
ask for a referral. It’s crucial to your
Will My BaBy haVe to take health and the health of your baby that
hiV MediCations? you find someone with lots of experience
Yes, you will have to give your baby helping pregnant HIV-positive women.
17
20. Name: raúl roldán
CD4 Count: 496
Viral Load: undetectable
Diagnosed: 2006
Age: 41
Job: hiV Case Worker
RAÚL
Roldán has lived Raúl found a drop-in center that
two lives. There was taught him about HIV and connected
his life before HIV: Abandoned in him to the services he needed.
Tijuana by his father when he was A heterosexual support group at
11, he later spent years homeless Christie’s Place became the family
in San Diego, supporting a 17- he never had. His HIV is now under
year addiction to crystal meth with control, thanks to his HIV meds.
maintenance jobs. A marriage
came and went; he barely knew Raúl quit crystal meth for good in
his daughter, born in 2000. 2006. He now has a steady job as
an HIV case manager and is leasing
In 2006, Raúl’s second life began. his first apartment. He began
Diagnosed with HIV while he was paying child support and regularly
in a substance abuse program, spends time with his daughter. He
Raúl’s CD4 count was already even recently found love.
below 300. Yet it took him a
while to even accept that he was “The most important thing that
positive. “That was my main HIV has taught me is to just live
hurdle; I had to overcome the my life,” Raúl says. “I have learned
stigma from within,” he recounts. that HIV is just a small part of who I
“I was uncomfortable with my am: I have brown eyes; I have black
status because everybody was hair; I have tan skin. It’s just a part
saying it’s a gay disease or it’s of who I am. It’s not everything.
this or it’s that, and I was just as Life is what you make it, so I just
ignorant as they were.” strive to make life good.” n
18
21. Resources
As we’ve mentioned, HIV/AIDS organizations can
provide invaluable help. There are even a growing
number of groups throughout the United States
that specifically cater to the needs of Hispanic
people living with HIV. All of the groups listed below
welcome questions in both English and Spanish.
nationwide organizations: information or support at any of the
Call the 24-hour CDC Health Line organizations listed below:
at 1-800-232-4636 for referrals to
Hispanic AIDS Forum (New York)
organizations near you. (For Spanish,
Offers help managing medical care,
dial 2 on your phone when the
rent assistance, emotional support
message begins.)
and health education: 1-212-563-4500
Another great resource is the bilingual
El Grupo at San Francisco AIDS
California HIV/AIDS hotline at 1-800-
Foundation
367-2437 or 1-415-863-2437. Call
The longest-running bilingual support
them for referrals and questions about
group for HIV-positive Hispanic people
HIV. Or e-mail them at contact-us@
in the United States: 1-415-487-8000
AIDSHotline.org.
Mujeres Unidas Contra el SIDA
For information about HIV treatment,
(San Antonio, Texas)
call AIDS Treatment Data Network,
Hosts support groups for HIV-affected
Monday through Friday, at 1-800-
Hispanic men, women and families:
734-7104 or call Project Inform at
1-210-738-3393
1-800-822-7422
Unión Positiva (Miami, Fla.)
Women Alive, the country’s largest Offers support groups, workshops
organization for HIV-positive women, and referrals tailored to the needs of
offers a bilingual hotline: 1-800-554- Hispanic HIVers: 1-305-644-0667
4876, Monday through Friday, from
11 to 5 Voces Latinas (Woodside, N.Y.)
Provides workshops for immigrant
hispanic hiV/aids organizations: Latinas living with or at risk for HIV:
No matter where you live, you can get 1-718-593-4528
19
22. STEP
Preparing to Start
HIV Treatment
Once your health care provider recommends that you
begin treatment, it’s important to consider how treatment
will change your life. Are you ready mentally, as well as
physically, to take medications every day? Remember: Most
HIV specialists say that you have to take your medications
exactly as prescribed, at least 95 percent of the time, to
keep HIV under control and prevent it from becoming
“resistant.” HIV that is resistant can make your medications
less effective.
This means you have to be certain that successfully controls your HIV, and if you
taking your medications will become a take each and every pill as prescribed,
central part of your daily life. Be honest you may not have to change medications
with your HIV specialist about anything for a long time. Here are some things to
that may make it more difficult for you consider:
to take all of your medications on time. If
you have a case manager or a counselor, What iF you aren’t alWays aBle
talk with them about this important issue to take all your MediCations
as well. on tiMe?
This may cause your combination of
Without a doubt, the commitment
medications to fail. If this happens, it can
to taking HIV medications will be
get harder and harder to keep HIV under
challenging. This is especially true for
control with each new drug combination.
women, who generally have lots of
It’s crucial to identify a combination you
family responsibilities to deal with.
can stick to, before you start treatment.
However, you have a good chance of
keeping HIV under control with the your MediCation sChedule
very first combination of medications shouldn’t Be too CoMplex
that works for you. If this combination One thing is certain: Taking medications
20
23. “I’ve been on my regimen for a little over two
years. I’ve never missed one dosage. I have my
big pill organizer for the week. I just fill it once
a week with my meds and my vitamins. I
always take them. I’d rather skip on my
vitamins. But I never skip on my meds.”
—Rafael Abadia, diagnosed in 1993
daily will change your life. This is want to give this first combination
especially challenging when you are your best shot, talk to your doctor and
taking care of children. Suddenly, read about the possible side effects
you’ll have an additional responsibility. of the medications you are thinking
You’ll always have to be of taking. This can help
aware of the time, your IT HELPS you not only to plan how
schedule and changes in to manage side effects if
your routine.
A LOT they arise, but to choose
TO HAVE medications whose
In some cases, you may
have to schedule taking
FRIENDS, possible side effects you
can manage. Be sure
your HIV medicine around FAMILY, A to let your doctor know
meals or take it with or SUPPORT before you stop medicines
without certain foods.
Even if you are depressed
GROUP due to side effects.
or busy, you will still have OR A your Mental health
to take your medications THERAPIST and surroundings
as prescribed every single are CritiCal
day. So, before you begin
YOU CAN
If you are depressed, using
HIV treatment, you must RELY ON. recreational drugs or
ask yourself: “Am I really living on a friend’s couch,
ready?” it may be unrealistic to
assume you’ll be able to take all your
plan hoW you Will deal With medications all the time. Remember,
side eFFeCts iF they oCCur it helps a lot to have friends, family, a
All medications can have side support group or a therapist you can
effects—even aspirin. Not everyone rely on while you are on a treatment
experiences side effects from HIV regimen—especially at the beginning
medications, which can range from when you are still adjusting to taking
mild to severe. Because you really meds.
21
24. STEP
Choosing the Right
HIV Treatment
HIV researchers have not yet discovered a single
combination of HIV medications that’s best for
everyone. Each combination has its advantages and
disadvantages.
For people who are starting on their first HIV treatment combination, each treatment
regimen must include at least one drug from two different types, or “classes,” of
HIV medications. There are currently six classes of HIV medications. Each class of
HIV medication stops HIV from making copies of itself at a different moment in its
reproductive cycle. You and your provider will consider many issues before deciding
on a treatment combination, including:
• Your lifestyle
• Which treatment regimen preserves your future treatment options
• How powerful a regimen it is
• What side effects a regimen can cause
• Other illnesses you may have (such as hepatitis C, kidney problems or diabetes), as
these can affect which HIV medications are best for you
• Other medications you may need to take (so that you can be sure there are no
interactions between the drugs)
• Which treatment regimen will allow you to get pregnant, if this is what you want
• Financial issues, such as what your insurance will pay for or what medications a
clinic can provide
“How do I always remember to take my medications? Every
morning I put the pillbox right next to the coffee machine. I
can’t miss it. I don’t leave the house without having my cup
of coffee. Actually, I’m looking at it right now. It’s on top of
a jar, next to the coffee maker. No matter where I am in the
apartment, I always see it.”
—Ed Viera Jr., diagnosed in 1987
22
25. STEP
Dealing With
HIV Treatment
You’ve made the commitment to begin treatment
and settled on your first HIV medication regimen.
To ensure that your meds keep working, you’ll need
to take the exact dose and exact number of pills in
your regimen on time, every time. But there may
be challenges waiting to trip you up, including:
• Side effects
• Depression, drug addiction or other personal problems
• Remembering to refill your prescription
• Illnesses or injuries
• Family emergencies or travel
• Getting tired of taking meds every day
• Pregnancy
Whatever the reason, and however hard it may be to talk about it, it’s extremely
important to bring up the problem with your HIV specialist or case manager
before the problem interferes with your med schedule.
“If you don’t keep up with your meds, and you forget one
day, then forget a few days later, you tend to develop
resistance to the medication. You don’t want to burn your
bridges, because then, if there are no other drugs that’ll
work with you, you’re up a creek without a paddle. You
don’t want to do that. Take your medications first thing
in the morning, drink some water, and just go from
there.”
—Joseph, diagnosed in 1995
23
26. STEP
Gathering Strength
From Others
Living with a life-threatening disease is no easy
feat. It’s especially difficult when you’ve got other
problems. We asked HIV-positive Hispanic men and
women to tell us some of the things that help them
survive day to day.
Here’s their advice.
don’t let hiV deFine you!
“It’s only been seven or eight months
since I was diagnosed. Initially, I was
paranoid. All of a sudden I didn’t want
to hug people. I felt like I was an alien or
whatever. I didn’t want to get anybody
sick or anything like that. My mom, she
still gets on me. She says, ‘Your HIV does
not make you who you are as a person. It
does not define you.’ Today, honestly, I can say that I treat HIV
like it’s a pebble in my shoe. I have it, and it’s going to be there.
I can’t take off the shoe and dump the pebble out. It bugs me
sometimes, but I just have to learn to live with that.”
—Enrique Franco, diagnosed in 2007
don’t Be aFraid to Find loVe!
“Finding love has been hard, but I am with a
man who is also positive and who has been
living with HIV longer than I have, so he is an
inspiration to keep on going.”
—Javier Fontanez, diagnosed in 1999
24
27. you’re not hiV! you’re you!
“I went to a women’s group. The first
thing this lady said was, ‘I’ve been
diagnosed for a year, and I don’t think
I’m ever going to date again and I’m
never going to have sex.’ I remember I
looked at her and I said, ‘No, you’ll be
okay. You watch, in another year you’ll
be fine.’ The next year she met someone
and they’re already living together. I said, ‘You see!’ The
person is negative. There’s hope. You’re not HIV. You are
you. You have a soul just like everyone else.”
—Damaries Cruz, diagnosed in 1991
Make the Best oF your liFe!
“I figure I went down this road, this path of
having HIV through my drug addiction, and then
through all these complications, for a reason.
It’s best to do something with that experience,
to move forward, maybe help other people in
the same situation that I’ve gone through. HIV has definitely
given me direction, that’s for sure. It’s made me responsible for
my health; it’s made me responsible in many different aspects of
appreciating life and going forward.”
—James Nicacio, diagnosed in 2001
stay CalM! don’t giVe up!
“Don’t give up! Educate yourself—this is
extremely important. Find something that
appeals to your psyche, to your inner peace,
to help you deal with the information you
will be getting, because some of it will be
scary as hell. If you have something inside
you that keeps you calm, you will navigate
through things beautifully.”
—Lucia, diagnosed in 1989
25
28. get organized!
“I would say take things day by day. Feel
your sadness, feel your mourning. However,
there will come a point when you need to
get proactive to see where your viral load, T
cells and overall health are so the doctor can
determine when you should begin HAART.
Write down a list of priorities. If some things
on the list are pulling on your heartstrings more than other
things, than do what you need to do, whether that means
getting support from friends, family or a significant other. If
you are in a housing crisis, don’t have insurance, need food,
etc., you may want to get hooked up with a case manager right
away so that he or she can help you apply for programs you
may need.”
—Greg Sanchez III, diagnosed in 1985
adVersity Can help you groW
“Being HIV positive is not an experience one
would seek, but you can turn it into something
that can make you grow as a human being
in terms of knowledge, discipline, being
merciful and being compassionate with
others. For me, that is crucial.”
—Gabriel Santiago, diagnosed in 1990
don’t oBsess aBout your Cd4 Count!
“I try to live in the moment and enjoy
everything I can. I’m not obsessed with
my CD4 count. I know a lot of people who
concentrate on their numbers and forget to
live their lives. I don’t let the disease take
over my life—between the morning dose
and the evening dose, I have a life to live.”
—John Puig, diagnosed in 1986
24
6
29. take Care oF your loVers!
“My ex-lover, who is my roommate
today, is still negative. I said to him,
‘Baby, I give you back exactly the way I
found you, because I have never put you
at risk.’ Protection, that’s my message.
Protection, love and care. That’s what it
takes. People with HIV are like negative
people, we need love around us.”
—Fernando Castillo, diagnosed in 1993
loVe yourselF so you Can thriVe
“Do you love yourself enough to take
treatment on a daily basis? If you don’t love
yourself, you won’t do it.”
—Beatriz Díaz, diagnosed in 1992
use inspiring stories to heal
“I couldn’t tell my parents over the phone. I knew I had to fly
to Puerto Rico and let them know. … I was really concerned
about how they were going to take it. They’re Christian
fundamentalists, so I knew my being gay was an issue. I didn’t
know what to expect. I prepared myself mentally, just in case
I was going to get some rejection. Then the day came, and I
sat in my parent’s living room … and I told them that I had
AIDS. … My dad, who is what I like to call a true macho Puerto
Rican man, who I had never seen cry, ran into his bedroom,
crying. Like really, really, crying. I ran after him and I grabbed
him. He put his head on my shoulder and we both cried. To my
amazement, they accepted me immediately.
I thought they were going to put away the
spoons, the cups, so I couldn’t use them,
because I’ve heard horror stories from other
people. But, no. From day one, they accepted
me, and they were there for me. I’ve been
very blessed with having a very supportive family.”
—Rafael Abadia, diagnosed in 1993
27
25
30. STEP
Putting It
All Together
“To those who have just been
diagnosed with HIV, I want to tell them
that life has just begun. One does not
have to become ill. This is a chronic,
manageable illness and, if you take
care of yourself, you can have a long
and good life. In my case, I am happier today than I was
before. Taking your meds is like tying your shoelaces. Life
is what you make of it.”
—Raúl Roldán, diagnosed in 2006
In this booklet, we’ve talked about some an HIV diagnosis usually gives people
of the most critical steps to take if you’ve an unexpected chance to re-examine
been recently diagnosed with HIV: their lives. Many people with HIV say
that their diagnosis turned out to be
• Educate yourself about HIV; an opportunity to better their lives. That
may sound crazy to you right now, but
• Find HIV support services and an
having to face a serious health problem
HIV specialist; and
can motivate you to dig deep and make
• Prepare for and start HIV treatment, changes in your life that you may have
if necessary. been putting off, or that you never even
realized you needed to make.
But perhaps the most important step
you can take is the one that makes all Some of these changes, of course, may
the other steps possible: accepting your be staring you in the face. If you drink
diagnosis and planning your future as a too much or don’t exercise, it’s time to
person living with HIV. change that. If you smoke, it’s time to
stop. Anything that adds stress, frustration
Regardless of the reason you were or conflict—be it a bad relationship, a
infected, something as life changing as soul-crushing job or trouble paying the
28
31. “One of the reasons I thought it was important to
tell my story was so that people can see that this
can happen to anyone. It has no borders. It doesn’t
matter what color you are, it doesn’t matter what
socioeconomic background you come from. HIV/
AIDS impacts everyone, and everyone needs to
be educated on it.”
—Evelyn Hernandez Valentino,
diagnosed in 1993
bills—can be a drag on your immune are an assortment of Web sites where
system, or can make it harder for you to you can learn more about HIV and its
commit to taking your HIV medications treatment, stay on top of the latest
on time, every time. HIV news and even meet people.
Want to connect with any of the
Talk to your HIV specialist, a counselor
people featured in this booklet? All
or a support group about these issues,
their stories and e-mail addresses
and ask yourself what you can do to
are featured at www.
improve the situation.
thebody.com.
Never underestimate the
impact that emotional
REACH OUT
Remember it’s up to
health can have on your FOR SUPPORT; you to get out there.
physical health. IT WILL Once you connect
STRENGTHEN with others, you’ll
You may have to do a
lot of work and seek out YOU AND be surprised at how
emotional and maybe CHALLENGE YOU invaluable you’ll
spiritual support, before TO KEEP GOING, find the emotional
you can educate friends support.
KEEP GROWING
and family about the
AND KEEP Don’t forget that there
realities of HIV, and help
them separate the facts LIVING LIFE TO are more than one
THE FULLEST. million people from
from the myths. But
all walks of life living
know that isolation and
with HIV in the United
silence are hazardous to
States—many in the same position as
your health.
you. Reach out for that support; it will
If you don’t feel comfortable going to strengthen you and challenge you to
an HIV/AIDS organization for support, keep going, keep growing and keep
the Internet may be a lifesaver. There living life to the fullest.
“HIV changed my life 100%: it made me more
compassionate, more human, more understanding.”
—Manuel Rochin, diagnosed 2000
29