If you know that you are HIV-positive, that means that at some time you answered “yes” to the question, “Should I take the HIV antibody test?” It’s likely you’ve been grappling with questions ever since.
Perhaps you’ve asked yourself, your friends, or your doctor whether AZT, ddI, Zerit, 3TC, the protease inhibitors, or combination therapy is right for you — or, whether to avoid antiretroviral therapy — or when to start. Have you wondered how to talk with your doctor? Do you have questions about T-cell counts? Viral load tests? Prevention of opportunistic disease? Have you thought about whether you’re safe with an HIV-positive partner? What about the flu vaccine? Vitamins? Acupuncture? Do you wonder about whether you’re eating “right”? Do you know the value of exercise? If you’ve been feeling well — doing okay — are you wondering “what now“?
Sylvia Lopez, Wellness Services Coordinator for AIDS Services of Austin (ASA), will present a series of programs for people living with HIV infection. The program offers a practical guide for addressing questions and exploring options for maintaining health and managing HIV. The course is especially appropriate for those with early HIV infection, those who have just learned of their HIV infection, and those seeking an understanding of current approaches to the management of HIV disease.
“Taking Charge — Strategies for Healthy Living,” will be offered 6:30-9pm, Wednesdays, April 23, April 30, and May 7 at ASA, 825 E. 531/2 Street. A $5 per session or $10 series donation is requested, but participation is welcome for any amount, and no one will be barred for lack of money. Refreshments will be served. Attendance at all three parts is strongly encouraged, but not required. Anyone who was unable to attend a session of an earlier Taking Charge series and past participants interested in receiving updated information are welcome to attend.
Information from recent conferences as well as findings from recent studies on HIV/AIDS have been incorporated into the Taking Charge series. At these conferences researchers reported on emerging strategies for monitoring and managing HIV disease.
At the `93 International Conference on AIDS, healthy behaviors and a personal involvement in medical care were the factors most frequently cited by long-term survivors. Studies have shown that HIV+ men and women who take an active approach to promoting health of the body, mind, and spirit fare better than those who only react to illness and far better than those who do not act at all.
For more information about course topics and to register, call Sylvia Lopez at 406-6162.
This article appears in April 11 • 1997 and April 11 • 1997 (Cover).