“I’m HIV-Positive – Doing OK
– What Now?”
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, your doctor whether AZT, ddI,
ddC, or combination therapy is right for you – or, whether to avoid antiretroviral therapy. Have you wondered how to talk with
your doctor? Do you have questions about T-cell counts? Viral load tests? Have
you thought about whether you’re safe with an HIV-positive partner? A pet? In
sunlight? What about the flu vaccine? Vitamins? Acupuncture? Coping with
stress? Do you think about what you’re eating? As a woman, do you wonder
whether your choices and options are different from a man’s? If you’ve been
feeling well – doing OK – are you wondering “what now?”
Sylvia Lopez, Wellness Program Coordinator for AIDS Services of
Austin, will present an introductory, three-part series for people 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 and/or those who have
just learned of their HIV disease.
“Taking Charge – Strategies for Healthy Living” will be offered 6:30-9pm each Tuesday
evening, July 18, July 25, and August 1 at ASA, 825 E. 531/2 Street,
Suite E-104. A $5 donation per session 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 on HIV/AIDS has been incorporated into the
Taking Charge series. At these conferences researchers reported on upcoming
strategies for monitoring and managing HIV disease as well as findings of their
research into long-term survivors.
At the ’93 International Conference on AIDS, healthy behaviors and a personal
involvement in medical care were the factors most frequently cited by the
long-term survivors. Studies have shown that HIV+ men and women who take an
active approach to promoting health of body, mind, and spirit do much better
than those who only react to illness, and fare 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 July 21 • 1995 and July 21 • 1995 (Cover).