The close of 1995 and the beginning of 1996 afford everyone an opportunity to
reflect on what has — and has not — furthered one’s well-being during the
past 12 months. Here are 12 practical steps — for taking life-supporting
action in the face of life-threatening disease:
* Eat a balanced, varied diet based on nutrient-dense foods. Take care of your
body’s need for protein and calories. Take a high-potency multivitamin/mineral
supplement. Learn about possible deficiencies in your diet. Consult a
dietitian.
* Exercise regularly. Join a health club. Enroll in an aerobics program.
Explore the hike-and-bike trails. Use the stairs. You will support overall
health and guard against muscle loss. Get proper rest.
* Smoking, alcohol, recreational drugs, and injection drug use are harmful to
your health. Reduce your usage. Seek treatment. Enroll in a self-help or other
program to quit.
* Care for your emotional and psychological self. Join a support group.
Counseling can help you address problems and find direction. Seek the spiritual
you. Play!
* Be aware of stressors in your life. Learn how to resolve the issue or cope
with the situation. Enroll in a stress-management course or support group.
Exercise. Get a massage. Learn meditation.
* Always practice safe sex! You’ll protect your partner. You’ll protect
yourself from reinfection and other sexually transmitted diseases.
* Take an active role in your health management whether you have a private
doctor or receive care at a clinic. Maintain a personal health-management
record. Ask questions. Write answers. Receive regular monitoring for immune and
general health.
Consider acupuncture, chiropractic care, and herbal therapy.
* Take a lesson from long-term survivors. Reports show that one thing they
have in common is building and nurturing a solid support network among family,
partners, friends, and each other.
* Become informed about services available to you. Call the Access and
Information Unit at 458-AIDS.
* Become informed about HIV disease and interventions available for disease
management and healthy living. Pick up a copy of the locally published
Positive Threads. Contact the Wellness Education Program at 406-6162 for
resources and information.
* Discover your power. Learn how to ask questions of your health-care team.
Contact The VOICE, the Greater Austin Coalition of People Living with HIV
(320-7527) about participating in an association by and for people with
HIV/AIDS.
* Value your time. Seek fulfilling activities. Set goals. Contribute time to a
cause you hold dear.
Doing nothing is not life-supporting.
Sylvia J. Lopez, M.S.
Wellness Program Coordinator
This article appears in December 22 • 1995 and December 22 • 1995 (Cover).