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,
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 diseases? Have you
thought about whether you’re safe with an HIV-positive partner? A pet? In
sunlight? What about the flu vaccine? Vitamins? Acupuncture? Do you wonder
about whether you’re eating “right”? Do you know the value of exercise? As a
woman, do you know about female-specific medical care? If you’ve been feeling
well — doing okay — are you wondering “what now?”
Sylvia Lopez, Wellness Program Coordinator for AIDS Services of Austin (ASA),
will present a three-part series 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
Tuesday evenings, January 22, January 28, and February 4 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 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 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 January 10 • 1997 and January 10 • 1997 (Cover).