If you know you are HIV-positive, that means 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. 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 know about
female-specific medical care? If you’ve been doing okay, are you wondering
“What now?”
Sylvia Lopez, Wellness Program Coordinator for AIDS Services of Austin
(ASA), will present a two-part series on consecutive Saturdays in August that
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 10am-2pm
Saturdays, August 17 and August 24 at ASA, 825 E. 531/2 St., Suite
E-104. 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. A light
lunch will be served. Attendance at both parts is strongly encouraged, but not
required. 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 August 9 • 1996 and August 9 • 1996 (Cover).