Have you been to an AIDS Conference before? Want to go to Mexico? Watch coverage of the International AIDS Conference via satellite!

Come and watch the Opening Ceremonies of the World AIDS Conference. Live from Mexico! Via satellite the BCPWA Society will be presenting various workshops ranging from “Responding to the HIV epidemic among men who have sex with men” to “ARV therapy in 2008—Current Issues & Controversies in Optimal ARV Therapy”. This is open to persons living with HIV and any other interested participants. Some snacks and refreshments will be provided. The location is the AIDS Vancouver Training Room @ 1107 Seymour Street on the ground floor. For further information and to RSVP, please email zorans@bcpwa.org or phone 604.893.2239. We hope to see you there. IF YOU HAVE BEEN TO AN AIDS CONFERENCE BEFORE WHAT DID YOU THINK ABOUT IT? Please tell us your thoughts.

HIV and smoking. What is all the fuss about?

Smoking accelerates progression of HIV infection to AIDS. If you have HIV, you're more likely than an HIV-negative person to be a smoker. Yet cigarettes are especially dangerous for PHA’s, who already face a higher risk of heart problems than HIV-negative people. Smoking causes lung cancer and increases the risk of stroke and heart attack especially for PHA’s. Smoking also causes respiratory tract infections, sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, etc. These, in turn, can send your HIV viral load up and worsen your HIV disease. PHA’s are at much greater risk of negative health outcomes related to smoking than those without the virus. A recent study showed that up to 66 percent of people with HIV are lighting up. Even if you’ve been smoking for most of your life, you can still quit and reverse much of the damage that smoking has caused to your body. What are your feelings about smoking and being HIV+? Is it a concern to you? Tell us your thoughts.

Is the future of HIV drug therapy the “one pill” option?

HIV medication treatment may begin to favour the ‘once-a-day’ pill called Atripla. More doctors are choosing Atripla as the HIV drug therapy for their patients and many think it will be a great boon to simpler HIV care. It contains three different HIV medications from two classes of HIV medications: Viread, Emtriva & Sustiva. Atripla can be taken alone as a complete treatment regime. Atripla almost certainly will continue to suppress your virus and be easier to take. Side effects may include nervous system symptoms, headaches, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, rash, fatigue, itching, abdominal pain and inflammation of the pancreas. Note that it is powerful and will be generally well tolerated. However, if you are doing well with no side effects on your current HIV meds and your regimen is already once a day, albeit with more pills, there may be no reason to change it. Remember that your doctor and health care team are always your most important source of information about your health and your treatment. Have you had experience with Atripla? Are they positive? Negative? Has it proved to work well for you? Tell us your thoughts.

Beyond HIV medications. Why is Complementary Therapy important to PHA’s?

Complementary Therapies are an effective addition to the HIV medication regime you may be taking. With the introduction of HAART as an effective way to manage HIV infection, complementary therapies are now being used by PHA’s to improve general well-being, reduce symptoms and manage side effects. Touch Therapy, including Reiki & Therapeutic Touch modify imbalances in the energy field within you by redirecting that energy. Yoga is a great way to achieve longevity, rejuvenation and self-realization through mental, emotional and physical aspects. Massage Therapy is the movement and stimulation of body tissues by a therapist. These are just some of the many complementary therapies available to you. Have you experienced some of these before? Was the experience effective for you? Please share your thoughts.

Overweight? On meds? Bad diet? High cholesterol?

Are you on HAART and overweight with high cholesterol? If you are on HIV meds and have increased fat in unacceptable areas– you could be doing more harm to yourself if you are not willing to change your nutritional habits. Obesity can cause high cholesterol putting you at risk for other health related problems, e.g. diabetes. Diet is where you can start. The best diet for cholesterol and triglyceride elevation is one low in saturated (animal) fats, with plenty of omega-3 fats (fish, canola and flax oil, flax seeds) and loads of fresh fruit and vegetables and plenty of fibre. Skimmed milk is preferred. Bread and rice or potatoes are good. You could look at an exercise program to keep fit which will help keep your weight in the 'normal' range. Smoking is certainly not a healthy thing to do if you are living with HIV/AIDS. What is your health and weight like while on HAART? Tell us your thoughts.