International AIDS Conference

This year the International AIDS Conference will take place in Mexico City in early August. You can click www.aids2008.org for more information. Have you ever attended such a conference? There is usually lots of information that comes out of this event on new drug developments, clinical research, and international issues. In 2006, over 25, 000 people attended the International AIDS Conference in Toronto. If you attended past conferences please share your experiences with other blog readers.
On January 24, the treatment information program will provide information about the 2008 International AIDS Conference, how to apply for a subsidy to get there, and how to submit a workshop proposal. The information sessions starts at noon at BCPWA and everyone is welcome to attend.

Stigma and Discrimination

Welcome to 2008. In the last blog posting we asked for your ideas. Someone discussed whether your mind can control HIV. What about those people who have been HIV-positive for a long time, and don’t take HIV medications? How do they stay healthy? How do they handle stigma and discrimination? Do they tell others about their HIV status or live in secrecy? Although we are into a New Year, there are unfortunately some things that haven’t changed, such as the stigma and discrimination associated with HIV. What are we going to do about it?

Your Ideas for the HIV Treatment Blog

Earlier this year, the treatment information program launched this HIV treatment blog. Since then we have posted 27 new topics and there have been about 41 comments made to these topics. Over 1600 hits have been made on the blog (blog has been seen 1600 times). We try to post topics that are relevant to those people with HIV and need your ideas for 2008. What do you want to see discussed on this blog? What do you think about this blog? Why do you go on this blog? Let us know as we try to decide what to do in 2008. In the meantime, we wish you a happy New Year and look for us in 2008

B12 Low in HIV-positive folks!

Are you getting checked for your B12 levels? Many persons with HIV have low B12 levels in their blood. B12 is important because it helps to maintain nerve cells and red blood cells. It can be found in food products with high protein such as fish, meat, poultry, eggs, milk and milk products. B12 deficiency is associated with an increased risk of peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage causing numbness, burning or tingling feeling in the toes, feet, hands or arms), decreased ability to think clearly, and even anemia. Persons with HIV with low B12 levels may feel very tired and have low energy. You should ask your doctor to check your blood levels. If you have low B12 levels, you should get B12 supplements. Have you experienced low B12? Have you tried any other complementary health products to increase your energy? What other health issues are you faced with?

AIDS Vaccine

What is happening with the AIDS vaccine? There have been over 38 million people infected with HIV worldwide in the last 26 years and yet there hasn’t been an HIV vaccine created. Recently, yet another AIDS vaccine study was stopped when it was discovered that in was not effective in preventing HIV infection. There were actually more people infected with HIV in the vaccine study compared to those who were not in the vaccine study. The virus mutates (changes shape) so quickly that it has been difficult to find the right vaccine. Despite this latest setback, scientists are still working on the development of an AIDS vaccine, however one wonders how much longer do we have to wait? What do you think about all of this?

Sleeping Problems?

Do you suffer from sleep problems? We hear about lots of people having trouble falling asleep or waking up in the middle of the night and unable to sleep. This is defined as insomnia. This could be a side effect of certain HIV medications at least in the initial stages when you are first starting on HIV meds. Some people need to take so called sleeping pills to battle insomnia, however there’s debate as to whether this is beneficial. Other ways may include drinking hot milk or chamomile tea before bedtime, and to limit caffeine and sugar, especially in the evening hours. So how do you deal with sleeping disorders?

Depression

Do you suffer from Depression? Do you know if it is caused by HIV, your medications or you? Depression is very common amongst HIV-positive individuals and can arise for a number of reasons. Decreased interest in daily activities, tiredness and fatigue, trouble sleeping or too much sleep, loss of appetite, difficulty concentrating, feelings of worthlessness and guilt are some of the symptoms of depression. Some people need to take antidepressants to manage their depression. What do you know about depression and how do you cope? Next Wednesday, November 14th, the BCPWA treatment information program will host a community forum on this topic. It will be presented by a local psychiatrist. By attending, you will learn more about depression and HIV. Check out our website for more information about this event.