Preventing Exposure to
Syphilis
S
yphilis is a resurging sexually transmitted disease (STD) among people infected with HIV in the United States. This resurgence shows how important it is to prevent yourself from getting syphilis. An important step is to talk routinely with your care providers about sexual behaviors. Your providers can give you helpful tips and strategies to reduce your risk of getting syphilis. Routine serologic screening for syphilis is recommended at least once a year for all sexually active HIV-infected people. More frequent screening (every 3 to 6 months) may be necessary if you have multiple partners, unprotected intercourse, sex along with illegal drug use, use methamphetamines, or have partners who participate in these activities. These are high-risk behaviors, so be sure to get counseling on safe sex practices. And tell your doctor if you think you may have contracted an STD. Source: AIDSInfo.org (www.aidsinfo.nih.gov/contentfiles/Adult_OI.pdf).
Reducing Stress S
tress is a common problem for everyone, but people living with HIV may have higher stress levels than others. Every person will react to stress differently, but there are little things that can be done every day to reduce stress. Here are 5 ideas to cut back those stress levels:
1) 2)
T ry to laugh: Studies have shown that laughter actually strengthens your immune system. Try watching a funny TV show or movie, or reading a book that makes you laugh. ave a massage: If you don’t have time or money for a proH fessional massage, partner with a friend and give each other shoulder, back, and neck massages. It’s easy to do and a great way to release stress in areas where many of us tend to hold it. Or, soak a washcloth in hot water, wring it out, and scrub your body to open up your pores and release toxins.
3) 4) 5)
T ake deep breaths: Spend some time each day to focus on deep breathing. Using a program of breathing exercises during stretching may increase oxygen flow and promote relaxation. K eep a journal: Write down your thoughts as a stream of consciousness rather than keeping a diary. This may help resolve confusion, anger, or frustrations you have. It might also stimulate creative thinking. Meditate or pray: Quiet the mind and give it a break from the usual chatter. Make time to sit and meditate or to pray so that you can bring mindfulness and pleasure to your everyday activities.
Studies have shown that laughter actually strengthens your immune system. Perhaps the most important thing you can do is take time for yourself. Spend time each day thinking of the good things you have in your life. Enjoy the simple pleasures like being with a friend, enjoying time outside in nice weather, or eating a great meal. Remind yourself that the world isn’t always stressful, and that there are things to enjoy every day.
February/March 2012
Resources for
Eating Right
Feature:
Y
ou eat every single day, but why not turn your diet into a powerful tool as you manage your HIV? There are many things you can do to make changes toward a healthy HIV diet. Don’t let your busy schedule and the daily demands of life distract you from eating better! Good, nutritious food can work together with your HIV drugs to help boost weakened immune systems. The right foods can also help ease side effects of HIV drugs and symptoms of the infection.
Heart Health
For information on the nutrient content for many of your favorite foods, check out Healthy With HIV (www.healthywithhiv.com). March is also National Nutrition Month (www.eatright.org), a nutrition education and information campaign from the American Dietetic Association. It focuses attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits, including those with HIV. Sources: Healthy With HIV (www.healthywithhiv.com) and the American Dietetic Association (www.eatright.org/NNM/).
Also in this issue: The editorial content for this brochure was developed and created solely by the Patient Education Center. The content does not necessarily represent the opinions and/or views of our advertisers. Healthy Living With HIV is published by the Patient Education Center. Offices: 2445 Kuser Road, Suite 202, Hamilton, NJ 08690; and 180 Mount Airy Road, Suite 102, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920. Reproduction without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. Publication of an advertisement or other product mention in Healthy Living With HIV should not be construed as an endorsement of the product or the manufacturer’s claims. Such advertising or product mentions should similarly not be construed as either influencing or controlling the editorial content of Healthy Living With HIV. The appearance of or reference to any person or entity in the editorial material (including photographs) in this brochure does not constitute an expressed or implied endorsement of the product advertised. Readers are encouraged to contact the product manufacturer with any questions about the features and/ or limitations of any product mentioned. The reader also is advised to consult appropriate medical literature and the product information currently provided by the manufacturer of each drug to verify indications, dosage, method, duration of administration, and contraindications. Copyright 2012, Patient Education Center
Source: TheBody.com (www.thebody.com/content/art31299.html).
Improving Your
PEC-HL-FEB-037
Preventing Exposure to Syphilis Reducing Stress Resources for Eating Right
Visit us online at www.patientedu.org/hiv
Preventing Exposure to
Syphilis
S
yphilis is a resurging sexually transmitted disease (STD) among people infected with HIV in the United States. This resurgence shows how important it is to prevent yourself from getting syphilis. An important step is to talk routinely with your care providers about sexual behaviors. Your providers can give you helpful tips and strategies to reduce your risk of getting syphilis. Routine serologic screening for syphilis is recommended at least once a year for all sexually active HIV-infected people. More frequent screening (every 3 to 6 months) may be necessary if you have multiple partners, unprotected intercourse, sex along with illegal drug use, use methamphetamines, or have partners who participate in these activities. These are high-risk behaviors, so be sure to get counseling on safe sex practices. And tell your doctor if you think you may have contracted an STD. Source: AIDSInfo.org (www.aidsinfo.nih.gov/contentfiles/Adult_OI.pdf).
Reducing Stress S
tress is a common problem for everyone, but people living with HIV may have higher stress levels than others. Every person will react to stress differently, but there are little things that can be done every day to reduce stress. Here are 5 ideas to cut back those stress levels:
1) 2)
T ry to laugh: Studies have shown that laughter actually strengthens your immune system. Try watching a funny TV show or movie, or reading a book that makes you laugh. ave a massage: If you don’t have time or money for a proH fessional massage, partner with a friend and give each other shoulder, back, and neck massages. It’s easy to do and a great way to release stress in areas where many of us tend to hold it. Or, soak a washcloth in hot water, wring it out, and scrub your body to open up your pores and release toxins.
3) 4) 5)
T ake deep breaths: Spend some time each day to focus on deep breathing. Using a program of breathing exercises during stretching may increase oxygen flow and promote relaxation. K eep a journal: Write down your thoughts as a stream of consciousness rather than keeping a diary. This may help resolve confusion, anger, or frustrations you have. It might also stimulate creative thinking. Meditate or pray: Quiet the mind and give it a break from the usual chatter. Make time to sit and meditate or to pray so that you can bring mindfulness and pleasure to your everyday activities.
Studies have shown that laughter actually strengthens your immune system. Perhaps the most important thing you can do is take time for yourself. Spend time each day thinking of the good things you have in your life. Enjoy the simple pleasures like being with a friend, enjoying time outside in nice weather, or eating a great meal. Remind yourself that the world isn’t always stressful, and that there are things to enjoy every day.
February/March 2012
Resources for
Eating Right
Feature:
Y
ou eat every single day, but why not turn your diet into a powerful tool as you manage your HIV? There are many things you can do to make changes toward a healthy HIV diet. Don’t let your busy schedule and the daily demands of life distract you from eating better! Good, nutritious food can work together with your HIV drugs to help boost weakened immune systems. The right foods can also help ease side effects of HIV drugs and symptoms of the infection.
Heart Health
For information on the nutrient content for many of your favorite foods, check out Healthy With HIV (www.healthywithhiv.com). March is also National Nutrition Month (www.eatright.org), a nutrition education and information campaign from the American Dietetic Association. It focuses attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits, including those with HIV. Sources: Healthy With HIV (www.healthywithhiv.com) and the American Dietetic Association (www.eatright.org/NNM/).
Also in this issue: The editorial content for this brochure was developed and created solely by the Patient Education Center. The content does not necessarily represent the opinions and/or views of our advertisers. Healthy Living With HIV is published by the Patient Education Center. Offices: 2445 Kuser Road, Suite 202, Hamilton, NJ 08690; and 180 Mount Airy Road, Suite 102, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920. Reproduction without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. Publication of an advertisement or other product mention in Healthy Living With HIV should not be construed as an endorsement of the product or the manufacturer’s claims. Such advertising or product mentions should similarly not be construed as either influencing or controlling the editorial content of Healthy Living With HIV. The appearance of or reference to any person or entity in the editorial material (including photographs) in this brochure does not constitute an expressed or implied endorsement of the product advertised. Readers are encouraged to contact the product manufacturer with any questions about the features and/ or limitations of any product mentioned. The reader also is advised to consult appropriate medical literature and the product information currently provided by the manufacturer of each drug to verify indications, dosage, method, duration of administration, and contraindications. Copyright 2012, Patient Education Center
Source: TheBody.com (www.thebody.com/content/art31299.html).
Improving Your
PEC-HL-FEB-037
Preventing Exposure to Syphilis Reducing Stress Resources for Eating Right
Visit us online at www.patientedu.org/hiv
Improving Your
Heart Health
Heart disease is a leading cause of death for people with HIV. The good news is that those who are infected with HIV can take action to reduce the risk for heart disease and live a long, healthy life. Smoking is the leading risk factor for heart disease among people living with HIV and AIDS. You may also be at greater risk for heart disease if you:
A
ccording to recent estimates, about 20% of all deaths in people who have HIV are caused by heart disease. The disease involves a group of problems that are related to the heart or blood vessels. These include coronary heart disease, angina, cerebrovascular diseases (especially stroke), high blood pressure, peripheral artery disease, rheumatic heart disease, congenital heart disease, and heart failure.
• Have parents or siblings who have had heart disease. • Have diabetes, high blood pressure, or abnormal cholesterol levels. • Are a man older than 45 or a woman older than 55. • Carry around extra weight, particularly around your midsection. • Experience depression or high levels of stress.
By making a few changes, you will do your heart a big favor and probably feel better too. Because HIV medications are so effective, people with HIV are living longer than ever before. Unfortunately, research shows that people with HIV have higher rates of heart disease than the general population. HIV infection by itself increases some heart disease risk factors. Stopping antiretroviral therapy (ART) and letting your viral loads rise increase the risk for heart disease.
• Don’t get enough physical exercise.
help and advice from a doctor, nurse, or dietitian. By making a few changes, you will do your heart a big favor and probably feel better too.
Strategies to Lower Your Risk Here are 6 things you can do to lower your heart disease risk: 1) Quit smoking: Smoking rates are much higher for people living with HIV/AIDS than others. Quitting the habit is one of the most important things you can do to reduce your heart disease risk. It can also reduce your risk of lung disease, cancer, thinning bones, and many other health problems. Studies suggest that your heart disease risk will be cut in half 3 years after you quit smoking. Talk to your doctor or nurse for advice to see what options are best for you. 2) Eat healthy: Eating a diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy products, and whole grains can help reduce high blood pressure and cholesterol. Eating a handful of nuts (eg, almonds, pistachios, or walnuts) every day may also improve your cholesterol levels. Cut back your intake of salt to lower blood pressure. And try
• Use street or party drugs, such as cocaine, ecstasy, heroin, or crystal meth. It’s important to discuss any and all of your risk factors with your doctor to determine your overall risk for heart disease. Source: TheBody.com (www.thebody.com/content/art61320.html).
Know the Heart Disease Risk Factors
Steps You Can Take
It’s important to take precautions and to regularly monitor your heart health as part of your plan for living longer and living well.
While there isn’t much you can do about risk factors like your age or family history, there are many risk factors you can control with
to limit the amount of saturated and trans fats you consume. Ask your doctor or nurse for a referral to a registered dietitian who can give you the advice and support you need. 3) Exercise: Exercise can help reduce inflammation, lower bad cholesterol levels, and help control diabetes. It can also lead to weight loss. Before doing anything more vigorous than walking, talk to your doctor or nurse about what kind of exercise is right for you. 4) Reduce your stress: It’s easier said than done, but try to keep the stress in your life to a minimum. Consider acupuncture, massage, meditation, yoga and other relaxing activities. Get plenty of sleep. And tell your doctor if you feel unexpectedly tired or persistently sad or angry. This may be a sign of depression. 5) Don’t abuse substances: Cocaine, speed, crystal meth, and ecstasy can increase your risk of a heart attack. Some drugs can cause serious life-threatening infections. If you use drugs and want to stop, speak to a counselor or someone who can support you. 6) Practice safe sex: Sexually transmitted infections increase your risk for heart disease. Sex can and should be fun, but take precautions to avoid exposing yourself to germs. Other things you can do to improve your heart health include washing your hands often with soap and warm water, visiting your dentist regularly to maintain your dental health, and getting a flu shot every fall. If you take supplements, let your doctor and pharmacist know what you are taking. Some natural health products can weaken the effects of ART, make the side effects worse, or cause their own side effects. Source: TheBody.com (www.thebody.com/content/art61320.html).
February is American Heart Month! American Heart Month is a time to join the battle against heart disease. The American Heart Association dedicates the month of February to educate Americans on what can be done to live heart-healthy lives. For more information, go to www.americanheart.org.
Improving Your
Heart Health
Heart disease is a leading cause of death for people with HIV. The good news is that those who are infected with HIV can take action to reduce the risk for heart disease and live a long, healthy life. Smoking is the leading risk factor for heart disease among people living with HIV and AIDS. You may also be at greater risk for heart disease if you:
A
ccording to recent estimates, about 20% of all deaths in people who have HIV are caused by heart disease. The disease involves a group of problems that are related to the heart or blood vessels. These include coronary heart disease, angina, cerebrovascular diseases (especially stroke), high blood pressure, peripheral artery disease, rheumatic heart disease, congenital heart disease, and heart failure.
• Have parents or siblings who have had heart disease. • Have diabetes, high blood pressure, or abnormal cholesterol levels. • Are a man older than 45 or a woman older than 55. • Carry around extra weight, particularly around your midsection. • Experience depression or high levels of stress.
By making a few changes, you will do your heart a big favor and probably feel better too. Because HIV medications are so effective, people with HIV are living longer than ever before. Unfortunately, research shows that people with HIV have higher rates of heart disease than the general population. HIV infection by itself increases some heart disease risk factors. Stopping antiretroviral therapy (ART) and letting your viral loads rise increase the risk for heart disease.
• Don’t get enough physical exercise.
help and advice from a doctor, nurse, or dietitian. By making a few changes, you will do your heart a big favor and probably feel better too.
Strategies to Lower Your Risk Here are 6 things you can do to lower your heart disease risk: 1) Quit smoking: Smoking rates are much higher for people living with HIV/AIDS than others. Quitting the habit is one of the most important things you can do to reduce your heart disease risk. It can also reduce your risk of lung disease, cancer, thinning bones, and many other health problems. Studies suggest that your heart disease risk will be cut in half 3 years after you quit smoking. Talk to your doctor or nurse for advice to see what options are best for you. 2) Eat healthy: Eating a diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy products, and whole grains can help reduce high blood pressure and cholesterol. Eating a handful of nuts (eg, almonds, pistachios, or walnuts) every day may also improve your cholesterol levels. Cut back your intake of salt to lower blood pressure. And try
• Use street or party drugs, such as cocaine, ecstasy, heroin, or crystal meth. It’s important to discuss any and all of your risk factors with your doctor to determine your overall risk for heart disease. Source: TheBody.com (www.thebody.com/content/art61320.html).
Know the Heart Disease Risk Factors
Steps You Can Take
It’s important to take precautions and to regularly monitor your heart health as part of your plan for living longer and living well.
While there isn’t much you can do about risk factors like your age or family history, there are many risk factors you can control with
to limit the amount of saturated and trans fats you consume. Ask your doctor or nurse for a referral to a registered dietitian who can give you the advice and support you need. 3) Exercise: Exercise can help reduce inflammation, lower bad cholesterol levels, and help control diabetes. It can also lead to weight loss. Before doing anything more vigorous than walking, talk to your doctor or nurse about what kind of exercise is right for you. 4) Reduce your stress: It’s easier said than done, but try to keep the stress in your life to a minimum. Consider acupuncture, massage, meditation, yoga and other relaxing activities. Get plenty of sleep. And tell your doctor if you feel unexpectedly tired or persistently sad or angry. This may be a sign of depression. 5) Don’t abuse substances: Cocaine, speed, crystal meth, and ecstasy can increase your risk of a heart attack. Some drugs can cause serious life-threatening infections. If you use drugs and want to stop, speak to a counselor or someone who can support you. 6) Practice safe sex: Sexually transmitted infections increase your risk for heart disease. Sex can and should be fun, but take precautions to avoid exposing yourself to germs. Other things you can do to improve your heart health include washing your hands often with soap and warm water, visiting your dentist regularly to maintain your dental health, and getting a flu shot every fall. If you take supplements, let your doctor and pharmacist know what you are taking. Some natural health products can weaken the effects of ART, make the side effects worse, or cause their own side effects. Source: TheBody.com (www.thebody.com/content/art61320.html).
February is American Heart Month! American Heart Month is a time to join the battle against heart disease. The American Heart Association dedicates the month of February to educate Americans on what can be done to live heart-healthy lives. For more information, go to www.americanheart.org.