NAPWA

State of Mind: the column where therapists recommend techniques we can employ to deal with the symptoms of anxiety or depression. In this issue, Loretta Healey offers some practical wisdom to help those coping with loss and grief. read more »

There is a growing concern that hepatitis C (HCVHepatitis C virusA small infective organism which is incapable of reproducing outside a host cell..) is more easily transmitted sexually among HIV positive gay men than previously thought.

Jae Condon investigates the sexual transmission of hepatitis C. read more »

The sort of sex that positive men do together is not something that gets talked about too often.

But Positive Life NSW wants to change all that. read more »

'Get Happy’ is a smartphone app that does just that.

Using techniques that are based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), the ‘Get Happy’ app was developed by clinicalPertaining to or founded on observation and treatment of participants, as distinguished from theoretical or basic science. psychologist Dr Lisa Patterson-Kane.

A message is delivered each day to your phone in one of four categories: relationships, personal growth, leisure or work and education.

It’s nothing earth shattering. read more »

Positive Life NSW have re-launched their campaign Wrapped or Raw which explores choices made by HIV-positive gay men – specifically about using condoms in pos-pos sex – while offering options to minimise risk, maximise pleasure, manage disclosure and have great sex. read more »

In the last issue we looked at how HIV treatment extends life, improves your quality of life, and reduces inflammation, depression and fatigue. Now, Neil McKellar-Stewart considers some of the more specific benefits that treatment can offer ... starting here with the central nervous system (CNS) and your brain. read more »

Although ART has many benefits, it does not entirely suppress the inflammation caused by chronic HIV infection.

Prolonged exposure to such inflammation could have an effect on many organ-systems, including the brain, particularly as people with HIV age. And a decline in neurocognitive abilities can affect the speed at which information is processed in the brain. read more »

‘Unacceptably high’ is how a world expert on anal cancer describes the current rates of anal cancer amongst HIV positive people.

‘In the US we are seeing rates of around 100 cases per 100,000’, Professor Joel Palefsky from the University of California told a session at the recent Australasian HIV/AIDS Conference in Melbourne. read more »

It was while Peter Watts was introducing Joe to some of the services they offer at Queensland Positive People (QPP), that they got to talking.

Diagnosed with HIV some years ago, lately Joe had been struggling with his health and seemed, he said, to be constantly and overwhelmingly tired.

‘Sometimes I just don’t have enough energy to stand up in the shower,’ he told him. read more »

The purpose of taking a fish oil supplement is to give you a good dose of the cholesterolAn essential component of cell membranes and nerve fibre insulation, cholesterol is important for the metabolism and transport of fatty acids and the production of hormones and Vitamin D. Cholesterol is manufactured by the liverA large organ, located in the upper right abdomen, which assists in digestion by metabolising carbohydrates, fats and proteins, stores vitamins and minerals, produces amino acids, bile and cholesterol, and removes toxins from the blood., and is also present in certain foods. High blood cholesterol levels have been linked to heart disease and may be a side effectAn unwanted effect caused by the administration of drugs. Onset may be sudden or develop over time. of some anti-HIV medications. lowering omega-3 essential fatty acids: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Fish such as mackerel, tuna, salmon and sardines are good sources of both of these as are those small shrimp-like crustaceans called krill. read more »