Plain Ignorance

I received this message from someone here in LIFEOUT.

"I symphatize with u naman, how long ka nang may AIDS? Sana mamatay ka agad para di ka na magdamay pa. (I symphatize with you, how long have you been living with AIDS? I hope you'll die sooner so that you won't infect others)"

First and foremost, as mentioned profile, I am an HIV/AIDS advocate and not an HIV Carrier.  I'm sure this guy misunderstood what I wrote in my profile. Or perhaps wasn't able to understand what I wrote and mainly replied to the word "HIV". I always get tested and my last result was negative.

Second, if ever he is talking to someone living with HIV, this guy doesn't have the authority to ask someone to die so that he won't infect other people. To be honest, I know a lot of PLHIV and they I respect them a lot because they are responsible enough.

Well, this mesage came from someone who organizes orgies and is he even sure he is safe? Better get tested, you know who you are.

People really needs to be educated and informed about what HIV/AIDS. Ignorance is deadly.

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HIV Confidential Counseling and Testing (March4)

MAKATI HAS FINALLY STOOD UP TO THE CHALLENGE!

WHAT: HIV Confidential Counseling and Testing – it’s FREE! Walang bayad!

WHEN: Sunday, 4 March 2012

TIME: 9:00am to 5:00pm

WHERE:
Gen. Pio Del Pilar National High School,
F. Zobel cor Morong St., Poblacion, Makati City
(directly at the back of Makati City Hall)

SHARE SHARE SHARE!

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HIV Testing Centers

METRO MANILA

Philippine General Hospital (PGH)
Taft Avenue, Ermita, Manila
Dr. Jodor Lim & Ms. Dominga C. Gomez, HACT, SAGIP / PGH
Tel: (+632) 554-8400 local 3238

Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM)
Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City
Dr. Rossana A. Ditangco, Head, HIV Research Unit
Tel: (+632) 807-2628 or 38 local 801/208

San Lazaro Hospital (SLH)
Quiricada St., Sta. Cruz, Manila
Dr. Rosario Jessica Tactacan-Abrenica, Medical Specialist II / HACT Leader and Head, HIV/AIDS Pavilion
Tel: (+632) 309-9528 to 29; 740-8301 loc 6000

LUZON

Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC)
Baguio City
Dr. Maria Lorena L. Santos, HACT Leader / Medical Officer II

Bicol Regional Training & Teaching Hospital
Legaspi City, Albay
Dr. Rogelio G. Rivera, Chief of Hospital III
Tel: (+6352) 483-0016; 483-0086; 483-0017

Cagayan Valley Medical Center
Tuguegarao City, Cagayan Valley

Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center (ITRMC)
San Fernando, La Union
Dr. Jeisela B. Gaerlan, Medical Specialist II / HACT Leader
Tel: (+6372) 700-3808

Jose B. Lingad Memorial Medical Center
San Fernando, Pampanga

VISAYAS

Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital
Lacson St., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental
Dr. Candido Alam, HACT Leader / Medical Specialist
Tel: (+6334) 435-1591; 433-2697

Vicente Sotto, Sr. Memorial Medical Center
B. Rodriguez St., Cebu City 6000
Dr. Maria Consuelo B. Malaga, HACT Leader
Tel: (+6332) 253-7564

Western Visayas Medical Center
Q. Abeto St., Mandurriao, 5000 Iloilo City
Dr. Ray Celis, HACT Leader / Medical Specialist III
Tel: (+6333) 321-2841 to 50

MINDANAO

Davao Medical Center
J.P. Laurel St., Bajada, 8000 Davao City
Dr. Alicia Layug, HACT Leader
Tel: (+6381) 227-2731

Zamboanga City Medical Center
Evangelista St., 7000 Zamboanga City
Dr. Jejunee Rivera, HACT Leader / Medical Officer III
Tel: (+6362) 991-0573

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The Red Whistle ALL STARS

Be blown away by this ALL STAR cast HIV/AIDS Awareness Video by The Red Whistle. 

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Mplus Thailand: Animation for Transgender HIV/AIDS Outreach and Prevention with English Subtitles

Based on the interview data of a significant transgender population in Chiang Mai, Mplus+ decided to produce an animation that empowers transgender individuals to negotiate condom use with their partners. This animation was piloted with the target population and the feedback was positive. More importantly, as an animation that is made exclusively for transgenders, the narrative itself resonates with transgenders lifeworlds and provides a catalyst for informed discussion in Mplus+s outreach to this population that goes beyond simply advocating condom use. It is about raising awareness and self esteem.

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Condom Myths

I got this post from Facebook in one of my FB groups:

CONDOM MYTH's:

1. Condoms don't work very well. [False statement]
If used consistently and correctly, condoms are effective in preventing the transmission of STIs including HIV.

2. The male condom can come off and get lost inside. [False statement]
If put on correctly, a male condom is very unlikely to come off. Even if it does, it can be removed with the fingers, it can not 'get lost'.

3. Most condoms are too small. [False statement]
The latex used to make condoms is very flexible and can stretch to several times the size of even the biggest penis!

4. Using two condoms at the same time offers greater protection. [False statement]
Using two condoms at the same time creates greater friction during sex, which may result in the condoms breaking or slipping off. Only one condom should be used at a time.

5. The HIV Virus is so small that it can pass through the condom. [False statement]
Tests have shown that neither semen nor HIV can pass through the material used in making condoms.

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GETTING TO ZERO: World Aids Day Celebration

Worlds AIDS Day is being commemorated every 1st of December and is dedicated to increase the public awareness about HIV& AIDS.During this time of the year, javascript:void(0)you'll see advocates wearing a "red ribbon", an international symbol of solidarity with people who are infected by HIV and those who are living with AIDS.The first World AIDS Day was celebrated in 1988. This year is the 23rd anniversary of the World Aids Celebration and the theme is "Getting to Zero": Zero New HIV Infections. Zero Discrimination, and Zero AIDS Related Deaths.

Different Non-Government Organizations and Local Government Units are holding different events like Candle Lighting Ceremonies, seminars, symposiums, and in the Philippines, the annual Manila Pride March is an avenue as well for the HIV Awareness campaigns and Human Rights Activism. Despite the efforts of our NGOs and LGUs, there is still an increase in the number of people getting infected every year in the Philippines but a decline can be observed in other countries.

Majority of the people living with HIV were infected through sexual contact, some through needle sharing among injecting drug users, and blood transfusion. Reports also have it that there are cases of people below 15 years old. This year, the theme aims to lessen, or better yet, reduce all HIV infection to zero. It's our call to basically stop the spread of the virus by educating not just ourselves but everyone around us. Get yourself tested and know your status. Whether you're positive or not, always practice safe sex.

Sources:
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/223333/news/hiv-infections-rising-fast-among-men-ages-20-29
http://www.pnac.org.ph/uploads/documents/publications/NEC_HIV_Apr-AIDSreg2010.pdf
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_AIDS_Day

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Signs of HIV & AIDS

Signs of HIV & AIDSFrom http://www.about.com/

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review BoardFiled In:

Diseases Signs and Symptoms of HIV/AIDSEarly Signs and Symptoms of HIV AIDSSome people experience signs and symptoms of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), as soon as they become infected, others do not. Signs and symptoms are often mistaken for flu or a mild viral infection. The person appears to recover, usually between a week to month later. Signs and symptoms include;

# Fever

# Headache

# Tiredness

# Nausea

# Diarrhea

# Enlarged lymph nodes (neck, armpits and groin).

As you can see, the signs and symptoms are similar to many different viral infections and diseases. The only way to know if you are infected with HIV is to be tested. Many people infected with HIV do not have any signs and symptoms for many years.Later Signs and Symptoms of HIV/AIDSThe Center for Disease Control (CDC), gives the following signs and symptoms that may be warning signs of infection with HIV. They are:

# rapid weight loss

# dry cough

# recurring fever or profuse night sweats

# profound and unexplained fatigue

# swollen lymph glands in the armpits, groin, or neck

# diarrhea that lasts for more than a week

# white spots or unusual blemishes on the tongue, in the mouth, or in the throat

# pneumonia

# red, brown, pink, or purplish blotches on or under the skin or inside the mouth, nose, or eyelids

# memory loss, depression, and other neurological disordersHIV destroys white blood cells that are required to fight infection.

As the white cell count falls to dangerous levels infections and diseases emerge. It is at this point that a person is said to have AIDS, Acquired immune deficiency syndrome.As with HIV, you cannot rely on these signs and symptoms to establish that a person has AIDS. The symptoms of AIDS are similar to the symptoms of many other illnesses and diseases. AIDS, is a medical diagnosis made by a medical doctor based on specific criteria established by the CDC.

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Run For Positive Lives

The 'Run for Positive Lives' is the 1st Run for HIV & AIDS in the Philippines.
It carries the theme 'Getting to Zero' for 'Zero New Infections', 'Zero HIV-related Deaths', and 'Zero Discrimination'.

Run Categories Gun Start Registration Fees
3K 5:45a.m. PHP 400.00
5K 5:45a.m. PHP 500.00
10K 5:30a.m. PHP 600.00
21K 5:15a.m. PHP 700.00

Cash Prizes, Medals and Special Awards await winners!!!

REGISTRATION INFO:

START: September 28 – December 2, 2011
ONLINE REGISTRATION: September 28 to November 25, 2011
REGISTRATION FEE INCLUDES: Singlet, race bib and a timing chip.
Singlets size guarantees registrants up to November 30, 2011

Register on or before OCTOBER 22, 2011 and you'll have a chance to WIN an ipod shuffle!

ONLINE REGISTRATION: www.pinoylifeguide.org

REGISTRATION SITES:

SECRETARIAT: Philippine NGO Support Program, Inc. (PHANSuP)
4F VD&S Building, 59-B Panay Ave., Quezon City 1103 Philippines
Tel (+632) 332-1914
Email: run4positivelives@gmail.com

Pinoy Plus Association (PPA+)
San Lazaro Compound,
Department of Health (DoH)
Manila
Tel. (+632) 742-7293
Email: pinoy_plus@yahoo.com

Babae Plus
2615 Dian Street, Malate, Manila
Tel (+632) 382-0087

Positive Action Foundation Philippines, Inc. (PAFPI)
2613 Dian St., Malate, Manila
Tel (+632) 404-2911 ● 528-4531
Telefax: (+632) 567-3506

For other inquiries, call Heizel L. Mainar, events coordinator, at (0915) 8504030 or (0949) 6371853. You may also email your inquiries to run4positivelives@gmail.com

FB  Events Page:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=121720424598499

JOIN US and support the advocacy on HIV & AIDS!!!

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YOGA FOR LIFE

About Yoga for Life

MISSION

Yoga for Life aims to promote yoga in the Philippines as an effective complementary therapy to western medicine for those living with HIV, as well as a supplementary venue for convergence among those who live with, are affected by, and support the fight against HIV.

VISION

Through a heightened awareness and holistic understanding of HIV, health, and self, we envision Yoga for Life to be the foundation of an empowered positive community and an enlightened society that live positively and live well.

HOW WE BEGAN

Charmaine Cu-Unjieng and Paulo Leonido first met in 2010 during their Yoga Teachers’ Training. Together six days a week for two months, they got to know each other, and clicked. Call it dharma. They were both passionate about HIV and yoga. Call it fate. They even had the same birthday. Call it whatever you want. They became proud parents of the idea of yoga for the HIV community.

With her contacts at EchoYoga, and his contacts at the Philippine General Hospital and the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Charmaine and Paulo developed a yoga program designed for the needs of people living with HIV and AIDS.

Soon, with some of the most dynamic people, each an HIV advocate in their own right, they formed the Core Group, whose work and dedication would help bring Yoga for Life to fruition. And on 02 June 2010, we held the first Yoga for Life class for our first 14 students.

The first months were like walking on thin ice, as we needed to get people to open up to either experiencing yoga or facing the issue of HIV, or in some cases, a combination of both. But as our newbies become regulars, who invite friends, who invite friends, it is the Yoga for Life community itself that is helping us evolve into what we need to be on the holistic road to wellness, inner peace, and self-empowerment.

In April 2011, ten months and 300 members since it began, we formalized Yoga for Life as a non-stock, non-profit entity with the Securities and Exchange Commission, with the purpose to conduct sessions of yoga and other related disciplines to serve as complementary therapy for those living with HIV, as well as supplementary venue for convergence among those who live with, those who are affected by, and those who support the fight against HIV.

Today, we, the Core Group, strive for more ways to serve the growing YFL community, so we may continue to reach more people and build a community of advocates who, through yoga, shall share their energies towards living positively and living well.

E-mail: yogaforlife.ph@gmail.com
Mobile Phone Number:
0917-5404247 Charmaine
0917-3889658 Paulo

Information: If you have questions or comments, or if you would like to make a donation to support the cause of Yoga for Life, whether in cash or in kind - brand new or gently used yoga mats, yoga straps, yoga towels, water bottles, etc. - or if you would like to share with us your time and knowledge as a guest yoga instructor or resource person, please do not hesitate to contact YFL.

www.facebook.com/yogaforlife.ph

www.twitter.com/YogaForLife_ph

http://www.yogaforlife.ph

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First man ‘functionally cured’ of HIV

I was surprised to read this article. I have been hearing about this before and I finally found articles relating to this story. At first I was amazed to know that, yes, there is a big hope for people living with HIV to be cured. This can be a start of a break though in fighting the virus and slowly but surely stop the spread of it. I hope that even if he is the first, he wouldn't be the last to be cured of HIV.

However, it would still be advisable to everyone to practice safe sex all the time despite the fact that there are advancements being discovered. With this habit, we will be able to ensure lesser chance of getting the virus and would not wait for the cure to be available for everyone.

First man ‘functionally cured’ of HIV

Since HIV was discovered 30 years ago this week, 30 million people have died from the disease, and it continues to spread at the rate of7,000 people per day globally, the UN says.

There's not much good news when it comes to this devastating virus. But that is perhaps why the story of the man scientists call the "Berlin patient" is so remarkable and has generated so much excitement among the HIV advocacy community.

Timothy Ray Brown suffered from both leukemia and HIV when he received a bone marrow stem cell transplant in Berlin, Germany in 2007. The transplant came from a man who was immune to HIV, which scientists say about 1 percent of Caucasians are. (According to San Francisco's CBS affiliate, the trait may be passed down from ancestors who became immune to the plague centuries ago. This Wired story says it was more likely passed down from people who became immune to a smallpox-like disease.)
What happened next has stunned the dozens of scientists who are closely monitoring Brown: His HIV went away.

Read Complete Article HERE

Source:
http://news.yahoo.com/

If you like reading the said article from Yahoo, you might also be interested in reading this article from CBS San Francisco:
http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2011/05/16/apparent-immunity-gene-cures-bay-area-man-of-aids/

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I CARE- HIV Awareness Campaign

 

You don’t need to be POSITIVE just to be an ADVOCATE.

The number of diagnosed people is increasing dramatically. Everyone should do something about it.  Think about your friends, the person you love the most, or anyone, even a complete stranger. You should ACT now! CARE! 

C-Condom and the Right Lubrication

If you want to have sex, NEVER EVER do it without protection. Always keep a rubber handy and DON’T reuse condoms. After using a condom, immediately dispose it. Use water based lubricants and don’t use lotion, baby oil, and other oil based substances. 

A-Abstinence and Avoiding Multiple SEX Partners

The best thing to do is abstaining from having sex. And if you are in a relationship, be faithful. The more sex partners you have, you will have more risk. However, human beings are sexual beings.  So if you really can’t avoid having sex, do it with protection all the time. Be RESPONSIBLE enough. 

R- Refrain from using Drugs and having sex under the influence of Alcohol.

When having sex and you are drunk or high with drugs, you will not be in the right mindset. You will be wilder and more reckless and prone to unprotected sex. 

E-Educate yourself and be Informed.

Being knowledgeable with HIV/AIDS is a good way of protecting yourself and everyone you know. Try to get tested every once in a while to know your HIV status. There are free testing centers nationwide. Trust me; it pays to know your Status.

If you CARE, share this message to everyone. It's not just about knowing the ABCs of HIV awareness, it's about putting everything you know in action. 

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Oral sex risk very low, but not zero

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