BASIC INFORMATION ON HIV AND AIDS
BASIC INFORMATION ON HIV AND AIDS
AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is a condition in which the body's immune system breaks down and is unable to fight off infection. AIDS is caused by a virus called HIV, the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. When a person is infected with HIV, the virus enters the body and lives and multiplies primarily in the white blood cells--cells that normally protect us from disease. The HIV virus weakens the immune system leaving the body vulnerable to infections and other illnesses, ranging from pneumonia to cancer.
The virus is spread when HIV-infected fluids of one person pass into the body of another person. Infection can occur through unprotected sex (anal, vaginal, or oral); through use of contaminated needles, syringes and other piercing instruments; and from mother to child during pregnancy, delivery, or breast feeding. In the U.S., screening of the blood supply has virtually eliminated the risk of infection through blood transfusions. Some people fear that HIV might be transmitted in other ways (such as through air, water, or insect bites); however, no scientific evidence to support any of these fears has been found.
HIV-RELATED MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS
Mental health problems can affect anybody, but people with HIV are more likely to experience a range of mental health issues over the course of their lives. More common are feelings of acute emotional distress, depression, and anxiety which can often accompany adverse life-events. HIV can also directly infect the brain causing impairment to memory and thinking. In addition some anti-HIV medications can have mental health side effects.
Emotional distress
Receiving an HIV diagnosis can produce strong emotional reactions. Initial feelings of shock and denial can turn to fear, guilt, anger, sadness, and a sense of hopelessness. Some people even have suicidal thoughts. It is understandable that one might feel helpless and/or fear illness, disability and even death.
Support from family and friends can be very helpful at these times, as can professional help. It is important for people with HIV to talk about their feelings. Physicians, including psychiatrists, as well as knowledgeable and supportive friends and loved ones can help. Remember that any strong and lasting reactions call for some kind of assistance, and that there is always help through counseling.
Depression
Depression is a serious condition that affects thoughts, feelings, and the ability to function in daily life. It is twice as common in people with HIV as in the general population. Depression is characterized by the presence of most or all of the following symptoms: low mood; apathy; fatigue; inability to concentrate; loss of pleasure in activities; changes in appetite and weight; trouble sleeping; low self-worth; and, possibly, thoughts of suicide. There are many different types of treatments for depression, including antidepressants and specific types of psychotherapy, or "talk" therapy. Treatment, however, must be carefully chosen by a physician or a mental health professional based on the patient's physical and mental condition.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a feeling of panic or apprehension, which is often accompanied by physical symptoms such as sweating, shortness of breath, rapid heart beat, agitation, nervousness, headaches and panic. Anxiety can accompany depression or be seen as a disorder by itself, often caused by circumstances which result in fear, uncertainty or insecurity.
Each person with HIV and each experience of anxiety is unique, and must be treated as such. Many drugs offer effective treatment, and many alternative remedies have proven useful either alone or in combination with medication. Among them body work, acupuncture, meditation, cognitive behavioral therapy, aerobic exercise, and supportive group therapy.
Substance Use
Substance use is common among people with HIV infection. Unfortunately, substance use can trigger and often complicate mental health problems. For many, mental health problems predate substance use activity. Substance use can increase levels of distress, interfere with treatment adherence, and lead to impairment in thinking and memory. Diagnosis and treatment by a psychiatrist or other qualified physician is critical as symptoms can mimic psychiatric disorders and other mental health problems.
Cognitive Disorders
Direct or indirect effects of the HIV virus can affect brain functioning. Some medications used to treat HIV infection can also cause similar complications. In people with HIV infection or AIDS, these complications can have significant impact on daily functioning and greatly diminish quality of life. Among the most common disorders are HIV-associated minor cognitive motor disorder, HIV-associated dementia, delirium, and psychosis. Signs of trouble may include forgetfulness, confusion, attention deficits, slurred or changed speech, sudden changes in mood or behavior, difficulty walking, muscle weakness, slowed thinking and difficulty finding words.
People with HIV who have any of these problems should discuss their concerns with their physician immediately. New anti-HIV therapies in combination with psychiatric medication can reverse delirium and dementia and markedly improve cognition; however, special care must be taken to ensure that the drugs do not interact with HIV medications. Psychotherapy can also help patients understand their condition and adapt to their diminished level of functioning.
Conclusion
HIV infection and AIDS affect all aspects of a person's life. People with HIV/AIDS must adapt to a chronic, life-threatening illness and corresponding physical and mental challenges. In addition, they often face a myriad of emotional demands ranging from stress, anger and grief to helplessness, depression and cognitive disorders. If you have concerns about your or a loved one's mood, memory, thinking process, or other mental problems associated with HIV discuss them with your doctor or counselor. Treatments are available and can greatly improve quality of life. With comprehensive and compassionate care, many mental health challenges can be overcome with support, counseling, and understanding.
Because HIV infection and AIDS are associated with a number of physical, psychiatric and psychological issues, it cannot be sufficiently reviewed in a brief summary. The reader is encouraged to consult their physician for further information. This summary is not intended to stand on its own as a comprehensive evaluation of HIV and AIDS.
Leading Psychiatrists are calling Arthur a 'walking miracle'-After 15 years in mental institutions, absorbing inhumane shock treatments, abusing alcohol, he's now being called worldwide' The Zig Ziglar of Mental Illness 'Read about his amazing comeback and what #1 best-selling author Mike Litman has called The Most Inspirational Book of 2002' Out of Darkness - One Man's Journey From The Depths Of Mental Illness to Pure Joy
They are calling Arthur Buchanan's methods of recovering from mental illness REVOLUTIONARY! (MEDICAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN) 'Arthur Buchanan has given us a revolutionary blue print for recovery in these uncertain times, when Mental Illness at a all time high in the United States of America, yet if you follow this young mans methods, we assure you of positive results and I QUOTE 'If these methods are followed precisely, their is no way you can't see positive results with whatever illness you have' Dr. Herbert Palos Detroit, Michigan'
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Chinese medicines guide
China has made significant contributions in the field of medicine and cure. There are many remedies that originated in China and have proved to be of great help in healing people across the world. According to the people of China, there is a universal life force or energy called "chi" or "qi" that pervades the entire human body. The "chi" flows via unseen energy channels known as meridians. As long as the flow of chi is smooth and unobstructed, the individual remains fit and healthy. But the moment there are irregularities in the circulation of chi, health of the person receives a setback. So in order to remain healthy, consistency in the current of chi should be maintained.
To have a sustainable flow of chi, Chinese medical philosophers devised several ways. Some of the best and eminent techniques are listed in this article.
· The flow of chi can be systematized by pinching small needles in the human body at specific points. This treatment or technique was termed as acupuncture. The basic principle behind acupuncture is to open the blockages to have a constant flow of energy throughout the body. The acupuncture needles are meant to puncture or open the points known as acupuncture points. This treatment primarily affects the nervous system of the individual. It helps in secreting some crucial hormones and other chemicals that are not adequately produced but are required by the body. Many diseases like asthma, problems in vision, paralysis, alopecia etc. find acupuncture a satisfying and good remedy. The diseases might not be completely eliminated but they are definitely controlled through the Chinese developed acupuncture therapy. The best point of acupuncture is that it has no side-effects, its harmless to go for it
· Chinese traditional herbal remedies are meant for hypertension and other cardiac problems. In case of hypertension a mixture of hawthorn, linden blossom, yarrow and valerian is given. The yarrow here is a diuretic while the rest act as relaxing agents. The hypertension with headache is treated with an additional wood betony while stress involves the usage of Siberian ginseng and skullcap.
· Arthritis and Inflammation also find a good treatment in Chinese herbs. Medicines like shosaikoto, sinomenium acutum and scutellaria baicalensis are found to be tremendously effective in this area.
· Chinese doctors have always emphasized the importance of exercise. They also worked out a special method or style of exercising. This method was named as 'qigong'. Qigong is deemed to bi-function as a fitness developing and enhancing scheme and also as a springboard for superior martial arts. A set of qigong exercises has acted as perfect medicine in many cases.
· The Chinese herbs have something to offer in case of common cold, flu, fever and influenza etc. Astragalus belongs to the pea family and is found to stabilize the immune system. Schisandra vine functions in multiple ways like in preventing diarrhea, cough, stress, aids in producing of fluids by the body. Echinacea is beat in averting cold or flu. It is a purple colored coneflower that stimulates the production of infection resistant white blood cells in the body.
This however is not all. Chinese herbs and other remedies like exercises have a record-breaking significance in human life. They have largely contributed to the maintenance of a perfect health.
Mansi gupta writes about chinese medicines .
Acidophilus: Acidophilus May Cure Yeast Infections and Vaginitis
Lactobacillus acidophilus may cure different diseases according to some experts. It is a lactic acid producing bacteria that it is thought to have beneficial effects on digestion and overall health. Under some experts, yogurt with acidophilus culture and acidophilus on its own has been shown to clear up yeast infections and vaginitis in children and adults, among other properties.
Acidophilus –experts explain- is a nutritional supplement product, which is often added to milk or sold as a capsule. It contains one or more bacteria which aid in digestion. Among these bacteria, you can find Lactobacillus acidophilus (A); Lactobacillus casei (C); Lactobacillus bulgaricus; Bifidobacterium bifidus (B) and Streptococcus thermophilus.
L. acidophilus, however, is not present in all brands of yogurt. So, you will have to check the labels of products. Acidophilus supplements usually work quickly and effectively. This occurs because they contain as many as one billion individual friendly bacteria per gram.
However, for those who cannot use milk products, acidophilus is also present in carrots, soybeans, rice starch, garbanzo beans and other sources. Health food stores carry a variety of acidophilus supplements in capsule, liquid and powder form. Some of the formulas contain bifidobacteria, another helpful bacterium, as well as vitamin C and other nutrients.
With the powder, you can make your own yogurt-type drink. For best results, acidophilus supplements should be taken on an empty stomach before breakfast, one hour before other meals. Many who have difficulty digesting ordinary dairy products often have success with cultured milk products, such as yogurt or acidophilus milk.
Article written by Hector Milla, editor of http://www.acidophiluseffects.com a website about Acidophilus Effects, plus you may read the free online guide for Healthy Eating Habits at http://www.acidophiluseffects.com/healthy-eating-habits/ , thanks for using this article in your website or ezine keeping a live link.