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Strong Bodies

At first things can seem overwhelming. But take a good look at your lifestyle and think about how to make it healthier.

Everyone’s strategy for staying well is different. Decide what’s right for you. Don’t feel guilty if you can’t change things overnight. Your health strategy has to be manageable. You can change it slowly over time depending on how you’re feeling.

Here are some of the things you might consider:

Healthcare
Your medical doctor Choose a doctor who gives you confidence, and work hard to achieve a good relationship with her or him. Feel free to ask questions or to disagree. Your doctor should be someone who knows a lot about AIDS and HIV.

Sleep
Fatigue is a common problem for people living with HIV and AIDS. Try to get at least eight hours of sleep nightly. Don’t feel guilty about taking naps during the day. If you can’t get to sleep at night, try to do things that calm you. Take a warm bath; sip a cup of decaffeinated herbal tea.

Exercise
Exercise can stimulate your immune system, oxygenate your blood, and improves your circulation. Exercise will make you stronger. It can also give you extra energy throughout the day! Try to build regular exercise into your health strategy.

Drugs and Alcohol
Drugs (including caffeine and nicotine!) and alcohol are not good for your immune system. If you would like help cutting back your use of drugs and alcohol or help quitting, please talk with your healthcare provider or HIV case manager.

Your Emotions are Important
After you find out that you are HIV positive, it’s normal to feel that your emotions are on a roller coaster. You may feel angry, sad, and all alone. You may be putting on a brave front and pretending that nothing is wrong.

Here are some things that can help you manage the stress of living with HIV and AIDS:

• Listening to relaxation tapes
• Meditation
• Taking long walks
• Yoga and tai chi
• Talking to friends
• Attending support groups

But let’s face it… stress is hard to avoid. Don’t stress yourself out more by worrying too much about how to avoid stress. If things become really hard to deal with, there are professional counselors and therapists who can help you.

— Genia, Lewiston