TheBody.Com: Blog Central http://www.thebody.com/content/art46169.html TheBody.Com's collection of blogs, featuring HIV advocates and people living with HIV. http://img.thebody.com/thebody/blogfeeds/redhands_140x140.gif TheBody.Com: Blog Central http://www.thebody.com/content/art46169.html 140 140 Jamar Rogers: The Story Behind the Voice http://www.thebody.com/content/65702/jamar-rogers-the-story-behind-the-voice.html Robert BreiningThis past Monday my partner and I were excited to watch the premiere of The Voice. We love this show in particular because the auditions are blind. Which makes the judges focus on the voice of the contestant instead of their image. This is truly a way to find talented singers. I am happy to announce this Sunday February 12th at 9 p.m. EST, I will be speaking with Jamar Rogers, an HIV-positive contestant on the second season of The Voice If you watched The Voice this week then you were probably moved by Jamar Rogers' story and his talent. I was completely blown away by his honesty. I immediately jumped on Facebook after his audition and tried to contact him about being interviewed on POZ I AM Radio. I was super excited to get a email response the next morning from him agreeing to be on the show. It was surreal.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65702/jamar-rogers-the-story-behind-the-voice.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Fri, 10 Feb 2012 07:12:00 GMT Run for It! http://www.thebody.com/content/65683/run-for-it.html Volunteer PositiveOK, take a deep breath. It's around 6 in the morning and it's hot. It doesn't feel like wintertime, but there are constant reminders with all the Christmas decorations still dotting the landscape around Chiang Mai (It's waaaaay past New Years'). I run in the morning because it's cooler and I try to beat the morning commute. I also get a glimpse of the Buddhist monks collecting their alms early in the morning. It has a very grounding effect. If you will, let me take you on a quick trip through my experiences as a volunteer for Volunteer Positive in Thailand.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65683/run-for-it.html Carlton@volunteerpositive.org (Volunteer Positive) Thu, 9 Feb 2012 09:00:00 GMT Abstract Writing Workshop at DOH http://www.thebody.com/content/65703/abstract-writing-workshop-at-doh.html Candace Y.A. MontagueThe International AIDS Conference will be here in July. It is my greatest wish to get as many of my readers there as possible (especially those of you who live with HIV). One great way to be there is to be a presenter. There is a very informative abstract writing workshop that is coming up at HAHSTA on this Friday. It promises to be just one hour long. Please make an effort to get there and learn whatever you can about submitting an abstract for a potential workshop. Here's the info straight from HAHSTA to you.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65703/abstract-writing-workshop-at-doh.html writeoncm@gmail.com (Candace Y.A. Montague) Wed, 8 Feb 2012 12:02:00 GMT New Documentary About Blacks and AIDS Set to Premiere at IAC http://www.thebody.com/content/65681/new-documentary-about-blacks-and-aids-set-to-premi.html Candace Y.A. MontagueIf you're still buzzing from National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, have I got news for you. The Dream Factory, a local multimedia production company, is currently working on a a movie about Blacks and HIV called 13 Percent. In this documentary, warriors who are on the front line in the battle against HIV speak candidly about the virus, their experiences, and what it will take to defeat AIDS within the black population. The production will debut during the International AIDS Conference in July and will be the talk of the conference (you heard it here first).

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65681/new-documentary-about-blacks-and-aids-set-to-premi.html writeoncm@gmail.com (Candace Y.A. Montague) Wed, 8 Feb 2012 11:00:00 GMT Sean Strub: HIV Is Not a Crime -- HIV Criminalization http://www.thebody.com/content/65672/sean-strub-hiv-is-not-a-crime--hiv-criminalization.html Robert BreiningOn Sunday January 29th, Jeromy and I spoke with filmmaker and activist Sean Strub. Sean is a leading voice for the people with HIV self-empowerment movement and is the founder of POZ Magazine. Sean is the senior advisor to the Center for HIV Law & Policy's Positive Justice Project (combating HIV criminalization) and serves on the board of directors of the North American regional affiliate of the Global Network of People Living With HIV/AIDS.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65672/sean-strub-hiv-is-not-a-crime--hiv-criminalization.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Wed, 8 Feb 2012 09:02:00 GMT The Health Cost Crisis? Who Cares?! http://www.thebody.com/content/65671/the-health-cost-crisis-who-cares.html Dave R.There's no denying it; the post-war baby boomers are getting old but there's one thing baby boomers have always loved and that is getting on a soapbox and having a good old moan (that's as near as you'll get to an apology in advance, from this particular grumpy old man!). However, aging has meant different things to different tribes within that group.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65671/the-health-cost-crisis-who-cares.html drew50@chello.nl (Dave R.) Wed, 8 Feb 2012 09:00:00 GMT Commemorating National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day http://www.thebody.com/content/65701/commemorating-national-black-hivaids-awareness-day.html On this, the 12th annual National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, I remember my sister-in-law's fight with the disease. Tragically, she did not win that fight -- she left behind a devastated husband and five-year old daughter. But it is in her memory, and the memory of all the friends and loved ones we have lost, that we vow to keep working toward the day when HIV/AIDS is history.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65701/commemorating-national-black-hivaids-awareness-day.html Tue, 7 Feb 2012 21:00:00 GMT The Problem of Stigma http://www.thebody.com/content/65670/the-problem-of-stigma.html Rae Lewis-ThorntonToday is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day and for me that's bittersweet. Let me explain. I'm happy that African Americans are coming together across the country to bring awareness to HIV/AIDS, but sad that it seems, no matter how hard we work, the number of HIV cases continue to rise. The CDC says that Black folks are 44% of all new cases of HIV in the United States and nearly half of all cases of HIV in this country. It seems the more things change for the better around HIV/AIDS, the worst it gets in the Black community.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65670/the-problem-of-stigma.html rae@raelewisthornton.com (Rae Lewis-Thornton) Tue, 7 Feb 2012 16:06:00 GMT D.C. Activist Chosen as Spokesperson for Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day http://www.thebody.com/content/65674/dc-activist-chosen-as-spokesperson-for-black-hivai.html Candace Y.A. MontagueChristopher Barnhill thought life was over at age 16 when he found out that he was HIV positive at a health fair one day. His mother died of complications due to AIDS in 1989. Yet he soon discovered that his journey was just beginning and that his testimony would be the springboard to help many other people come to terms with their diagnosis. Now thriving at age 26, Chris is healthy, vibrant, and working as the Schools Engagement Manager for Metro Teen AIDS, a popular youth-oriented non-profit organization in Southeast. He was recently chosen as one of the esteemed national spokespeople for National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Chris shared his perspective with me in a recent interview.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65674/dc-activist-chosen-as-spokesperson-for-black-hivai.html writeoncm@gmail.com (Candace Y.A. Montague) Tue, 7 Feb 2012 11:15:00 GMT Nelson's Tips for Finding Your Valentine http://www.thebody.com/content/65657/nelsons-tips-for-finding-your-valentine.html Nelson VergelBeing HIV positive complicates the dating game. Disclosing your status can be stressful since there is always a good possibility that you can get rejected. I think taking medications daily is not as big of an issue as is dating while being HIV positive. That is what I tell HIV-negative young people who think that HIV is a chronic manageable disease and do not see what the big deal is about wearing condoms. I tell them that taking pills is the easiest thing, but dating can be terribly complicated and stressful after you find out you are HIV positive.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65657/nelsons-tips-for-finding-your-valentine.html nelsonvergel@yahoo.com (Nelson Vergel) Tue, 7 Feb 2012 09:40:00 GMT Thank You, Bonnie Goldman, for Giving Me My Life http://www.thebody.com/content/65640/thank-you-bonnie-goldman-for-giving-me-my-life.html Thomas DeLorenzoI didn't know Bonnie Goldman for a very long time, nor did I have many contacts with her in person. That being said, these few times we did interact, she was nothing short of a force of nature on my life. Sometimes we get lucky and meet that person who can push us beyond our comfort zones and encourage us to do things that we never thought we could before. Bonnie was one of those people in my life.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65640/thank-you-bonnie-goldman-for-giving-me-my-life.html thomasdelorenzo@mac.com (Thomas DeLorenzo) Mon, 6 Feb 2012 13:24:00 GMT Brief D.C. Must-Do List: Black AIDS Awareness Day 2012 http://www.thebody.com/content/65658/brief-dc-must-do-list-black-aids-awareness-day-201.html Candace Y.A. MontagueNational Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is Tuesday, February 7th. But the District will have to look extra hard to find events that recognize this day. Unlike World AIDS Day, when I am flooded with emails about vigils, cocktail parties, congressional briefings, demonstrations and so forth, I have a short list of activities for you this time that pertain to Black AIDS Awareness. In DC, 4.7 percent of African-Americans live with the virus. Among African-American males, the infection rate is an alarming 7.1 percent. It's a crisis that has been so perpetual that the rest of the world has seemingly become immune to the stats. Please don't tune out. Take the time to learn and do something new to fight HIV/AIDS among African-Americans.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65658/brief-dc-must-do-list-black-aids-awareness-day-201.html writeoncm@gmail.com (Candace Y.A. Montague) Mon, 6 Feb 2012 10:03:00 GMT Everyday Heroes: Wilson Cruz http://www.thebody.com/content/65673/everyday-heroes-wilson-cruz.html Brandon Lacy CamposSo, being gay famous and all, I have had the occasion upon occasion to meet folks that are actually famous. One of my best friends is Bebe Zahara Benet, I am acquainted with Cheyenne Jackson, though better with his partner (fellow Minnesotan) Monte -- you meet the craziest people at our dog park including Michael Urie, as well as Wilson Heredia (the other Angel from Rent), but there is one person I have come across who is legitimately famous and who is not only really real and sweet but lives his life, his politics, and gives to his community in a way that goes way beyond cutting a check or posing for a PETA ad.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65673/everyday-heroes-wilson-cruz.html brandonlacycampos@yahoo.com (Brandon Lacy Campos) Sat, 4 Feb 2012 19:09:00 GMT Tennessee Senator: It's Virtually Impossible for Heterosexuals to Contract HIV From Sex http://www.thebody.com/content/65600/tennessee-senator-its-virtually-impossible-for-he.html Kellee TerrellAnother day, another opportunity for our elected officials to completely expose themselves for being entirely out of touch with the HIV/AIDS epidemic in this country.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65600/tennessee-senator-its-virtually-impossible-for-he.html kterrell@thebody.com (Kellee Terrell) Thu, 2 Feb 2012 17:18:00 GMT Where It Came From http://www.thebody.com/content/65572/where-it-came-from.html Brooke DavidoffI know now where I got it, THIS. I no longer need a man-map trying to retrace my who's and where's of the years past. One email answered it all today. I sent an email to one of my ex-boyfriends' exes via Facebook a few weeks ago. I've known they were not together for a few months now. I noticed she was single again, and I sent her an email. We're not friends, but we KNOW each other. We have for years. I just dropped her a line saying I had no idea what happened with THEM, but I hoped she had a good new year and found a guy who treated her better than our ex. She wrote me back.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65572/where-it-came-from.html brookedavidoff@gmail.com (Brooke Davidoff) Thu, 2 Feb 2012 07:08:00 GMT The Last Goodbye http://www.thebody.com/content/65569/the-last-goodbye.html Frankie Ninja"I came to say my goodbye." The words struck like a sledgehammer right to the gut. Did I just hear what I thought I heard? Old friends and newcomers were taken aback in an almost audible gasp. Those were the words of Mike ___________ as he checked in with our group of men that attend "LIFE Experience".

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65569/the-last-goodbye.html frankieninja@gmail.com (Frankie Ninja) Wed, 1 Feb 2012 19:06:00 GMT Komen's Snub to Planned Parenthood Hurts HIV Efforts Too http://www.thebody.com/content/65592/komens-snub-to-planned-parenthood-hurts-hiv-effort.html Candace Y.A. MontaguePlanned Parenthood is once again under attack but this time from someone that was once a strong ally. The Susan G. Komen Foundation announced that they would cease all financial support of Planned Parenthood because the organization is under congressional investigation. Critics say that the Komen is succumbing to political pressure because Planned Parenthood has been scrutinized lately for providing abortions. The Komen Foundation vehemently denies this by saying in a released statement "We are dismayed and extremely disappointed that actions we have taken to strengthen our granting process have been widely mischaracterized." Their decision to pull funding from Planned Parenthood not only hampers breast cancer prevention but it also cuts into HIV and STD screenings and prevention as well.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65592/komens-snub-to-planned-parenthood-hurts-hiv-effort.html writeoncm@gmail.com (Candace Y.A. Montague) Wed, 1 Feb 2012 14:06:00 GMT The Supplement Syndrome: "I'm Not Sure It's Helping but It May Get Worse If I Stop!" http://www.thebody.com/content/65555/the-supplement-syndrome-im-not-sure-its-helping-bu.html Dave R.The advent of HIV in our lives coincided with the beginning of a western obsession with alternative self-help and self-medication. Not that HIV was responsible for that but people with HIV were desperate to find ways of improving and extending their lives; many alternative therapies were adopted and in many cases maintained to this day. However, the biggest boom was in the use of supplements to our diets to improve general health and hopefully boost our immune systems. The rest of the population was on board because the idea of taking a few pills beat dieting and exercise hands down, and the western world at that time just wanted to look like Lee Majors and Jane Fonda. For some reason, it didn't click with the general couch-potato population that supplements were exactly that and no substitute for healthy eating and exercise.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65555/the-supplement-syndrome-im-not-sure-its-helping-bu.html drew50@chello.nl (Dave R.) Wed, 1 Feb 2012 07:01:00 GMT Greg Louganis: Olympic Gold Medalist Wants to Dance With the Stars http://www.thebody.com/content/65590/greg-louganis--olympic-gold-medalist-wants-to-danc.html Robert BreiningThis Sunday February 5th at 9pm EST Robert will be speaking with Olympic Gold Medalist Greg Louganis. Openly gay and HIV-positive Olympic diving legend Greg Louganis wants to show off his moves on ABC's "Dancing with the Stars" next season. Louganis fans have created a Facebook campaign asking ABC to extend an invitation to Louganis, and the campaign is getting some attention with over 1,800 people supporting it. Show your support.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65590/greg-louganis--olympic-gold-medalist-wants-to-danc.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:30:00 GMT HIV Criminalization Faceoff: One Poz Man and His Accuser http://www.thebody.com/content/65532/hiv-criminalization-faceoff-one-poz-man-and-his-ac.html Mark S. KingWhat if you could witness a face-to-face confrontation between a man living with HIV and the sex partner accusing him of not revealing his status? Wouldn't you like to be a fly on that wall? The fireworks could be mighty, as emotions raged between the furious accuser and the positive person trying to defend his actions. What might that meeting look like, exactly?

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]]> Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:55:00 GMT mark@marksking.com (Mark S. King) http://www.thebody.com/content/65532/hiv-criminalization-faceoff-one-poz-man-and-his-ac.html AIDS 2012 Update: Plenary Speakers Announced With Few Positive Women http://www.thebody.com/content/65568/aids-2012-update-plenary-speakers-announced-with-f.html Candace Y.A. MontagueHave you heard the news? Many of you have by now. The slate of plenary speakers has been announced for the 2012 International AIDS Conference. The plenary speakers will begin each day of the conference, which is set for July 21st through July 27th 2012 here in DC. The line up of speakers includes a range of leaders from global organizations. They are all well-known and respected experts in the fields of science, politics, and advocacy. But there's a blank space in the list of speakers on HIV/AIDS that leads keen observers question: where are the female speakers who are openly living with HIV?

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65568/aids-2012-update-plenary-speakers-announced-with-f.html writeoncm@gmail.com (Candace Y.A. Montague) Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:50:00 GMT What Would Anderson Cooper Say About the Promised ADAP Funding? http://www.thebody.com/content/65659/what-would-anderson-cooper-say-about-the-promised-.html Kevin Maloney"Keeping them honest" -- where is the money? Almost two months ago on World AIDS Day, December 1st 2011, President Obama thankfully promised an additional 35 million dollars that would go to state ADAP (AIDS Drug Assistance Programs). This money should have already been rolled out. However no state has yet to see any of these additional funds, and the frustration level in the HIV/AIDS community is building.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65659/what-would-anderson-cooper-say-about-the-promised-.html Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:20:00 GMT kevin@riseuptohiv.com (Kevin Maloney) PACHA Blog: CMS Care Innovations Summit http://www.thebody.com/content/65549/pacha-blog-cms-care-innovations-summit.html The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the HHS Office of the National Coordinator are hosting the first "Care Innovations Summit" in Washington, DC today to "showcase innovative work in care delivery and payment." The Summit will bring together leading innovators from inside and outside the healthcare industry to encourage and promote knowledge-sharing, "matchmaking," and engagement to drive transformation of our healthcare system.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65549/pacha-blog-cms-care-innovations-summit.html Thu, 26 Jan 2012 20:50:00 GMT Finding the Missing You! http://www.thebody.com/content/65554/finding-the-missing-you.html Rae Lewis-ThorntonI know ... I know, I've been missing in action, but really it seems like I've been missing a part of me. Like my spirit just walked right out of my body and left a 160-pound shell. Yes, I said a 160-pound shell, but that's another topic altogether. Let me be honest here, this herpes is giving me the freaking blues. For Real! I'm so sick of being on IV medication I can't think straight. No forget that, I can't even think.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65554/finding-the-missing-you.html rae@raelewisthornton.com (Rae Lewis-Thornton) Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:27:00 GMT Greg Halpen: Self-Mastery Coach and Healer http://www.thebody.com/content/65504/greg-halpen-self-mastery-coach-and-healer.html Robert BreiningOn Sunday January 15th at 9pm EST, Greg Halpen shared his story on POZIAM RADIO. Greg is a self-mastery coach and healer. It was a late summer day in August of 1997 when Greg Halpen went to his follow up HIV test appointment. It was result time. He had met someone new, and thought he would FINALLY get tested. But he wasn't ready for what was in store for him. The news? He tested positive for HIV. That day felt like the last day of the rest of his life.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65504/greg-halpen-self-mastery-coach-and-healer.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:01:00 GMT Bonnie http://www.thebody.com/content/65495/bonnie.html Nelson VergelI know I should have written this before. But I was dealing with my mixed emotions about Bonnie's death and wanted to let them settle first. When I found out she had died, my heart sank. But it did not sink like it had in the past when most of my friends died of AIDS after a long battle for which I was present. This time it was different. Here is a woman that I thought I knew well and that I was kind of pissed at for the last year or so. She had not returned my calls or emails wanting to chat like we used to when she used to be with TheBody.com. But it never crossed my mind that she was struggling with a health issue.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65495/bonnie.html nelsonvergel@yahoo.com (Nelson Vergel) Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:26:00 GMT HIV Criminalization http://www.thebody.com/content/65505/hiv-criminalization.html Gary BellIn May 2008, a homeless, HIV+ man was sentenced to 35 years in prison for assaulting a police officer with a "deadly weapon," his saliva! Willie Campbell, who was clearly intoxicated at the time, has been HIV+ since 1994 and has a history of aggressive behavior with public servants, will have to serve at least 17.5 years to be eligible for parole. The police officers were not infected. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), although there have been a few rare cases of transmission through severe bites, "contact with saliva, tears or sweat has never been shown to result in transmission of H.I.V."

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65505/hiv-criminalization.html garyb@bebashi.org (Gary Bell) Tue, 24 Jan 2012 08:08:00 GMT I Get Tested Too! http://www.thebody.com/content/65494/i-get-tested-too.html Rev. Andrena IngramI can't believe how many years I have been doing this. I got tested once for HIV, and now I still get my blood tested every three months to see what the virus is doing in my body. For the past 23 years, I have been doing this! Twenty three years ago, I remember getting "tested" every other month. During one stint, I was getting my blood tested every month. That was a bummer.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65494/i-get-tested-too.html aftertheribbon@gmail.com (Rev. Andrena Ingram) Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:02:00 GMT In This Corner, the Scale http://www.thebody.com/content/65493/in-this-corner-the-scale.html Rev. Andrena IngramWell, there you see it ... the scale! Most women have some ongoing love/hate relationship with their scales. Add HIV or AIDS to the equation, and you get a whole 'nutha dynamic. I have been talking and writing off an on about my struggle with my weight. And I must say again, that it is not really MY struggle, but other people's struggle with where THEY think I should be as far as weight goes.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65493/in-this-corner-the-scale.html aftertheribbon@gmail.com (Rev. Andrena Ingram) Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:01:00 GMT My Lizzy, Me and HIV http://www.thebody.com/content/65492/my-lizzy-me-and-hiv.html Rev. Andrena IngramWhen I was thinking about moving here about 10 years ago, to attend seminary, my first concern was: where am I going to receive medical care. I reached out to someone here, who referred me to Philadelphia Fight ... and I met Lizzy, and we have hung tough for almost 9 years!

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65492/my-lizzy-me-and-hiv.html aftertheribbon@gmail.com (Rev. Andrena Ingram) Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT I Yam What I Yam! http://www.thebody.com/content/65445/i-yam-what-i-yam.html Rev. Andrena IngramHi Everybody! I am excited to become one of "thebody.com" bloggers on this site. I come here often and have been checking out a lot of your blogs, and you folks are pretty amazing! I have been around the "proverbial block of cyber-land" for many years now. I remember when "Prodigy" was the one of the first online services, the other was CompuServe. I have belonged to many online groups AND a majority of online personals sites, and one of the first things they always ask is for you to provide a short intro about who you are. It has always been a headache.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65445/i-yam-what-i-yam.html aftertheribbon@gmail.com (Rev. Andrena Ingram) Sun, 22 Jan 2012 08:45:00 GMT An Interview With Butch Mckay -- Positive Living 15 Conference http://www.thebody.com/content/65570/an-interview-with-butch-mckay--positive-living-15-.html Robert BreiningButch McKay is currently Executive Director of Okaloosa AIDS Support and Informational Services, Inc. (OASIS), a position he has held since 1996. He founded the Positive Living Conference Series in 1997. Butch has been involved in the AIDS arena for 24 years, starting his career as a volunteer with Birmingham AIDS Outreach and UAB (University of Alabama at Birmingham) AIDS Clinic and Research Center.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65570/an-interview-with-butch-mckay--positive-living-15-.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Sat, 21 Jan 2012 19:25:00 GMT HIV Criminalization Comes To MARYLAND! ... Wait, I'm HIV+ and I Live in Maryland ... http://www.thebody.com/content/65452/hiv-criminalization-comes-to-maryland--wait-im-hiv.html Maryland's oldest and longest serving Senator Norman Stone (Democrat from Baltimore County) proposed the bill (Senate Bill 60) to raise the transmission of HIV from a Misdemeanor to a Felony charge. The bill currently has no co-sponsor in the Senate.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65452/hiv-criminalization-comes-to-maryland--wait-im-hiv.html jsmithco98@hotmail.com (Justin B. Terry-Smith) Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:00:00 GMT Bishop Joyce Turner Keller -- Where You At? http://www.thebody.com/content/65450/bishop-joyce-turner-keller--where-you-at.html Robert BreiningOn Sunday December 18th at 9pm EST, Robert and Jack spoke with Bishop Joyce Turner Keller on the POZ I AM Radio Show. Bishop Joyce has lofted the term "southern hospitality" to an entirely new level. She is not only the founder and CEO of Aspirations, a non-profit faith-based community service organization, but someone who is living with HIV/AIDS herself, and has dedicated herself to educating, supporting and inspiring others living with HIV/AIDS throughout the nation.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65450/bishop-joyce-turner-keller--where-you-at.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Fri, 20 Jan 2012 08:03:00 GMT The Self-Worth Analysis, or How Neuropathy Can Steal Your Social Self http://www.thebody.com/content/65448/the-self-worth-analysis-or-how-neuropathy-can-stea.html

Dave R.Allow me to imagine a scenario: You've been there before remember ... with HIV. The day before your diagnosis you were more or less a fully-functioning part of society, even if that wasn't particularly the aim and the day after ... you weren't. That's not to say that you ceased to exist; your role just changed that's all. It's a two-way process; society looks at you differently and you see society as something outside yourself. For many people, it's the first time they've been forced to examine their position in the world and for many people it's a real shock.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65448/the-self-worth-analysis-or-how-neuropathy-can-stea.html drew50@chello.nl (Dave R.) Fri, 20 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT Bonus Rounds http://www.thebody.com/content/65447/bonus-rounds.html River HustonEvery morning I feel so fortunate to wake up to another day. I have been calling this time of my life the "bonus rounds," and they are. I live by the sea in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, in an amazing house right on the ocean. It is not for everyone because living here is not at all like taking a vacation here. It is a little rough and tumble. For instance, the other night as I slept I felt something warm and alive plop on my head in the dark.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65447/bonus-rounds.html river@riverhuston.com (River Huston) Fri, 20 Jan 2012 07:56:00 GMT Rapid Hepatitis C Testing Debuts at NBC Health and Fitness Expo http://www.thebody.com/content/65449/rapid-hepatitis-c-testing-debuts-at-nbc-health-and.html Candace Y.A. MontagueCommunity Education Group and Kappa Youth Development teamed up to provide free HIV and hepatitis C testing at the 19th annual NBC Health and Fitness Expo this past Saturday at the convention center. The expo is a Washington tradition in January and has plenty of events and activities surrounding wellness. Hepatitis C testing was offered for the first time using the new rapid results test manufactured by Orasure Technologies.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65449/rapid-hepatitis-c-testing-debuts-at-nbc-health-and.html writeoncm@gmail.com (Candace Y.A. Montague) Wed, 18 Jan 2012 23:00:00 GMT Getting Savvy About Social Media http://www.thebody.com/content/65427/getting-savvy-about-social-media.html Aless PiperIn my recent piece, "Notes for a Young Activist," I outlined ways for activists to get involved using social media and the internet. It occurred to me recently that AIDS Service Organizations, especially in Canada and smaller U.S. cities could maybe use a crash course too. Confession time: Not all those who are or seem inactive are by choice. Some of us work or live too far away from our local organization to volunteer so we do the next best thing: Write blog posts, tweet, share important articles via Facebook, sign petitions. But, the thing is, we should be able to be more involved.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65427/getting-savvy-about-social-media.html fl.mingred@gmail.com (Aless Piper) Wed, 18 Jan 2012 08:49:00 GMT National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine Keynote Speaker Justin B. Terry-Smith http://www.thebody.com/content/65426/national-youth-leadership-forum-on-medicine-keynot.html Justin B. Terry-SmithOn December 5th, 2011, I was given the honor of being the Keynote Speaker for the National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine. Before I was going to speak I was so nervous that they wouldn't like me or I would do really bad, but all in all I think I did OK. Keep in mind there were about 200 students and they are handpicked scholars from around the country. Some of the students were all the way from Hawaii and Puerto Rico. These young and impressionable men and women are the leaders that go to school and decide to earn a degree and practice in the medical profession. They were so receptive and amazing.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65426/national-youth-leadership-forum-on-medicine-keynot.html jsmithco98@hotmail.com (Justin B. Terry-Smith) Wed, 18 Jan 2012 08:48:00 GMT Action Alert: Ohioans Living With HIV/AIDS Need Our Help!!! http://www.thebody.com/content/65425/action-alert-ohioans-living-with-hivaids-need-our-.html Kevin MaloneyAs goes Ohio, so could the nation. The Ohio Health Department is putting up a strong fight to lower the federal poverty limit from its height of 500% in July 2010, lowered to 300% at that time, to now have the ability to implement a potential income eligibility change to as low as 100% FPL at anytime with no notice to anyone with a stroke of pen. If that rule had gone into effect, it would mean in order to qualify for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program a single individual cannot make more than $10,890 a year. Further, ODH could implement medical criteria one must also meet. Those given the highest priority will be PLWHA with CD4 counts lower than 201. The medical criteria make no mention of an important aspect of HIV care: viral load.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65425/action-alert-ohioans-living-with-hivaids-need-our-.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 08:49:00 GMT kevin@riseuptohiv.com (Kevin Maloney) Los Angeles Council Votes in Favor of Condoms for Porn Actors http://www.thebody.com/content/65424/los-angeles-council-votes-in-favor-of-condoms-for-.html Candace Y.A. MontagueThe Los Angeles County Council has been the center of a battle over condoms in recent weeks. The proposal to require porn actors to wear condoms during filming was tentatively approved on Tuesday. The council voted 11-1 in favor of the ordinance. Now it will go for a second approval next week. The council also agreed to form a group of stakeholders such as state occupational safety regulators, law enforcement personnel, and the AIDS Healthcare Foundation to decide how the law will be enforced.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65424/los-angeles-council-votes-in-favor-of-condoms-for-.html writeoncm@gmail.com (Candace Y.A. Montague) Thu, 12 Jan 2012 08:15:00 GMT Creating a Vision for 2012 http://www.thebody.com/content/65377/creating-a-vision-for-2012.html David Fawcett, Ph.D., L.C.S.W.As the old year rolls over it's natural to review how well our lives have functioned during the past 12 months. Many of us take the opportunity to make resolutions about changing our behavior. These often concern diet, getting to the gym, or cutting back on other things that might not contribute to our health. This well-intentioned exercise often collapses, falling away within weeks (or even days) as our resolve and the routines of daily living once again intrude into our hope that this year will be different.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65377/creating-a-vision-for-2012.html davidfawcett@earthlink.net (David Fawcett, Ph.D., L.C.S.W.) Thu, 12 Jan 2012 07:45:00 GMT Interactive Access to CDC's HIV and STD Data http://www.thebody.com/content/65548/interactive-access-to-cdcs-hiv-and-std-data.html The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has launched a new interactive web tool -- the NCHHSTP Atlas -- that allows users to create maps, charts, and tables using HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted disease (STD) data collected by CDC's National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP).

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65548/interactive-access-to-cdcs-hiv-and-std-data.html Wed, 11 Jan 2012 20:40:00 GMT What's New in HIV-Related News http://www.thebody.com/content/65380/whats-new-in-hiv-related-news.html Candace Y.A. MontagueHappy New Year! A few noteworthy events have popped up on my radar over the break so I have compiled them into one list here. Check them out. Support them all.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65380/whats-new-in-hiv-related-news.html writeoncm@gmail.com (Candace Y.A. Montague) Wed, 11 Jan 2012 07:13:00 GMT Tribute to Bonnie http://www.thebody.com/content/65354/tribute-to-bonnie.html When I was diagnosed with HIV in 2007 the news was devastating. For the first time in my life I felt totally alone and defenseless. My mind immediately shifted from helplessness to acceptance. I made a personal decision to carry on with my life and do whatever necessary to fight my HIV. That meant learning everything I could about my disease. I began educating myself. I obtained as much medical information from every possible source. That's when I discovered TheBody.com online.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65354/tribute-to-bonnie.html enriqueafranco@yahoo.com (Enrique Franco) Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:05:00 GMT Memories of Bonnie G. http://www.thebody.com/content/65353/memories-of-bonnie-g.html Bonnie Goldman was a remarkable human being who has left us to continue her good works in another sphere. She leaves a lasting legacy, not only in the form of this awesome website or her incredible articles and interviews with cutting-edge HIV-research scientists and people living with HIV, but through her acts of kindness, inspiration and mentorship, too. I am devastated by the news of her untimely death to yet another deadly-stalker: breast cancer. As I grieve her loss, my thoughts turn to celebrating the many wondrous ways Bonnie touched my life over the five short years we knew one another.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65353/memories-of-bonnie-g.html lwillenberg@gmail.com (Loreen Willenberg) Tue, 10 Jan 2012 12:53:00 GMT The Lemming Compulsion, or How People With Neuropathy and HIV Will Grab at Straws http://www.thebody.com/content/65348/the-lemming-compulsion-or-how-people-with-neuropat.html Dave R.A short post on my other blog started me thinking. How many people deliberately avoid acting responsibly, to take their minds off their medical problems? Is it one of those things that nobody talks about because everybody does it to one extent or the other? Is there an iceberg, of which the study at this link is only the tip?

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65348/the-lemming-compulsion-or-how-people-with-neuropat.html drew50@chello.nl (Dave R.) Tue, 10 Jan 2012 05:42:00 GMT AIDS Denialism http://www.thebody.com/content/65378/aids-denialism.html Gary BellRecently, someone named Curtis Cost wrote an article assailing the importance and validity of African Americans knowing their HIV status. Since the first widely reported cases in 1981, HIV has been mired in controversies, ranging from its origin to the possible existence of a cure. Sadly, over thirty years later, we continue to have many of the same conversations. What should NOT be in doubt any longer is that HIV disease is having a devastating impact on the African American community.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65378/aids-denialism.html garyb@bebashi.org (Gary Bell) Mon, 9 Jan 2012 07:50:00 GMT Remembering Bonnie http://www.thebody.com/content/65328/remembering-bonnie.html Aless PiperFirst and foremost, what I remember about Bonnie is that she was persistent and for that, I am so very grateful. During the summers of 2006, 2007 and 2008, my stepfather drove me to work every morning, and every morning he asked me the same question: what do you want to do (with your life)? Every morning I would give one unsatisfactory answer after the other, eventually defaulting to "I don't know," although I knew I wanted to do something AIDS-related, study sociology, and write. My indecision somehow led to me enroll in career college in November of 2008 to become an office assistant because, as my stepfather said, I had to do something.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65328/remembering-bonnie.html fl.mingred@gmail.com (Aless Piper) Fri, 6 Jan 2012 05:23:00 GMT How Neuropathy Is Currently Treated http://www.thebody.com/content/65300/how-neuropathy-is-currently-treated.html Dave R.It is probably best to be brutally honest here: neuropathy is essentially nerve damage and as of November 2011 (the writing of this piece), there is no cure for nerve damage and nerves where the cells are dead cannot be repaired. Anyone who claims to be able to "cure" your neuropathy is exaggerating at best! That said, many of the worst aspects of neuropathy, and that means the symptoms, can be helped or alleviated, so that life becomes more bearable.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65300/how-neuropathy-is-currently-treated.html drew50@chello.nl (Dave R.) Tue, 3 Jan 2012 07:11:00 GMT HIV Positive and HIV Negative Dating Advice http://www.thebody.com/content/65379/hiv-positive-and-hiv-negative-dating-advice.html Justin B. Terry-SmithI received an e-mail from someone who is actively dating and I will call him Jay. Jay is HIV negative and is dating a guy name Tom. Tom and Jay have been dating for about two months. Things are going great with both of them but in those two months they have not been intimate at all. Tom has been pressuring Jay to have sex, but Jay has stated that he is not ready. The reason Jay is not ready is because he is having trouble with Tom's HIV status.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65379/hiv-positive-and-hiv-negative-dating-advice.html jsmithco98@hotmail.com (Justin B. Terry-Smith) Fri, 30 Dec 2011 07:56:00 GMT Hospital Drama! http://www.thebody.com/content/65283/hospital-drama.html Rae Lewis-ThorntonTerror came across my face as I looked down and saw the warm blood oozing from the insertion area of my picc line. I have never seen a picc line really bleed other than the first day it is placed in my arm and never that much blood. I jumped from the bed, holding my arm to catch the blood, but as I grabbed the phone, blood made its way to the floor, drop, drop, followed my every move. I heard my nurse's voice come over the phone, "Kee Kee, this is Rae Lewis-Thornton. Blood is coming out of my picc line. He didn't pause, "Go to the ER right now!" And that was the end of the conversation.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65283/hospital-drama.html rae@raelewisthornton.com (Rae Lewis-Thornton) Tue, 27 Dec 2011 11:26:00 GMT Sowing Seeds for the Movement http://www.thebody.com/content/65272/sowing-seeds-for-the-movement.html Khafre AbifIt was sometime in 2010 when I came to the attention of Olivia Ford, community manager for TheBody.com. I had been sending out press releases to every email that I could find in HIV/AIDS media. Olivia was the only person to respond to the news that an HIV-positive person was working toward a national HIV/AIDS mobilization campaign, Cycle for Freedom. You can't imagine the joy and excitement that I was feeling after sending well over 100 emails with no response.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65272/sowing-seeds-for-the-movement.html FreedomRider2011@gmail.com (Khafre Abif) Fri, 23 Dec 2011 08:45:00 GMT Why Do People With HIV Suffer From Neuropathy? http://www.thebody.com/content/65253/why-do-people-with-hiv-suffer-from-neuropathy.html Dave R.It really does seem profoundly unfair: you've contracted HIV and have begun treatment; you may have sailed through to this point without too many problems, or you may have already been to hell and back dealing with secondary infections and psychological problems. Then, after you've been on the meds for some time, again you may have noticed no significant difference in your life, or may have suffered every side effect on the list. Eventually, for most people the situation tends to settle down and you learn to live with HIV as an irritating but constant companion (apologies to those for whom life never seems to get better). Then, seemingly out of nowhere, you begin to feel strange, new and unpleasant symptoms. After some time these are diagnosed as neuropathy (peripheral or otherwise) and your life is changed forever. For some people that can lead to annoying but ultimately not very serious symptoms and for others, the end result is invalidity and a life of pain.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65253/why-do-people-with-hiv-suffer-from-neuropathy.html drew50@chello.nl (Dave R.) Thu, 22 Dec 2011 09:31:00 GMT Great Expression Dental Denies HIV Discrimination Claim; I Deny Their Denial http://www.thebody.com/content/65252/great-expression-dental-denies-hiv-discrimination-.html Brandon Lacy CamposToday I received word from Mr. James White that Great Expressions Dental has filed a defamation suit in federal court and a counterclaim saying that the EEOC finding of discrimination and violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 was erroneous in his employment discrimination case in Detroit where Great Expressions followed him around and sprayed down surfaces with Lysol after he disclosed his HIV status.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65252/great-expression-dental-denies-hiv-discrimination-.html brandonlacycampos@yahoo.com (Brandon Lacy Campos) Wed, 21 Dec 2011 16:52:00 GMT Being Honest Even When You're Scared and Complera Update http://www.thebody.com/content/65284/being-honest-even-when-youre-scared-and-complera-u.html Justin B. Terry-SmithI've been on Complera for about three months now. It has gotten better for me. I don't know why my viral load shot up and my T cells when down a little before I started this new treatment. When you are public about what you have you tend to not be public about when you are scared or when it doesn't seem like it is going to get any better. I've not been telling everyone that my VL shot up and my T cells went down again. I was scared and all I can say is that I'm only human. I'm human and I do make mistakes. I don't want to feel like I've not been honest, nor do I feel like I should be chastised for not telling all, all the time. But I have to be honest.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65284/being-honest-even-when-youre-scared-and-complera-u.html jsmithco98@hotmail.com (Justin B. Terry-Smith) Wed, 21 Dec 2011 06:57:00 GMT Maryland Renaissance Festival, Prince for A Day? http://www.thebody.com/content/65241/maryland-renaissance-festival-prince-for-a-day.html Justin B. Terry-SmithSince I was a little boy I remember a certain John Singleton movie called, "Boyz N Tha Hood". In that movie it depicts a young man and a group of his friends who were growing up in the ghettos of LA. Laurence Fishburne played the father of the young man, who had just been moved to LA by his mother, who is played by Angela Bassett. The thing that stuck out in my mind was when Fishburne told the boy that he was the Prince which in turn made Fishburne the King. He also I believe called their house a Kingdom. When it came to chores Fishburne told the boy, "Right now, the king says it's time for the prince to go to bed". I thought a lot about my own Father and how our house was really like that. I got whatever I wanted as long as I took care of the Kingdom and myself.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65241/maryland-renaissance-festival-prince-for-a-day.html jsmithco98@hotmail.com (Justin B. Terry-Smith) Tue, 20 Dec 2011 15:54:00 GMT Alternative Treatments I Did for First 10 Years Without HIV Meds and What I'm Doing Now http://www.thebody.com/content/65239/alternative-treatments-i-did-for-first-10-years-wi.html Maria T. MejiaPlease see my video blog about what alternative treatments I did for the first 10 years without HIV medicine, and what I have been doing for the past 11 years -- combining alternative treatment and HIV medicine.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65239/alternative-treatments-i-did-for-first-10-years-wi.html mariapositive11@yahoo.com (Maria T. Mejia) Tue, 20 Dec 2011 15:22:00 GMT Tips and Resources to Help You Maintain Your Sobriety Over the Holidays http://www.thebody.com/content/65237/tips-and-resources-to-help-you-maintain-your-sobri.html Kevin MaloneyHolidays can be an extremely stressful time of year. A lot of the stress is a result of added expectations from family and friends and LGBT individuals finding themselves in uncomfortable family situations.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65237/tips-and-resources-to-help-you-maintain-your-sobri.html Tue, 20 Dec 2011 14:40:00 GMT kevin@riseuptohiv.com (Kevin Maloney) Appreciating the Right Now Moments! Part Two http://www.thebody.com/content/65254/appreciating-the-right-now-moments-part-two.html Rae Lewis-ThorntonThere is something to be said about appreciating the right now, from smelling the roses to watching the snowflakes fall from the sky. Yes, I know I wrote a blog yesterday about just that, but did you really hear me? You know often times when I write it's something that God has put in my spirit to give to you, but what I give to you is also for me. I work hard at practicing what I preach, I do. I must also admit practicing is sometimes hard.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65254/appreciating-the-right-now-moments-part-two.html rae@raelewisthornton.com (Rae Lewis-Thornton) Tue, 20 Dec 2011 06:24:00 GMT Appreciating the Right Now Moments! http://www.thebody.com/content/65238/appreciating-the-right-now-moments.html Rae Lewis-ThorntonHave you ever had a period in time when you actually didn't know what you were feeling? I mean, on the one level the circumstance says you should be sad, but on the other, you want to beat the darkness so you try to fight it with a chipper you.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65238/appreciating-the-right-now-moments.html rae@raelewisthornton.com (Rae Lewis-Thornton) Mon, 19 Dec 2011 15:01:00 GMT What Is Neuropathy? A Growing Problem http://www.thebody.com/content/65219/what-is-neuropathy-a-growing-problem.html Dave R.Let's keep it simple here. If you've had neuropathy for some time, you'll already know what we're dealing with but if you're just beginning to encounter strange sensations in your feet or hands, or numbness which makes it feel like you've got wet sand in your socks when you walk, you may be wondering what on earth's happening to you. You may also be concerned that it's something that may happen to you in the future, or maybe already know a family member or friend with neuropathy and want to understand what's involved to be more supportive.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65219/what-is-neuropathy-a-growing-problem.html drew50@chello.nl (Dave R.) Sat, 17 Dec 2011 09:50:00 GMT Occupy HIV http://www.thebody.com/content/65218/occupy-hiv.html Brooke DavidoffI am a political junkie. I am also a media addict. I majored in journalism and being a total liberal how could I NOT fall in love with the Occupy Wall Street movement? I am the 99 percent. We are just floating along in the water with debt up to our necks. History is written daily. Little things impact us that we see on the news that we did not expect. Things like Columbine and Katrina, 9/11, Virginia Tech. Well, Occupy found ME. These are MY people. This is MY cause. More than 50 percent of my income goes to rent. The last few weeks we have had rent and gas money and $100.00 for groceries for two weeks -- that's it.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65218/occupy-hiv.html brookedavidoff@gmail.com (Brooke Davidoff) Sat, 17 Dec 2011 09:49:00 GMT Secrets Are Not Always Worth Keeping http://www.thebody.com/content/65217/secrets-are-not-always-worth-keeping.html Tenicka DrakeSometimes secrets can be light-hearted and carefree. Then there are those secrets that are detrimental and not good to keep. It would seem like the right thing to do is be honest about whatever the secret entails whether bad or good. That is not often times what individuals do to one another. Sometimes secrets are kept from another to hurt that person(s). For example, if I am hurt then I will just hurt you. Then that becomes one very vicious and mean cycle. One secret, which is HIV/AIDS, should not keep anyone in the dark.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65217/secrets-are-not-always-worth-keeping.html msdrake98@ymail.com (Tenicka Drake) Sat, 17 Dec 2011 09:48:00 GMT On Mr. Crowley's Departure, Our Appreciation http://www.thebody.com/content/65248/on-mr-crowleys-departure-our-appreciation.html This month, Mr. Jeffrey Crowley ends his tenure as President Obama's Director of the Office of National AIDS Policy (ONAP) and Senior Advisor on Disability Policy, positions he has held since 2009. We acknowledge, with sincere gratitude, Jeff's significant contributions to fulfilling the President's commitment to develop the United States' first comprehensive National HIV/AIDS Strategy. Since the Strategy's release in July 2010, I have had the pleasure of working closely with Jeff and his colleagues in ONAP to implement the Strategy across the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and other lead Federal Departments.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65248/on-mr-crowleys-departure-our-appreciation.html Fri, 16 Dec 2011 15:00:00 GMT Beyond the Bad News: Highlights of 2011 http://www.thebody.com/content/65177/beyond-the-bad-news-highlights-of-2011.html Aless PiperSometimes I feel like the bearer of bad news. It's not a job I chose, but it is one I do well -- maybe the disproportionate amount of bad news that flows into my inbox daily has something to do with it. But I do delight in sharing the good news -- even if it doesn't come as easily. So here is my list of some of the good, and downright awesome, highlights this year.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65177/beyond-the-bad-news-highlights-of-2011.html fl.mingred@gmail.com (Aless Piper) Thu, 15 Dec 2011 09:42:00 GMT HIV Positive Detroit Man Faces Massive Discrimination by Employer: The James White Story http://www.thebody.com/content/65152/hiv-positive-detroit-man-faces-massive-discriminat.html Brandon Lacy CamposAt least once a day, I hear a piece of news that makes my blood boil and sends me into a nearly apoplectic rage. Usually it has something to do with injustice, hate, ignorance, willful stupidity, fear and violence against the vulnerable. Rarely do I have a personal connection to the story. Today, I do, and the story is so horrific that I am committed to supporting justice. No one attacks my community and gets to walk away from their acts of violence.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65152/hiv-positive-detroit-man-faces-massive-discriminat.html brandonlacycampos@yahoo.com (Brandon Lacy Campos) Mon, 12 Dec 2011 17:59:00 GMT Monday Reflection: Moving Toward 2012 -- Silence Your Worst Critic! http://www.thebody.com/content/65220/monday-reflection-moving-toward-2012--silence-your.html Rae Lewis-ThorntonCan you imagine the Angel of the Lord coming to you and predicting your future? Like #ForReal. Telling you this thing is going to happen beyond anything you could have ever thought for yourself. I know I've said it often, if God had told me that my life would be what it is today, I would have told God to go sit down somewhere with that craziness. For Real! This is especially true when I made a transition to AIDS and there was no hope for a future.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65220/monday-reflection-moving-toward-2012--silence-your.html rae@raelewisthornton.com (Rae Lewis-Thornton) Mon, 12 Dec 2011 11:38:00 GMT Just Fine http://www.thebody.com/content/65118/just-fine.html Philip D.I know it's been quite some time since I posted an entry here. Admittedly, the content of my previous post was a bit on the gloomy side but the experience of writing it evolved into something surprisingly cathartic. I'm lucky to have lived to tell the tale and I am forever grateful that my days of running from the Devil are behind me.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65118/just-fine.html felippedman@gmail.com (Philip D.) Fri, 9 Dec 2011 16:36:00 GMT The "My Fabulous Disease" Holiday Spectacular! http://www.thebody.com/content/65079/the-my-fabulous-disease-holiday-spectacular.html Mark S. KingMy mother's home here in Shreveport, Louisiana, has been fraught with excitement the last few days. Christmas decorations littered the living room, the almond scent of cookies filled the air, and last-minute phone calls and arrangements made it all feel like a major production was underway.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65079/the-my-fabulous-disease-holiday-spectacular.html mark@marksking.com (Mark S. King) Wed, 7 Dec 2011 18:41:00 GMT The Dilemma: Ethics, AIDS and the Medical Community http://www.thebody.com/content/65154/the-dilemma-ethics-aids-and-the-medical-community.html Rae Lewis-ThorntonFor as good of a country America is, we have some dark patches that are obvious. Slavery is high on the list; But then the disenfranchisement of the freed person in the South that followed from 1876 to 1963 made us liars. I mean it was the United States Supreme Court that declared separate but equal in 1896, after the country fought a war with slavery at the center. So I'm not confused when Black folk come to me with conspiracy theories about AIDS.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65154/the-dilemma-ethics-aids-and-the-medical-community.html rae@raelewisthornton.com (Rae Lewis-Thornton) Wed, 7 Dec 2011 10:01:00 GMT Remembering Ryan White and Thoughts on Milton Hershey School http://www.thebody.com/content/65082/remembering-ryan-white-and-thoughts-on-milton-hers.html Maria T. MejiaToday I am remembering one of my biggest inspirations and warriors! Ryan White. He is an angel and someone who has inspired me to fight for injustice. He just wanted to go to school and fought for it when he was discriminated against for having HIV. It is incredible to me that we are 30 years into this illness and the Milton Hershey School is not letting a young boy go to school because of his condition.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65082/remembering-ryan-white-and-thoughts-on-milton-hers.html mariapositive11@yahoo.com (Maria T. Mejia) Wed, 7 Dec 2011 10:50:00 GMT Bob Skinner Shares His Story http://www.thebody.com/content/65050/bob-skinner-shares-his-story.html Robert BreiningThis Sunday December 4th at 9pm EST Robert Breining and Jeromy Dunn spoke with Bob Skinner on POZ I AM RADIO. Bob is a 61 year old young man, at 25 he moved to San Francisco where his life revolved around the gay lifestyle that SF had to offer. He calls them his three D years; Drugs, Drink and Disco. He moved back to Florida in 1980 where he pursued his love of horses and became a successful professional horse trainer. Around 1998 he started to have health issues, night sweats, shingles, thrush, yellow nail syndrome; yes these were all symptoms of HIV infection, did he know this? No, or just maybe he didn't want to know what these meant and how high risk he really was.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65050/bob-skinner-shares-his-story.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Tue, 6 Dec 2011 11:32:00 GMT HIV-Positive 13-Year-Old Honor Student DENIED Education by Milton Hershey School http://www.thebody.com/content/65081/hiv-positive-13-year-old-honor-student-denied-educ.html Justin B. Terry-SmithA 13-year-old teenager was denied entry into the Milton Hershey School of Hershey, Pa., because he is HIV positive. The spokesperson for the Hershey School, Connie McNamara, has said, "We had to balance his rights and interests with our obligation to provide for the health and safety of other students. ... And this meets a direct threat."

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65081/hiv-positive-13-year-old-honor-student-denied-educ.html jsmithco98@hotmail.com (Justin B. Terry-Smith) Tue, 6 Dec 2011 10:50:00 GMT A Conversation With PACHA Chair Nancy Mahon http://www.thebody.com/content/65547/a-conversation-with-pacha-chair-nancy-mahon.html On December 1, 2011, Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius announced the appointment of Nancy Mahon, Senior Vice President of MAC Cosmetics and Executive Director of the MAC AIDS Fund, to chair the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS (PACHA).

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65547/a-conversation-with-pacha-chair-nancy-mahon.html Thu, 5 Jan 2012 20:25:00 GMT D.C. Students Get a Taste of "Shuga" http://www.thebody.com/content/65153/dc-students-get-a-taste-of-shuga.html Candace Y.A. MontagueLove. Sex. Money. Friendships. Lies. Regrets. Drama. These are the ingredients of Shuga.  And it's an addictive mix. MTV International and BET joined forces to host a live bi-coastal broadcast of the drama series Shuga on World AIDS Day.  Students from Georgetown Day School in D.C. and select students in Nairobi, Kenya were invited to watch episodes two and three of the hard-hitting show and engage in a live video discussion about how the issues presented on the show hit home.  The discussion was charismatically facilitated by BET Entertainer Big Tigger in D.C. and MTV Africa VJ Kule in Nairobi.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65153/dc-students-get-a-taste-of-shuga.html writeoncm@gmail.com (Candace Y.A. Montague) Mon, 5 Dec 2011 09:11:00 GMT The Affordable Care Act and People Living With HIV/AIDS http://www.thebody.com/content/65546/the-affordable-care-act-and-people-living-with-hiv.html One of the questions I get frequently is "how is the Affordable Care Act (the health care law of 2010) helping people living with HIV/AIDS?" The short answer is: in many ways. The detailed answer is more complex, but also much more exciting.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65546/the-affordable-care-act-and-people-living-with-hiv.html Wed, 4 Jan 2012 19:50:00 GMT Meet the 2012 Team4HIVHope Racers http://www.thebody.com/content/65001/meet-the-2012-team4hivhope-racers.html Team4HIVHopeTeam4HIVHope will be returning to Race Across America after an eighth place finish in 2011, its rookie year, with bigger aspirations and two new team members.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65001/meet-the-2012-team4hivhope-racers.html Fri, 2 Dec 2011 15:20:00 GMT Massachusetts HIV Testing Policy in 2012: Six Degrees of C. Everett Koop http://www.thebody.com/content/65000/massachusetts-hiv-testing-policy-in-2012-six-degre.html Ed PerlmutterA "funny" thing may happen on the way to bringing HIV testing law in Massachusetts into the 21st century - NOT A DAMNED THING. ZERO. ZILCH.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65000/massachusetts-hiv-testing-policy-in-2012-six-degre.html AccidentalActivist1@gmail.com (Ed Perlmutter) Fri, 2 Dec 2011 15:05:00 GMT Be the Best You Can Be for 2012! I Am! http://www.thebody.com/content/65002/be-the-best-you-can-be-for-2012-i-am.html Rae Lewis-ThorntonThere were moments this year when I thought I wouldn't make it. No, not physically, but emotionally. The physical wasn't going to kill me, but it made my life a living hell. It was the emotional that I thought was going to take me out of here. The Bible says as a person thinketh, so shall he/she be; and my thinking had a hold on me because the physical was doing the most.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65002/be-the-best-you-can-be-for-2012-i-am.html rae@raelewisthornton.com (Rae Lewis-Thornton) Fri, 2 Dec 2011 14:50:00 GMT 2011: Grateful and Thankful http://www.thebody.com/content/64999/2011-grateful-and-thankful.html Tenicka DrakeCan you believe 2011 is coming to a close? For me this year has really been surprising and unique. There have also been some glitches here and there. Overall the year shaped up to be really good. What do I vision for the year of 2012?

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64999/2011-grateful-and-thankful.html msdrake98@ymail.com (Tenicka Drake) Fri, 2 Dec 2011 14:30:00 GMT Demand Hershey Trust Co. (Owners of Hershey Company) Reverse Decision on HIV+ Student and Dismiss School Officials http://www.thebody.com/content/65084/demand-hershey-trust-co-owners-of-hershey-company-.html Kevin MaloneyHow sad that this story continues and the school has not reversed course. Each night for the past three nights CNN's Anderson Cooper AC360 news show has made this a top story and has been giving it a lot of attention. Thank you Anderson for keeping this in the public domain. To view a clip of the story that appeared on AC360 the other night, click here.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65084/demand-hershey-trust-co-owners-of-hershey-company-.html Fri, 2 Dec 2011 10:50:00 GMT kevin@riseuptohiv.com (Kevin Maloney) NMAC's Big Audacious Goal: World AIDS Day 2011 http://www.thebody.com/content/64985/nmacs-big-audacious-goal-world-aids-day-2011.html My generation stepped up to fight an epidemic that nobody cared about. We've endured the loss of countless friends and lovers. On World AIDS Day 2011, we can change the narrative of loss to one of victory. The first 15 years of our movement were mired in sickness and death. In 1996, protease inhibitors changed this so that the next 15 years were about living with the virus and trying to stop new infections. Let's mark this World AIDS Day as the beginning of the end!

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64985/nmacs-big-audacious-goal-world-aids-day-2011.html Thu, 1 Dec 2011 19:00:00 GMT Getting to Zero on World AIDS Day http://www.thebody.com/content/64983/getting-to-zero-on-world-aids-day.html President Obama today marked World AIDS Day, speaking at an event called "The Beginning of the End of AIDS" where he outlined the progress that has been made in the global fight against the pandemic.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64983/getting-to-zero-on-world-aids-day.html Thu, 1 Dec 2011 18:54:00 GMT American Leadership to Reach an AIDS-Free Generation http://www.thebody.com/content/65018/american-leadership-to-reach-an-aids-free-generati.html Today President Obama was part of a very special World AIDS Day event. It is a day for solemn observance, to remember all those who have been lost to this disease over 30 years, and those still living with HIV today.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65018/american-leadership-to-reach-an-aids-free-generati.html Thu, 1 Dec 2011 18:04:00 GMT Till the Fat Lady Sings http://www.thebody.com/content/64980/till-the-fat-lady-sings.html Richard CordovaEvery December 1st, since 1988, has marked the day when the world unites in solidarity against HIV/AIDS. I started the 2011 World AIDS Day by speaking to 145 students at the British School of Chicago.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64980/till-the-fat-lady-sings.html PositiveIndeed@gmail.com (Richard Cordova) Thu, 1 Dec 2011 17:15:00 GMT President Obama Uses Millions to "Get to Zero" http://www.thebody.com/content/65048/president-obama-uses-millions-to-get-to-zero.html Candace Y.A. MontagueThe One Campaign set the platform for one big announcement on World AIDS Day. President Obama made a bold pledge today at George Washington University in an effort to end the 30-year AIDS epidemic in the United States. He pledged to put $50 million dollars towards spending on HIV treatment. President Obama also pledged to help six million people worldwide to get access to antiretroviral treatment by the end of 2013. "We are going to win this fight. But the fight is not over. Not by a long shot."

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65048/president-obama-uses-millions-to-get-to-zero.html writeoncm@gmail.com (Candace Y.A. Montague) Thu, 1 Dec 2011 11:37:00 GMT What Budget Cuts Look Like: A World AIDS Week Visit to Urgent Care http://www.thebody.com/content/64953/what-budget-cuts-look-like-a-world-aids-week-visit.html Frankie NinjaTears streamed down my face as I sat in one of the leading HIV research clinics in the U.S., Ward 86 at San Francisco's General Hospital. I was almost in a state of panic because I feared that I had acquired a nice touch of "walking pneumonia." It was a fearful experience exacerbated by the fact that for the first time ever, I was instructed to wear a face mask for safety. That one act alone made me feel embarrassed, unworthy, isolated. That some part of me was severely broken. I knew that it was a precaution but it only served to feed one of my darkest fears: that I had acquired an HIV-related disease.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64953/what-budget-cuts-look-like-a-world-aids-week-visit.html frankieninja@gmail.com (Frankie Ninja) Thu, 1 Dec 2011 09:22:00 GMT Imagine, Visualize, Act http://www.thebody.com/content/64949/imagine-visualize-act.html Sherri Beachfront LewisIn 1983 I crawled into detox off the streets of New York. AIDS was not in my consciousness or that of any of the doctors that were treating me. They tested my liver and found I had non-A non-B hepatitis. I was devastated.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64949/imagine-visualize-act.html Beach412@aol.com (Sherri Beachfront Lewis) Wed, 30 Nov 2011 21:27:00 GMT Secretary Clinton, Can We Take Care of the Americans With AIDS First? http://www.thebody.com/content/64946/secretary-clinton-can-we-take-care-of-the-american.html Thomas DeLorenzoWorld AIDS Day, for most of the country, is just another day. However, for a person living with AIDS like myself, it is a day of victory. Unfortunately this particular World AIDS Day is marred with insults and ignorance. A few weeks ago, Secretary Clinton announced the United States set a new direction for its global AIDS campaign, with an emphasis on HIV-fighting drugs that can prevent new infections. The key word in that statement is "global." Secretary Clinton waxes poetically about creating an AIDS-free generation, declaring that it "has never been a policy priority for the United States government -- until today."

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64946/secretary-clinton-can-we-take-care-of-the-american.html thomasdelorenzo@mac.com (Thomas DeLorenzo) Wed, 30 Nov 2011 18:15:00 GMT Addiction: The Disease More Likely to Kill Me http://www.thebody.com/content/65049/addiction-the-disease-more-likely-to-kill-me.html Mark S. KingFlorida highways have lovely rest stops. You would expect that from the Turnpike, where toll booths charge a premium every so often, but the manicured picnic areas continue even as you drive further north and onto I-75. I'm on a cement bench in a concession area, chomping down corn chips and a Mountain Dew, away from the dog walkers and the families gathered at picnic tables, when I notice that my jeans are gathered sloppily around my waistline, cinched so much tighter than before. How much smaller has my waist become in such short a time? I wonder. One inch? Two?

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]]> Tue, 29 Nov 2011 15:40:00 GMT mark@marksking.com (Mark S. King) http://www.thebody.com/content/65049/addiction-the-disease-more-likely-to-kill-me.html Vaginal Gel Study Discontinued http://www.thebody.com/content/64920/vaginal-gel-study-discontinued.html Candace Y.A. MontagueThe National Institutes of Health NIAID announced Friday that it will discontinue the trial of a microbicidal vaginal gel used in the VOICE study. The study looked at the use of three forms of anti-retroviral treatment; a vaginal gel containing tenofovir, a tenofovir pill and Truvada which is a pill containing tenofovir and a booster drug. The results of the study found that there was no difference between the effects on women who used the gel and women who used a placebo. More than 5,000 women in three African countries took part in the study.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64920/vaginal-gel-study-discontinued.html writeoncm@gmail.com (Candace Y.A. Montague) Mon, 28 Nov 2011 11:25:00 GMT Radio Hope http://www.thebody.com/content/64860/radio-hope.html Loreen WillenbergOpportunities to speak to mainstream media representatives about the wonder of HIV controllers are few and far between; when they do happen, they are typically oriented to the scientific perspective, and are rarely centered on the personal one. Imagine my surprise, then, when an invitation arrived to discuss my journey as an HIV controller from the personal point of view with Dr. Howard Gluss, a psychologist from Southern California, on his radio program called "Life With Dr. Howard Gluss."

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64860/radio-hope.html lwillenberg@gmail.com (Loreen Willenberg) Mon, 28 Nov 2011 08:25:00 GMT Aaron Laxton: My HIV Journey http://www.thebody.com/content/64858/aaron-laxton-my-hiv-journey.html Robert BreiningOn Sunday November 13th, Robert and Jeromy spoke with Aaron Laxton. Aaron is a 32-year-old graduate student from St. Louis, Missouri with a passion to help others. On June 6, 2011, he got news that would forever change his life:prior to this he was HIV positive. Prior to this, Aaron was a national youth speaker who spoke all over the United States. It was looking into the face of this diagnosis that he knew what he had to do.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64858/aaron-laxton-my-hiv-journey.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Mon, 28 Nov 2011 08:20:00 GMT The Conversation You Should Be Having on World AIDS Day http://www.thebody.com/content/64857/the-conversation-you-should-be-having-on-world-aid.html Aless PiperOne of my favorite lines from the musical Rent comes from "La Vie Boheme": "To people living with, living with, not dying from disease." I love the idea of people living well with HIV/AIDS, and seeing this concept in action every day online and off is amazing. AIDS is no longer the death sentence it seemed to me to be when I was in the sixth grade.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64857/the-conversation-you-should-be-having-on-world-aid.html fl.mingred@gmail.com (Aless Piper) Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:26:00 GMT World AIDS Day (My Thoughts) http://www.thebody.com/content/64855/world-aids-day-my-thoughts.html Maria T. MejiaWorld AIDS Day has become one of the most recognized international health days, and a key opportunity to raise awareness, commemorate those who have passed on, and celebrate victories such as increased access to treatment and prevention services.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64855/world-aids-day-my-thoughts.html mariapositive11@yahoo.com (Maria T. Mejia) Wed, 23 Nov 2011 14:51:00 GMT One Day Together -- One Mouse Click Away http://www.thebody.com/content/64854/one-day-together--one-mouse-click-away.html Brooke DavidoffSilently we all sat in our secluded lives, afraid, embarrassed, guilty. Sneaking pills at meals so our friends and family don't notice. Before the time of the Internet and Facebook we would truly be alone in this. I'm not sure how those diagnosed in the '80s made it. Support groups were HUGE back then, I'm sure.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64854/one-day-together--one-mouse-click-away.html brookedavidoff@gmail.com (Brooke Davidoff) Wed, 23 Nov 2011 14:18:00 GMT World AIDS Day 2011: New Activism, New Generation http://www.thebody.com/content/64853/world-aids-day-2011-new-activism-new-generation.html IbrahimTo be an activist is not about how big the effort you make; it is about how you think and what you believe. To challenge perceptions and misconceptions is either in your DNA or nowhere. Achieving the goal of World AIDS Day 2011 requires a spirit of activism, willing to challenge many predominant principles in our society. Some of these principles and values are entrenched not because of their validity but because of who benefits from them and promotes them, or who has the power to affirm them. Just as one philosopher stated: "The ruling principles are the principles of the ruling class."

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64853/world-aids-day-2011-new-activism-new-generation.html ibrahimpoz@yahoo.com (Ibrahim) Wed, 23 Nov 2011 13:56:00 GMT A Year-Round Affair http://www.thebody.com/content/64835/a-year-round-affair.html Richard CordovaWe're a few short days from Thanksgiving and I've got so much to be thankful for. Delicious food in my fridge, ready to be cooked and shared with the people I love the most. A strong, healthy body, which includes an undetectable viral load and over 700 T-Cells (up from 123 at diagnosis). Gainfully employed, with insurance to pay for the medications that keep me healthy. Most importantly though, I remember when times weren't so great. That knowledge offers me a sense of gratitude that lasts the whole year through.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64835/a-year-round-affair.html PositiveIndeed@gmail.com (Richard Cordova) Wed, 23 Nov 2011 11:10:00 GMT Three Reasons to Not Reveal Your HIV Status During the Holidays http://www.thebody.com/content/64841/three-reasons-to-not-reveal-your-hiv-status-during.html Candace Y.A. MontagueThe holiday season is upon us once again. For some it is joyous. For others it is torturous. No matter how you feel about visiting relatives and eating countless plates of food, it is safe to say that the holiday season is not a good time to disclose to your family that you are HIV positive. Here are three simple reasons why:

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64841/three-reasons-to-not-reveal-your-hiv-status-during.html writeoncm@gmail.com (Candace Y.A. Montague) Tue, 22 Nov 2011 11:50:00 GMT Coming Out HIV+: A Day With HIV in America http://www.thebody.com/content/64919/coming-out-hiv-a-day-with-hiv-in-america.html Robert BreiningRobert and Jack will be discussing "Coming Out HIV+" and why people choose to come out publicly as someone living with HIV/AIDS. Call in and share why you choose to or choose not to be public about your HIV status. Jeff Berry will also be coming on POZIAM RADIO to speak about the photos that were submitted for this year's "A Day With HIV in America."

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64919/coming-out-hiv-a-day-with-hiv-in-america.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Mon, 21 Nov 2011 11:02:00 GMT World AIDS Day Makes Me Sad http://www.thebody.com/content/64762/world-aids-day-makes-me-sad.html River HustonWorld AIDS Day makes me sad. For me it is a day of mourning and grief. Even though I will stand up in front of yet another group of students and talk about how this is a preventable disease, I have no delusions after 22 years that my one talk will make much of a difference in their behavior. I might plant some seeds. I might be part of a cumulative message that eventually helps some of the people make better choices. But regardless, I will continue to speak about the need to advocate for better safe sex methods and accessible information for all types of groups around the world. I will write, paint and perform in hopes of finding alternative ways to reach the hearts and minds of the human race when it comes to AIDS education.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64762/world-aids-day-makes-me-sad.html river@riverhuston.com (River Huston) Mon, 21 Nov 2011 11:00:00 GMT Getting to Zero and Cycle for Freedom: A National HIV/AIDS Mobilization Campaign http://www.thebody.com/content/64782/getting-to-zero-and-cycle-for-freedom-a-national-h.html Khafre AbifIn 2009, I was shaken by the loss of two very dear friends who were warriors on the battlefield for HIV education and awareness: Richard Anderson (Atlanta, Ga., founder of Men of Color in Motion) and Floyd Patterson (Pittsburgh, Pa.). Both were long-term survivors and transitioned from AIDS-related illnesses. These men lived openly with HIV/AIDS, sharing and pushing back against HIV-related stigma. Following their loss, I took some time in prayer and meditation with God, asking the question, "Why am I still here after 21 years of dealing with this virus?" Out of the time with God came my new assignment: Cycle for Freedom, a national HIV/AIDS mobilization campaign, was founded shortly afterward in 2010.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64782/getting-to-zero-and-cycle-for-freedom-a-national-h.html FreedomRider2011@gmail.com (Khafre Abif) Mon, 21 Nov 2011 11:00:00 GMT Love Heals, Ali Gertz and Me http://www.thebody.com/content/64761/love-heals-ali-gertz-and-me.html Jimmy MackI'd like to dedicate this blog to the incredible work done by Love Heals: The Alison Gertz Foundation for AIDS Education. I have had the great fortune to be a speaker for Love Heals for the past 10 years, which has allowed me to be a part of their effort to educate young people by sending HIV-positive people like me to speak at high schools and middle schools throughout the New York tri-state area.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64761/love-heals-ali-gertz-and-me.html jimmy.mack@hotmail.com (Jimmy Mack) Mon, 21 Nov 2011 11:00:00 GMT Under The Radar: Mental Health and HIV Risk http://www.thebody.com/content/64830/under-the-radar-mental-health-and-hiv-risk.html David Fawcett, Ph.D., L.C.S.W.Getting the level of new infections down to zero will require breakthroughs not only in medications and improved interventions, but also a broadening of our understanding about the underlying causes of high-risk behaviors which can increase vulnerability for HIV, specifically, mental health concerns.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64830/under-the-radar-mental-health-and-hiv-risk.html davidfawcett@earthlink.net (David Fawcett, Ph.D., L.C.S.W.) Mon, 21 Nov 2011 11:00:00 GMT Zero http://www.thebody.com/content/64832/zero.html Sarah and Carmen Anthony SaccoSure, we adults can understand mathematically what "zero" means. But I wonder if we can truly understand what it would mean if there were "zero" cases of HIV; "zero" people afflicted with AIDS. What the world would be like if there were no babies born positive. If there were no graves dug, no child orphaned. Not even one.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64832/zero.html whatsnormalanyway@yahoo.com (Sarah and Carmen Anthony Sacco) Mon, 21 Nov 2011 11:00:00 GMT Chris Vucetic: FACTS Bucks County http://www.thebody.com/content/64814/chris-vucetic-facts-bucks-county.html Robert BreiningOn Sunday November 6th, Robert and Jeromy spoke with Chris Vucetic on POZIAM Radio. Chris is a 25 year old male, who has been diagnosed with HIV since September 17, 2008, five days before his 22nd birthday. He had struggled with it from the moment he left that doctor's office. He knew nothing about HIV, except just the negative things.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64814/chris-vucetic-facts-bucks-county.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Mon, 21 Nov 2011 07:20:00 GMT Sometimes I Wanta HOLLER! http://www.thebody.com/content/64859/sometimes-i-wanta-holler.html Rae Lewis-ThorntonEveryone has a purpose this I know to be true. I laid it out in Monday's Reflection. But Sometimes I just wanta HOLLER!! I wanta Holler at the world, Don't You SEE what I SEE? The goodness in my work and purpose? Then I wanta HOLLER at myself, Black Woman have you lost your freaking mind getting yourself out here on limb and now you have to man up or sit the hell down. And then yes I even wanta HOLLER at the Lord; Why is this shit so hard? And don't act like you all prim and proper. Sometimes the Lord drives you just as crazy as that man you once thought you loved.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64859/sometimes-i-wanta-holler.html rae@raelewisthornton.com (Rae Lewis-Thornton) Fri, 18 Nov 2011 13:45:00 GMT Monday Reflection: Everyone Has a Purpose! http://www.thebody.com/content/64813/monday-reflection-everyone-has-a-purpose.html Rae Lewis-ThorntonSome people live a lifetime and never really know their purpose in life, while others second guess themselves every step of the way. Others know in their hearts that their life should take one direction, but the fear of failure or of what people might say stops them in their tracks. I've never been one of those people. From the very beginning things seemed to fit into place. Early in my life, I knew social justice work was what I was supposed to do. I had a well laid out plan and the overachiever in me didn't miss one beat, or so I thought. But when I made a transition to AIDS almost 20 years ago, the bottom fell out of my world as I knew it.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64813/monday-reflection-everyone-has-a-purpose.html rae@raelewisthornton.com (Rae Lewis-Thornton) Mon, 14 Nov 2011 12:02:00 GMT Sailing on the 2011 HIV Cruise Retreat http://www.thebody.com/content/64747/sailing-on-the-2011-hiv-cruise-retreat.html Mark S. KingIt was my distinct privilege to serve as host and M.C. for a second time on The HIV Cruise Retreat, the labor of love by openly HIV positive travel agent Paul Stalbaum of Cruise Designs Travel. Paul has become the go-to man for gay travel groups -- in addition to the HIV cruise he organizes a gay cruise and even a gay bear cruise -- and he says without question that the HIV cruise is nearest and dearest to him.

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]]> Tue, 15 Nov 2011 15:32:00 GMT mark@marksking.com (Mark S. King) http://www.thebody.com/content/64747/sailing-on-the-2011-hiv-cruise-retreat.html Magic, HIV and Me: A Retrospective! Part Two http://www.thebody.com/content/64749/magic-hiv-and-me-a-retrospective-part-two.html Rae Lewis-ThorntonRon stood frozen as I rambled on. He was a gentle man with a big heart and a solid commitment to what was right and fair in the world. That was one of the reasons I had chosen to tell him my HIV status. I knew in my heart that there would be no judgment. But I started to get nervous as he stood there with this poker face that I could not read, so I decided to quit while I was ahead. I finally said, "Can you help me?" and took a deep breath and waited.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64749/magic-hiv-and-me-a-retrospective-part-two.html rae@raelewisthornton.com (Rae Lewis-Thornton) Fri, 11 Nov 2011 23:30:00 GMT This Pozitive Life http://www.thebody.com/content/64733/this-pozitive-life.html Brandon Lacy CamposLast night, I read my poem H-I-ME for the second time in public. The last time was a year ago, the day that I wrote it, and after completely breaking down and sobbing my way through that performance, I set it aside. Over the last year, I have either chosen to face or been force to face some of the realities of living with HIV. I have made good choices and bad choices, and I have had to sit with some very hard moments. Last night, when I read the poem, I didn't break down. Let's be real, by the end of the poem by entire body was shaking, I felt exposed and vulnerable, and I wanted to bolt from the room. Instead, I had to pull up a chair and face a half an hour of questions and comments from the audience during a facilitated panel.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64733/this-pozitive-life.html brandonlacycampos@yahoo.com (Brandon Lacy Campos) Fri, 11 Nov 2011 10:14:00 GMT A Moral Dilemma: Where Do You Stand? http://www.thebody.com/content/64735/a-moral-dilemma-where-do-you-stand.html Rae Lewis-ThorntonI sat glued to the television last night as Penn State students rioted over Joe Paterno's firing. As an adult survivor of childhood sexual abuse, I sat in disbelief. The primary question was, why would they support Paterno over such a scandal as this? But I had to remove myself from the equation and really see what was going on. I got to tell you, this for me is one moral dilemma just all the way around. Typical of me, I did some reading because the television doesn't say it all. I still have yet to read the court affidavits on the actual charges on Sandusky, but make no mistake I will read them just as I did in the Eddie Long Case.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64735/a-moral-dilemma-where-do-you-stand.html rae@raelewisthornton.com (Rae Lewis-Thornton) Thu, 10 Nov 2011 11:09:00 GMT Magic Johnson, Heterosexual Men and HIV http://www.thebody.com/content/64748/magic-johnson-heterosexual-men-and-hiv.html Candace Y.A. MontagueNovember 7, 2011 marked the 20 year anniversary of Magic Johnson making his bold and courageous announcement to the world that he has HIV. Magic stated that he contracted the disease from sex. At the time, Magic urgently wanted to stress that HIV doesn't discriminate. "We sometimes think only gay people can get it, that it's not going to happen to me. And here I am saying that it can happen to anybody, even me." Somewhere along the way, that message fell on deaf ears and unfortunately some heterosexual men still think that it cannot happen to them. They think that getting HIV can only happen to gay people and Magic Johnson (Magic must have been a fluke, right?). It's time to bring that message back to the heterosexual men. Yes, it can happen to you.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64748/magic-johnson-heterosexual-men-and-hiv.html writeoncm@gmail.com (Candace Y.A. Montague) Wed, 9 Nov 2011 11:02:00 GMT Magic, HIV and Me: A Retrospective! http://www.thebody.com/content/64694/magic-hiv-and-me-a-retrospective.html Rae Lewis-ThorntonYesterday was the 20th anniversary of Magic Johnson's announcement that he was HIV infected. The world was buzzing, even in my home. At the time I was sharing a house with Jesse Jackson, Jr. and his brother Jonathan, and we were all friends with Magic's Godfather, who was a long time supporter of their father, Rev. Jesse Jackson.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64694/magic-hiv-and-me-a-retrospective.html rae@raelewisthornton.com (Rae Lewis-Thornton) Tue, 8 Nov 2011 11:55:00 GMT The Pain Blog http://www.thebody.com/content/64678/the-pain-blog.html Shana CozadWhat is the last pain you felt? Was it physical or emotional? Pain is dually a physical sensation and an emotion that has the ability to exist for all of us humans. Thus it is in many ways normal. I have never met a human that feels no pain. And it seems our reaction to pain is what separates the ones who cope well with pain from the ones who need help.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64678/the-pain-blog.html motherearthblog@yahoo.com (Shana Cozad) Tue, 8 Nov 2011 10:43:00 GMT Betsy Yung Shares Her Story http://www.thebody.com/content/64675/betsy-yung-shares-her-story.html Robert BreiningOn Sunday October 22nd, Robert and Jack spoke with Betsy Yung. After her divorce was final in 1996, Betsy Yung began a relationship with a man a few years younger than herself. In 2000 She discovered that he was exploring the trans-gendered community outside of the relationship. Ultimately, it caused their breakup. Shortly thereafter, Betsy began her most current relationship which came to an end shortly before her diagnosis.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64675/betsy-yung-shares-her-story.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Tue, 8 Nov 2011 09:54:00 GMT Women's Health Issues Supplement Showcases Gender-Responsive National HIV/AIDS Programming for U.S. Women and Girls http://www.thebody.com/content/65545/womens-health-issues-supplement-showcases-gender-r.html A just-released special supplement to the journal Women's Health Issues provides in-depth information about gender-specific health considerations of U.S. women and girls in the HIV/AIDS epidemic and recommendations for national strategic programmatic improvements to meet their needs.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65545/womens-health-issues-supplement-showcases-gender-r.html Mon, 7 Nov 2011 18:21:00 GMT The Road to AIDS 2012 Leads to More of the Same http://www.thebody.com/content/64734/the-road-to-aids-2012-leads-to-more-of-the-same.html Candace Y.A. MontagueThe Road to AIDS 2012 town hall meeting was held last Thursday at FHI 360 Conference Center in Dupont Circle. The meeting brought together a mixture of leaders and community members to discuss the state of HIV today and what is expected out of the upcoming International AIDS Conference in July 2012. Similar to many other town halls, community discussions, and leadership meetings this lackluster gathering revisited many of the same issues that always come up and introduced very few action steps.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64734/the-road-to-aids-2012-leads-to-more-of-the-same.html writeoncm@gmail.com (Candace Y.A. Montague) Mon, 7 Nov 2011 10:28:00 GMT Gay or Straight: What's the Problem With Condoms? http://www.thebody.com/content/64679/gay-or-straight-whats-the-problem-with-condoms.html Rae Lewis-ThorntonI was talking to a friend the other day who was telling me that they got into a heated discussion with another friend about safe sex. This one person had been fooling around earlier that day and my friend asked about condoms. And they said, "Well we didn't have any, but he pulled out before he had an orgasm."

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64679/gay-or-straight-whats-the-problem-with-condoms.html rae@raelewisthornton.com (Rae Lewis-Thornton) Fri, 4 Nov 2011 11:05:00 GMT Jeff Crowley Set to Leave ONAP http://www.thebody.com/content/64676/jeff-crowley-set-to-leave-onap.html Candace Y.A. MontagueJeff Crowley, Director of the Office of National AIDS Policy, announced yesterday that he is resigning from his post effective in December. He stated that there is never really a good time to leave a position like his and that he is ready to move on to the next phase of his life. Crowley was appointed to the position in 2009 by President Obama. He previously served as Deputy Executive Director for programs at the National Association of People with AIDS, Senior Research Scholar at Georgetown University's Health Policy Institute and a Senior Scholar at the University's O'Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law. In a statement last night at the Road to AIDS 2012 town hall meeting, a somber Crowley told the audience "I'm not going away or disappearing forever. I just want to make sure everyone keeps moving toward a common path to really seize the moment we have right now."

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64676/jeff-crowley-set-to-leave-onap.html writeoncm@gmail.com (Candace Y.A. Montague) Fri, 4 Nov 2011 10:28:00 GMT Still Kicking HIV in Philly http://www.thebody.com/content/64648/still-kicking-hiv-in-philly.html Robert BreiningOn Saturday October 15th I volunteered and participated at the Kick HIV -- Patea el VIH soccer tournament that takes place every National Latino AIDS Awareness Day (NLAAD). This was my second year helping out and participating in the tournament. You can read my blog from last years event here. Again this year my fellow Philadelphia Falcons Ed and Greg put this amazing event together. So kudos to them for making the event a success. I was honored to be a part of it in some way.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64648/still-kicking-hiv-in-philly.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Thu, 3 Nov 2011 16:34:00 GMT Dis Honesty http://www.thebody.com/content/64647/dis-honesty.html fogcityjohnI had an experience a while back that I wanted to share because it involves a question with which all us poz folks must wrestle -- disclosure. Specifically, I want to discuss the most common and vexing disclosure problem I've confronted as a poz gay man -- revealing my HIV status to potential sexual and/or romantic partners.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64647/dis-honesty.html fogcityjohn@sbcglobal.net (fogcityjohn) Thu, 3 Nov 2011 16:03:00 GMT Hurt People Hurt: Breaking the Cycle! http://www.thebody.com/content/64649/hurt-people-hurt-breaking-the-cycle.html Rae Lewis-ThorntonHurt people hurt people is a true reality. Sometimes we do it intentionally. Someone does something to cause us pain and our first impulse is to say,"I'll show them." And that becomes our motivation. And you've allowed them to put you right in the gutter with them. I say often, don't let people make you something you're not.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64649/hurt-people-hurt-breaking-the-cycle.html rae@raelewisthornton.com (Rae Lewis-Thornton) Wed, 2 Nov 2011 16:48:00 GMT NBLCA and Rep. Lee Push for Women of Color to Come First http://www.thebody.com/content/64677/nblca-and-rep-lee-push-for-women-of-color-to-come-.html Candace Y.A. MontagueThe National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS sponsored the debut of a groundbreaking documentary about HIV/AIDS and African-American Women at a Congressional briefing last Tuesday. Many Women, One Voice was screened before an audience of Congress members, staff, non-profit organizations, and advocates. The screening was followed by a panel discussion on the importance of keeping Black women at the forefront of the battle against HIV as they are the ones who carry disproportionately high infection rates. The screening/discussion was co-sponsored by Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA), co-chair of the newly formed Congressional HIV Caucus and co-produced by Gilead Sciences, Inc.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64677/nblca-and-rep-lee-push-for-women-of-color-to-come-.html writeoncm@gmail.com (Candace Y.A. Montague) Wed, 2 Nov 2011 10:27:00 GMT DC Councilmember-at-Large Proposes Program for Seniors to Learn About HIV http://www.thebody.com/content/64646/dc-councilmember-at-large-proposes-program-for-sen.html Candace Y.A. MontagueDC Council Member at-large David Catania (I) introduced legislation last month to help senior learn more about HIV/AIDS from each other. The Senior HIV/AIDS Education and Outreach Program Establishment Act of 2011 would provide funding for the Department of Health to train seniors to become peer educators on the subject of sexual health and HIV. The educators would present workshops at senior centers, churches, and various gatherings around the city.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64646/dc-councilmember-at-large-proposes-program-for-sen.html writeoncm@gmail.com (Candace Y.A. Montague) Tue, 1 Nov 2011 15:45:00 GMT Video: This Is My Story, What's Yours? http://www.thebody.com/content/64605/this-is-my-story-whats-yours.html Kevin MaloneyI tell you the story of my life to the background music of the Fray; "How to save a life". I want to hear your story. Send me a video reply and I'll post it on my you tube channel at www.youtube.com/riseuptohiv.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64605/this-is-my-story-whats-yours.html Tue, 1 Nov 2011 10:42:00 GMT kevin@riseuptohiv.com (Kevin Maloney) Gift Givers http://www.thebody.com/content/64603/gift-givers.html Jermaine WrightI have been asked many times about my risky behavior of engaging in unprotected sex while HIV positive in order to conceive a child. While this may be frowned upon widely it is still a reality, not only for me but also for other HIV positive and HIV negative people. I do not intend on trying to infect anyone with the virus, because I am not a "gift giver."A gift giver is an HIV positive person who seeks out to infect others with HIV.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64603/gift-givers.html pozlyfe09@gmail.com (Jermaine Wright) Tue, 1 Nov 2011 10:08:00 GMT Notes for a Young Activist http://www.thebody.com/content/64584/notes-for-a-young-activist.html Aless PiperThis summer I had an awesome experience. Back in early 2010 I decided that when I got on permanent at my day job I wanted to go on a real vacation, something I had never been able to do in my adult life. So this year when it was a "sure thing" I e-mailed Olivia from TheBody.com and said, "Can we meet?!" To which she replied, with her characteristic enthusiasm which has been so valuable to me since I started blogging for TheBody.com, "Of course!"

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64584/notes-for-a-young-activist.html fl.mingred@gmail.com (Aless Piper) Fri, 28 Oct 2011 08:33:00 GMT Daniel Bauer: Living Pozitively http://www.thebody.com/content/64583/daniel-bauer-living-pozitively.html Robert BreiningOn Sunday October 30th Robert and Jeromy will be speaking with Daniel Bauer. Daniel Bauer is the official successor to the legendary Harry Houdini, and was on the climb to becoming one of the world's most successful magicians and escape artists since the Houdini era. He has appeared on NBC, FOX and WB networks; commanded stages across the globe at sold out venues and has appeared on the cover of many magazines and is most popularly described as "one of the most soul piercing performers of our time" by HX Magazine.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64583/daniel-bauer-living-pozitively.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Fri, 28 Oct 2011 08:32:00 GMT Rick Perry Says "No" to Comprehensive Sex Education http://www.thebody.com/content/64604/rick-perry-says-no-to-comprehensive-sex-education.html Candace Y.A. MontagueRick Perry says he is against comprehensive sex education for youth. The Austin Chronicle reports that the Texas Governor and Republican 2012 presidential candidate has made a firm stand in favor of abstinence-only education. Governor Perry made his opinion known publicly in an interview with Evan Smith from The Texas Tribune last year. Abstinence-only sex education teaches youth to refrain from sexual activity until marriage. It generally does not address sexual orientations other than heterosexual and does not endorse condom use. Texas has the fifth highest rate of teenage pregnancy and the third highest repeat teen pregnancy rate in the country. It also ranks the fourth highest among the 50 states in cumulative reported AIDS cases, 10th in the country for syphillis, and 17th for chlamydia infections according to the CDC. Perry stated in the interview "I'm just going to tell you ... from my own personal life, abstinence works."

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64604/rick-perry-says-no-to-comprehensive-sex-education.html writeoncm@gmail.com (Candace Y.A. Montague) Thu, 27 Oct 2011 10:25:00 GMT Ken Howard: Self-Empowerment -- Have the Life You Want http://www.thebody.com/content/64570/ken-howard-self-empowerment--have-the-life-you-wan.html Robert BreiningKen Howard, M.S.W., L.C.S.W., is the author of the self-help book, Self-Empowerment: Have the Life You Want!: "How to close the gap between how life is, and how you would like it to be, in important areas of life such as mental health, health, career, finances, family, community and spirituality, based on his 18 years as a licensed psychotherapist and life/business coach."

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64570/ken-howard-self-empowerment--have-the-life-you-wan.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Thu, 27 Oct 2011 10:21:00 GMT Disclosure: An Intensely Personal Decision http://www.thebody.com/content/64569/disclosure-an-intensely-personal-decision.html Frankie NinjaDisclosure ... It is the question that haunts all people battling HIV. Who to disclose to. What to disclose. When to disclose and so on. There is no right or wrong answer as to whether or not a person discloses their HIV status to other people (EXCEPT a sexual partner where disclosure, in my opinion, is not only morally right but legally required). The best answer, in my opinion then is, disclosure comes when and if the individual is comfortable sharing this information.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64569/disclosure-an-intensely-personal-decision.html frankieninja@gmail.com (Frankie Ninja) Thu, 27 Oct 2011 10:20:00 GMT Status Undetectable? Not Really! http://www.thebody.com/content/64568/status-undetectable-not-really.html IbrahimWhile the virus in my blood is becoming undetectable, other things are becoming much more visible to me. My comprehension of my status as HIV positive is staging an assault on all aspects of my life and becoming excruciating. Hiding a label that tagged me is becoming a difficult task ... and no matter what success I am achieving in my life, the burden of this status is causing such bitterness that could burn away any feeling of success.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64568/status-undetectable-not-really.html ibrahimpoz@yahoo.com (Ibrahim) Thu, 27 Oct 2011 10:18:00 GMT A Mother's Love for Her HIV-Positive Son http://www.thebody.com/content/64567/a-mothers-love-for-her-hiv-positive-son.html Justin B. Terry-SmithSometimes I get personal e-mails about my blog and I haven't really shared them with you all. But I think I will start to do so, but of course changing the names so that I protect people's identities.

I received this e-mail from a woman I'm going to call Amanda. She and her son discovered he was HIV positive and this letter made me cry ... twice.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64567/a-mothers-love-for-her-hiv-positive-son.html jsmithco98@hotmail.com (Justin B. Terry-Smith) Thu, 27 Oct 2011 10:17:00 GMT "Supersized Alcopops": The Dangers of Excessive Alcohol Consumption for People Living With HIV http://www.thebody.com/content/64566/supersized-alcopops-the-dangers-of-excessive-alcoh.html David Fawcett, Ph.D., L.C.S.W.Public apprehension about recreational drugs, especially those that impact HIV, seems to come in waves that swell with increasing alarm and then peak and fade away, always to be replaced by the next "drug du jour." Heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine, each with a well-deserved reputation for putting people at risk for HIV or, if HIV positive, for interfering with their ability to properly manage their health, have all gained notoriety in recent years.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64566/supersized-alcopops-the-dangers-of-excessive-alcoh.html davidfawcett@earthlink.net (David Fawcett, Ph.D., L.C.S.W.) Thu, 27 Oct 2011 10:13:00 GMT Keep on Pushin' http://www.thebody.com/content/64538/keep-on-pushin.html Richard CordovaI've been absent from the blogging scene for awhile now. Three months ago my excuse was that I was busy with work. Now that work has slowed down I don't really have an excuse. I suppose it's fear. I know that my blog is called Positive Indeed, but sometimes I just don't feel so positive. The fact of the matter is that while I am grateful for the things in my life, I am currently in a position where I am not getting something that I want. This thing that I want, also happens to be something that I think I deserve.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64538/keep-on-pushin.html PositiveIndeed@gmail.com (Richard Cordova) Tue, 25 Oct 2011 16:42:00 GMT Catching Up With Janine Brignola http://www.thebody.com/content/64537/catching-up-with-janine-brignola.html Robert BreiningOn Sunday October 9th at 9pm EST Robert Breining and Jack Mackenroth caught up with Janine Brignola.

Janine is a twenty nine year old HIV+ woman, mother, college student, activist and advocate. Janine has spent the last five years years since she was diagnosed learning what she could about HIV itself, the stigma attached to the disease, and how HIV affects the lives of those living with the disease in America as well as abroad.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64537/catching-up-with-janine-brignola.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Tue, 25 Oct 2011 16:30:00 GMT A Present to Myself, on My 50th Birthday http://www.thebody.com/content/64536/a-present-to-myself-on-my-50th-birthday.html Rusti Miller-HillOn October 25, 1961, at 8:53 AM, I entered into this world a beautiful baby girl full of life and love and no expectations other than having a full, loving life. This year I am celebrating my 50th birthday. As my fourteen-year-old grandson stated, I am a half of a century years old.

I had to stop and take a moment of reflection. I have been around for a long time. I have had and lost much; but most of all I have had the pleasure of having some inspirational people in my life over the years. I thought about sharing some of my wisdom and decided to stop and breathe, enjoying each breath and the peace that it brings to my soul.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64536/a-present-to-myself-on-my-50th-birthday.html rustishouse@hotmail.com (Rusti Miller-Hill) Tue, 25 Oct 2011 16:14:00 GMT Walk, Talk and KLEAN http://www.thebody.com/content/64531/walk-talk-and-klean.html Sherri Beachfront LewisOn October 16, AIDS Walk LA is packing the streets with walkers! Like so many AIDS Walks throughout cities in the United States, it's always a reminder and a statement of an epidemic that is still here. Wouldn't we all like to hang up our sneakers already?

The sunny hot streets of Los Angeles, beginning in West Hollywood, host parades of walkers wearing their team names proudly on their multicolored t-shirts. Streets that are usually traffic jams are for a few hours flooded with thousands of colorful walkers raising money and awareness for a vast variety of teams from AIDS service organizations like Being Alive, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Project Angel Food and The Life Group LA -- who walked with their team name on red umbrellas in case of rain and instead were protected from the blazing sun. Teams from the entertainment industry, hospitals and individual families and friends still walking together for their loved ones, some lost many years ago and some more recently, with photos, a name and years of life never long enough. It keeps us conscious as we remember that in spite of all the treatments, breakthroughs and 30 years of activism, people still die of AIDS. These images are emblazoned in my mind from years of walks.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64531/walk-talk-and-klean.html Beach412@aol.com (Sherri Beachfront Lewis) Tue, 25 Oct 2011 11:38:00 GMT Listen to Donald's Story on POZIAM Radio http://www.thebody.com/content/64533/listen-to-donalds-story-on-poziam-radio.html Robert BreiningOn October 1, 2011 Robert Breining and Jeromy Dunn spoke with 27 year old Donald P., who shared his personal story with HIV/AIDS.

Working in pre-hospital care for ten years, the first thing you learn is to expect the unexpected. That statement never held more truth to Donald than it did in the fall of 2005. Donald's shift ended early because the trauma patient he had later died. Donald was exposed to this patient's virus ... HIV. Every healthcare provider's worse fear came true that night. That is contracting an infectious disease from their patient. His goal no longer was to be a trauma surgeon. It was now going into infectious diseases and epidemiology. He wants to be on the front lines of this pandemic and change the face of HIV every way that he possibly can.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64533/listen-to-donalds-story-on-poziam-radio.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Tue, 25 Oct 2011 11:15:00 GMT Walking Through Emotional Crisis http://www.thebody.com/content/64523/walking-through-emotional-crisis.html Mark S. KingThis is a rather personal blog video, there's no doubt about that. I'm even a little apprehensive because it doesn't offer the usual helpful tips or the "entertainment value" of my other videos. But one of my problems has always been trying to be the life of the party when I'm not feeling it. So please allow me to offer you a different Mark than you might be used to, unplugged and exposed.

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]]> Mon, 24 Oct 2011 20:29:00 GMT mark@marksking.com (Mark S. King) http://www.thebody.com/content/64523/walking-through-emotional-crisis.html Say What? HIV-Positive Wall Street Protester Tells Cop Who Punched Him to Get Tested http://www.thebody.com/content/64522/say-what-one-hiv-positive-protester-gets-punched-b.html According to the Gothamist article "HIV Positive Protester Says Cop Who Punched Him Should Get Tested," last Friday, an Occupy Wall Street protester was punched in the face by a New York City police officer. The protester, Felix Rivera-Pitre, who is openly gay and HIV positive, told Gothamist, "The cop just lunged at me full throttle and hit me on the left side of my face. It tore my earring out. I remember seeing my earring on the ground next to me and it was full of blood. I was completely dumbstruck. I'm HIV positive and that cop should get tested."

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64522/say-what-one-hiv-positive-protester-gets-punched-b.html wtong@thebody.com (Warren Tong) Mon, 24 Oct 2011 09:53:00 GMT Why Are Teenagers Not Using Condoms? http://www.thebody.com/content/64506/why-are-teenagers-not-using-condoms.html Jermaine WrightDuring my training to become certified to administer the Rapid HIV Test here in Michigan I was given a homework assignment. The assignment was to go condom shopping. Not to actually buy the condoms, but to become familiar with different stores and the locations that they kept their condoms and the different types that were available.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64506/why-are-teenagers-not-using-condoms.html pozlyfe09@gmail.com (Jermaine Wright) Thu, 20 Oct 2011 13:40:00 GMT Life's Derailment Is Not Life's Denial http://www.thebody.com/content/64509/lifes-derailment-is-not-lifes-denial.html Thomas DeLorenzoI was 28, having dinner with my former partner, David, and simply stated I was disappointed with my life thus far, that I had accomplished more in the decade before I was 20 than in my 20s. Things needed to change and I needed to go back to school to make them change. I hadn't a clue exactly what that meant yet but I was ready to try.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64509/lifes-derailment-is-not-lifes-denial.html thomasdelorenzo@mac.com (Thomas DeLorenzo) Thu, 20 Oct 2011 13:35:00 GMT The Ultimate Unscheduled Event http://www.thebody.com/content/64478/the-ultimate-unscheduled-event.html Dr. Steve NatterstadThis blog entry was written by Steven Natterstad, M.D. ("Dr. Steve"), Dr. Bob's husband and partner of 18 years.

The conclusion to Dr. Bob's obituary read: "In addition to his husband (Steve) and sister (Linda), Bob is survived by his parents, Jennie and Angelo Frascino ... and by many friends, colleagues and 'eyeballs' around the world." You, Dr. Bob's global online family, have suffered an immeasurable loss. He was truly a larger-than-life persona, and so he leaves a huge void in our lives. However, because of the great man he was, he also leaves us with a giant presence, one that will continue to guide, reassure, educate and empower all of us.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64478/the-ultimate-unscheduled-event.html Wed, 19 Oct 2011 15:36:00 GMT Complera, My New 1-Pill-a-Day Regimen (and My Rosacea Diagnosis) http://www.thebody.com/content/64457/one-pill-a-day-hiv-regimen-and-rosacea-diagnosis.html Justin B. Terry-SmithIn 2008 I started my HIV medications. My first regimen was Truvada, Reyataz, and Norvir -- a three-pill-a-day regimen that my body, at least at first, was fine dealing with. Then after a couple of months of taking the medication my eyes began to turn yellow and my new doctor said that jaundice was why my eyes were turning yellow. Jaundice is a yellow color of the skin, mucus membranes, or eyes. The yellow coloring comes from bilirubin, a byproduct of old red blood cells. Jaundice can be a symptom of other health problems. Every day, a small number of red blood cells in your body die, and are replaced by new ones. The liver removes the old blood cells, forming bilirubin. The liver helps break down bilirubin so that it can be removed by the body in the stool. When too much bilirubin builds up in the body, jaundice may result. Jaundice can occur if there are too many red blood cells dying or breaking down and going to the liver, the liver is overloaded or damaged and/or the bilirubin from the liver is unable to move through the digestive tract properly. So because of that I was put on another regimen.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64457/one-pill-a-day-hiv-regimen-and-rosacea-diagnosis.html jsmithco98@hotmail.com (Justin B. Terry-Smith) Wed, 19 Oct 2011 10:27:00 GMT Mission, Vision and What It Means to Rise Up to HIV http://www.thebody.com/content/64532/mission-vision-and-what-it-means-to-rise-up-to-hiv.html Kevin MaloneyMission: To educate, inspire, empower, advocate, network and partake in social change through unilateral and collaborative social media efforts of organizations, PLWHA, and other individuals with diverse backgrounds from all over the world.

Vision: To create positive change for oneselves, families and entire communities around the world through an army of compassionate individuals and organizations as we march toward the cure for HIV/AIDS.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64532/mission-vision-and-what-it-means-to-rise-up-to-hiv.html Sun, 16 Oct 2011 11:38:00 GMT kevin@riseuptohiv.com (Kevin Maloney) amfAR Is "Making AIDS History" With New PSA Campaign Featuring People Living With HIV/AIDS http://www.thebody.com/content/64401/amfar-is-making-aids-history-with-new-psa-campaign.html Kellee TerrellWhen most of us think of HIV research, we envision laboratories filled with researchers dressed in white lab coats, mixing concoctions in beakers and viewing specimens through a microscope. It's very rare, when we talk about HIV research, that the people actually living with HIV come to mind. But "Making AIDS History", a new public service announcement (PSA) campaign created by the Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR), is trying to change that. amfAR is an organization dedicated to funding HIV research and finding a cure.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64401/amfar-is-making-aids-history-with-new-psa-campaign.html kterrell@thebody.com (Kellee Terrell) Fri, 14 Oct 2011 16:43:00 GMT HIV and Death ... In Memory of Dr. Bob http://www.thebody.com/content/64384/hiv-and-death--in-memory-of-dr-bob.html IbrahimWeeks ago, we were saddened by the death of Dr. Robert Frascino. Dr. Bob insisted on delivering a message of tolerance towards all people and not only HIV-positive persons, responding to questions that sometimes drifted away from medicine to politics. He was a firm believer that a doctor has no choice other than to eradicate any moral judgments on the human body. Dr. Bob decided to declare his status to everyone, hoping this will help fight the stigma and prove that "HIV is not a death sentence."

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64384/hiv-and-death--in-memory-of-dr-bob.html ibrahimpoz@yahoo.com (Ibrahim) Fri, 14 Oct 2011 11:29:00 GMT Inspiration http://www.thebody.com/content/64386/inspiration.html Sarah and Carmen Anthony SaccoThis morning I opened my e-mail to find something beautiful. I'm not talking the kind of beautiful that the stars have -- air-brushed "perfection" unattainable in the real world. I'm not talking about the kind of beautiful that advertisers sell to the masses. I'm talking about a beautiful story of a mother's love, a young man's incredible gift. It had me in tears -- the best tears really.

For those of us who struggle each day, who face challenges (and who doesn't?) and who sometimes wonder how to keep on going, this story gives inspiration. Won't you watch it, too?

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64386/inspiration.html whatsnormalanyway@yahoo.com (Sarah and Carmen Anthony Sacco) Fri, 14 Oct 2011 11:29:00 GMT Road to AIDS 2012 Town Hall Meetings Kick Off http://www.thebody.com/content/64511/road-to-aids-2012-town-hall-meetings-kick-off.html Last month, the first Road to AIDS 2012 Town Hall meeting kicked off in San Francisco, California. This was the first of 15 meetings to be held across the country leading up to the XIX International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2012) (note: every Road to AIDS 2012 meeting is free and open to the public). AIDS 2012 is the largest gathering of people working in HIV and will take place July 22-27, 2012 in Washington, DC.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64511/road-to-aids-2012-town-hall-meetings-kick-off.html Thu, 13 Oct 2011 14:56:00 GMT Farewell Frank Kameny http://www.thebody.com/content/64433/farewell-frank-kameny.html Candace Y.A. MontagueFrank Kameny, longtime D.C. gay activist and founder of Mattachine Society of Washington -- one of the earliest LGBT rights organizations in the U.S. -- passed away Tuesday from an apparent heart attack. Kameny was known as one of the founding fathers of the gay rights movement and was an outspoken advocate for gay and lesbian citizens to live their lives in the open. Ironically, he passed away on National Coming Out Day, an informal day for gay and lesbians to "come out of the closet." Kameny was known as the person who coined the phrase "Gay is Good." He was 86 years old.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64433/farewell-frank-kameny.html writeoncm@gmail.com (Candace Y.A. Montague) Thu, 13 Oct 2011 12:54:00 GMT When Our Lab Results Are Not Normal http://www.thebody.com/content/64432/when-our-lab-results-are-not-normal.html Maria T. MejiaWell, my latest lab work showed that my ALT and AST levels are a little up! This has to do with my liver enzymes. When I received the news and read my lab work and saw that my enzymes were up, I freaked out! I mean I really got unbalanced and very anxious and nervous! We, as HIV positive people, always have to go through this every time we get our blood work done! I have been through this for 20 years and as the years pass and more of the meds are in our system, actually it is a scarier feeling for me!

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64432/when-our-lab-results-are-not-normal.html mariapositive11@yahoo.com (Maria T. Mejia) Thu, 13 Oct 2011 12:06:00 GMT AIDS 2012 International Conference Update, Part One http://www.thebody.com/content/64458/aids-2012-international-conference-update-part-one.html Candace Y.A. MontagueAre you curious about what's been going on in preparation for the 2012 International AIDS Conference? What'd you mean "no"? There is a lot going in D.C. to prepare for this massive conference. Some of the preparation is very necessary. Some of it is the city cleaning up before company arrives. But it's all news to this Examiner. Here are a few notable highlights:

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64458/aids-2012-international-conference-update-part-one.html writeoncm@gmail.com (Candace Y.A. Montague) Wed, 12 Oct 2011 13:50:00 GMT Playing the Last Scene of a Marriage http://www.thebody.com/content/64456/playing-the-last-scene-of-a-marriage.html Mark S. King"I'm not in love with you anymore."

He said this at the dinner table as he made the first cut of his steak, a beautiful ribeye he had grilled to perfection. I put down my own knife and fork and stared at him.

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]]> Wed, 12 Oct 2011 12:00:00 GMT mark@marksking.com (Mark S. King) http://www.thebody.com/content/64456/playing-the-last-scene-of-a-marriage.html Finding Enjoyment in Life http://www.thebody.com/content/64340/finding-enjoyment-in-life.html Tenicka DrakeIs life to be feared while living? Or is life to be enjoyed while living? Believing that if you enjoy the life you have it may change things perhaps? Now, not trying to say think super-happy thoughts and you will become wealthy and famous. No, but within that mindset perhaps one could become wealthy and famous?

Being realistic is good to an extent. Yes, receiving an HIV+ or an AIDS diagnosis in reality is not what anyone ever wants or wanted! I get that, and others that have this condition would too, but being depressed and angry forever will not do anything. Those feelings cannot turn back the hands of time to undo what has already been done. At the same time, it is not ever easy to just put on a smile and show the world a happy person.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64340/finding-enjoyment-in-life.html msdrake98@ymail.com (Tenicka Drake) Wed, 12 Oct 2011 06:00:00 GMT The Death of the Pariah http://www.thebody.com/content/64339/the-death-of-the-pariah.html Jeannie WraightAlmost everyone with HIV has felt from time to time, or been made to feel, like a "pariah." We've all heard the word. Most of us know the feeling. As if other people need to be protected from us. We've heard people say "HIV is the new leprosy" or in our defense "HIV's not leprosy you know." How about the ad with the scorpion in bed as if we were poison?

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64339/the-death-of-the-pariah.html hintsandallegations@hivhaven.com (Jeannie Wraight) Wed, 12 Oct 2011 05:59:00 GMT Remember Our History: More Musings From Paul Kawata http://www.thebody.com/content/64512/remember-our-history-more-musings-from-paul-kawata.html Occupy Wall Street has captured our nation's imagination. This demonstration has given voice to many Americans who feel that our government has to do more to rebuild our economy and meet our needs. They are tired of Wall Street's excesses, Washington bail outs, and the lack of accountability for our economic collapse.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64512/remember-our-history-more-musings-from-paul-kawata.html Tue, 11 Oct 2011 14:59:00 GMT My Latest HIV Labs 19 Months Post HIV/HCV Diagnosis http://www.thebody.com/content/64387/my-latest-hiv-labs-19-months-post-hivhcv-diagnosis.html Kevin MaloneyI wanted to share with you my latest HIV labs in hopes of familiarizing those newly infected with HIV to the kind of tests that may be performed at your check up every 3-6 months. I'll also explain some tests, and point you in the direction of resources to help you interpret your results. Please comment, I love comments!!

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64387/my-latest-hiv-labs-19-months-post-hivhcv-diagnosis.html Sat, 8 Oct 2011 15:30:00 GMT kevin@riseuptohiv.com (Kevin Maloney) Birmingham Kicks Off First of Five Fall Implementation Dialogues on the NHAS http://www.thebody.com/content/64510/birmingham-kicks-off-first-of-five-fall-implementa.html The first of a series of five Implementation Dialogues was held on September 27 in Birmingham, Alabama, at the University of Alabama at Birmingham's Alys Robinson Stephens Preforming Arts Center. The meeting focused on "Incorporating Prevention and Care Research Into HIV Programs" brought together speakers and panelists from across federal, state and local government, as well as experts from the HIV/AIDS community and research areas. Jeffrey S. Crowley, Director of the Office of National AIDS Policy (ONAP) welcomed the more than 150 guests, and thanked them for their work in support of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy. UAB President Carol Garrison, and Dr. Howard Koh, Assistant Secretary for Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services also spoke. Dr. Koh encouraged participants to make the National HIV/AIDS Strategy real in the southeast and around the country. He recalled the early days of the AIDS epidemic thirty years ago, and the extreme fear and stigma surrounding the treatment of the first patients, and the challenge of providing care with no plan or coordinated approach in place. He noted that while there is still a great deal of stigma and health disparities around HIV/AIDS, there is now a plan of action in the National HIV/AIDS Strategy, which he said has, "catalyzed the country".

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64510/birmingham-kicks-off-first-of-five-fall-implementa.html Fri, 7 Oct 2011 14:54:00 GMT A Teacher Reflects on His HIV-Positive Status http://www.thebody.com/content/64290/a-teacher-reflects-on-his-hiv-positive-status.html Kevin MaloneyI write this piece knowing that I am joined by many colleagues who are currently teaching around the US, and the world, as an HIV poz individual each with their own story and perspective as to how this disease has changed them personally and professionally. My story is not out of the ordinary or extraordinary but I wanted to share some of my experiences with a wider audience.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64290/a-teacher-reflects-on-his-hiv-positive-status.html Thu, 6 Oct 2011 14:30:00 GMT kevin@riseuptohiv.com (Kevin Maloney) Can Certain Contraceptives Increase HIV Risk? http://www.thebody.com/content/64385/can-certain-contraceptives-increase-hiv-risk.html Gary BellI can imagine that those who try to remain current with new developments in contraception and HIV risk reduction may cringe at discovering that something else might place them at increased risk of HIV infection. This time, that something else may be a popular form of contraception, injectable hormones. Injectable hormones, such as the well-known Depo-Provera, are one of the easiest, most cost effective contraception alternatives because they are long lasting, easily administered and and gives women more control over the timing of their pregnancies. Unfortunately, they do not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted infection. Now, a recent study published in Lancet on October 3, 2011, raises concern that their role in HIV infection might be even more problematic. Researchers from the University of Washington followed almost 4,000 couples for two years in Botswana, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. In each couple, either the man or the woman was already infected with HIV.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64385/can-certain-contraceptives-increase-hiv-risk.html garyb@bebashi.org (Gary Bell) Thu, 6 Oct 2011 08:28:00 GMT Companion Animals Targeted by Unscrupulous Landlord; Their Owner Bites Back http://www.thebody.com/content/63656/reasonable-accommodations-and-housing.html I recently won a lawsuit against my previous landlord for Retaliatory Eviction and refusing to provide reasonable accommodations for my companion animals, among other issues.

I lived in a substandard one-bedroom bungalow style unit for eight years. Its deplorable, toxic, and oppressive conditions deteriorated my physical and mental health.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63656/reasonable-accommodations-and-housing.html Thu, 6 Oct 2011 06:16:00 GMT #TeamRae -- Chicago AIDS Walk 2011 #FunTimes http://www.thebody.com/content/64292/teamrae--chicago-aids-walk-2011-funtimes.html Rae Lewis-ThorntonI didn't think that I could do it this year. My health, as you know has taken center stage and interfered with a good portion of my life. As I debated the yes and no of the Chicago AIDS Walk, some of my devout members tweeted me often asking about the team, so with less than two weeks from the walk, I went ahead and signed up #teamRae.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64292/teamrae--chicago-aids-walk-2011-funtimes.html rae@raelewisthornton.com (Rae Lewis-Thornton) Tue, 4 Oct 2011 15:24:00 GMT Making "e-Patient Connections" http://www.thebody.com/content/64232/making-e-patient-connections.html Robert BreiningThis past week I spent three days in Center City Philadelphia, where I attended the e-Patient Connections 2011 Conference. When I was asked by TheBody.com and HealthCentral to attend this conference as an e-Patient and blogger I just had to say yes. This conference was bringing attention to important issues that all patients deal with despite the disease that they are living with. Like I said I had no choice but to say yes.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64232/making-e-patient-connections.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Tue, 4 Oct 2011 12:06:00 GMT Revisiting "The Real Poz Guys of Atlanta" http://www.thebody.com/content/64320/revisiting-the-real-poz-guys-of-atlanta.html Mark S. KingDuring the first year of producing my blog videos back in early 2009, it occurred to me how much of my health and happiness was the result of having a solid support network. I wanted to find a way of showing this through my blog, and the result would be two video episodes that remain a true highlight of My Fabulous Disease.

What might it be like, I wondered, if I invited some friends living with HIV over to my place and the video chronicled our evening together? Was there value in showing our support and friendship? My cinema verite experiment could be inspiring ... or a complete bore.

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]]> Tue, 4 Oct 2011 11:59:00 GMT mark@marksking.com (Mark S. King) http://www.thebody.com/content/64320/revisiting-the-real-poz-guys-of-atlanta.html Prevention of Fat Loss and Lipoatrophy of the Face http://www.thebody.com/content/64291/prevention-of-fat-loss-and-lipoatrophy-of-the-face.html Maria T. MejiaYes, many people are very afraid to start their HIV medications because of lipoatrophy or lipodistrophy (fat loss or gaining fat in some areas). Well there are many options now. One of the most important parts of a person's body is their face. This is like the cover of a magazine, and how we represent ourselves! Many people feel very depressed because they lose fat in their face and become stigmatized by it! Although medication is better today as it was 20 years ago, I use Sculptra to prevent fat loss in my face. I see the pain in peoples' eyes when they suffer from this. It makes them very depressed and makes them want to hide! Once they get their face back, I see them thriving, working, loving everything.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64291/prevention-of-fat-loss-and-lipoatrophy-of-the-face.html mariapositive11@yahoo.com (Maria T. Mejia) Mon, 3 Oct 2011 14:51:00 GMT Monday Reflection: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Death! http://www.thebody.com/content/64249/monday-reflection-a-funny-thing-happened-on-the-wa.html Rae Lewis-ThorntonI thought that I had lost my mind when I opened the window at 4:00 a.m. and stuck my head out of the window to cool off on Friday. But when I felt the impulse to raise my t-shirt in front of the window this morning so the heat and sweat that was under my breast could cool down, I knew that this was out of control.

I had been fighting the truth of this for three months now. I just couldn't come to terms with it. I had been on a medication that caused me to have hot flashes for six months so I made myself believe that this was a residual from that medication even though I've been off of it for three months now. But when I pulled my shirt, yes you heard me right, when I pulled my shirt down and moved from the window, I picked up my iPhone and called the doctor.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64249/monday-reflection-a-funny-thing-happened-on-the-wa.html rae@raelewisthornton.com (Rae Lewis-Thornton) Mon, 3 Oct 2011 11:56:00 GMT "Let Them Die"? The Dangers of Losing Compassion http://www.thebody.com/content/64212/let-them-die-the-dangers-of-losing-compassion.html David Fawcett, Ph.D., L.C.S.W.Several widely-televised incidents recently exemplified the harsh and frightening polarization we are experiencing in our society. The first was at the Republican debate at the Reagan Presidential Library where the audience spontaneously clapped and cheered when Governor Rick Perry's record of 234 executions was discussed. The second was a clear shout from the audience of "let them die" when Representative Ron Paul was asked hypothetically if he would treat an uninsured individual who required medical attention. For me, these were stunning moments of disbelief.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64212/let-them-die-the-dangers-of-losing-compassion.html davidfawcett@earthlink.net (David Fawcett, Ph.D., L.C.S.W.) Fri, 30 Sep 2011 17:23:00 GMT Stop the Madness! http://www.thebody.com/content/64221/stop-the-madness.html Rae Lewis-ThorntonI stand by every freaking thing I say and do! And when I'm wrong, I'm wrong, and will admit where I see my wrong. My opinion is my opinion; And guess what? Opinions are like assholes everybody got them. But at the end of the day, we can all agree to disagree. By the way, that's what I say about people reading my blog, you can disagree with me, but when you personally attack me, that's a boundary.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64221/stop-the-madness.html rae@raelewisthornton.com (Rae Lewis-Thornton) Fri, 30 Sep 2011 08:16:00 GMT Seriously?!? http://www.thebody.com/content/64220/seriously.html Rae Lewis-ThorntonEvery morning I thank the Lord for another day and then I grab my IPad to see what's happening on my Twitter timeline. And I hate when I wake to madness; And that's exactly what I got this morning. Lawd knows I wasn't expecting tons of re-tweets showing me foolishness some young people had tweeted.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64220/seriously.html rae@raelewisthornton.com (Rae Lewis-Thornton) Thu, 29 Sep 2011 18:28:00 GMT Gay Men's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day 2011 http://www.thebody.com/content/64163/gay-mens-hivaids-awareness-day-2011.html Justin B. Terry-SmithIt is Gay Men's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. This horrible disease has effected, affected and infected us long enough. If you're HIV positive I ask you to stand tall with me and if you're HIV negative I ask you to stand tall with them. Love your HIV-positive brothers. They need you; WE NEED YOU !!!!! LOVE EACH OTHER DAMN BUT LOVE YOURSELF TOO, WRAP IT UP !!!

Jacob Nathaniel Pring, Paul Kawata and I were being honored by the DC Center and it was truly an honor. This was the original program from the DC Center facebook event.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64163/gay-mens-hivaids-awareness-day-2011.html jsmithco98@hotmail.com (Justin B. Terry-Smith) Wed, 28 Sep 2011 17:23:00 GMT That's What Friends Are For! http://www.thebody.com/content/64167/thats-what-friends-are-for.html Rae Lewis-ThorntonMonday with my IV medication in tote, I made my way to New York to participate in the Dionne Warwick That's What Friends Are For Town Hall Meeting. I was honored to have been asked to be a panelist. But I was most impressed that Ms. Warwick decided to celebrate 50 years in entertainment hosting a town hall meeting focusing on HIV/AIDS.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64167/thats-what-friends-are-for.html rae@raelewisthornton.com (Rae Lewis-Thornton) Wed, 28 Sep 2011 10:56:00 GMT National Gay Men's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day http://www.thebody.com/content/64164/national-gay-mens-hivaids-awareness-day.html For many Americans, June 5th was a day of introspection. It was hard to believe that, as of that date, the AIDS epidemic had lasted 30 years and, despite the remarkable advances we have made in medicine, prevention, and care, we are still facing many of the same challenges we did in the early days of HIV/AIDS.

1981 was a significant year in my life. In addition to it being the year in which we first heard about this mysterious disease that came to be called "AIDS," it was also the year I came out as a gay man. At the age of 23 I was in my first job as a journalist covering health care policy development in Washington I was learning first-hand about the epidemic and its consequences. I remember thinking I was fortunate to have waited so long because if I had come out earlier I might already have been infected. And I remember thinking we would find the answer to this mystery just as we had with so many illnesses before. I certainly never thought I would spend the next 30 years living and working with AIDS as such a central focus.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64164/national-gay-mens-hivaids-awareness-day.html Tue, 27 Sep 2011 18:08:00 GMT Us Helping Us and La Clinica Awarded CDC Funds http://www.thebody.com/content/64166/us-helping-us-and-la-clinica-awarded-cdc-funds.html Candace Y.A. MontagueUs Helping Us, People Into Living and La Clinica del Pueblo, both based in Northwest, were awarded funds to expand their HIV/AIDS prevention services for young gay and transgender men of color yesterday. The announcement came on National Gay Men's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, a day set aside for recognition of the impact of the disease on gay men. As of lately, HIV among gay men has been rising at an alarming rate. According to the CDC estimates, released in August, between 2006 and 2009, the annual number of new HIV infections increased 48 percent among young black MSM. Among Latinos, men who have sex with men are by far the most severely impacted, accounting for nearly two-thirds of all new infections. Now Us Helping Us and La Clinica del Pueblo will have additional funds to fight HIV among these endangered populations.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64166/us-helping-us-and-la-clinica-awarded-cdc-funds.html writeoncm@gmail.com (Candace Y.A. Montague) Tue, 27 Sep 2011 10:54:00 GMT Finding Support in an e-Patient World http://www.thebody.com/content/64106/finding-support-in-an-e-patient-world.html Mark S. KingYou're part of a health care revolution in cyberspace, my friends. It's changing the way people find treatment information, relate to their doctor, and support one another. And you're about to meet some of the inspiring people who are leading the charge.

Did you know that 80% of internet users spend time gathering health information? That makes it the third most popular online pursuit, following only e-mail and using a search engine (and yes, that means more than porn. Is your mind officially blown?). The ramifications are enormous for patient empowerment -- and for the companies who want to reach us as consumers.

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]]> Mon, 26 Sep 2011 20:30:00 GMT mark@marksking.com (Mark S. King) http://www.thebody.com/content/64106/finding-support-in-an-e-patient-world.html Why This Year's U.S. Conference on AIDS Is So Essential http://www.thebody.com/content/64179/why-this-years-us-conference-on-aids-is-so-essenti.html I believe that this year's United States Conference on AIDS (November 10-13) in Chicago, is one of the most important in our history. Our movement is at a crossroads as we work to implement the Affordable Care Act and the National HIV/AIDS Strategy. We can change the course of the epidemic. Biomedical innovations like Treatment as Prevention (TasP) as part of a combined prevention agenda could end the HIV/AIDS epidemic in our lifetime.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64179/why-this-years-us-conference-on-aids-is-so-essenti.html Mon, 26 Sep 2011 15:31:00 GMT International AIDS Funding vs. Domestic Funding; The POTUS Must Act NOW! http://www.thebody.com/content/64215/international-aids-funding-vs-domestic-funding-the.html Kevin MaloneyWhen PEPFAR was enacted in 2003 under George W Bush we were then talking about funding cuts and ADAP wait-lists. Today, the story is unchanged; in fact the AIDS crisis in America hasn't been as dire since the epidemic began 30 years ago. How is it that we can spend BILLIONS in US taxpayer dollars on overseas initiatives under PEPFAR, but cannot find 100 million to alleviate the current ADAP crisis in the United States? American citizens have fallen by the wayside of this administration's handling of our domestic AIDS crisis.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64215/international-aids-funding-vs-domestic-funding-the.html Sun, 25 Sep 2011 17:48:00 GMT kevin@riseuptohiv.com (Kevin Maloney) Paul Gallegos -- The Intersection Project http://www.thebody.com/content/64165/paul-gallegos--the-intersection-project.html Robert BreiningSunday September 25th Paul Gallegos, a 42 years old HIV positive husband and father of 5 HIV negative children shared his story on POZIAM Radio.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64165/paul-gallegos--the-intersection-project.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Sat, 24 Sep 2011 10:53:00 GMT HIV Guidelines: Some Evolve; Some Don't. What's Up With That? Part Two http://www.thebody.com/content/64091/hiv-guidelines-some-evolve-some-dont-whats-up-with.html Gentle Readers, welcome to Part Two. Let's talk about detecting very recent HIV infections and emerging diagnostic guidelines. As we have learned more about the natural history of untreated HIV infection and the body's immune response to the virus, we've developed a better understanding of measurable events occurring during recent HIV infection. For instance, the HIV viral load spike that occurs shortly after acquiring the virus correlates in time with a corresponding spike in HIV p24 antigen level. As the body's immune response kicks into gear several weeks after infection, the immune system begins making specific anti-HIV antibodies. The first to appear is anti-p24 antibody. As that antibody increases, the p24 antigen and HIV viral load decline.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64091/hiv-guidelines-some-evolve-some-dont-whats-up-with.html Fri, 23 Sep 2011 17:11:00 GMT My Early Years -- and Why I Am Sharing Them http://www.thebody.com/content/64090/my-early-years--and-why-i-am-sharing-them.html EllisyaNow everyone can read a lot more about me as a young girl in TheBody.com's Women's Resource Center. I am sharing this story as a part of my journey struggling as an HIV-positive woman and mother, and even way before the disease came into my body.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64090/my-early-years--and-why-i-am-sharing-them.html Fri, 23 Sep 2011 16:34:00 GMT Video: What Can We Do Now to Speed Up HIV Cure Research? http://www.thebody.com/content/64089/video-what-can-we-do-now-to-speed-up-hiv-cure-rese.html Nelson VergelAfter attending a meeting sponsored by several organizations (TAG, amfAR, Project Inform, the AIDS Policy Project) in Baltimore on April 20-21 this year, I came to the realization that we needed a video that would wake people up to the challenges ahead of us to get to a cure for HIV that is accessible and practical.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64089/video-what-can-we-do-now-to-speed-up-hiv-cure-rese.html nelsonvergel@yahoo.com (Nelson Vergel) Fri, 23 Sep 2011 16:20:00 GMT Marsha Ambrosius Uses Music Video to Teach About HIV http://www.thebody.com/content/64079/marsha-ambrosius-uses-music-video-to-teach-about-h.html Candace Y.A. MontagueI don't generally watch music videos because they are just plain old disappointing. Music videos have gotten away from the story telling format that once matched the lyrics of the song and have basically boiled down to just waterfalls of graphic, soft core pornographic images. However, I tuned in to VH1's Soul Player last night just for kicks and was pleasantly surprised. Marsha Ambrosius, one half of the British R&B duo Floetry, has used her sensual hit song to infuse a lesson about safe sex and HIV. And it's a good one. (Yes, I know the video has been out since June. I will admit I am pretty slow.)

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64079/marsha-ambrosius-uses-music-video-to-teach-about-h.html writeoncm@gmail.com (Candace Y.A. Montague) Fri, 23 Sep 2011 10:31:00 GMT Conceiving a Child While HIV Positive http://www.thebody.com/content/64078/conceiving-a-child-while-hiv-positive.html Jermaine WrightLet me first start by saying that if used properly, condoms are a very effective way to prevent pregnancy, and the spread of STDs and HIV. Although I discuss engaging in raw sex, I am not against the use of condoms; neither am I advocating for their use. My stance is to educate yourself, know all the risk, open discussion with your partner, then make your educated decision. I was successful in conceiving a child while HIV positive without transmitting the virus. This may not be the case for everyone. My suggestion is to speak with your doctor (along with your partner) and discuss the facts with him/her.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64078/conceiving-a-child-while-hiv-positive.html pozlyfe09@gmail.com (Jermaine Wright) Fri, 23 Sep 2011 10:12:00 GMT Op-Ed: Fighting AIDS -- at the Tipping Point http://www.thebody.com/content/64180/op-ed-fighting-aids--at-the-tipping-point.html Thirty years since the first case of AIDS was diagnosed in the United States, the world finds itself at a tipping point in the fight against this deadly disease. For the first time, grounded in scientific evidence, our efforts can put us within reach of an AIDS-free generation.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64180/op-ed-fighting-aids--at-the-tipping-point.html Wed, 21 Sep 2011 15:30:00 GMT AIDS and Seniors: An Interview With Dr.Tanya Bender-Henderson http://www.thebody.com/content/64024/aids-and-seniors-an-interview-with-drtanya-bender-.html Candace Y.A. MontagueSeptember 18, 2011 is the fourth annual National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day. The senior population often goes unnoticed when it comes to sexual health because people feel more comfortable with the thought that 'seasoned citizens' just don't have sex. Not true, say the statistics. In fact, HIV among the senior population is growing rapidly. In 2009, people aged 50 and older accounted for 17% of the new HIV diagnoses in 40 states with long-term confidential name-based reporting.

This Examiner had a chat with Dr. Tanya Bender-Henderson, faith-based outreach coordinator for Damien Mininstries in Northeast and member of the DC Department of Health's Places of Worship Advisory Board. She explained that seniors of the past are different from today's seniors and they experience some of the same struggles with sex and dating as their children and grandchildren do.

Read more ...

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64024/aids-and-seniors-an-interview-with-drtanya-bender-.html writeoncm@gmail.com (Candace Y.A. Montague) Sat, 17 Sep 2011 13:13:00 GMT Engaging People Living With HIV in the Implementation of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy http://www.thebody.com/content/63991/engaging-people-living-with-hiv-in-the-implementat.html None of the goals of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy (NHAS) can be realized without the ongoing support and contributions of the 1.2 million Americans living with HIV/AIDS. As part of our ongoing implementation of the NHAS, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) convened a consultation in late July with people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH) to discuss their perspectives on the Strategy and to identify opportunities for their meaningful involvement in an array of activities in pursuit of the Strategy's goals. People living with HIV/AIDS have a long history of advocacy on behalf of services, policies and research for their community. Their leadership has helped bring about many of the advances made over the past 30 years in HIV prevention programs and care and treatment services.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63991/engaging-people-living-with-hiv-in-the-implementat.html Wed, 14 Sep 2011 11:34:00 GMT Your Picture Is Worth 1,000 Words: A Day With HIV in America http://www.thebody.com/content/63923/your-picture-is-worth-1000-words-a-day-with-hiv-in.html Richard CordovaI know I have been absent from the blogging scene. I'll be honest, I have had a bit of a writer's block, so to speak. I am in awe of bloggers who are able to post so often!

That being said, I do want to share a very timely blog piece with you. There is an annual event that is called "A Day With HIV in America" and if you're reading this, I'd like you to take part. The premise is simple. We are all affected by HIV, whether we are negative or positive. On Wednesday, September 21, grab your camera or smartphone and take a picture of you and your everyday life.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63923/your-picture-is-worth-1000-words-a-day-with-hiv-in.html PositiveIndeed@gmail.com (Richard Cordova) Wed, 14 Sep 2011 08:39:00 GMT Is There Any Sensitivity and Compassion for Me? http://www.thebody.com/content/64073/is-there-any-sensitivity-and-compassion-for-me.html Rae Lewis-ThorntonToday Henrieese Roberts responded to my Blog Post Below, I Wanted to Give Up But God and Twitter. I was going to respond to her on the post, but decided I had too much to say ... But it's the one below this one, you can just scroll down.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64073/is-there-any-sensitivity-and-compassion-for-me.html rae@raelewisthornton.com (Rae Lewis-Thornton) Tue, 13 Sep 2011 12:31:00 GMT Your Questions From the White House: 30 Years of AIDS Video Chat http://www.thebody.com/content/63990/your-questions-from-the-white-house-30-years-of-ai.html Over the summer, AIDS.gov collaborated with the White House to host a live video chat to commemorate 30 years of AIDS in the United States. This was a great listening and engaging opportunity for us to learn more about the HIV and AIDS information that our audiences want, and to help plan our future communication activities.

Read more ...

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63990/your-questions-from-the-white-house-30-years-of-ai.html Tue, 13 Sep 2011 11:30:00 GMT Latest Update: Registering for the NHAS Implementation Dialogues http://www.thebody.com/content/63989/latest-update-registering-for-the-nhas-implementat.html In two earlier blog posts we outlined the topic and format for a series of regional dialogues that the White House Office of National AIDS Policy will convene to focus attention on issues related to implementation of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy. These events will be a forum for Federal, state and local agency representatives, researchers, clinicians, the HIV community, and leaders from the business, foundation, faith and media sectors to share their diverse expertise, and collaborative experience.

Read more ...

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63989/latest-update-registering-for-the-nhas-implementat.html Tue, 13 Sep 2011 11:00:00 GMT Monday Reflection: I Wanted to Give Up ... But God and Twitter http://www.thebody.com/content/64025/monday-reflection-i-wanted-to-give-up--but-god-and.html Rae Lewis-ThorntonLast Night there was a part of me that wanted to give the fuck up! Now don't get me wrong, I didn't want to die, but I wasn't sure if I wanted to live in my life. I'm being straight honest. Last night I was in such a dark place I didn't know if I would make it till tomorrow or even if I wanted a tomorrow, at least as I know it.

I understand how someone can punch out of living and push a cart for the rest of their life. It's the easiest way to stop living in your life. There are no expectations of yourself or from anyone else, you just go with the flow. Yep, I was a complete and total mess. Physically I was at such a low point I couldn't even think clearly and that created an environment for the real warfare, not for my body, but for my mind and spirit.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64025/monday-reflection-i-wanted-to-give-up--but-god-and.html rae@raelewisthornton.com (Rae Lewis-Thornton) Mon, 12 Sep 2011 13:34:00 GMT Nine Ways to Get Involved in the Fight Against AIDS Right Now http://www.thebody.com/content/63941/nine-ways-to-get-involved-in-the-fight-against-aid.html Candace Y.A. MontagueReady to make a fourth-quarter resolution? How about resolving to get involved in social action to fight HIV? There are oodles of opportunities to get you started or help you continue your work. Well break out your calendars. Here are some local and national events coming up in the next 60 days.

Local events that you should absolutely not miss:

  • Real TalkDC ReMix Fashion Show. Friday, September 16th 6:30-9:00 pm. K Street Lounge 1301 K St. NW, Washington, D.C. (McPherson Square Metro). Metro Teen AIDS brings continuous sexual health education, awareness, testing, and brands from local D.C. designers to D.C. youth. Metro TeenAIDS very own FreeStyle youth are competing in the "FreeStyle Your T-Shirt Design Challenge" and will showcase their design in the show. Special performance by Young Motive, 14 y/o D.C. native Motivational Hip Hop Artist and Rico Jerome (Trojan Man). Sponsored by Metro Teen AIDS.

Read more ...

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63941/nine-ways-to-get-involved-in-the-fight-against-aid.html writeoncm@gmail.com (Candace Y.A. Montague) Mon, 12 Sep 2011 12:32:00 GMT Help AIDS United to "Make It Grow" http://www.thebody.com/content/63894/make-it-grow.html Khafre AbifMore than 50 percent of the 1.1 million people living with HIV/AIDS in the United States do not have consistent access to care, and the people most affected are communities of color and those in extreme poverty. The AIDS United movement has set a course to change that. I recently became aware of AIDS United and its efforts to develop commitments from corporations, foundations, and individuals to invest their resources to connect people living with HIV/AIDS who need high-quality supportive services and health care.

Just a little more than two weeks ago this nation celebrated the anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s historic "I Have a Dream" speech, which he deliver to hundreds of thousands on the Washington Mall. As I listened to several news reports, commentators and programs I was left with a void. At no time during any of the programs I watched or listened to did anyone ask this question: "What would Dr. King say about this county and its greed and inability to support AIDS funding?"

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63894/make-it-grow.html FreedomRider2011@gmail.com (Khafre Abif) Mon, 12 Sep 2011 11:38:00 GMT "Does This Look Like AIDS?" http://www.thebody.com/content/63939/does-this-look-like-aids.html Brandon Lacy CamposThere are those moments in life when an individual opens up his mouth and something so far beyond ridiculous and inappropriate comes out that your first and immediate reaction is to start looking for hidden cameras. As the crazy continues you may even begin to wonder about your own insanity or eyeball your cocktail in an effort to figure out if perhaps you've been roofied and are about to pass out and wake up in a trailer park on the outskirts of Weehawken.

And sometimes when you have those moments you are given a harsh reality check of just how much work there is left to do in this world.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63939/does-this-look-like-aids.html brandonlacycampos@yahoo.com (Brandon Lacy Campos) Sun, 11 Sep 2011 16:42:00 GMT Facebook Put My Life Together Again http://www.thebody.com/content/63942/facebook-put-my-life-together-again.html Mark S. KingToday I accepted the Facebook friend request of someone I knew in high school. We haven't spoken in more than thirty years. She is married with a load of kids, and God knows why she wants to befriend the scandalous queer who wore knee-high platform boots to the junior dance in our home town of Bossier City, Louisiana.

I did what I always do. I accepted her request and included a link to My Fabulous Disease, labeled as a blog chronicling my life "as an HIV positive gay man in recovery from drug addiction." Based on past experience, I'm unlikely to hear from her again, and that's okay.

Read more or watch video ...

]]> Fri, 9 Sep 2011 20:25:00 GMT mark@marksking.com (Mark S. King) http://www.thebody.com/content/63942/facebook-put-my-life-together-again.html Obama-ADAP Twitter Day: Tweet With Me http://www.thebody.com/content/63884/obama-adap-twitter-day-tweet-with-me.html Robert BreiningThe ADAP Advocacy Association, also known as aaa+, today announced that it is spearheading a national "Obama-ADAP Twitter Day," which will be held on Thursday, September 15, 2011. The purpose of the campaign is to raise awareness about the growing waiting lists under the AIDS Drug Assistance Programs by leveraging one of the leading social media outlets. Twitter users are asked to direct their hashtag #ObamaADAP Tweets at President Obama using handle @whitehouse.

"President Obama recently said that his Administration is committed to hearing from the American people, and we plan to make our voice heard on the ADAP crisis using Twitter," said Brandon M. Macsata, CEO of the ADAP Advocacy Association.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63884/obama-adap-twitter-day-tweet-with-me.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Fri, 9 Sep 2011 15:50:00 GMT Homesick http://www.thebody.com/content/63844/homesick.html Brooke DavidoffI want to go home. The California heat and my mommy are calling. I'm not homesick, I'm heart sick. After the loss of my father the only thing that seems to matter to me is family and pre-existing friends. I don't have the energy nor the desire to go out and meet new people or couples to hang out with. I don't know what to say to them. I feel like I live currently in a BAD Lifetime movie.

I don't make small talk these days. I have no idea where to begin. I'm heartbroken from the death of my father and can't seem to get around or over that. It seems to come up in my mind daily and small interactions with random people seem so meaningless.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63844/homesick.html brookedavidoff@gmail.com (Brooke Davidoff) Thu, 8 Sep 2011 07:48:00 GMT I'll Take the Paradigm Shift. Can You Super Size It Please? http://www.thebody.com/content/63843/ill-take-the-paradigm-shift-can-you-super-size-it-.html Ed PerlmutterDuring a recent meeting to discuss "An Act to Increase Routine Screening for HIV," the HIV testing bill that has recently been reported out of the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Health Care Financing and split in two parts, a prominent Massachusetts citizen, who happens to be gay, told me this:

He said that during his recent annual physical he asked his internal medicine physician, who also happens to be gay, for an HIV test. Rather than offering him the associated pre-counseling, written informed consent paperwork and finally the HIV test itself, the physician instead balked.

"You don't need an HIV test," the (gay) physician said to the (gay) patient. "You're in a monogamous relationship."

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63843/ill-take-the-paradigm-shift-can-you-super-size-it-.html AccidentalActivist1@gmail.com (Ed Perlmutter) Thu, 8 Sep 2011 07:46:00 GMT What Kind of Dater Are You? http://www.thebody.com/content/63940/what-kind-of-dater-are-you.html Rae Lewis-ThorntonWhen I was younger it was believed that there were two types of girls; Good and Bad. The Good girls waited for marriage to go all the way and the Bad girls had sex without any hesitation. And this was how we divided our dating life. Having sex or not having sex. Well, at least that's what was believed.

But in reality, that understanding of dating and sex was just a little too simplistic and maybe way too unrealistic. There were girls/women that had sex with men that they were not dating, but often times she had sex with him in hopes that he would begin dating her. Yes, there were some girls/women that had sex for sex, but more often than not, she was looking for much more.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63940/what-kind-of-dater-are-you.html rae@raelewisthornton.com (Rae Lewis-Thornton) Wed, 7 Sep 2011 12:01:00 GMT What if Your Food Server Was HIV Positive? http://www.thebody.com/content/63883/what-if-your-food-server-was-hiv-positive.html Justin B. Terry-SmithOn April 8, 2011, the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) and Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis hosted a national Roundtable on HIV and Employment at which I was honored to testify. Representatives of the U.S. Department of Justice and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission testified as well.

As of 2009, Congress passed legislation that specifically included HIV/AIDS in the protections of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) that prohibits against discrimination in hiring or employment. If you have problems, you have rights and can get help.

Read more or watch video ...

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63883/what-if-your-food-server-was-hiv-positive.html jsmithco98@hotmail.com (Justin B. Terry-Smith) Tue, 6 Sep 2011 09:09:00 GMT Reaction to the AIDS Funds Strip Club Scandal http://www.thebody.com/content/63845/reaction-to-the-aids-funds-strip-club-scandal.html Candace Y.A. MontagueAs if the "Hurriquake" experience wasn't enough to rock the metro area, now there is another force that has shaken us up. The latest scandal involves a familiar non-profit organization that is supposed to be aimed at working to improve the lives of people in D.C. with HIV/AIDS. Miracle Hands, located in Northeast, has been accused of using nearly $330,000 of grant funds to open up a strip club. Miracle Hands applied for the funds to open a job training facility on Queens Chapel Road for people who have HIV or AIDS. Now this former warehouse has been transformed into The Stadium Club which continues to operate today. D.C. Attorney General Irvin Nathan wants the city to be paid restitution in excess of $988,000.

Read more ...

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63845/reaction-to-the-aids-funds-strip-club-scandal.html writeoncm@gmail.com (Candace Y.A. Montague) Mon, 5 Sep 2011 12:02:00 GMT Hoping for Tomorrow on Today http://www.thebody.com/content/63846/hoping-for-tomorrow-on-today.html Rae Lewis-ThorntonWhen I woke this morning with tears streaming down my face, guilt gripped my very being. As I lay there I wondered how could I already be wishing for another day when God just blessed me with this one. "What's wrong with you woman?" I asked to myself. "Take it one day at a time." But at that moment, one day at a time seemed like an over used quote.

How could God expect me to deal with my weak and broken body that is chipping away at my spirit like a determined woodpecker? To hell with making it through the day like this; so sick from this IV medication that you can even hear it in my voice. Beat down from the herpes infection that I was wondering if they could just cut out my vagina and vulva to resolve this issue once and for all.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63846/hoping-for-tomorrow-on-today.html rae@raelewisthornton.com (Rae Lewis-Thornton) Fri, 2 Sep 2011 12:29:00 GMT Update: National HIV/AIDS Strategy Implementation Dialogues http://www.thebody.com/content/63842/update-national-hivaids-strategy-implementation-di.html Our Federal partners, as well as so many community members, people living with HIV, funders, businesses, faith leaders and other stakeholders have demonstrated encouraging support and enthusiasm for the implementation of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy (Strategy). Perhaps one of the most encouraging developments has been the way in which the NHAS has helped steer the national HIV conversation in the direction of the Strategy's goals. States and local jurisdictions have already begun the process of developing their own Strategy and implementation plans.

To sustain this effort, the Office of National AIDS Policy will convene a series of regional dialogues to focus attention on issues related to implementation of the Strategy. These dialogues will serve as a forum for Federal and state agency representatives, researchers, clinicians, the HIV community, and leaders from the business, foundation, faith and media sectors to share their diverse expertise, and collaborative experience.

Read more ...

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63842/update-national-hivaids-strategy-implementation-di.html Fri, 2 Sep 2011 08:30:00 GMT Openness http://www.thebody.com/content/63777/openness.html ScotCharlesAs I held my pruner in one hand and the guide book for pruning a bonsai in the other I read that a bonsai is pruned to promote openness. The guide book continued with the helpful hint that the trunk and branches of the bonsai are pruned so that they peek through the foliage. The bonsai I was about to prune is a western cedar whose growth was naturally stunted by a liquid amber tree. It is about four feet high and five feet across and was at one time an elegant addition to my back garden. Now, it looked like a badly pruned hedge.

I set about promoting openness in this little tree with my pruner and slowly an elegant, perfectly proportioned little tree emerged. The work took my mind off my visit to the doctor's office that day during which I was told my viral load was over 1 million and I had 100,000 copies of HIV per milliliter of my spinal fluid. As I promoted openness in my little tree, I thought about the meaning of that conditional noun and my current condition.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63777/openness.html Fri, 2 Sep 2011 08:14:00 GMT Meth vs. Meds: A Tale of Self-Preservation http://www.thebody.com/content/63665/meth-vs-meds-a-tale-of-self-preservation.html Richard CordovaSelf-preservation: The protection of oneself from harm or death, esp. regarded as a basic instinct in human beings and animals.

Self-preservation.

Honestly, that's exactly why I always took my HIV meds, no matter how high I was. Even though, in the beginning, I had no idea how my HIV medications worked, deep down I knew they were the only things that were going to keep me alive.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63665/meth-vs-meds-a-tale-of-self-preservation.html PositiveIndeed@gmail.com (Richard Cordova) Thu, 1 Sep 2011 08:30:00 GMT Money: The Biggest Challenge to Sticking With Meds http://www.thebody.com/content/63668/money-the-biggest-challenge-to-sticking-with-meds.html Brooke DavidoffI cut my finger on a can and freaked out. I would not touch my son. We were home alone in the kitchen making lunch; he was crying and I was bleeding. Staring at my finger, as the blood slowly trickled down, it felt so weird to look the enemy in the face for the first time since being diagnosed.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63668/money-the-biggest-challenge-to-sticking-with-meds.html brookedavidoff@gmail.com (Brooke Davidoff) Thu, 1 Sep 2011 08:30:00 GMT At the End of the Day: Remembering Meds When Life's Run You Ragged http://www.thebody.com/content/63667/at-the-end-of-the-day-remembering-meds-when-lifes-.html Tenicka DrakeOn its own, being a parent comes with many challenges. Then, throw in being HIV positive and having to ensure you take your meds, which is another difficulty and sometimes a pain to do.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63667/at-the-end-of-the-day-remembering-meds-when-lifes-.html msdrake98@ymail.com (Tenicka Drake) Thu, 1 Sep 2011 08:30:00 GMT Staying Adherent in the Midst of Early Childhood http://www.thebody.com/content/63666/staying-adherent-in-the-midst-of-early-childhood.html Sarah and Carmen Anthony SaccoBefore I became a mother, I rarely had problems with missing my medication doses. I guess life was calmer and I had less to think about. Being in the midst of early childhood has often left me sleep-deprived. Whether it was the constant wakefulness of early infancy, cutting teeth, or more recently potty training and being sick, as a mom, I often find myself struggling to face mornings! I find that I am most likely to forget my meds when I am running late and particularly if I don't sit down to eat (the eating reminds me to take my meds with the food).

Read more ...

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63666/staying-adherent-in-the-midst-of-early-childhood.html whatsnormalanyway@yahoo.com (Sarah and Carmen Anthony Sacco) Thu, 1 Sep 2011 08:30:00 GMT Prison, HIV and Congresswoman Lee http://www.thebody.com/content/63776/prison-hiv-and-congresswoman-lee.html Candace Y.A. MontagueCongresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) introduced H.R. 2704 earlier this month. The Justice for the Unprotected against Sexually Transmitted Infections among the Confined and Exposed (JUSTICE) Act is a push to provide condoms to prison inmates. It also calls for reinstatement or re-enrollment into Medicaid for inmates who test positive for HIV before reentering the community. Lee said in her press release "As we mark the 30th anniversary of the first discovery of AIDS cases in the U.S., we can no longer afford to ignore the reality that sexually transmitted infections can be spread within our correctional system. I introduced The JUSTICE Act to provide a comprehensive response to the spread of STIs in correctional facilities."

Read more ...

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63776/prison-hiv-and-congresswoman-lee.html writeoncm@gmail.com (Candace Y.A. Montague) Tue, 30 Aug 2011 11:47:00 GMT What's Going Wrong With Transgender People and HIV http://www.thebody.com/content/63755/whats-going-wrong-with-transgender-people-and-hiv.html Candace Y.A. MontagueThe Center for Disease Control published a report about transgender people and HIV earlier this month. Although it is difficult to collect data on transgender populations, the numbers that have been found are disheartening. There are several obstacles that keep health educators from truly reaching and helping this population. Stigma and discrimination are at the top of the list.

In 2009, the CDC found that newly identified HIV infection was at 2.6 percent among transgender people. Further studies showed that nearly 30 percent of transgender women tested positive for HIV. When testing was not a part of the study, only 11 percent of transgender women identified themselves as being HIV positive. In D.C., approximately 14 percent of transgender people are HIV positive. The data collection from this population is incomplete and inconclusive. There are several stumbling blocks when trying to service this population.

Read more ...

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63755/whats-going-wrong-with-transgender-people-and-hiv.html writeoncm@gmail.com (Candace Y.A. Montague) Tue, 30 Aug 2011 10:45:00 GMT Highlights From the National Conference on Health Communication, Marketing and Media http://www.thebody.com/content/63754/highlights-from-the-national-conference-on-health-.html Earlier this month, AIDS.gov attended the 5th Annual National Conference on Health Communication, Marketing and Media in Atlanta, Georgia. The conference was hosted by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Public Health Information Coalition (NPHIC), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and National Cancer Institute (NCI). Naima Cozier, AIDS.gov Trainer, presented on geolocation and the HIV/AIDS Prevention & Service Provider Locator. She told us, "As public health professionals, HIV/AIDS activists and providers, we can become engulfed in our work and can lose sight of the reality around us. Listening for the day-to-day context of the audience we are trying to reach, can inspire of innovation and new ideas that will hopefully lead to an increased impact of our health messages."

We asked Venton Jones from the National Gay Men's Advocacy Coalition to share some of his thoughts for the HIV Community.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63754/highlights-from-the-national-conference-on-health-.html Tue, 30 Aug 2011 08:00:00 GMT What's Your Game Plan? More Musings From Paul Kawata http://www.thebody.com/content/63753/whats-your-game-plan-more-musings-from-paul-kawata.html The take home messages from the National HIV Prevention Conference (NHPC) were:

  1. Funding is Shrinking
  2. Prevention Is Changing

The question is "Are You Ready?"

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63753/whats-your-game-plan-more-musings-from-paul-kawata.html Tue, 30 Aug 2011 07:00:00 GMT Dating With HIV: My Experience and Thoughts http://www.thebody.com/content/63885/dating-with-hiv-my-experience-and-thoughts.html Kevin MaloneyI am now 18 months post my dual diagnosis of HIV and hepatitis C, and nine months post successful hepatitis C treatment. I thought it was time to meet someone; no, not just for sex, but for something more. You see since my dual diagnosis I have felt completely asexual, and I'll admit, feeling a bit "tainted" too. Even HIV+ guys are hesitant to meet me when I tell them I also "had" hepatitis C.

So, wonderful, where does that put me in the dating scene? Someone would really have to be desperate to meet me! Recently I met someone by the name of "Dustin." He smoked, and I said I would NEVER date a smoker, but I have been desperate to make a connection with another positive individual. I thought I could ignore the smoke. He was handsome, professional, similar in age, and a sweet talker, among, um, other things ...

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63885/dating-with-hiv-my-experience-and-thoughts.html Mon, 29 Aug 2011 16:15:00 GMT kevin@riseuptohiv.com (Kevin Maloney) Monday Reflection: Herpes, AIDS and Shame ... http://www.thebody.com/content/63756/monday-reflection-herpes-aids-and-shame-.html Rae Lewis-ThorntonDealing with health issues is one thing, having to deal with it wrapped in shame is an entire other thing. That's what I do everyday with this drug-resistant herpes. Yep, herpes has made my life a living hell for almost the last four years, but especially the last six months. Dealing with the IV medication treatments has been hard, but having to face the fact that a sexually transmitted disease is the root cause of this rigorous treatment has taken an emotional toll.

While people are supportive, you still wonder what they are thinking about you having this aggressive herpes and HIV. I can almost image it, she got herpes and AIDS, damn who was she screwing?

Read more ...

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63756/monday-reflection-herpes-aids-and-shame-.html rae@raelewisthornton.com (Rae Lewis-Thornton) Mon, 29 Aug 2011 14:08:00 GMT The Ninja Report http://www.thebody.com/content/63595/the-ninja-report.html Frankie NinjaMany will ask why I have chosen this theme and name and what Ninja's have to do with HIV and outcasts, feared by society.

First and foremost, because I am known as Frankie NINJA. Named by The Legendary Icon "Mother" Willi Ninja, of Madonna's "Vogue" and "Paris is Burning" fame, in 1997 when I did not even know who Willi was, is, or would be.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63595/the-ninja-report.html frankieninja@gmail.com (Frankie Ninja) Sun, 28 Aug 2011 08:32:00 GMT Why I Blog -- Vote for Me http://www.thebody.com/content/63778/why-i-blog--vote-for-me.html Robert BreiningI decided to start blogging because I wanted to share my experience of living with HIV/AIDS with others. The Positive Pitch allows me to do just that. I felt so alone when I was first diagnosed and reading blogs of others living with the disease gave me courage. The reason I share my story publicly is because I feel it is my duty. As a person living with HIV/AIDS it is my duty to stand up and be heard. So many of us living with the disease stay silent due to stigma. I understand that everyone can not be as open as I and I respect that. I blog to inspire those who may find themselves silent to find the strength they possess to become more open, more accepting of their status. My goal in all the work I do is to help those who are newly diagnosed with HIV/AIDS adjust to the news and move past the shock and realize that they can not only survive with HIV but thrive.

I was recently nominated and was informed that I was named as a finalist for this year's CBS Philly Most Valuable Blogger award in the Local Affairs category.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63778/why-i-blog--vote-for-me.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Sat, 27 Aug 2011 12:02:00 GMT HIV Guidelines: Some Evolve; Some Don't. What's Up With That? Part One http://www.thebody.com/content/63636/hiv-guidelines-some-evolve-some-dont-whats-up-with.html Bob Frascino, M.D.Among the most common questions cramming their way into my inbox at the HIV Prevention and Safer Sex Expert Forum are an impressively wide spectrum of concerns about HIV-diagnostic testing. Everything from the very basic -- "to test or not to test; that is the question" (a favorite of Shakespeare aficionados) -- to the ridiculous -- "Grandma farted getting out of the barcalounger. I think I smelled an HIV-charged fart. Should I get an AIDS test?" In between these extremes are HIV-diagnostic-testing conundrums, such as:

"Is the three-month window period calculated as 90 days (three months x 30 days per month) or 84 days (12 weeks x seven days per week)?"

"Which test should I take -- ELISA, EIA, Rapid, Western Blot, qualitative PCR DNA or quantitative PCR RNA?"

Read more ...

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63636/hiv-guidelines-some-evolve-some-dont-whats-up-with.html Thu, 25 Aug 2011 06:52:00 GMT Happy Birthday RLT Collection! http://www.thebody.com/content/63714/happy-birthday-rlt-collection.html Rae Lewis-ThorntonIt's my birthday! Yep, three years ago I launched my RLT Collection, a line of bracelets that I design and hand make myself. It was a brave endeavor but I figured that I had nothing to lose.

I watched all those Oprah shows where young white girls had an idea and ran with it and before you knew it, they were an overnight success. I remember when I made the decision, I had a lot of naysayers, Yep! In those early days, "friends" would say to me, "you really think people will buy them?" Or, "I thought it was just a hobby." Some of those people still haven't purchased a bracelet. One such person said to me one day, "well you know I don't wear bracelets." I just shrugged it off.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63714/happy-birthday-rlt-collection.html rae@raelewisthornton.com (Rae Lewis-Thornton) Tue, 23 Aug 2011 17:45:00 GMT Are You Surviving or Thriving With HIV? http://www.thebody.com/content/63713/are-you-surviving-or-thriving-with-hiv.html Robert BreiningMy friend Michael Moniz wrote this article and I thought it would make a great conversation for my readers. Check out Michael's website for more information and to schedule private consultations. Check out the original post on Gay.com.

For many years I have been thankful for the opportunity to work with the POZ community. I have worked with individuals and groups of men who were recently diagnosed as well as members of the community who were were living with HIV for over 15 years. I was invited to speak at a recent event where I talked about the fact that people are no longer SURVIVING with HIV but THRIVING with HIV.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63713/are-you-surviving-or-thriving-with-hiv.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Tue, 23 Aug 2011 12:28:00 GMT My Birthday Wish List http://www.thebody.com/content/63573/my-birthday-wish-list.html Aless PiperAs children we are taught that if we tell our birthday wish(es) it won't come true, but as an adult, I believe the opposite is true: If we don't tell our wishes they won't come true ... people aren't psychic after all. My birthday is in a few days, so with that in mind I want to share my wish list with all of you in hopes that you can help make some of my wishes come true.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63573/my-birthday-wish-list.html fl.mingred@gmail.com (Aless Piper) Fri, 19 Aug 2011 10:24:00 GMT National HIV Prevention Conference -- Highlights of Final Day http://www.thebody.com/content/63606/national-hiv-prevention-conference--highlights-of-.html The first of Wednesday's two plenary sessions addressed the National HIV/AIDS Strategy (NHAS) goal of reducing HIV-related health disparities and health inequities. Three panelists offered perspectives on the current state of HIV-related disparities in the United States including differences related to the geographic and population based distribution of disease, incidence of new infections, health outcomes and mortality. They also explored the role of social determinants in creating, perpetuating or combating HIV-related disparities and inequality. The panelists reviewed some of the promising interventions, policy changes and partnerships that can be adopted to narrow persistent HIV-related inequities.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63606/national-hiv-prevention-conference--highlights-of-.html Thu, 18 Aug 2011 14:15:00 GMT Mandates Won't Save Our Kids from HIV -- Actual Follow-Through Will http://www.thebody.com/content/63562/mandates-wont-save-our-kids-from-hiv--actual-follo.html It would be an understatement to say Mayor Bloomberg's announcement of a sexual education mandate as part of his Young Men's Initiative was welcome news. Finally, advocates cheer, New York City is starting to get that sex ed is part of any smart solution to the challenges facing our youth, and our communities of color.

But sex ed advocates -- and especially those fighting HIV specifically -- also have plenty of reason to be skeptical. For us, mandates are nothing new: In 1987, we celebrated the long overdue addition of a required HIV/AIDS curriculum in New York schools; this was followed in 1991 by the New York City HIV/AIDS Education Mandate, which included condom access, and a Board of Regents' policy on HIV/AIDS instruction that emphasized abstinence.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63562/mandates-wont-save-our-kids-from-hiv--actual-follo.html Thu, 18 Aug 2011 13:13:00 GMT How DC Measures Up With the National HIV Prevention Conference http://www.thebody.com/content/63574/how-dc-measures-up-with-the-national-hiv-preventio.html Candace Y.A. MontagueThe National HIV Prevention Conference concluded yesterday in Atlanta, Georgia. According to the highlights from the conference, DC, for the most part, is ahead of the strategies and suggestions that came from the various presenters at the conference. However there are some areas that could use a tad more focus. The AIDS community will be watching to see if the city government and department of health will use the conference information to bring forth new, bold strategies that will be implemented immediately.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63574/how-dc-measures-up-with-the-national-hiv-preventio.html writeoncm@gmail.com (Candace Y.A. Montague) Thu, 18 Aug 2011 10:23:00 GMT On Russell Armstrong: We Never Know a Person's Head, Heart or Capacity http://www.thebody.com/content/63575/on-russell-armstrong-we-never-know-a-persons-head-.html Rae Lewis-ThorntonA couple of nights ago Russell Armstrong, the husband of Taylor, from Real Housewives of Beverly Hills committed suicide. That was incredibly sad. You never know what someone else is going through.

I must admit this is the one and only reality show that I'm an avid viewer. And from the tweets each night the show airs, Russell seems to be the husband that was most disliked by the public of all the husbands. People thought that he was way too controlling of his wife Taylor, there were even rumors of physical abuse, but nothing confirmed. Honestly, he was also the most introverted of all the husbands, and that made him appear a bit aloof. But, honestly, some people also thought that Taylor was a piece of work. They both took a lot of public flack.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63575/on-russell-armstrong-we-never-know-a-persons-head-.html rae@raelewisthornton.com (Rae Lewis-Thornton) Thu, 18 Aug 2011 09:30:00 GMT Treatment Is Prevention Part 1 http://www.thebody.com/content/63607/treatment-is-prevention-part-1.html Gary BellSome of you may be aware that the annual HIV Prevention conference has been taking place in Atlanta this week. One of the unique aspects of HIV conferences is that they tend to bring together an eclectic mix of people: consumers, researchers, medical providers, non profits and other assorted advocates. As we, as a society, struggle with finding new and creative ways to reduce the transmission of HIV, it was only natural to consider the impact a medical model might have on this challenge. Perhaps one of the most exciting studies within the last several months demonstrates the benefit of immediate, aggressive HIV treatment in reducing transmission.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63607/treatment-is-prevention-part-1.html garyb@bebashi.org (Gary Bell) Thu, 18 Aug 2011 06:59:00 GMT My Story With Medication http://www.thebody.com/content/63219/my-story-with-medication.html Maria T. MejiaI've been HIV positive for 20 years, 10 of them without any HIV meds; and for the last 10 years I have been on HIV medication. If I could go back 20 years, I wouldn't change a thing. I really believe (and this is only my opinion) that not taking the high dosages of AZT (Retrovir, zidovudine) that were offered 20 years ago saved my life.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63219/my-story-with-medication.html mariapositive11@yahoo.com (Maria T. Mejia) Wed, 17 Aug 2011 18:05:00 GMT Be the Chair of Your Own Board: Advice Before Starting Treatment http://www.thebody.com/content/63218/be-the-chair-of-your-own-board-advice-before-start.html Khafre Abif"If I could go back in time to the moment before I started HIV treatment, what piece of advice would I give myself?" I would advise myself to approach my decision the exact same way. I didn't begin treatment until seven or eight years after my diagnosis. As a librarian I was heavy into research and worked to find out as much as I could about the current treatments available. I read Websites like TheBody.com, and read POZ magazine from cover to cover.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63218/be-the-chair-of-your-own-board-advice-before-start.html FreedomRider2011@gmail.com (Khafre Abif) Wed, 17 Aug 2011 18:05:00 GMT National HIV Prevention Conference -- Highlights of Day 3 http://www.thebody.com/content/63564/national-hiv-prevention-conference--highlights-of-.html This is the third in our series of daily re-caps from the National HIV Prevention Conference underway now in Atlanta. This re-cap spotlights activities from Tuesday, August 16.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63564/national-hiv-prevention-conference--highlights-of-.html Wed, 17 Aug 2011 13:35:00 GMT Shines the Sun http://www.thebody.com/content/63538/shines-the-sun.html Shana CozadThe Sun shines on everyone. It shines on all of us, on our bad days and on our good, our somber days and our joyous days. There was a time when we knew little about the sun and whole cultures revered the sun. It hasn't lost any of its powers, it is still very mysterious, wondrous and life giving. And it has not missed a day of your life since you or I arrived here. It shines undeterred. When is the last time you looked up in the sky and said thank you to the sun, for providing you with warmth, sunlight? When is the last time you realized that our ancestors gazed upon, pondered its true significance? The sun has been a daily presence for you and for me. It is my hope that you will spring from your chair and go out and feel the sunshine on your face. Say Hello.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63538/shines-the-sun.html motherearthblog@yahoo.com (Shana Cozad) Wed, 17 Aug 2011 10:52:00 GMT Big Tigger's Ride for Life Connects D.C. to Prince George's County http://www.thebody.com/content/63545/big-tiggers-ride-for-life-connects-dc-to-prince-ge.html Candace Y.A. MontagueBig Tigger, popular morning radio disc jockey at WPGC 95.5, hosted his fourth annual Motorcycle Ride for Life on Saturday between two locations. The ride began in Prince George's County at the Bowie Baysox Stadium and extended 25 miles to United Medical Center (formerly known as Greater Southeast Hospital) in Southeast D.C. Bikers from D.C., Maryland and Virginia registered to support the motorcycle ride that was sponsored this year by Suzuki Motor Corporation. The focus on two locations for this year's ride was an idea that Big Tigger wanted to do to highlight the impact of this disease on both areas. "I live in PG County. If I'm gonna live here I have to do right by the people who live here. I proposed the idea [to County Executive Baker]. He thought it was a great idea and it was that simple." The funds raised from the event go to the Street Corner Foundation, Big Tigger's non-profit organization dedicated to educating communities around D.C. about HIV/AIDS. There is no word on whether or not some of the funds from the ride will benefit Prince George's County's communities.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63545/big-tiggers-ride-for-life-connects-dc-to-prince-ge.html writeoncm@gmail.com (Candace Y.A. Montague) Tue, 16 Aug 2011 20:10:00 GMT Meet Miracle Mike Hennessey http://www.thebody.com/content/63546/meet-miracle-mike-hennessey.html Robert BreiningOn Sunday, July 31st at 6 pm PST/9 pm EST Robert Breining and Jeromy Dunn spoke with Miracle Mike Hennessey. Mike is a writer, actor, comedian and children's entertainer. He moved to Los Angeles in 1993 from Boston after he was told in August of 1990 that he had potentially 7 to 9 years to live when he was diagnosed with HIV. He thought, "Since I'm going to die anyway, I might as well do it on stage." And he put together a goofy comedy routine and his healing process began. Once in Los Angeles, he quickly became famous as a children's performer for thousands of families all over Southern California and is known as Mystery Mike. In 1997 after the death of his mother, Ellen Sue, Mike developed full-blown AIDS for the first time and his health continued to decline over the years with 13 close calls with the Angel of Death.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63546/meet-miracle-mike-hennessey.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Tue, 16 Aug 2011 09:01:00 GMT National HIV Prevention Conference -- Highlights of Day 2 http://www.thebody.com/content/63544/national-hiv-prevention-conference--highlights-of-.html Read more ...

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63544/national-hiv-prevention-conference--highlights-of-.html Tue, 16 Aug 2011 08:20:00 GMT National HIV Prevention Conference -- Highlights of Day 1 http://www.thebody.com/content/63543/national-hiv-prevention-conference--highlights-of-.html With this post we launch a series of daily re-caps from the National HIV Prevention Conference underway now in Atlanta.

More than 3,000 public health, medical and AIDS community leaders are gathered here to share the latest research and discuss innovative strategies to drive down the number of new HIV infections in the United States. The meeting, organized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and co-sponsored by 40 other public and private agencies, including my office, is the only major U.S. conference dedicated exclusively to HIV prevention. Conference sessions and scientific presentations will focus on strategies to advance the ambitious goals of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy (NHAS).

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63543/national-hiv-prevention-conference--highlights-of-.html Mon, 15 Aug 2011 08:15:00 GMT A Bisexual, HIV-Positive, Single Father of Five http://www.thebody.com/content/63503/a-bisexual-hiv-positive-single-father-of-five.html Jermaine WrightMy name is Jermaine Wright and I am a bisexual, HIV-positive, single father of five. If that's not a jaw dropper for ya, I had one of my children while being HIV positive. Here is how it started ...

I moved away from my grandparents' home in South Carolina in 2003 at the age of 16 to live with my mother in Michigan. There I met a 14-year-old girl that caught my eye. I tried for months to get her to be my girlfriend and within that time I learned that she was pregnant with someone else's baby. She considered abortion but I promised her that if she kept the baby then I would help her and be there for her as the father of the son she was carrying. This was a huge promise for a 16-year-old, which I have still upheld to this day.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63503/a-bisexual-hiv-positive-single-father-of-five.html pozlyfe09@gmail.com (Jermaine Wright) Sat, 13 Aug 2011 11:16:00 GMT Poz Politics ... in the Face of Armageddon http://www.thebody.com/content/63502/poz-politics--in-the-face-of-armageddon.html Ibrahim"It started with a poster," an old nice woman once told me when I was a child explaining how in history, dictators used images and posters to demonize people they dislike, or to idealize the one and only beloved. We in the Middle East had many of these posters: a poster showing the beloved Sheik, King, or president hugging a child. Him visiting patients in the hospital. Him as a great teacher. Him taking a shower. Posters everywhere. And there were hate posters that depicted the enemies with horns.

I was flipping through posters in my mind when I was standing in the subway looking at the New York City Health Department's poster, "It's Never Just HIV." The poster used pretty much the same tactic this old lady told me about: Fear ... demonizing individuals. Nothing based on solid facts, except overdramatizing isolated cases.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63502/poz-politics--in-the-face-of-armageddon.html ibrahimpoz@yahoo.com (Ibrahim) Sat, 13 Aug 2011 11:14:00 GMT Doing It My Way This Time Around! http://www.thebody.com/content/63608/doing-it-my-way-this-time-around.html Rae Lewis-ThorntonPeople often ask, when am I going to write my memoir? And for the longest time I wasn't sure if I wanted to tell the whole story. I mean, once you put it out there, you can't take it back. And I got a whole lot of stuff in my closet.

And honestly, I believed if I was going to do it, then I needed a book deal. I'm always thinking big and I just didn't want to do it on my own. And then a few years ago I was swept up in a whirlwind. A friend in the literary world made some inquiries on my behalf and in a matter of weeks I had one of the best literary agents in New York City. Hot dog, I knew this was the time.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63608/doing-it-my-way-this-time-around.html rae@raelewisthornton.com (Rae Lewis-Thornton) Fri, 12 Aug 2011 10:02:00 GMT Achieving the Goals of the NHAS for Women http://www.thebody.com/content/63542/achieving-the-goals-of-the-nhas-for-women.html One-fourth of Americans living with HIV are women. In the United States, the disease disproportionately impacts women of color: The HIV infection rate among Black women is 15 times that of white women and the rate among Hispanic women is more than four times that of white women, according to the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Further, women and men have different biological, psychological, and cultural factors that increase their vulnerability to infection and disease progression. Achieving the goals of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy (NHAS) will require addressing the unique HIV prevention, care and treatment needs of women in the United States. With that in mind, I wanted to share a number of recent events that will help move all of us closer to achieving the goals of the NHAS for women in America.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63542/achieving-the-goals-of-the-nhas-for-women.html Fri, 12 Aug 2011 08:11:00 GMT What We Do to Keep a Man ... http://www.thebody.com/content/63501/what-we-do-to-keep-a-man-.html Rae Lewis-ThorntonThe other day I was thinking about the time I sat in front of my boyfriend's apartment for four hours to see if he had been out all night. Like what the hell was that gonna do but drive me even more crazy than I was, because I had to be stone out of my mind to get out of my bed at 5 am to go looking for a freaking man.

When I think about the things that I did in my 20s to try and keep a man, I'm down right embarrassed. I told my girlfriend the other day, I will be 50 years old in 8 months, I am not going to debase myself for the love of another. Those days are long gone. I don't need a man that adds no freaking value to my life but takes, takes, and takes.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63501/what-we-do-to-keep-a-man-.html rae@raelewisthornton.com (Rae Lewis-Thornton) Wed, 10 Aug 2011 11:48:00 GMT Guiding Principles for Treatment as Prevention: More Musings from Paul Kawata http://www.thebody.com/content/63457/guiding-principles-for-treatment-as-prevention-mor.html Are You Ready to start Treatment As Prevention (TasP)? What is your agency's role in the implementation of this promising new HIV prevention tool? How will it change your community's prevention agenda? HIV Prevention Trial Network (HPTN) study 052 showed us that starting HIV-positive individuals in a treatment regimen early and reducing their viral load to undetectable can cut the risk of HIV transmission by as much as 96 percent.

Next week is the National HIV Prevention Conference (NHPC). In advance of this meeting, I want to share my thoughts on TasP. Without any inside information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), my personal belief is that they may retool HIV prevention programs to make TasP a cornerstone for our work. Behavioral interventions like "Prevention for Positives" will continue to be important, and HIV testing will need to remain a top priority, but now these programs will support TasP and the National HIV/AIDS Strategy (NHAS).

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63457/guiding-principles-for-treatment-as-prevention-mor.html Tue, 9 Aug 2011 10:09:00 GMT Testing Day http://www.thebody.com/content/63426/testing-day.html Jermaine WrightNovember 2, 2009 I went to the clinic in Baltimore, MD, and got an HIV test, which came back positive. After speaking with the case worker I left with two of my friends, and the whole time all I could think about was my boyfriend. I had gotten into a relationship with him August 16th of that same year and we had probably only used a condom on one occasion. From listening to the rumors that had caused me to get tested in the first place, I had narrowed down the timeframe that I could have contracted it. So the thoughts of passing the virus to someone else echoed in my head the whole ride home.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63426/testing-day.html pozlyfe09@gmail.com (Jermaine Wright) Wed, 10 Aug 2011 08:33:00 GMT 7 Ways to Save Money on Meds http://www.thebody.com/content/63408/7-ways-to-save-money-on-meds.html Mark S. KingWith all the doctor appointments and wellness activities we engage in, living with HIV/AIDS can be a full-time job. And the truth is, it doesn't pay very well. We've all been feeling the pinch of tough economic times. So I hope you'll find some savings in this new video blog, "7 Ways to Save Money on Meds."

Jason King, a pharmacy specialist and patient advocate at AIDS Healthcare Foundation in Ft Lauderdale, was kind enough to give me a tour of their "Out of the Closet" thrift store and then sit down to discuss ways to save money that your pharmacist might not be telling you.

Read more or watch video ...

]]> Mon, 8 Aug 2011 20:13:00 GMT mark@marksking.com (Mark S. King) http://www.thebody.com/content/63408/7-ways-to-save-money-on-meds.html Monday Reflection: Living With AIDS in My Own Voice! http://www.thebody.com/content/63427/monday-reflection-living-with-aids-in-my-own-voice.html Rae Lewis-ThorntonEach day I sit at my computer trying to give you what I think God has given to me to give to you and it flows like a river. But then some days I sit at my computer with nothing to say and from no where it hits me. There are even times when I start writing about one thing and it ends up being another. I never try to force it, I just write what God has put in my heart.

Today is one of those days when I stared at the computer for a few hours. It seems that each direction I go, I get lost. About two hours ago, I said to myself. I'm going to post my interview with veteran political reporter and former editor and chief of Emerge magazine, George Curry, and be done with it; That seemed like an easy way out. But then I never take the easy path do I?

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63427/monday-reflection-living-with-aids-in-my-own-voice.html rae@raelewisthornton.com (Rae Lewis-Thornton) Mon, 8 Aug 2011 13:10:00 GMT The Guilt Myth http://www.thebody.com/content/63354/the-guilt-myth.html Aless PiperMy very Christian friend won't pray for my friend with AIDS who is currently going through a rough time medically. Yes, I am pissed off. This is a person who will pray -- without hesitation -- for a man with lung cancer who smoked a pack a day (or more) since the age of 12 and is now sixty-odd. But because to my Christian friend's mind anyway, my friend had to have done something to get AIDS, s/he will not pray for him/her. Where's the logic in that one?

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63354/the-guilt-myth.html fl.mingred@gmail.com (Aless Piper) Thu, 4 Aug 2011 13:05:00 GMT HIV Infection Rates Stabilize Overall but Rise Among Young, Black MSM http://www.thebody.com/content/63370/hiv-infection-rates-stabilize-overall-but-rise-amo.html Candace Y.A. MontagueThe Center for Disease Control published data yesterday that revealed a stabilization in the HIV infection rates in the US overall. Over the past four years (2006-2009) the average number of HIV infection rates in the country has hovered around 50,000 per year. However, the infection rates remain disproportionately high for African-Americans coming in at 44 percent in 2009. What is even more disparaging is that young, African-American men who have sex with men (MSM) ages 13-29 are the leading subgroup of infections. Their rates have rose 61 percent in 2009. Now some local organizations are reacting to the news.

Carl Schmid, Deputy Executive Director of The AIDS Institute in Northwest, says that the numbers clearly show that something more must be done.

Read more ...

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63370/hiv-infection-rates-stabilize-overall-but-rise-amo.html writeoncm@gmail.com (Candace Y.A. Montague) Wed, 3 Aug 2011 22:00:00 GMT Stigma Prevents Many African-American Doctors From Testing for HIV http://www.thebody.com/content/63353/stigma-prevents-many-african-american-doctors-from.html Candace Y.A. MontagueA recent survey revealed that African-American doctors do not routinely test for HIV because of stigma. The study, commissioned by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, finds that although African-American doctors are concerned about HIV among their patients many of them only tested about one-third of them within the past year.

African-American physicians cited that social stigma keeps them from routinely testing their patients. The study results showed that doctors feel that testing every patient seems judgemental and offensive.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63353/stigma-prevents-many-african-american-doctors-from.html writeoncm@gmail.com (Candace Y.A. Montague) Wed, 3 Aug 2011 21:00:00 GMT 2011 "Fight HIV Your Way" Contest -- I Won Third Place; This Work My W(hole) http://www.thebody.com/content/63335/2011-fight-hiv-your-way-contest-i-won-third-place.html Ed PerlmutterMy entry in the 2011 "Fight HIV Your Way" contest, sponsored by Bristol-Myers Squibb and its first-line protease inhibitor Reyataz, has been selected as one of 25 national third prize winners. I entered the contest this past February to help raise awareness about HIV testing issues in general and specifically the need for routine opt-out HIV testing here in Massachusetts, which now holds the dubious distinction of being the only state in the United States where Written Informed Consent testing is the only means to be screened for the HIV virus.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63335/2011-fight-hiv-your-way-contest-i-won-third-place.html AccidentalActivist1@gmail.com (Ed Perlmutter) Wed, 3 Aug 2011 08:06:00 GMT AIDS Healthcare Foundation Announces March on Washington http://www.thebody.com/content/63285/aids-healthcare-foundation-announces-march-on-wash.html Candace Y.A. MontagueAIDS Healthcare Foundation, a California-based organization who operates the Blair Underwood Clinic in Northwest D.C., announced at a press conference on Tuesday that they will host an AIDS March on Washington prior to the commencement of the 2012 International AIDS Conference. The conference is set for July and planning is steadily under way. The "Keep the Promise on HIV/AIDS" march is set to begin before the opening ceremony and will serve as a call to world leaders to provide universal access to care and treatment, lower the price of AIDS drugs, and to fully fund the Global Fund as well as support PEPFAR. Omonigho Ufomata, Director of Global Advocacy and Policy for AHF says it's time to step up our efforts. "There's hardly any family that hasn't been affected by this disease. I think there's no more important time to fight, to scale up treatment, to find people who have this disease and get them treatment."

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63285/aids-healthcare-foundation-announces-march-on-wash.html writeoncm@gmail.com (Candace Y.A. Montague) Thu, 28 Jul 2011 20:00:00 GMT White House Commemorates World Hepatitis Day 2011 http://www.thebody.com/content/63284/white-house-commemorates-world-hepatitis-day-2011.html Today, I was honored to participate in a special White House event to commemorate the first official World Hepatitis Day. This event was one of many held across the United States and around the world for communities to join together and focus attention on the global health threat of viral hepatitis and promote actions to confront it.

Worldwide, one in twelve persons are estimated to be living with viral hepatitis and about one million people around the world die every year because of viral hepatitis. Many people infected with viral hepatitis are unaware of their status, and as a result, may unknowingly transmit the infection to others. Without knowing their status, these patients also face the possibility of developing otherwise preventable debilitating or fatal liver disease.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63284/white-house-commemorates-world-hepatitis-day-2011.html Thu, 28 Jul 2011 16:10:00 GMT Three Decades of HIV/AIDS, Part Three http://www.thebody.com/content/63212/three-decades-of-hivaids-part-three.html Bob Frascino, M.D.The HIV/AIDS wave crested in the mid-nineties and the once underground disease had now become mainstream. Most Americans were talking about condoms and safer sex without embarrassment. Greg Louganis disclosed he had HIV/AIDS.

Ordinary people put together quilt patches, each the size of a coffin, forming the AIDS Memorial Quilt, which ultimately became the largest piece of art ever created. It was displayed in Washington in 1996 where its 40,000 panels covered the entire National Mall.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63212/three-decades-of-hivaids-part-three.html Wed, 27 Jul 2011 16:59:00 GMT This Is What Sexual Abuse Looks Like: Eddie Long and R. Kelly! http://www.thebody.com/content/63337/this-is-what-sexual-abuse-looks-like-eddie-long-an.html Rae Lewis-ThorntonSunday, I went on one of my famous Twitter rants and my bottom line is this, men keep your dick in your pants, if the person is not the age of sexual consent. Stop using your power to take what you ethically and morally have no right to take! I went on to say to my followers, "If you have a problem with my raw tweets on Sunday, Whatever! *Shrugs* because I'm still mad that Pastors have not spoken up about Eddie Long using the Bible to groom those boys to fuck him." Yep I said it! Basically this needs to be a Sunday morning discussion.

What prompted this rant was a news report of another powerful person accused of having a sexual encounter with a teenage girl.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63337/this-is-what-sexual-abuse-looks-like-eddie-long-an.html rae@raelewisthornton.com (Rae Lewis-Thornton) Wed, 27 Jul 2011 09:50:00 GMT Everything That Glitters Ain't Gold http://www.thebody.com/content/63114/everything-that-glitters-aint-gold.html Jermaine WrightIn June 2009 I got into a relationship with a guy that I met at the club. There was a crowd of people around him and I thought he was cute, so in my head I was thinking "I'm going to get him." A friend of mine told me that he was a porn star but I didn't believe him, so I would joke with the guy I was talking to at the time, telling him that maybe we could make a video together.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63114/everything-that-glitters-aint-gold.html pozlyfe09@gmail.com (Jermaine Wright) Tue, 26 Jul 2011 16:30:00 GMT I'm Gonna Wipe That AIDS Right Off of My Face http://www.thebody.com/content/63194/im-gonna-wipe-that-aids-right-off-of-my-face.html Mark S. KingSeveral years ago, I disclosed to someone that I was HIV positive before I agreed to his invitation for a date. "Yeah, I know," he casually replied, and then he looked a little embarrassed, as if he shouldn't have said it. And I knew exactly why. He had recognized my HIV status because of the appearance of my face.

I was crestfallen, and felt something close to shame, certainly embarrassment. Why is it that I can produce this blog, proudly march with HIV POSITIVE on my t-shirt in gay parades, and even write a book about coming of age during the dawn of AIDS -- but being viewed as positive because of my face upsets me so much?

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]]> Tue, 26 Jul 2011 15:01:00 GMT mark@marksking.com (Mark S. King) http://www.thebody.com/content/63194/im-gonna-wipe-that-aids-right-off-of-my-face.html Prevention and Public Health Fund: Grant Applications Leave Little Room for HIV http://www.thebody.com/content/63221/prevention-and-public-health-fund-grant-applicatio.html Applications to receive funding through the Affordable Care Act's Prevention and Public Health (PPH) Fund were due Friday, July 22, 2011. This funding opportunity, announced in a news release last month by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), will allow national networks of community-based organizations to apply for more than $4 million to help support, disseminate and amplify the evidence-based strategies of the Community Transformation Grants (CTG) program.

CTGs are intended to empower communities to implement projects proven to reduce chronic diseases.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63221/prevention-and-public-health-fund-grant-applicatio.html Mon, 25 Jul 2011 16:07:00 GMT Monday Reflection: Living With Addiction ... http://www.thebody.com/content/63193/monday-reflection-living-with-addiction-.html Rae Lewis-ThorntonWhen I heard about Amy Winehouse's death the first thing that crossed my mind, is that you die how you live. It's a sad but true reality and it's not just about drug and alcohol addiction but anything that has a hold on you, and that thing dictates your life.

I understand addiction. My mother and father were heroin addicts and my step-grandmother who raised me, was an alcoholic. My father died a violent death when I was about three years old and my mother used for half of her life.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63193/monday-reflection-living-with-addiction-.html rae@raelewisthornton.com (Rae Lewis-Thornton) Mon, 25 Jul 2011 12:34:00 GMT Melissa Baker: HIV-Positive Mother of Four http://www.thebody.com/content/63338/melissa-baker-hiv-positive-mother-of-four.html Robert BreiningHave you ever wondered how to tell your child/children that you are HIV+ or living with HIV/AIDS? or How an HIV-positive woman can have an HIV-negative child?

Melissa Baker learned that she was HIV positive in August 2007, three days before her 28th birthday. Her diagnosis was a surprise, since she had tested negative for HIV only the year before while in what she thought to be a monogamous relationship. Melissa quickly realized that life does not stop with HIV and educated herself, her three teen daughters and the rest of her family and friends about the disease.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63338/melissa-baker-hiv-positive-mother-of-four.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Sun, 24 Jul 2011 11:50:00 GMT Should HIV Meds for HIV-Uninfected People Be a Priority? And Other PrEP Questions http://www.thebody.com/content/63081/should-hiv-meds-for-hiv-negative-people-be-a-prior.html Jeannie WraightGroundbreaking results of two large pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) studies may lead to a new prevention option to reduce HIV transmission. Data released on two PrEP studies showed high levels of protection against HIV infection when tenofovir (Viread) or Truvada (tenofovir and emtricitabine) were taken daily by HIV-uninfected individuals at high risk for infection.

The Partners PrEP trial, the largest PrEP study to date, was conducted at nine centers in Kenya and Uganda. A total of 4,758 heterosexual couples, in which one partner was HIV infected and the other HIV uninfected, were enrolled. The HIV-uninfected partner was given either tenofovir, Truvada or placebo. The study was stopped a full 18 months before it was scheduled to end due to a demonstrated high rate of protection against HIV.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63081/should-hiv-meds-for-hiv-negative-people-be-a-prior.html hintsandallegations@hivhaven.com (Jeannie Wraight) Thu, 21 Jul 2011 10:27:00 GMT Waking to Sadness ... http://www.thebody.com/content/63118/waking-to-sadness-.html Rae Lewis-ThorntonI woke this morning to an overwhelming sadness, as if a cloud of darkness was hanging over my bed, infecting every part of my being. As I laid there, I started to ask the most ridiculous questions of God. Like how long? What's up with that? And on and on. Then I started to think about the Apostle Paul and his throne and then I started to fight back the tears.

But it hit me, what I really needed to fight back was this cloud of darkness that was infecting my very being. I knew I needed to do something, or I wouldn't get out of this bed today. I knew I needed to do something because everyone that encountered me today would be affected by my infection and it wouldn't be pretty. You see, I understand the saying, hurt people hurt. Sometimes they do it intentionally and other times unintentionally, but they do it nonetheless.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63118/waking-to-sadness-.html rae@raelewisthornton.com (Rae Lewis-Thornton) Thu, 21 Jul 2011 08:50:00 GMT HIV at 30 http://www.thebody.com/content/63336/hiv-at-30.html Gary BellFor the two or three of you (lol) who follow my blog, you may have noticed that I haven't blogged in a while. A lot has happened to me over the last several months that I won't get into now. However, I have returned with a renewed sense of purpose and quite a lot to say.

Much has been written about the 30th anniversary of HIV. I plan to write throughout the year on this topic. It is long and complex area and I cannot begin to do it justice in one or two blogs. So here I go ...

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63336/hiv-at-30.html garyb@bebashi.org (Gary Bell) Wed, 20 Jul 2011 20:20:00 GMT HGTV Star David Bromstad Wants You to "Know Yourself" http://www.thebody.com/content/63119/hgtv-star-david-bromstad-wants-you-to-know-yoursel.html Candace Y.A. MontagueHGTV star David Bromstad has teamed up with Janssen Therapeutics to begin a new HIV testing initiative. The Know Yourself: Get tested for HIV campaign kicked off yesterday with a special focus on members of the gay community who are at higher risk of HIV infection. Bromstad, winner of the first season of HGTV's Design Star and current host of Color Splash, will use his artistic ability to create a community inspired traveling mural to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS. The mural will be unveiled at an event in New York for Gay Men's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day in September. Men who have sex with men (MSM) are most severely affected with more than 53% of the new HIV infections occurring within this population according to the Center for Disease Control.

Bromstad sat down for an interview about the mural, scare tactics, and why he is seeking input from the community to design this very important piece.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63119/hgtv-star-david-bromstad-wants-you-to-know-yoursel.html writeoncm@gmail.com (Candace Y.A. Montague) Wed, 20 Jul 2011 19:00:00 GMT Volunteering Can Make You Healthy and Happy http://www.thebody.com/content/63070/volunteering-can-make-you-healthy-and-happy.html David Fawcett, Ph.D., L.C.S.W.Did you know that giving your time and effort on behalf of someone else can actually improve your mood and overall health? Although it sounds too good to be true, that is the conclusion of a number of studies on a variety of populations from around the world. Scientists are still unraveling the specifics, but there are some intriguing clues documenting the health benefits of volunteering.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63070/volunteering-can-make-you-healthy-and-happy.html davidfawcett@earthlink.net (David Fawcett, Ph.D., L.C.S.W.) Wed, 20 Jul 2011 16:10:00 GMT HIV Profile: Ryan White http://www.thebody.com/content/63369/hiv-profile-ryan-white.html Justin B. Terry-SmithRyan White was born on December 6, 1971 in Kokomo, Indiana. When he was three days old, doctors informed his parents that he had hemophilia, an inherited disease in which the blood does not clot. People who have this disease are vulnerable, since an injury as simple as a paper cut can lead to dangerous bleeding. Fortunately for White and his parents, a new treatment, called Factor VIII, recently had been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This treatment is made from blood and contains the clotting agent that allows healthy people to heal quickly from wounds.

In December 1984, when he was 13, White contracted pneumonia and had surgery to remove part of his left lung. After two hours of surgery, his doctors told his parents that he had contracted the incurable disease of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, or AIDS, through his Factor VIII blood transfusions.

White's doctors told him that he had six months to live, but White decided that he would continue to live a normal life, attend school, and spend time with his friends.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63369/hiv-profile-ryan-white.html jsmithco98@hotmail.com (Justin B. Terry-Smith) Wed, 20 Jul 2011 15:22:00 GMT HAHSTA Rolls Out HIV Prevention Plan for 2011-2012 http://www.thebody.com/content/63071/hahsta-rolls-out-hiv-prevention-plan-for-2011-2012.html Candace Y.A. MontagueThe office of HIV/AIDS, Heptatitis,STD, and TB Administration (HAHSTA), in conjunction with the DC HIV Prevention Community Group, announced the release of the 2011-2012 HIV Prevention Plan for the city on Monday. The inclusive plan is an update from the 2006-2010 plan and includes a new Community Services Assessment. This feature uses epidemiology, behavioral and ethnographic data to help demonstrate and meet the needs of subgroups more effectively. The plan will be instrumental when HAHSTA applies for HIV prevention funds from the Center for Disease Control. DC is one of the cities selected to participate in the 12 Cities Project sponsored by the Department of Health and Human Services.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63071/hahsta-rolls-out-hiv-prevention-plan-for-2011-2012.html writeoncm@gmail.com (Candace Y.A. Montague) Tue, 19 Jul 2011 16:12:00 GMT Meditations on Love and Death (or "Day Spa") http://www.thebody.com/content/63013/meditations-on-love-and-death-or-day-spa.html Shana CozadI remember when I was growing up, my pediatrician father used to come home and drink himself into oblivion; a place I always wondered why he frequented so often. One day, he said plainly that as a doctor that he just hated all the dying and that he thought that by him becoming a doctor that he would have a hand in helping the dying of innocent lives come to an abrupt stop.

He was so sad. His patients were all children with cancer. I remember making rounds with him at Children's Hospital. The children did not look sad to me, almost the opposite in fact. There was pain, yes, and no child liked being bald, but mention the idea of death to a child and you will find and amazing grace and acceptance and excitability to the very idea. They were not sad, like my dad, or like their own parents.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63013/meditations-on-love-and-death-or-day-spa.html motherearthblog@yahoo.com (Shana Cozad) Tue, 19 Jul 2011 09:30:00 GMT Op-Ed: ADAP and the Political Game -- Insight From Policy Newbies http://www.thebody.com/content/63220/op-ed-adap-and-the-political-game--insight-from-po.html Last week we attended the fourth annual AIDS Drug Assistance Program Conference hosted by the ADAP Advocacy Association in Washington, D.C. The conference brought together some of the brightest minds in the AIDS community. Their main objective: Figure out how to eliminate the nation's growing ADAP wait list. As interns and students coming into the world of AIDS for the first time, we were both inspired and frustrated by what we saw.

We were inspired by the people in the room. The conference attendees represented a variety of ages, races, socioeconomic and employment backgrounds, but they united for one clear goal. Their vast knowledge and obvious commitment to fighting injustice gave us hope for the future of HIV/AIDS policy.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63220/op-ed-adap-and-the-political-game--insight-from-po.html Mon, 18 Jul 2011 18:00:00 GMT Online Resources to Protect Those With HIV/AIDS http://www.thebody.com/content/63116/online-resources-to-protect-those-with-hivaids.html To mark the one-year anniversary of the release of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy, the Justice Department has launched a new section of its Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) website, www.ada.gov/aids.

Persons with HIV and persons with AIDS are covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which gives federal civil rights protections to persons with disabilities in public accommodations, employment, and state and local government services. The new web page provides important information and resources related to combating discrimination on the basis of HIV/AIDS.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63116/online-resources-to-protect-those-with-hivaids.html Mon, 18 Jul 2011 17:00:00 GMT Isn't It Ironic? More Musings from Paul Kawata http://www.thebody.com/content/63069/isnt-it-ironic-more-musings-from-paul-kawata.html Wouldn't it be ironic if People with AIDS (PWAs) were the reason we stopped the epidemic?! After all of the blame, all of the discrimination, all of the judgment, there is something quite wonderful about the prospect of PWAs bringing an end to this devastating disease.

At the 6th International Conference on HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention, you can feel the excitement as people talk about HIV Prevention Trial Network study 052 or Treatment As Prevention (TAP). At a panel this afternoon, a researcher called it the "light at the end of the tunnel."

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63069/isnt-it-ironic-more-musings-from-paul-kawata.html Mon, 18 Jul 2011 16:08:00 GMT Monday Reflection: Never Surrender to the Madness http://www.thebody.com/content/63012/monday-reflection-never-surrender-to-the-madness.html Rae Lewis-ThorntonI've been so freaking sick that it has interfered with everything from literally washing my ass, to walking down the street to working. And if I say it, you know it's gotta be true because I'm miss independent, ain't gonna let nothing stop my ass in this lifetime or the next. But I have to admit, I was thrown a curve ball that knocked me flat on my ass these last seven weeks or so.

And when you are laid out you can't see the forest, shit, you can't even see the trees. But you can feel the cold, moist ground sucking the life out of you. And as you lay there, you know instinctively that if you continue to lay in this dirt that a part of you will surly die, not physically, but emotionally and spiritually. And I tell you, a dead spirit in my opinion is worse than death. Death is final, but living with a broken spirit is an endless bottomless pit. Like being in hell and looking up to heaven, wanting to be there, but it's not available to you.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63012/monday-reflection-never-surrender-to-the-madness.html rae@raelewisthornton.com (Rae Lewis-Thornton) Mon, 18 Jul 2011 12:20:00 GMT Michelle Anderson, 2011 Ms. Plus America http://www.thebody.com/content/63117/michelle-anderson-2011-ms-plus-america.html Robert BreiningI am very excited to have Michelle Anderson as our guest on tonight's POZIAM RADIO show. Michelle was just crowned 2011 Ms. Plus America. Michelle will discuss what it felt like to be the first openly HIV-positive woman to win a national pageant title!

About Michelle: Michelle is an African-American woman who has been living for HIV since 1999. She currently resides in Dallas, Texas and is very active in her community as co-chair of Campaign to End AIDS Texas, The Afiya Center peer educator, public speaker, as well as a board member for AIDS Services of Dallas, and ADAP Advocacy Association where she is the treasurer.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63117/michelle-anderson-2011-ms-plus-america.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Sun, 17 Jul 2011 14:03:00 GMT Reflections on the RAAM Adventure http://www.thebody.com/content/63192/reflections-on-the-raam-adventure.html Team4HIVHopeIn my bio on the RAAM website I predicted that my RAAM experience would be as follows:

It will be hard as hell.
It will be an adventure of a lifetime.
I will make many new friends.
I am part of team that will make history.
I expect to see parts of America that I would otherwise never encounter.

Certainly I would have to say that all of those things would accurately describe my Race Across America experience. However there were many other things that I did experience that perhaps I did not foresee.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63192/reflections-on-the-raam-adventure.html Sun, 17 Jul 2011 12:00:00 GMT If AIDS Is Only 30, Why Do I Feel So Very Old? http://www.thebody.com/content/62973/if-aids-is-only-30-why-do-i-feel-so-very-old.html Thomas DeLorenzoWhen the newspapers were ablaze with "AIDS at 30" I felt as if I should have gone out and gotten a cake, complete with the requisite 30 candles. In spite of the statistics being tossed around, we have again missed another public health moment in these ever so loosely United States. I say loosely because the quality of healthcare is truly a state-by-state situation. Indiana is about to set back the clock by defunding Planned Parenthood and allowing women to go without the most basic of health tests. States, via their federally funded AIDS Drug Assistance Programs, also get to choose which HIV drugs they cover, and what income levels are eligible.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/62973/if-aids-is-only-30-why-do-i-feel-so-very-old.html thomasdelorenzo@mac.com (Thomas DeLorenzo) Sun, 17 Jul 2011 07:23:00 GMT Happy 1st Birthday Myles! A Crazy Year in Review http://www.thebody.com/content/62972/happy-1st-birthday-myles-a-crazy-year-in-review.html Brooke DavidoffToilet paper is scattered across the wood floor like newly fallen snow. In the corner Myles and Nash, our new 4-month-old puppy, play tug o war with the last remaining connected squares. Marley the cat watches curiously; apparently he never knew the joy of toilet paper. Keanen my stay-home-daddy husband is on the couch looking like a zombie.

Sometimes letting the mess occupy the little boys who now run our house is easier than stopping them. Myles and Nash share toys, from teething rings and stuffed animals to bacon-flavored doggie bones. They will munch on something and Myles will trade Nash and they will munch on something else.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/62972/happy-1st-birthday-myles-a-crazy-year-in-review.html brookedavidoff@gmail.com (Brooke Davidoff) Fri, 15 Jul 2011 22:00:00 GMT Timothy Brown: The Other Side of the Cure http://www.thebody.com/content/62952/timothy-brown-the-other-side-of-the-cure.html Nelson VergelBy now, we have all read several stories about Timothy Brown and watched his interviews on TV. For the few who have been living in a cocoon in the last few weeks and have not watched the news, I remind them that Tim, once known as the "Berlin patient," is the man who was cured of HIV through a long and risky procedure of chemotherapy, radiation and a CCR5-negative stem cell transplant.

Ever since I saw the first poster presentation at the 2007 CROI conference that mentioned his case, I have been wondering what it would feel like to be cured. Until that moment, that thought had never crossed my mind. What would it be like not to have to take pills every day, not to have to worry about side effects, not to have to go see a doctor so frequently, not to have to be afraid of rejection, not to have to spend so much time reading medical information, not to be worried about drug resistance and death, not to feel different from others?

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/62952/timothy-brown-the-other-side-of-the-cure.html nelsonvergel@yahoo.com (Nelson Vergel) Fri, 15 Jul 2011 07:19:00 GMT The Day I Was Pronounced Dead http://www.thebody.com/content/62867/the-day-i-was-pronounced-dead.html EllisyaIt was the usual check-up for me and my daughter as we normally did every year, just to make sure we were healthy. We just had to wait two weeks for our results, so during that time I was just acting normally like nothing had happened, because it hadn't. I was 21 back then, and my daughter, Trisha, was 6.

I received a phone call from the doctor's office informing me that we needed to come to clinic as soon as possible. My heart beat much faster. "Is it something wrong?" I asked the doctor's assistant, but she said "Sorry madam, we can't tell you on the phone."

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/62867/the-day-i-was-pronounced-dead.html Thu, 14 Jul 2011 15:30:00 GMT The National AIDS Strategy at One Year http://www.thebody.com/content/62936/the-national-aids-strategy-at-one-year.html It's been one year since we launched the first comprehensive National HIV/AIDS Strategy and today we are releasing an implementation update to keep you up to speed on the latest work. We plan to release a more comprehensive progress report after the conclusion of the calendar year, but as we mark this critical first year, we wanted to provide some reflections on key first-year achievements.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/62936/the-national-aids-strategy-at-one-year.html Thu, 14 Jul 2011 03:59:00 GMT Op-Ed: The Secret to Ending AIDS -- Better Secretaries? http://www.thebody.com/content/62954/op-ed-the-secret-to-ending-aids--better-secretarie.html At last I have discovered what's really stopping us from conquering the AIDS epidemic -- clerical errors!

This June, as Housing Works Vice President for National Advocacy and Organizing, I worked my tucchus off in collaboration with other AIDS organizations on three separate documents to set both the U.S. and international governments on the right road to ending AIDS.

Amazingly, the issue of housing as a structural intervention for both access to care and prevention of HIV was "inadvertently" dropped from all three key documents. Three times! Amazing! What are the chances?

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/62954/op-ed-the-secret-to-ending-aids--better-secretarie.html Wed, 13 Jul 2011 21:59:00 GMT First in Fig Newtons, Last in Routine HIV Testing: Nightmare in the Bay State http://www.thebody.com/content/62914/first-in-fig-newtons-last-in-routine-hiv-testing-n.html Ed PerlmutterMassachusetts, the state in which I live, boasts many firsts -- among them, the first state to recognize marriage equality (2004), the first typewriter (invented by Charles Thurber in Worcester in 1840), the first Fig Newton cookie (invented by James Henry Mitchell in Newton in 1881), and the first subway (opened in Boston in 1898 and still operating the same nineteenth-century trolley cars).

And now, much to my dismay and chagrin, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts can lay claim to a dubious distinction -- a sorry and avoidable "last" -- and this new claim is nothing in which any citizen of this fine state can take pride.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/62914/first-in-fig-newtons-last-in-routine-hiv-testing-n.html AccidentalActivist1@gmail.com (Ed Perlmutter) Wed, 13 Jul 2011 09:25:00 GMT The 4th Annual ADAP Summit; A Budding Advocate http://www.thebody.com/content/62953/the-4th-annual-adap-summit-a-budding-advocate.html Kevin MaloneyLast week I attended the 4th Annual ADAP Summit in Washington, D.C. An event put on by Brandon Macasta CEO of the ADAP Advocacy Association (aaa+). The association's mission and purpose is to promote and enhance the AIDS drug Assistance Programs (ADAP's) and improve access to care for persons living with HIV/AIDS. They work with advocates, communities, health care, government, patients, pharmaceutical companies and other stakeholders.

This year's message was "When will Washington come to the rescue." Right now, as of July 1st 2011, 8,655 people across 13 states are on wait-lists to receive lifesaving HIV medications.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/62953/the-4th-annual-adap-summit-a-budding-advocate.html Tue, 12 Jul 2011 15:30:00 GMT kevin@riseuptohiv.com (Kevin Maloney) A "Non-Interview" With Sapphire About AIDS and Her Latest Novel http://www.thebody.com/content/62913/a-non-interview-with-sapphire-about-aids-and-her-l.html Candace Y.A. MontagueSapphire entered the crowd at Politics and Prose yesterday evening in an unassuming fashion. The slender black female with close cropped hair wearing a simple, Mrs. O-style, sleeveless black dress appeared to be unflappable and focused. The bookstore, located in upper Northwest, seemed incompatible with the author of such gritty street tales. Three out of every five audience members were white and the women outnumbered the men. Still, they had no problem easing up to the microphone to timidly ask questions and give praise about Push (her first novel) and The Kid (her newest book -- a continuation of Push). The Kid is a book about Abdul, son of Precious Jones, who becomes an AIDS orphan after watching his mother die from the disease in chapter one.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/62913/a-non-interview-with-sapphire-about-aids-and-her-l.html writeoncm@gmail.com (Candace Y.A. Montague) Tue, 12 Jul 2011 15:30:00 GMT HIV: Just Another Chronic Disease? http://www.thebody.com/content/62891/hiv-just-another-chronic-disease.html Sarah and Carmen Anthony SaccoMany people are fond of saying that HIV is a chronic disease these days -- comparable to diabetes. Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not?

I was recently asked this question, and it made us both start thinking. What with the medical advances of the past decade, and the miracle of antiretrovirals (at least those of us who are blessed to be able to get them), we HIVers are living these days. I've heard of people who have been alive for the full 30 years of the known epidemic. Through my work, this blog, and reading I've been doing from people living with other chronic diagnoses, it seems that there are a lot of comparisons to be made. And yet ...

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/62891/hiv-just-another-chronic-disease.html whatsnormalanyway@yahoo.com (Sarah and Carmen Anthony Sacco) Tue, 12 Jul 2011 09:04:00 GMT The Entire 2011 ADAP Conference in 9 Minutes! http://www.thebody.com/content/62884/the-entire-2011-adap-conference-in-9-minutes.html Mark S. KingThe 2011 ADAP Advocacy Association's conference in Washington, D.C., was bursting with spirit. Dozens of advocates from across the country met for three days of workshops and speakers, and in this video blog, you'll see the entire conference boiled down to only nine minutes. I'm the Cliff Notes of HIV/AIDS events!

From people like Robert Breining of POZIAM from Philly to Lepena Powell Reed from Tampa, there was no shortage of passionate voices. But there were more than a few things on the conference agenda that really surprised and educated me -- and provided resources I never knew existed.

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]]> Mon, 11 Jul 2011 20:50:00 GMT mark@marksking.com (Mark S. King) http://www.thebody.com/content/62884/the-entire-2011-adap-conference-in-9-minutes.html Where You At? The ADAP Crisis in America http://www.thebody.com/content/62893/where-you-at-the-adap-crisis-in-america.html Robert BreiningSome of you may be familiar with and may of read my previous posts -- here, here, and here -- about the ever growing AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) waiting list in the United States. Well it is that time of year again when the ADAP Advocacy Association (aaa+) holds it annual ADAP Conference. aaa+ strives to promote and enhance the AIDS Drug Assistance Programs (ADAPs) and improve access to care for persons living with HIV/AIDS. aaa+ works with advocates, community, health care, government, patients, pharmaceutical companies and other stakeholders to assure that access to services recognize and afford persons living with HIV/AIDS to enjoy a healthy life. As always I have to applaud and say THANK YOU to Brandon Macsata for organizing this whole thing and Amanda,Christopher,Joey and Regine and all the volunteers for making the conference a success.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/62893/where-you-at-the-adap-crisis-in-america.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Sun, 10 Jul 2011 14:08:00 GMT Take Life Seriously, but Do Not Forget to Have Fun! http://www.thebody.com/content/62872/take-life-seriously-but-do-not-forget-to-have-fun.html Tenicka DrakeHello again, and yes it has been a little bit of time. Do you ever wonder why people take life so seriously and never smile or laugh or even joke? For me personally, I used to be that person. Life for me, when I was given my diagnosis, was not fun or happy, and forget cracking a smile. I was a very mean, upset, angry woman, and that would also add to my stress. After having a family of my own and going through some things, I can say life is meant to be enjoyed!!! Yes, I understand there is a time and place for everything, but adjusting your thinking can make all the difference.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/62872/take-life-seriously-but-do-not-forget-to-have-fun.html msdrake98@ymail.com (Tenicka Drake) Sun, 10 Jul 2011 04:30:00 GMT The Homophobic Response to AIDS http://www.thebody.com/content/62871/the-homophobic-response-to-aids.html Aless PiperI spent a recent week rereading Larry Kramer's The Normal Heart, and there is an exchange between Ned Weeks and his brother Ben that sticks out in my mind as I write this. Ben says, "My agreeing you were born just like I was born is not going to help save your dying friends." and Ned responds, "Funny -- that's exactly what I think will help save my dying friends." Ned, of course, is right.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/62871/the-homophobic-response-to-aids.html fl.mingred@gmail.com (Aless Piper) Sun, 10 Jul 2011 04:23:00 GMT The National HIV/AIDS Strategy and Nebraska's "Spitting Bill" http://www.thebody.com/content/62869/the-national-hivaids-strategy-and-nebraskas-spitti.html One year ago this month, the United States' Office of National AIDS Policy released the National HIV/AIDS Strategy (NHAS), the first-ever comprehensive coordinated HIV/AIDS plan to reduce the number of new HIV infections, improve access to care and eliminate the stigma and discrimination that undermines our best efforts to combat the AIDS epidemic. The strategy states that "state legislatures should consider reviewing HIV-specific criminal statutes to ensure that they are consistent with current knowledge of HIV transmission and support public health approaches to screening for, preventing and treating HIV."

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/62869/the-national-hivaids-strategy-and-nebraskas-spitti.html Fri, 8 Jul 2011 15:14:00 GMT Not Everyone Is an Activist (and Updates on My New Regimen of Atripla) http://www.thebody.com/content/62892/not-everyone-is-an-activist-and-updates-on-my-new-.html Maria T. MejiaYES! Not everyone is an activist! And we must respect this ... not all people are prepared to come out of their HIV closet because others want them to! They are not less than anyone -- many of them are still dealing with the shame that comes with the illness. Or they are trying to protect their family members -- especially when there is so much ignorance and stigma with HIV/AIDS.We have to respect other peoples' choices and views. We are their role models ... so if we have it in us to be activists and advocate, let us do that for those that don't feel prepared or ready yet. Or maybe they will never be! And it's not because they don't want to fight for the cause.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/62892/not-everyone-is-an-activist-and-updates-on-my-new-.html mariapositive11@yahoo.com (Maria T. Mejia) Fri, 8 Jul 2011 13:00:00 GMT Update on PEPFAR's Anti-Prostitution Pledge http://www.thebody.com/content/62874/update-on-pepfars-anti-prostitution-pledge.html A victory in the global fight against HIV/AIDS occurred yesterday. The United States 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals in New York ruled that the U.S. government cannot require U.S. organizations that receive foreign assistance to fight HIV/AIDS globally to denounce prostitution -- a policy that has had far reaching consequences around the world. (See full court decision here.)

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/62874/update-on-pepfars-anti-prostitution-pledge.html Thu, 7 Jul 2011 15:01:00 GMT NMAC Launches ADAPaction.org, Urges Action on ADAP! http://www.thebody.com/content/62875/nmac-launches-adapactionorg-urges-action-on-adap.html Today, the National Minority AIDS Council launched a new website, www.ADAPaction.org, to increase awareness of the crisis facing our nation's AIDS Drug Assistance Programs. The site, part of NMAC's ADAP Beyond the Numbers campaign, and supported by the MAC AIDS Fund, will feature videos and stories of real life ADAP clients who rely on the programs for their life-saving medications. ADAPaction.org will also provide tools to track the latest developments surrounding wait lists and other cost containment measures being instituted by states across the country.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/62875/nmac-launches-adapactionorg-urges-action-on-adap.html Thu, 7 Jul 2011 14:32:00 GMT ADAP Advocates Ask, "When Will Washington Come to the Rescue?" http://www.thebody.com/content/62873/adap-advocates-ask-when-will-washington-come-to-th.html Candace Y.A. MontagueThe fourth annual ADAP Advocacy Association conference is being held in D.C. this week, and the theme for the conference is "When will Washington come to the rescue?" Activists, service providers, and members of the AIDS community have come together to brainstorm ideas and develop action plans to attack the problem with the growing AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) waiting list. They are demanding that Congress step up and work harder to save ADAP programs in various states. Brandon Macsata, CEO of ADAP Advocacy Association and managing partner of Macsata-Kornegay Group Inc., asked, "What do we have to do to make enough noise to get Congress to do something?"

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/62873/adap-advocates-ask-when-will-washington-come-to-th.html writeoncm@gmail.com (Candace Y.A. Montague) Thu, 7 Jul 2011 14:30:00 GMT July 7: National Call-In Day to Support HIV/AIDS Programs http://www.thebody.com/content/62850/national-call-in-day-to-support-hivaids-programs.html Candace Y.A. MontagueCalling all five minute activists! If you can spare a few moments in your day today, you can help make a difference. Today is National Call-In Day to pressure members of Congress to spare crucial safety net programs that will help men, women, and children living with HIV/AIDS. Congressional negotiations to reduce the federal deficit have slowed down. These negotiations could benefit Medicaid, the Ryan White Program, housing, and other critical programs. Now National Minority AIDS Council (NMAC), AIDS Alliance, and other local AIDS Service Organizations need your help to to get the ball rolling again before the vote on August 2nd.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/62850/national-call-in-day-to-support-hivaids-programs.html writeoncm@gmail.com (Candace Y.A. Montague) Thu, 7 Jul 2011 13:27:00 GMT Living Longer by Living With Purpose http://www.thebody.com/content/62776/living-longer-by-living-with-purpose.html David Fawcett, Ph.D., L.C.S.W.Some years ago a friend of mine sold his successful veterinary practice in the Midwest, bought a van, and headed to California to pursue his lifelong dream of writing music. People no doubt thought he had lost his mind, or at least regressed from being a responsible adult to a frivolous adolescent searching for himself. Years later, he has had some success with his music, but most of all, he has experienced the thrilling notion that he followed his heart.

Not all of us, of course, have the opportunity to drop out of our lives and begin anew, but we all certainly have the chance to discover what gives our life meaning and follow it to our best ability. The daily satisfaction is enormous, and so are the health benefits. A study at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago found that people who followed their life's purpose were only about half as likely to die over the follow-up period as compared to people who expressed less sense of purpose. These findings have been replicated in other studies: following your dreams is a protective factor for your health.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/62776/living-longer-by-living-with-purpose.html davidfawcett@earthlink.net (David Fawcett, Ph.D., L.C.S.W.) Wed, 6 Jul 2011 19:15:00 GMT Good Work Was Done http://www.thebody.com/content/62833/good-work-was-done.html Team4HIVHopeThere are many amazing and memorable moments that occur during an event like Race Across America. Some of those moments are very public, like posing for photos at the finish line or the cheering of spectators along the way. Other moments are very personal and far from the glare of spotlight; it is these moments that are most meaningful to myself when I reflect on my week with my team at RAAM. In particular, there was one very special chance meeting with a man that happened to me in middle America.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/62833/good-work-was-done.html Wed, 6 Jul 2011 11:39:00 GMT Should AIDS Activists and Pharma Just Get Along? http://www.thebody.com/content/62816/should-aids-activists-and-pharma-just-get-along.html Mark S. KingI'm having an identity crisis. Am I an AIDS activist, ready to question authority and demand high standards of service for those living with HIV/AIDS? Or am I a "resource" for the pharmaceutical industry, so that they might craft more effective community programs that will lead AIDS patients "to care"?

And that care, no matter how they frame it or how sunny the smiles of their community liaisons, ideally would lead patients to their HIV drug product line.

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]]> Tue, 5 Jul 2011 15:38:00 GMT mark@marksking.com (Mark S. King) http://www.thebody.com/content/62816/should-aids-activists-and-pharma-just-get-along.html We Are Not OK -- Until the Cure http://www.thebody.com/content/62809/we-are-not-ok--until-the-cure.html Jeannie WraightThe epidemic has changed so much since I've been involved in the AIDS crisis. When I was first diagnosed, HIV really was a death sentence. I remember my first doctor telling me that I could live as long as 10 years. I smiled and walked out of her office happy. I made it to my car before I realized that she had just told me I'd be dead before I was 38 -- if I was lucky!

The waiting room of my first clinic was like a party every 3 months. We all came on the same day and many of us already knew each other from school or the street or drug programs or elsewhere. We'd go from one person to the next, one group of familiar faces to the next, until our names were called and then we would do our triage and blood draws and wait in the back to see our doctors together. After about a year I noticed the crowd getting smaller and smaller each time. Each visit became less and less of a party atmosphere and more of a telling session of who didn't survive the last 3 months.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/62809/we-are-not-ok--until-the-cure.html hintsandallegations@hivhaven.com (Jeannie Wraight) Tue, 5 Jul 2011 07:11:00 GMT What's Next for Team4HIVHope? http://www.thebody.com/content/62808/whats-next-for-team4hivhope.html Team4HIVHopeMost of the crew and racers have returned home, though Steven and Marty are continuing a vacation in the States before returning to Australia. We're snug in our own beds with our dogs, cats and loved ones. We're catching up on a week's worth of sleep. We're massaging the aches and pains, and Cisco is seeing the dentist to deal with his teeth that got "pushed in" when he crashed in Gettysburg.

Yes, Cisco crashed in Gettysburg. This is the guy who went down passes in the Rockies at warp speed, who careened down the road in the middle of the night on next to no sleep. But a little bit of gravel did him in on a flat road in Gettysburg. He got scraped up but was well enough to ride into Annapolis with his teammates.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/62808/whats-next-for-team4hivhope.html Tue, 5 Jul 2011 07:11:00 GMT