BANISHING NEGATIVE WAVES
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of issue 76
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We all know that living with HIV isn't easy. The stress of coping with
diagnosis. The periods of bad health, sex and relationship problems. The
yucky physical and psychological side effects of medications, fears of
impending death and the gamut of stigma, prejudice, financial or housing
problems. They can all combine to make it very difficult to be positive
about being positive.
In the last edition of Positive Nation we reported on a study from the
University of California showing that stress allows HIV to spread more
quickly and prevent antiretroviral drugs from restoring immune system
Collage by Raffaele Teo
function. The researchers suggest that high levels of stress, day in
and day out, may eventually wear down the immune system.
Not only is stress the major reason stopping us all having a decent night's
sleep but it has now been shown to be a major reason for increasing the
risk of coronary heart disease. Many antiretroviral drugs are responsible
for raising levels of unhealthy fats and cholesterol in the bloodstream
and therefore increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Scientists
now conclude that if we can reduce stress levels, not only will
we be happier and healthier but also we may well be able to slow down the
