The Foundation of HIV Care in the US - The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Programs
Tuesday September 2, 2008
Since the HIV epidemic exploded onto the scene in the 1980's, the need for comprehensive care for those infected was obvious. As the number of infected people grew, the burden placed on HIV care programs grew as well. Thankfully, the U.S. government realized the need and understood that it would take skilled medical professionals and a lot of money to properly care for the growing HIV population. So in August of 1990, Congress signed the Ryan White CARE Act and in doing so created a system of services that has improved the quality and availability of health care services for people living with or affected by HIV and AIDS.Related Information
In Other News - Isolate All HIV People?
Doctor Sitaleki Finau holder of senior medical positions in Australia and New Zealand - and currently the Director of Health on Niue believes it would be in the best interests of people with HIV and Aids if they were isolated - possibly on an island. Read more about this outrageous idea from Radio Australia.
New York City HIV Rate Triple the National Rate
Friday August 29, 2008
A report released by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygeine indicates that the rate of new HIV infections in the city is about 72 new infections for every 100,000 people. That number is about three times the national rate according to a new formula developed by the Centers for Disease Control. While the city admits that the most current estimate of over 4000 new infections per year is the most accurate estimate thus far, there is no way to tell if that number is higher or lower than previous estimates. Because the formula is new, it is difficult to compare two estimates produced by different means. Read more in this article from the New York Times.
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HIV Caregivers Meeting in DC
Monday August 25, 2008
Over 2100 physicians, nurses, administrators, and prevention experts from the Ryan White HIV Program are meeting in Washington DC this week as part of their semi-annual update. It is actually a two-in-one meeting with clinical providers also meeting to discuss current prevention techniques and treatment guidelines. The Ryan White program funds hundreds of HIV agencies and care providers across the country; providing care for over 500,000 HIV positive patients each year.
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ED Drugs Making their Way to the Party Scene
Saturday August 23, 2008
When the drug Viagra first came to market in 1998 it was targeted to men 56 years old and older. And today, the largest group of Viagra and other ED drugs users is still men over 56. However, the number of Viagra users under the age of 45 has increased almost 300 percent. Young men without erectile dysfunction are asking for Viagra prescriptions at an accelerated rate and now makers of the three best selling ED drugs has begun to target their product to younger men. Stories have surfaced of men in their twenties popping a pill as they leave the bar with their date, making sure that their sexual performance will be up to par. Men have been interviewed and have admitted that after taking their first dose of ED med, they find they take them before most sexual liaisons "just to make sure". But ED drugs are not harmless and in fact do carry with them some considerable side effects. While physical dependence doesn't seem to be an issue, psychological dependence on drugs like Viagra seems to be more common. Let's take a look at the risks of one of these ED drugs...Viagra.Related Information
FDA Gives Approval to Use AIDS Drug to Treat Hepatitis B
Friday August 15, 2008
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given approval to the Gilead AIDS drug Viread, to help treat hepatitis B patients. The Gilead AIDS drug is known in its generic form as tenofovir, and has been on the market as an AIDS drug since 2001. Recent studies though have shown that it is very effective in treating people who are living with hepatitis B, helping by controlling the disease. Hepatitis B can be a fatal disease, attacking the liver.
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An Olympic Story - Greg Louganis and His HIV
Saturday August 9, 2008
The Beijing Olympics are finally here and with them the human interest stories of the Games and their athletes. One of those human interest stories has an HIV connection. Olympic Diving Champion Greg Louganis has a unique story of courage and overcoming adversity; both in and out of the pool. Here is the story of Greg Louganis.
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New Guidelines Say Early Treatment Beneficial
Tuesday August 5, 2008
New guidelines slated to be announced at the International AIDS Conference in Mexico City suggest that early treatment with HIV medications is beneficial for the HIV positive patient. The new guidelines suggest that treatment is beneficial if started before CD4 counts fall below 350 cells per microliter. As newer therapies are developed that are easier to take and require fewer pills, the pendulum is swinging back to the belief that earlier treatment is better. Learn more about the new guidelines in this article from US News and World Report.
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12 Year Old with HIV Opens World AIDS Conference
Tuesday August 5, 2008
Keren Dunaway was 5 years old when her parents first explained to her that she and her parents had HIV. At 9 kids in her class refused to play with her because of her HIV. So she decided to speak out about the disease and that's when everything changed. She accompanied her parents at schools throughout Latin America and around the world to share their HIV story and to encourage others to do the same. In Latin America where she calls home about 55,000 of the 2 million HIV positive people are kids under the age of 15. Read more about her work with HIV positive youth in this article from Yahoo Health and the Associated Press
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CDC Changes Estimates - More HIV Cases than Previously Believed
Sunday August 3, 2008
In an unprecidented move, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has recalculated their estimates of the number of new HIV infections. The new estimates show that there are 40 percent more new infections than once believed. The estimate of 40,000 new cases each year has been increased to 56,000 new cases. The CDC states that the change in estimates is due to new methods of surveillance and testing that can pinpoint the time of infection within a few months. Read more about these new estimates in this article from CNN Health.
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Understanding Your Health Screenings
Friday August 1, 2008
The key to staying healthy is to get regular check-ups with your HIV doctor. During these check-ups ask your doctor about those health screenings and vaccinations you need each year. But what are these screenings and what exactly should your doctor be checking out?
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