Choosing a Doctor
An important step in dealing with your HIV is choosing a doctor to manage your care. Getting into care as soon as possible is the key to a good long-term prognosis. The knee-jerk reaction of some people newly diagnosed is to let their family physician manage their HIV care. They feel more comfortable seeing a physician who knows them well and who has cared for them in the past.Choosing The Right Doctor For You
Experts agree that having a general practitioner or family doctor manage your HIV care is not a good idea. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) strongly suggests people seek out HIV an specialist to manage their HIV. Specialists keep up with the latest treatment options and research in the field of HIV care, and are experts in the workings of the body's immune system. Many HIV specialist have a background in family or internal medicine as well as HIV, allowing them to manage the ordinary health matters such as colds, high blood pressure, and stomach disorders.
Why is an HIV Specialist Necessary?
Stay Healthy!
The most important way to deal with your disease is keeping yourself as healthy as possible. While your physicians can help, it is up to make healthy choices each day such as:- eat a well-balanced diet each day
- begin an exercise program and stick to it
- stop smoking
- if you drink alcohol do so in moderation
- get treatment for any substance abuse that may exist
- don't misuse prescription pain medications
- always use safer sex methods
- take your medicines each and everyday as prescribed
- see your dentist at least every six months
Tips to Better Medication Adherence
Food For Thought - Keys to a Balanced Diet
There is no dispute; learning you are HIV positive is a life-changing event. But if you take a deep breath and try not to panic, you can take control of the situation by following these steps we have just discussed. Take the time to learn about your options and take control of your life. Don't let HIV take control of you.
