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Positive Living Society of British Columbia (Formally BCPWA)

Living + November/December 2007 - Issue 57

Publication type: 
Newsletter
Author(s): 
BCPWA
Agency: 
BCPWA
Date: 
2008-12
Pages: 
40
Collections: 
Positive Living Society of British Columbia (Formally BCPWA)
Summary: 
02 THINK + Opinion & Editorial. Year-End Reflections and New year's Resolutions. 03 REALITY BITES News from home & around the world. AIDS Experts Reveal Plan to Treat BC's Vulnerable. Measuring Viral Load in Plasma and Semen. First Shipment of Affordable AIDS Drugs Finally Sent to Africa. HIV-Positive Man Sentenced to 14 Years for Sex Assaults. HIV Drug Resistance Spreaking in China, Researcher Says. Novel Procedure Appears to Have Eliminated HIV. South Africa's New Health Minister Acknowledges Link Between HIV and AIDS. 05 INTERNATIONAL AIDS CONFERENCE Reports from conference presenters and delegates on issues affecting men who have sex with men, women, and First Nations. Homophobia and HIV: Conference Presentations Make a Strong Link Between HIV Transmission and Homophobia. 06 Gender Equity in HIV: Are We There Yet? AIDS Conference presentations show that women's issues are slowly coming to the forefront. More trials are exploring gender differences. Exploring meds and pregnancy. 07 Way Ti'kw Xast - An Honoured Welcome. PWA Volunteer and Member of the Okanagan First Nation delivers workshops on traditional healing at International AIDS Conference. 09 REDEFINING HIV A Radical Shift. Researchers and clinicians are now treating HIV as a chronic inflammatory disease. Surprising results from the SMART study. Interpreting the findings. Inflammation measured by biomarkers. HIV infection linked to cardiovascular disease. 12 FIGHTING WORDS The big opt-out campaign aims to help British Columbians protect their personal health information, privacy, and confidentiality. No more public consultation. You can do two key things to help. 14 ANOTHER FEDERAL BILL OF GOODS Bill C-51 raises concerns about the proposed reclassification and regulation of natural health products. 15 PREVENTION Get Off Your Couch. Physical activity can have many benefits if you're HIV-positive. Offsetting the side effects of HIV meds. Tailor your exercise regimen to your abilities. 17 NUTRITION Find out what
Keywords: 
BCPWA, AIDS Service Organizations, Treatment Information, Gay Men, Women, Complementary and Alternative Treatments, Advocacy, Nutrition, Antiretrovirals (ARVs), IVDUs, Immunology, International AIDS Conference, Conference Reports, First Nation, Homophobia, Gender, Privacy, eHealth, Prevention, Exercise, Vaccines, Kidney Toxicity, Co-Infection, Hepatitis C, Liver

Living + January/February 2009 - Issue 58

Publication type: 
Newsletter
Author(s): 
BCPWA
Agency: 
BCPWA
Date: 
2009-02
Pages: 
40
Collections: 
Positive Living Society of British Columbia (Formally BCPWA)
Summary: 
02 THINK + Opinion & Editorial. HIV As A Murder Weapon. 03 REALITY BITES News from home & around the world. BCPWA Department Name Change. Treatment Information and Advocacy is now the Advocacy, Prison Outreach, Treatment Information Department. Treatment During Primary HIV Infection Has Limited Benefit. Expect HIV Vaccine Within Five Years: Nobel Winner. SFU Prof Heads New Network to Boost HIV Treatment. Adherence of 80-95 Percent Not Good Enough. High Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency in PWAs. Exercise Intolerance May Be Due to Impact of HIV Treatment on Heart. Survey Indicates That A Strong Stigma Still Exists 05 FIGHTING WORDS Same Old Same Old. Reflections on the last federal election and the implications for HIV/AIDS. 06 HIV IN THE COURTS Risking Arrest This past year, a number of high profile criminal cases involving HIV-positive individuals have appeared in Canadian courts. Duty to disclose. Recent cases. Progressive guidelines in other jurisdictions. Looking ahead. 08 ADVOCACY Facing Facts. An update on the battle for medical insurance coverage to treat facial lipoatrophy. 10 FACIAL LIPOATROPHY Best Face Forward. Four PWAs share their experiences with the psychosocial effects of facial lipoatrophy and reconstructive treatment. Changing faces, changing lives. Getting under the skin. Some aren't so thrilled with the results. Facing forward. Facing reality: vanity or necessity. 14 GENERATION NEXT: NEWLY DIAGNOSED. A new series of person accounts from people who are recently diagnosed with HIV. Life Lessons. First thoughts and feelings. Access the network of services. 15 PREVENTION Continuum of Care. Providing integrated clinical and support services to people newly diagnosed with HIV. 17 TREATMENT INFORMATION. Liver Snaps. A study of unexpected liver damage points to ddI as the culprit. Some good news about HAART and liver health. 20 HIV, HCV, AND MENTAL HEALTH A study of mental health and people co-infected with HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C yields shocking results. Prevalence of mental health conditions. Range and frequency of mental health issues. Distressed community climate. Barriers to accessing mental health support services. 23 ANTIRETROVIRALS. HAARTening News. A recent study reveals the benefits of antiretroviral treatment to injection drug users. 24 ANTIRETROVIRALS A report on the BC-CfE
Keywords: 
BCPWA, AIDS Service Organizations, Treatment Information, Gay Men, Women, Complementary and Alternative Treatments, Advocacy, Nutrition, Antiretrovirals (ARVs), IVDUs, Immunology, Federal Election, Criminalization, Facial Lipoatrophy, Newly Diagnosed, Prevention, Integrated Clinical Care, Liver, Mental Health, Hepatitis C, Treatment Guidelines, Cardiovascular Health, Immunization, Life Expectancy, Testosterone, Hormone Replacement, Aging, Health Monitoring, Metabolism

Living + March/April 2009 - Issue 59

Publication type: 
Newsletter
Author(s): 
BCPWA
Agency: 
BCPWA
Date: 
2009-04
Pages: 
40
Collections: 
Positive Living Society of British Columbia (Formally BCPWA)
Summary: 
02 THINK + Opinion & Editorial. Get Out and Vote! 03 REALITY BITES News from home & around the world. Downtown Eastside Crackdown will Increase HIV Risk, Groups Warn. New Norvir Formulation. HIV Infection and Use of ARV Both Can Have Negative Effects on Arteries: Study. Judge Admits Inappropriate Treatment of HIV-Positve Witness. HIV Treatment Boosts Lung Cancer Survival in PWAs. 05 FIGHTING WORDS Grill 'Em! During the upcoming election campaign, ask the political parties where they stand on key issues facing PWAs. Glaxo to Cut Prices for Poor Countries. New HIV Social Marketing Campaign. HIV Incidence High and Unchanged in Rural South African Community Over Five-Year Period. 06 HOUSING Up, Up, And Away. Escalating rents coupled with low vacancy rates are squeezing out even middle-income earners 07 SURVEYS Beast of Burden. A national survey reveals that HIV continues to carry a huge stigma for PWAs. 09 HIV/AIDS MOVEMENT What the future holds for the HIV movement and AIDS service organizations in British Columbia, as the community faces a new stage in its health disease continuum. Looking Ahead. The Future of AIDS Service Organizations in BC. HIV's Emerging Cohorts and Blurred Identities. 13 GENERATION NEXT: NEWLY DIAGNOSED Personal accounts from people who are recently diagnosed with The bridge from fear to acceptance. 14 ROAD MAP FOR THE FUTURE. BCPWA is Undergoing Strategic Planning for Our Organization. Meeting the needs of increasing complex populations. Adapting programs and services for newly diagnosed people. Engaging our in the direction of the Society. 16 PREVENTION A Troublesome Trend. Syphilis is still rising among gay and bisexual men. 17 OPPORTUNISTIC INFECTIONS When You're Better, Yet Worse. An update on immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome. Worsening symptoms and relapses. Mild cases go away without special treatment. 20 FATIGUE Energy Crisis. HIV-related fatigue is surprisingly common, affecting 50 to 80 percent of PWAs throughout the course of their illness. But it is manageable. Opportunistic infections. Anemia. Hormonal Imbalance. Medication Side Effects. Mood Disorders. 24 ADHERENCE Sticking To It. A recent study looks at how antiretroviral therapy adherence affects viral load. 25 COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES Living Well. A study by Friends for Life shows that complementary therapies improve quality of life. Finding your path to healing by letting go of the past and creating space in your life. 28 NUTRITION Close to the Bone. Make some nutrition and lifestyle changes to protect your bones. Get nutrition working for your bones. Don't forget supplements. Healthy bones need a healthy weight. Other lifestyle tips to consider. 30 DIAGNOSTICS Organ Grinder. Get your blood values regularly monitored to manage your health. In this issue: kidneys and liver. 33 STRAIGHT FROM THE SOURCE The Canadian Observational Cohort Collaboration. Nationwide cohort to examine the effectiveness of antriretroviral therapy on a population's health. 34 LET
Keywords: 
BCPWA, AIDS Service Organizations, Treatment Information, Gay Men, Women, Complementary and Alternative Treatments, Advocacy, Nutrition, Antiretrovirals (ARVs), IVDUs, Immunology, Provincial Election, Housing, Stigma, HIV/AIDS Movement, Newly Diagnosed, Strategic Planning, Complex Populations, Syphilis, Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome, Fatigue, Adherence, Bone Health, Health Monitoring, HPV Vaccine,

Living + May/June 2008 - Issue 54

Publication type: 
Newsletter
Author(s): 
BCPWA
Agency: 
BCPWA
Date: 
2008-06
Pages: 
40
Collections: 
Positive Living Society of British Columbia (Formally BCPWA)
Summary: 
02 THINK + Opinion & Editorial. Unacceptable. 40 percent of people dying of AIDS have never received treatment. 03 REALITY BITES News from home & around the world. The Dangers of eHealth. Study Reaffirms that HIV Replication is Harmful. Over Two Million Children Worldwide with HIV/AIDS. Renewed Calls for In-Prison Needle Exchange Program. Street Kids Using Crystal Meth at "Alarming" Rate. New HIV/AIDS Vaccine Phase 1 Trial Begins. Tenofovir May Suppresses HIV in Semen, Say Study. Menopause and CAM Study. 05 FIGHTING WORDS Not All Fun and Games. The Poverty Olympics Drew Attention to the BC Government's Failure to Focus on Important Social Issues. 06 ACCOLAIDS Awards gala honours outstanding achievements in the BC AIDS movement. 08 THE POSITIVE GATHERING Sharing and Learning. A report on the third Positive Gathering, which took place at the end of March. The theme was living positively in an HIV-negative world. 09 UNTESTED, UNDIAGNOSED, UNTREATED If prospects are so much better, why is HIV diagnosis in BC getting worse? Different population groups require targeted strategies. Women. Prisoners. Rural Communities. Men who have sex with men. Youth. 14 THE BURMA STORIES Part three in a series of personal accounts of PWAs in Southeast Asia. A former doctor in Burma recorded the experiences of PWAs in Burma and illegal migrant workers in Thailand. Here's another one of their stories. 15 PREVENTION Kiss and Tell. The legalities of disclosure in intimate relationships. What the future holds. Avoiding prosecution. 17 TREATMENT INFORMATION There are dangerous strains of tuberculosis that are resistant to antibiotics. New Viral Load Test in BC. Yeast of Burden: Candidiasis is one of the most common opportunistic infections among PWAs. 20 NEW GENERATION OF AIDS DRUGS Keeping One Step Ahead. An overview of current AIDS drugs and new drugs on the horizon for treatment-experienced patients. Enfuvirtide was first on the market. Maraviroc is unique in targeting human proteins. Raltegravir is the first integrase inhibitor. Reformulating existing drugs. The new generation of protease inhibitors. Rilpivirine is a promising new nuke. 24 SIDE EFFECTS The Bare Bones. Osteoporosis and osteopenia continue to be a problem
Keywords: 
BCPWA, AIDS Service Organizations, Treatment Information, Gay Men, Women, Complementary and Alternative Treatments, Advocacy, Nutrition, Antiretrovirals (ARVs), IVDUs, Immunology, Poverty Olympics, Positive Gathering, Treatment Access, Burma, Prevention, Disclosure, Tuberculosis, Viral Load Test, Candidiasis, Drug Development, Osteoporosis, Osteopenia, Abacavir, Adherence

Living + July/August 2008 - Issue 55

Publication type: 
Newsletter
Author(s): 
BCPWA
Agency: 
BCPWA
Date: 
2008-08
Pages: 
40
Collections: 
Positive Living Society of British Columbia (Formally BCPWA)
Summary: 
02 THINK + Opinion & Editorial. Join Us at Our AGM. 03 REALITY BITES News from home & around the world. BCPWA's Treatment Information Office Now Upstairs. HIV Drug Linked to Heart Attack Risk. Activist Prisoner Wins Human Rights Award. Advocates Demand Generic Drugs for Mexico. Lower-strength Kaletra Approved. Boehringer, Gilead Freeze Some Antiretroviral Prices in US. Experimental HIV Drug Hits Snag. Britain Pledges 12 Billion Dollars to Combat AIDS. Russia Removes Ban on Gay Blood Donors. 05 PREVENTION Nothing Simplex About It. The importance of getting tested if you have symptoms of genital herpes. 06 AIDS WALK FOR LIFE Where the money goes and how to participate. 08 FIGHTING WORDS Big Brother is Coming. The myriad problems with the eHealth system. How to Protect Your Privacy. 10 UNTESTED, UNDIAGNOSED, UNTREATED The final installment of our feature story on how different population groups require targeted strategies. Aboriginal Peoples. South Asians. Immigrants and refugees. East Asians. 15 HIV IN RUSSIA A Russian Revolution. HIV in Russia is spiralling out of control
Keywords: 
BCPWA, AIDS Service Organizations, Treatment Information, Gay Men, Women, Complementary and Alternative Treatments, Advocacy, Nutrition, Antiretrovirals (ARVs), IVDUs, Immunology, Prevention, Herpes, eHealth, Privacy, Treatment Access, First Nations, South Asians, Immigrants, Refugees, East Asians, Russia, Conference Reports, Hearth Attacks, Bill C-51, Information Access, Adherence, Heptatis C, Depression

Living + March/April 2008 - Issue 53

Publication type: 
Newsletter
Author(s): 
BCPWA
Agency: 
BCPWA
Date: 
2008-04
Pages: 
40
Collections: 
Positive Living Society of British Columbia (Formally BCPWA)
Summary: 
02 THINK + Opinion & Editorial. High Time for a Favourable Court Ruling. Medical Marijuana. 03 REALITY BITES News from home & around the world. Statement from Swiss Federal Commission for HIV/AIDS. The Face of AIDS in America. Aboriginal IDUs More Vulnerable. Movement on Microbicides. Vaccine Research to Fight Growing AIDS Epidemic in China. Health Canada Issues Statement to Clarify Organ Organ Donation Policy. 2008 Currenty Antiretroviral Drugs in BC. 05 FIGHTING WORDS (Almost) Every Vote Counts. Bill C-31 threatens the integrity of our federal electoral process by revoking voting rights for thousands of Canadians. 07 THE BURMA STORIES The second installment in a series of personal stories from PWAs in Southeast Asia. 08 MAKING IT WORK Nose Back to the Grindstone. Juggling life, health, and work is more common for PWAs as HIV evolves into an episodic disability. 11 WORKPLACE DISCLOSURE Working It Out. Privacy rights and responsibilities related to HIV disclosure in the workplace. 13 HITTING THE BOOKS Survival tips for PWAs considering post-secondary education as new or returning students. Do your homework. Dollars and sense. In the ivory tower. After school 15 PREVENTION Getting The Message. The benefits and limitations of partner notification as an HIV prevention strategy. 17 CONFERENCE REPORTS The BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS holds its bi-annual antiretroviral update. Standards of Care: Medical history and examinations. Blood laboratory tests. Genotyping and virtual phenotyping. HIV/Hepatitis C co-infection. 19 The Ontario HIV Treatment Network research conference addresses HIV vulnerability. 20 WORRY WARTS Clarifying the confusion and controversy surrounding human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV and cervical cancer. What is HPV? What is a Pap test? HPV in gay men. Vaccine controversies. 12 tips about HPV. 23 COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES On a Postive Note. Preliminary results from the Living Well Lab on the effectiveness of CAM. Expose Yourself: Illuminating news about the health benefits of sun exposure and vitamin D. 26 SPIRITUALITY Constructing Meaning. Reflections on life, identity and spirituality. Looking inward: spiritual self-examination. Integrating disparate parts: validation and self-acceptance. 28 VACCINES Shot In the Dark. Merck STEPs back after its V520 AIDS vaccine trial is abruptly halted. 30 OPPORTUNISTIC INFECTIONS All the Sor(e)did Details on Mouth and Stomach Ulcers. The burning truth about mouth and stomach ulcers. 32 NUTRITION HAART to Heart. Nutrition tips to keep cholesterol and triglyceride levels in check. Fats: don't judge a book by its cover. 34 LET
Keywords: 
BCPWA, AIDS Service Organizations, Treatment Information, Gay Men, Women, Complementary and Alternative Treatments, Advocacy, Nutrition, Antiretrovirals (ARVs), IVDUs, Immunology, Medical Marijuana, Bill C-31, Burma, Work, Employment, Disclosure, Prevention, Conference Reports, Warts, Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Cervical Cancer, PAP test, Spirituality, Vaccines, Cholesterol, Lipids, Ulcers

Living + January/February 2008 - Issue 52

Publication type: 
Newsletter
Author(s): 
BCPWA
Agency: 
BCPWA
Date: 
2008-02
Pages: 
40
Collections: 
Positive Living Society of British Columbia (Formally BCPWA)
Summary: 
02 THINK + Opinion & Editorial. Our Complementary Health Fund. Funds available to members to cover health services not covered by BC Medical Services Plan. 03 REALITY BITES News from home & around the world. Advocacy Alert. Electronic Record Sharing May Erect Barriers to Treatment. Detox Centre at InSite. HIV Infection and Childhood Vaccines. Medical Marijuana Restrictions Unfair, Says Lawyers. HIV Infection Drastically Enhanced by Semen Ingredient. Need For ARVs That Restore Immune Function. Money For Community Programs in Ontario Slashed. One HIV Subtype More Deadly than Others. Increase in HIV/AIDS Cases in China. 05 DISCLOSURE Out In The Open. Studies suggest that disclosing your sexuality and HIV status can be good for your health. 06 ADVOCACY A Helping Hand. A Canadian Legal Network paper examines the legal issues related to assisted injection at supervised injection facilities: The right to equal access, the murky question of liability, the need for legal and policy reforms. 08 FIGHTING WORDS Falling Through The Cracks. The need for treatment access for BC
Keywords: 
BCPWA, AIDS Service Organizations, Treatment Information, Gay Men, Women, Complementary and Alternative Treatments, Advocacy, Nutrition, Antiretrovirals (ARVs), IVDUs, Immunology, Complementary Health Fund, Disclosure, Immigrants, Refugees, Insurance, Burma, Mandatory Reporting, Treatment Access, Treatment Guidelines, Hospital, Integrase Inhibitor, Hepatitis C

Living + September/October 2007 - Issue 50

Publication type: 
Newsletter
Author(s): 
BCPWA
Agency: 
BCPWA
Date: 
2007-10
Pages: 
40
Collections: 
Positive Living Society of British Columbia (Formally BCPWA)
Summary: 
02 THINK + Opinion & Editorial. OUR 50TH ISSUE 03 REALITY BITES News from home & around the world. New BCPWA Board. BCPWA Back to Regular Hours. Warning for HIV/HBV Coinfected patients. Pharmas support generic drugs for Africa. Trial to Compare Viramune vs. Reyataz. Injection Drug Use in India Could Fuel Spread of HIV. Victoria Wants Safe Injection Sites. New Infection Symptoms affect Speed to AIDS. Enzyme Found that Deteriates HIV. 05 THE TANZANIA DIARIES Part 3 in Jane Talbot
Keywords: 
BCPWA, AIDS Service Organizations, Treatment Information, Gay Men, Women, Complementary and Alternative Treatments, Advocacy, Nutrition, Antiretrovirals (ARVs), IVDUs, Immunology, Africa, Tanzania, Welfare Fraud, Bedbugs, PWA Resource Lounges, Dementia, St. Paul's Hospital, Children, Stigma, Prevention, Skin, Treatment Fatigue, COPD, Smoking, Neuropathy, Kidneys, Volunteerism

Living + November/December 2007 - Issue 51

Publication type: 
Newsletter
Author(s): 
BCPWA
Agency: 
BCPWA
Date: 
2007-12
Pages: 
40
Collections: 
Positive Living Society of British Columbia (Formally BCPWA)
Summary: 
02 THINK + Opinion & Editorial. A CROSS-CULTURAL INFORMATION EXCHANGE 04 REALITY BITES News from home & around the world. New BCPWA Executive. Nelfinavir Advisory. Goverment Gives Another Extension for Insite. Roche Abandons Biojector 2000 for T-20. New National Anti-Drug Strategy A Step Backward. Acetyl-L-Carnitine Promising for Neuropathy. New Protease Inhibitor for Hepatitis C. Calling All community Advocates. New Social Group for Young, Gay PWAs. 05 THE TANZANIA DIARIES The final instalment in Jane Talbot
Keywords: 
BCPWA, AIDS Service Organizations, Treatment Information, Gay Men, Women, Complementary and Alternative Treatments, Advocacy, Nutrition, Antiretrovirals (ARVs), IVDUs, Immunology, Africa, Tanzania, Retreats, Serodiscordant Couples, Stigma, Anxiety, Funding, Sex Workers, Prevention, Syphilis, Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML), Conference Reports, Drug Resistance, PEP, Medical Marijuana, Menopause, Hepatitis C, Drug Adherence

Living + May/June 2007 - Issue 48

Publication type: 
Newsletter
Author(s): 
BCPWA
Agency: 
BCPWA
Date: 
2007-06
Pages: 
40
Collections: 
Positive Living Society of British Columbia (Formally BCPWA)
Summary: 
02 THINK + Opinion & Editorial. Standing Up for What's Right. Boycott successful, Abbott ends unfair drug pricing. 03 REALITY BITES. News from home & around the world. Vancouver Hospital Move Draws Fire. Legal Network Releases Plan to Fix Drug Access. Resistance Emerges in First Months of Treatment. China Holds First Gay HIV Clinic. Researchers Find Protein That Blocks HIV. Australian PM Backs Down Over Ban. NYC to Promote Circumcision to Gay Men. Chinese Company to Develop CCR5 Inhibitor. Green Tea has Anti-HIV Effect in Test Tube. 05 COMMUNITY REPRESENTATION AND ENGAGEMENT A Winning Formula. The BC government finally agrees to provide safe infant formula to all HIV-positive mothers. 06 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS Be Prepared Part II. A group of disability organizations is researching emergency plans to determine how they can be improved for people with disabilities. 08 THE TANZANIA DIARIES In the first of four installments, a BCPWA staffer recounts her two-month stint helping fight the HIV/AIDS battle in Africa. 09 HIV ACTIVISM, THEN AND NOW Tough Work -- But Someone's Gotta Do It. HIV activism has changed dramatically since the early days, and now it
Keywords: 
BCPWA, AIDS Service Organizations, Treatment Information, Gay Men, Women, Complementary and Alternative Treatments, Advocacy, Nutrition, Antiretrovirals (ARVs), IVDUs, Immunology, Drug Pricing, Benefits, Emergency Preparedness, Africa, Tanzania, Activism, History, Work, Positive Prevention, Funding, Lung Cancer, Drug Plans, Catastrophic Drug Coverage, Anal Dysplasia, Anal Cancer, Conference Reports, Food Security

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Because CHODARR strives to create a historical archive as well as an information archive some documents may contain information that is outdated or inaccurate (i.e. - contact information, government policies or certain research findings).