Tuesday, April 17, 2012

STAY STRONG!

I always tell the pozzies that I am counseling that it is important to fight the the ill effects of the virus especially when the immune system is already weakened by it. I always advice that having a positive attitude is not enough. One really has to fight back by staying as strong as possible physically. 

I remembered when I was in the hospital, when I was almost at the brink of death because of pneumonia, I told myself that I have to fight back. I was physically fit before because of years of working out but since my body is failing me because I wasn't breathing good and wasn't able to do anything physical, I told myself that the only way that I can fight back is by eating. I ate 6 to 7 times a day even while I was bed ridden. I knew then that my body can recuperate fast if I eat more. 

The rest is history.

Here are some ways that can help one with HIV to regain or maintain one's strength:
Five ways to maintain your strength when you are HIV-positive 

1. Eat more and different kinds of foods and drink plenty of fluids. 

To maintain your strength and keep up your weight, every day: 
a. Eat three meals and regular snacks in between.  Adequate meals and snacks include:
    i. Meals:     porridge, or pasta with tomato sauce and bread 
    ii. Snacks:  Bananas, mangos, bread, porridge, and boiled milk 
b.Always eat different types of food:

   i. Vegetables and fruits such as carrot, potato, tomato, banana, oranges,   papaya, avocado, and mango

   ii. bread, and porridge

   iii. beef, chicken, fish,  liver, and eggs

c. Drink at least eight glasses of boiled or treated water and fresh fruit juices.  Avoid soft drinks and packaged juices, as they can reduce appetite.

d. When you don’t feel hungry:

     i. Eat small amounts of food 5-6 times a day
     ii. If you don’t have mouth sores, use mild spices for better test

FOOD HELPS YOU STAY STRONG AGAINST HIV/AIDS.

2. Practice good food hygiene. 
  1. Improper storage and preparation of food and dirty hands can lead to diarrhea and vomiting, which reduce energy, vitamin, and mineral intake. 
  2. Wash your hands with soap and water before eating or preparing food. 
  3. Wash fruits and vegetables with boiled or treated water before cooking or eating.
  4. Keep food and water covered and stored away from insects, flies, and rodents.
  5. Clean food preparation area and utensils with soap and water after every meal and cooking session.
  6. Avoid raw meat and eggs, spoiled or moldy foods, and juice made from unboiled water.
PREVENTING WATER-BORNE DISEASES IS ESSENTIAL TO MAINTAINING YOUR 
STRENGTH. 

3. Make food a social activity. 

a. Eat together with family or friends.  This will encourage you to eat more and maintain a regular schedule.  Family and friends can also help prepare and clean-up, particularly when you are sick.
b. If possible, help create a garden or raise small livestock with family, friends, neighbors, or a PLWHA association.
c. When you are eating less because you are stressed or depressed, spend time withfamily or friends or talk to a spiritual leader.

4. Maintain a healthy lifestyle. 

a. Walk, jog, or garden to improve blood circulation, stimulate appetite, reduce fat, and maintain muscle tone. 
b. Abstain completely or significantly reduce your consumption of alcohol, cigarettes, and chat.  Alcohol and chat can reduce appetite and make anti-HIV drugs less effective. 
c. Avoid coffee and tea when you are out with friends; instead, drink fruit juices and eat fruits like bananas and oranges.

PHYSICAL EXERCISE HELPS YOU STAY STRONG.

5. Treat symptoms that can prevent you from eating.

a.  If you have mouth sores: 
     i. Clean at least twice daily with cotton and lightly salted warm water.
     ii.Eat cooked and soft foods and avoid acidic ones like lemons and oranges as well as spicy foods.
b. Seek medical advice immediately if: 
    i. Mouth sores do not improve.
    ii. You lose weight or your appetite decrease.
    iii. You have persistent diarrhea.
    iv. You feel discomfort when swallowing.

HAVE YOUR WEIGHT MONITORED REGULARLY.

6. Nutrition and HIV medication (ARVs)

a. Even if you are taking ARVs, practice the five ways to maintain your strength and to maintain the body’s muscles which process the medicine.
b. You may experience vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite caused by ARVs.  However, continue eating and taking the drugs regularly

FOLLOW THE ADVICE OF HEALTH WORKERS TO AVOID NEGATIVE INTERACTIONS 

BETWEEN THE FOOD AND MEDICINE YOU ARE TAKING.
FOR TOPIC SUGGESTIONS, please email me at pozziepinoy@yahoo.com
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