Persons with HIV/AIDS have a desire to remain independent. Most people living with HIV/AIDS can lead an active life for long periods of time and should be allowed to maintain a good quality of life, surrounded by those people who love and care for them. If you are caring for someone at home, make sure you look after yourself as well. Don't take on more than you think you can cope with. Give yourself regular breaks and share the workload among willing friends and relatives.

AIDS is a challenging disease that stresses both the person who is sick and those who provide care. By meeting the challenges, meaning experiences and joys can be shared by family, loved ones and friends, as they discovered new strengths together. Remember, you cannot care for someone else if you become stressed yourself.

It is important for people living with HIV/AIDS to do all they can for themselves as long as they are able. Some people make their own decisions regarding their needs, schedules and activities. In addition to medical care, some try non-medical healing (holistic medicine), such as yoga, meditation, diet and other ways to protect their health. In general: An exercise programme that must be tailored to what each person is able to do.

Well balanced meals help to maintain energy and healing.

Someone who has HIV/AIDS should avoid using alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs.

It is most important to keep up to date on information about HIV and AIDS to help understand treatment.

Should you need help and advice, please contact the following people: Your doctor, nurse, social worker or health care worker.

The Hamilton Health Centre on Victoria Street at 236-0224 ext. 326 or 292-6777.

The local HIV/AIDS Service Organisations such as STAR at 292-5941 and The Allan Vincent Smith Foundation HIV/AIDS help line at 295-0002. You should also consider joining a support group or see a counsellor. Remember, that you are not alone. Other people have gone through this experience before you. You gain knowledge and strength from building up your support systems.

GAYLIA LAUNDRY Public Health Charge Nurse Department of Health and Social Services