hands. Nor is it spread through the use of cups, cutlery and plates, toilets, telephones, door knobs, or carrying out every day chores.

AIDS is transmitted by having vaginal, anal or oral sex with someone who is infected with HIV. By sharing needles for infecting drugs with someone who is infected with HIV.

HIV can also be passed from an infected mother to her baby during pregnancy or childbirth, and rarely through breast feeding. The number of new cases of HIV/AIDS has been increasing steadily, AIDS is encircling the globe and affecting people regardless of age, sex, race, religion, economic status or sexual preference. It is important for people living with AIDS to do all they can for themselves as long as they are able. Some make their own decisions regarding their needs, schedules and activities. Each person may develop his/her own programme of exercise and diet. In addition to medical care, some try non medical healing (holistic medicine) such as yoga, meditation, diet and other ways of trying to protect their health.

In general: An exercise programme can prove helpful to some and can help maintain weight, muscle tone and spirits. However such a programme must be tailored to what each person is able to do.

Well balanced meals help maintain energy and healing.

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

Seeing a doctor on a regular schedule can assist your progress.

It is important to keep up to date on information about HIV/AIDS to help understand treatments.

Remember that you are not alone. Other people have gone through this experience before you. You can gain knowledge and strength from what they tell you.

Gaylia Landry Public Health Charge Nurse