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Life Plunge in work travel study &more earning to do something you love
The art of photography and learning new skills Robert Almond
'd never studied photography before, although I loved taking hotographs. I'd always been told I've got a knack, that I'm able o take unusual photographs. So when I heard about the photog aphy course through the Sanctuary, I thought I'd give it a go. It was really well organised and didn't cost a cent. The people at the Arts Centre in Pine Street were fabulous. Jamie Dunbar was the instructor, and I learned all kinds of skills. We learned how to focus, use Photoshop, and distort images. People tell you not to take photos when you're looking into the light. Jamie Dunbar told us you can often do the opposite because you get really fantastic results. . The):' gave us a disposable camera for four weeks, told us to come up with a theme, and go out and take photos of anything we wanted to. I chose Tree Harbour water as my theme. I took my camera round Sydney Harbour, Watson's Bay, and took _some wonderful photographs of the Harbour. And then we came to the class and downloaded them on to the computer. We worked with Photoshop to distort the image and came up with different ideas. Learning to take a great photograph with Jamie Dunbar was the best thing about it. I loved having the chance to learn from him. It was a real treat and I felt really honoured. Another very important thing I learned was that you don't need a camera with all the gadgets. You can take the best photograph with the cheapest camera in the world. It's not what you've got. It's the person holding the camera. At the end of our course we got the chance of displaying our work in an exhibition at the Pine Street Arts Centre, and I sold all my work on the Troo Cuves night (over $300) so I was on cloud nine. I had so much positive feedback even from some people who didn't know me I made quite a few new friends, and we're still in contact with each other. We're going to organise a little camera group ourselves. I think there'll be about six of us who will maintain friendships and our shared interest in photography. I would definitely recommend doing something like this. You realise there are people just like you, who might be feeling a bit lost the moment, and don't feel like they've got the energy. You might not be working, but you need something else to do. The next step for me now is to meet David Wallace at Positive Futures and talk with him about doing a TAFE course in photography. I really Hartxx.,- Fala think I've found my niche in life. This is something that I enjoy, something totally different from what I've done before, and I don't want to miss this opportunity- no.137 February - March 2004
Wrap I Opening Doors Launch of Positive Futures exhibition Wrap 2 Learning to do something you love 2 Editorial: Life Plunge in 3 Letters 4 Talkshop 5 A name change BGF's Positive Employment Support project 6 Taking the Plunge and going back to work Mike, Peter and Steve 10 The Healing power of music
Soothing sounds for the soul Cova- Photo: vctooa Par1< Pool 2005 12 Northern Exposure CADT Photography HIV and body shape change in the Northern Rivers 14 Leaving on a jet plane Visas, carrying medication, travel insurance, food and more Centre HIV and your mouth 1 7 Pets, companion animals and assistance animals 1 8 Speaking up for the benefit of all positive people 10 years of the Positive Speakers' Bureau 20 Celebrating Stories Importance of stories and how they sustain us 22 The state of the [positive] nation Futures 4 24 Growing older with HIV 26 Life in the Country Don't let services dwindle away 27 So can you cook? 29 Exercise is the ultimate complimentary therapy 30 Ask Ingrid 30 Olga's Personals Wrap 3 World AIDS Day in Kogarah Wrap 4 Happenings (home and away) ~ PEOPLE LIVING; mw1TH HIV/AIDS: ife: Plunge in
CURRENT BOARD
Prealdent Rob Lake
Vic. P.-.aldent Johll Rue
Tre■■unr Bernard Kealey You can think of thousands of reasons soothing sounds, and makes a number of sug Secretary ""' J Thompson
Dlrecton to put it off. It might be inconvenient gestions to match anyone's mood from recov Jason Appleby, David Barton, Pete, Canavan, (takes a long time to get there), or you ery and relaxation to acceptance and sexual Norman Last might think you will look foolish (not healing. Staff Rep...... ,ntathr• Rebecca Reynolds the most elegant diver). It might be The Positive Feelings photos on our colour li> Pmted by lvp:!cy Pmtng the Plunge and going back to work', we read their lives, and thereby challenge misconcep ISSN 1034 0866 about the experiences of three people who tions and stereotypes. The work the Positive DISCLAIMER made significant changes in their lives. Being Speakers have done over the last ten years has Images ol people rdooed 11 Tal More inspiring and sibilities for tomorrow. What about youth come out of the closet more frequently encouraging stories please with HIV and exploring ways to develop than Gays, particularly around election I am tired of reading about medications their futures. I don't think I have ever seen time. There is no shortage of them blam and their interactions, and yet more sta something targeting the youth who are ing homosexuality for the breaking down tistics, as if that is the core of living with positive and providing them with support of family and the demise of heterosexual HIV these days. I look for positive refer and encouragement. marriages. Are we on the way to anot~er ence points, guys and girls who get on Please bring on the imagination and cre wave of 'Grim Reaper'? Do we need that ativity to create something that has great with life and still achieve and beat the sort of community response to wake up potential. It is not about people just sur odds while living with HIV. Can I expect to ourselves and the changes in society? to discuss STis, safe sex practises, dis viving with HIV/AIDS. It is about people The multicultural and mixed cultural closure of status, and recreational drugs who live regular and extraordinary lives. relationships indicate a lack of real and and the same old same old for the rest of Name Supplied truthful knowledge of the risks involved. my days? This is not found in my every There is still a belief out there it has day discussions in everyday life in either Editor: Thanks for the feedback. the heterosexual or gay world. Poz men We agree that stories about achieve something to do with being healthy and are more than another statistic for some ment and embracing the future are clean. I am alarmed at the naive attitudes health official to quote in Canberra for important. Hopefully there'll be some to unprotected sex and the lack of insist funding distribution. inspiring articles in this edition of ence on protecting yourself and the other I certainly do not define myself by HIV, Talk.about. We're certainly looking at person. Much of it is related to the fear of discrimination either on an ethnic or or my sexuality. I'm looking for some travel and work opportunities among thing I can be proud of and which affirms larger community level. As far as· Cyber other things and will be following up my life as a Poz man; something that Dating goes, it is hard to put in place a on some on lots more in future issues. would seek to equip me for today's world code of practice when it does not exist and encourage me in my aspirations. on any level in this media. Whilst we are More gay poz men need to hear about liv adults there is still no more protection in ing and building toward a great future. Talkabout points out the this area than there is with children. As I would love to see sections dealing lack of knowledge and adults there is no less risk if we do not with complimentary therapies (which I take precautions. The internet seems to have personally found the most helpful), understanding be a place where deception and lies run about education, training and employ New to the gay and HIV scene, I am very rampant and unchecked. ment opportunities for those with HIV/ much on a learning curve. The first arti AIDS, and stories about achievers either cle in Talk.about #136 touches on the There is not time or space to talk about in business or life. Bring on the good stuff lack in Australian Society in ensuring all the articles but I would like to say about treatments that boost and support sex education is relevant, broad and most there is the start to a damn good manual, the immune system. And let's not forget importantly delivered at various levels. It either general reading or reference with travel, sport, country living, developing is pointless to have legislation in place some comments from those who respond spirituality, technology and family. There if there has not been a change in atti to your articles. We need a Talk.about is so much more to life than what I read tude regarding sex, and the implications Year Book. I found so many elements of today. Where is the stuff of entrepreneurs that go with it. Puritanical beliefs and myself in the articles and good reason to and enterprise that stimulates, encour approaches to sex, and in particular gay question my beliefs and practices. Change ages and empowers a person to realise sex, have really not moved very far along. begins with those who desire it! My own their dreams and not allow HIV to hold The Fishers and Niles of this world are cliche....I think? them back? Bring on the hope and pos- still very much present. They seem to Peter Thoms alkshop HIV Rural forum in Mudgee Been to a Dance Party August 24 - 27 17th The HIV Rural Forum is being held in recently? Annual Conference of the Mudgee from 16th to 18th March. The PLWHA NSW runs the Time-Out room Australasian Society for HIV forum provides an opportunity for indi for HIV positive people and their friends Medicine (ASHM) viduals and services to come together at the Mardi Gras Dance Party fol The sexual health and the ASHM con and explore how we respond to HIV lowing the parade on Saturday 5th of ferences will be held back to back in in rural areas. The forum is for people March. If you are interested in donating Hobart. Contact the secretariat for each working and living with HIV in rural two hours of your time, you will receive conference on Locked Bag 5057 Darling New South Wales. People Living with a free ticket to the party. hurst NSW 1300 or visit the website http: HIV may be able to get sponsorship to This is a popular volunteering event and Ilwww. acshp. org. au/conference2005/ attend the conference by approaching we will accept expressions of interest Default.htrn local HIV coordinators. If people have until Friday 25th February. If you are difficulties obtaining sponsorship, con interested, then contact Rebecca on 9361 Positive gay men's retreat tact forum organisers on 6841 2489. 6011 or on [email protected]. in the Northern Rivers PLWH/A (NSW) scholarships ACON Northern Rivers are holding Writing can be a satisfying their annual retreat for positive gay men to attend Rural Forum experience: join our new from April 1st to 3rd. Phone ACON People Living with HIV/AIDS (NSW) workshops Northern Rivers for more details on has a limited number of scholarships to Would you like to write about your 1800 633 637 offer people to attend the rural forum in experiences in a friendly environment? Mudgee. If you are living with HIV and Feel like you'd like to write but don't Interview participants r would like to obtain a scholarship please know how to start? You've done some required write 200 to 300 words telling us about writing and would like .some supportive Good sex. What makes it good? And your experience of living with HIV and feedback? PLWH/A (NSW) and Positive what keeps it good? Whether you are a what benefit the Rural Forum would be Central will run a six week life writing positive or negative gay man, we want to for you. Email your letters to Jodie Little know what works for you. You will need at [email protected] or post them to course for HIV positive people and any- to talk to a researcher for about 45 min PO Box 83 Darlinghurst 1300 by Mon . one affected by HIV at the Sanctuary in utes in a confidential setting, be it your day February 21st. Newtown starting Monday April 4th. Beginners are welcome. house or somewhere else that makes Planet Positive is a good way For more details Phone Glenn on 9361 you feel comfortable. These interviews to meet other positive people 6011 will inform future education campaigns Australia wide. Interview participants The next Planet Positive (a social night for positive people and their friends) is Upcoming Conferences In will be remunerated for their time and happening at Annie's Bar (563 Bourke Hobart: will have the ongoing option of with St Surry Hills) on Friday February 25th drawing from the project (even post August 22 -24 2005 Sexual from 6pm to 10pm. interview), if you feel any discomfort Health Conference around the process. Contact Rebecca at Mardi Gras Fair Day: We The conference theme is Fire and Ice: PLWH/A (NSW) on 9361 6011 or email need you! Synergies with STis. Topics include [email protected] for more infor We need volunteers to join us on our interaction between STis, HIV and mation. stall at the Mardi Gras Fair Day on Sun Hepatitis, National STI strategy, men's day February 20th. It can be lots of fun. sexual health, and adolescent sexual If you can offer an hour or two, please health. call Bee or Glenn on 9361 6011. name change for BGF's Positive Employment Support project BGF has recently re-named the Positive Employment Sup port (PES) project Positive Futures to fully reflect the Phoenix range of support and assistance that this project provides - a new Workshop series to clients. Positive Futures, in collaboration with More people living with HIV, who are benefiting from PLWH/A (NSW), ACON and Positive improved treatment combinations, are now able to look for Central, will be running a series of work ward to exploring new opportunities and possibilities and shops in Sydney in 2005. The 'Phoenix' in the process confronting the many challenges that go with workshops will be held monthly and the these new opportunities. objective is to present a range of inforina Returning to work is usually one of the first things that peo tion, over seven or eight months, to peo ple consider. But it means vastly different things to different ple living with HIV who are considering people. It can mean doing voluntary work or getting some a return to work and/or study or initiat casual or temporary work or it can mean getting a full time ing some other 'life change' so that they job, Positive Futures supports and assists clients as they con receive the most up to date andappropri sider their options. ate guidance; are able to make informed But getting a job is not an option that everyone can consider. decisions; and get the support they need Positive Futures therefore also supports and assists those who to make these decisions. ~ \ . may be considering one or more of the following: The workshops will cover a range of · • undertaking a course of study. For some people this is a topics that will includ~: huge step especially if they have not studied since they left • personal goal setting school and need guidance with finding the most appropriate • improving communication skills course for their needs. Through Positive Futures, people can • building self confidence and self esteem be linked into a range of study options, through local com • managing disclosure munity colleges and TAFE Outreach, which are aimed spe- • financial planning a~d-.bu2i'getin~, ,. cifically at people who have not studied for a while. · • applying for jobs andwriting resumes • reducing their social isolation and participating in some form of regular social activity or developing a new inter The first workshop is planned for Feb est or hobby. Positive Futures can offer relevant advice and ruary 2005. ongoing support to enable people achieve their own per For more details, contact David Wallace sonal goals, so that their quality of life, health and well at BGF on 9283 8666 or Freecall 1800 651 being improve. 011 or Glenn or Rebecca at PLWH/A on • revaluating their 'life goals' and in the process perhaps 9361 6011 or Freecall 1800 245 677. deciding to change jobs, reducing the hours they work or It is hoped that these workshops will if their health is no longer supporting them, stopping work also be run in regional locations in 2005, altogether. starting in the Northern Rivers. If you would like to be kept informed where and For more information on how Positive Futures can assist when they are being held you can again you, contact David Wallace, the Project Officer for Posi register your interest by contacting either tive Futures, at BGF on 9283 8666 / Freecall 1800 651 011 David at BGF or Glenn or Rebecca at or email [email protected] or visit the BGF website PLWH/A. www.bgf.org.au aking the plunge and going back to work... More people living with HIV now Nevertheless he decided to are not only able to work due to Mike's story. approach an employment agency the benefits of treatments, but Mike had been on a Disability Sup near where he lived 'to test the also want to 'take the plunge' into port Pension for six years but wanted water'. At the same time he work agairf. It may be,some vol to go back to work. He did not began to talk about work possi untary work; it may be a casual, enjoy living on a low, fixed income bilities especially with friends and part time or even a full time job. and the sense of having his life being acquaintances. It was as a result The reasons for people wanting to of this casual 'networking' that he get a job vary greatly depending 'controlled' by Centrelink deci on who you talk to. They include sions. Whilst he felt able to return heard about a full time job that was wanting to have more money; to work, he was however concerned about to be advertised. Although lncreasinq independence; reduc his previous work experience meant ing levels .of boredom; using that he met the criteria for the job, existing skills and knowledge; He had to work he was still concerned about, his going back to a job they had done hard to maintain lipodystrophy and his age. But his before; doing something mean self-motivation was strong enough ingful and worthwhile; and meet a positive mental to make him persevere. He applied ing new people and making new attitude throughout for the job and to his great surprise friends. was offered it, after a fairly straight David Wallace, the Project the process of forward interview process. Officer of BGF's Positive Futures applying for a job Although he says 'everything fell project, talks to three people with into place' and that he was in the three very different experiences of right place at the right time, he living with HIV who each faced about the impact on his health and nevertheless had to work hard to very different challenges in decid in particular his energy levels. He maintain a positive mental attitude ing to return to work. All three had been used to being able to rest throughout the process of applying hope that by sharing their experi during the day whenever he needed for the job, going for the interview, ences with others considering their to. What concerned him perhaps the and even once he had started. It options around work, they could most though was that facial lipo was certainly sometimes more dif offer encouragement and support. dystrophy had given him what he ficult than he would like to admit, Even though each person's experi considered to be the 'look of HIV', but he says that having a 'focus' was ence is different, it is interesting to which he feared would immediately important, and 'to keep going and note the common themes that bind disclose his HIV status. It had also not to give up'. the three journeys together. crippled his self-confidence and self Ironically, some of the simple esteem and that, combined with the things, that others already working fact that he was over 50, made him perhaps take for granted, proved to think that no one would ever be pre be the hardest to deal with - such pared to offer him a job. as getting up in the morning early enough to get ready, and then get first time in nearly 30 years. The ting to work on public transport, Peter's story. fact that the TAFE teachers were as well as having the money to buy Peter had been on been on a Dis very supportive and understanding appropriate work clothes. ability Support Pension since 1996. also helped a lot. But in the event, it was Centrelink He had completed the Reconstruc What troubled Peter about dis that came to his aid. Although he tion programme in 2000 and in the closure however was how he should had to ask them about it, his job three years since doing Reconstruc approach it if he was asked during offer qualified him for a 'return to tion, he realised that having had the course, either by the teachers or work payment'. It was all organised no major setbacks with his health by the other participants, what he over the phone and this payment he now had a good opportunity to had been doing for the last seven helped him to cover the expense of create a more positive future for years. He was so used to being with buying clothes for work. himself as he didn't want to con friends and family who all knew He also felt he was lucky in that tinue living on the pension. Whilst his status and for whom it was not he was going to work in a rela getting a job formed part of that an issue. At TAFE he felt he would future, he decided that he needed to tively 'liberal', accepting work be out of his 'comfort zone' and take one step at a time and that he place (his job was in the public not have the same control over this should do a course first to get some service), in a low stress job with important piece of information new skills. He was offered a place about himself. His fears proved good conditions of employment on a TAFE Outreach course (An unfounded as the other partici where he was encouraged and Introduction to Community Work) pants on the course had also been supported to learn new skills. out of the workforce for a while, So jn a relatively short space of so he was not viewed as 'the odd time, Mike can now see a future one out' and so 'that question' was for himself. He feels that he can never asked. Once he got to know really\tart to plan his future and the teachers he was able to have a feels that he has the stability and private conversation with one. of security that he never had on the He was not them, addressing his concerns. The pension. Most important of all, teacher was totally supportive and he feels that he has control over viewed as the understanding and Peter felt that what he considers to be the two odd one out and from then on it was not an issue he most important areas of _his life that question was had to worry about. - his health and his finances. He He successfully . completed the says: 'If you feel you have con never asked TAFE course 1n D~cember._2003 and trol over your life, things start to in February 2004 started a 3-month improve.' placement, through PLWH/A (NSW) Indeed in a short space of time, Positive Decisions programme, with he came to realise that he didn't Employers Making a Difference even care what people at work (EMAD). After successfully com thought about his lipodystrophy aimed at people who wanted to pleting that he was then offered a - even if they noticed it, which gain skills and eventually work in 2 day a week paid traineeship with he doubted! He feels good about the Community Services area. EMAD. As a participant of Positive himself and has developed some Apart from what he learnt on the Decisions, he felt that he was able simple strategies to manage his course, he also had to confront and to make a meaningful contribution health and energy levels. Above overcome several issues for the first to EMAD, whilst at the same time all he has overcome a lot of his time in years including disclosure learning new skills and gaining val own fears. But he made a simple of his status and his fear of study. uable experience. and clear choice - he wanted a life The fear of study was gradually Peter has offered the follow again and he is just glad that he overcome when he realised he was ing tips in relation to some of the has had the opportunity 'to turn not the only one in the course who things he had to deal with in going his life around'. was anxious about studying for the back to study and then to work: Take the time to find out public transport to get to work or what you really want to do. college, to find out how long the If you have not worked or studied journey takes so that the first day for a while, it may take a while to is not a rush. sort out what you really want to do. Have a notebook to write Keep your thoughts Consider all the alternatives and things down - it helps your options available. memory, especially when on a positive, because Ask for support and guid steep learning curve and in a new your thoughts ance. It doesn't have to be perfect environment. Peter actually cre the first time. Nothing has to be for ated a folder of information for become your ever! It is OK to leave a position or himself, which proved to be an words. course of study if it is not the right invaluable reference source and one. Peter also says that the support meant that he didn't need to keep and guidance that he received from asking questions. This boosted his Keep your words BGF and PLWH/A was invaluable sense of self-confidence and self positive, because in helping him make decisions reliance. about his next steps. Remember to notify Cen your words Be prepared and ensure that b'ellnk and/or the Deparbnent become your if you are going back to work, of Housing if you go back to the organisation you are going to work. He was able communicate behaviours. work for is going to support and the changes to his income over the encourage you. Get to know other phone but he warns of the time Keep your employees who have similar values lag in Department of Housing to you. Peter went through some and SASS adjustments. Although behaviours positive, huge changes that were at times he was initially worried about los because your overwhelming. He had to re-learn ing some of his benefits, in the end what it was like to be back at work he was actually financially better behaviours become and felt that he was on a steep off working two days a week your habits. learning curve for a while. Even - and above all, he held onto the though his employer was support fact that he just didn't want to be Keep your hab[ts ive, he was also able to check in stuck in 'endless inertia of being with other colleagues so that he on a pensi.on' . positive, because better understood 'the politics of And importantly, take the the workplace' and was able to time 'to check In with your your habits become minimise the 'is it me or is it just self' to see that you are still your values. the organisation' syndrome. happy and above all healthy. It takes a while to adapt to new daily routines if you are Keep your values working or studying - getting up positive, because in time to get ready for work; trav elling to work/college; integrating your values your work/study life and home become your life into the week; making time destiny to catch up with friends; being able to keep medical appoint ments; taking 'home made' ] Mahatma Gandhi r. lunches to save money and having ~.·.·.· a fixed time to take a lunchbreak. -...:: Peter also suggests that you do a graphics : Phir,p McG rath 'dummy run', especially if using teve's story. He registered with the Job Network Back at work, he realises that and also sought the help of BGF's he will face an ongoing challenge teve worked full time until 2000 Positive Futures project (or as it because of his short-term memory hen he started to get sick. Haw was then called Positive Employ loss and relatively frequent sei ver because he thought he was ment Support). zures. He has to make seemingly nvincible, he simply would not give He applied for job after job but endless notes and lists for himself nro being sick. He kept going until got turned down time after time. to ensure he doesn't forget anything ne day he collapsed and woke up Apart from acknowledging how - and working for a company that n hospital with pneumonia. Once unwell he had been, he also began has 13,000 items in their product e'd recovered from this he was able to wonder, being over 40, if he was catalogue means that this is quite o go back to work and his HIV now just too old to get the sort of a challenge! He never knows when reatments seemed to be working job he wanted again. His self-con- and where he may have a seizure. So until he woke up in hospital again now Steve views every day as a new fter a seizure. He found out later hat the HIV had literally been 'eat adventure - as he is never quite sure ng away at his brain'. how it was going to turn out! This time the recovery was not so But he now feels he has the per traightforward. Unable to work, VACANCY spective and balance that he didn't e was put onto sickness benefit have before. Whilst he still expe nd was experiencing not only dra- riences depression and fully real atic and sudden weight loss, but ...... ises that he may still have to stop lso for the first time, deep depres working again at some point in the ion - and poverty. He had not expe ...... ---"" future if his health does not sup lll••t -••v•~ ienced either before and although port him, Steve knows that for now e knew he had very little money, it he has control back over his life and llw....e ..lllll.t ·~·ll-tY·•·•· ook him a while to realise that he his finances, he is doing what he as also experiencing depression - ---·- enjoys - and he aint giving up. nd because he didn't accept it, he ..... idn't ask for help. He says that he as 'proud and arrogant enough' o think that he didn't need it. Be as brought up to think that if fidence and self-esteem was taking We would like to-thank Mike, nything went wrong, he had to a severe battering. His health was Peter and Ste~ec ..for sha'ri~'g' it and this was the approach he still not 100%, but he persevered, their experiences with us, for ried to use to fix his depression and kept applying for jobs, and finally making this article possible overty. He was incredibly hard on ended up of being in the enviable and for providing inspiration imself and became his own worst position of being offered two jobs and hope to others. For more nemy. It was around this time that in the same week. information about PLWHA's is dog, his companion of 16 years, Accepting the one that was closer Positive Decisions programme ied. He could not cope and started to home and with more flexible contact Rebecca Reynolds on o genuinely believe that suicide was working hours, he then took on the 9361 6011 I 1800 245 677 and is only option, especially to escape challenges of being in a new job for ongoing assistance, advice is growing credit card debt. and totally new environment. He and support with any of the In desperation, he turned to slowly started to get a perspective issues to do with returning GF's Financial Counsellor for back about how he needed to bal to work and/or study contact elp to address the debts. After ance his health with work, as well David Wallace, at BGF on bout six months as he started to as needing to better manage his 9283 8666 I 1800 651 011. et his financial situation sorted, finances, and this is when he really nd as his health slowly improved, started to look after himself prop e then started to look for work. erly again. he healing power of music Soothing sounds for the soul - Greg Page 'The music in my heart I bore, long after it was heard no more' Wordsworth Walk into any waiting room now HIV+ people have more reason than music. It's worth investigating his back adays and you're likely to hear most to want to reduce negativity in their catalogue too. music playing. Why? Well, though lives and through something as simple as William Orbit - Pieces In A Mod the healing effects of music have music this can be achieved. When sitting ern Style {Warner Music) long been chronicled - think of in that doctor's waiting room, sweating the coma victim whose favourite on another big test result, for example, This producer, remixer and artist tackled the classics in 2000 with this electronic songs induce them back to aware music can be an effective calming influ ness - it's only recently medi ence, helping reduce stress, anxiety and take on well-known pieces. It's innova tive, challenging and beautiful at the same cal experts have finally begun to heart rates. time. Quite different to his pop hits with understand the true power of Here we list some musical suggestions music. Not only can it move and that may be of assistance in particular cir Madonna, it's music to inspire the senses. groove but, perhaps most impor cumstances. Of course, this is by no means RECOVERY tantly, soothe. a definitive list, but hopefully a good start Some aural assistance for the morn!ng ing point. Music is, of course, not a replacement after the big night that was. for medicine, it's an adjunct. It's also RELAXATION Bebel Gilberto - Bebel Gilberto extremely useful for emotional difficul Something soothing to help rejuvenate not {Shock) ties where conventional Western medicine only the mind and body but the spirit. is often a little wanting. Even better, as Dr. Though her name may be new to some, Arthur Harvey, a speaker at the interna Enya - Watermark {Warner Music) Bebel's been contributing her Brazilian tional conference of the 'Music for Heal There's a reason Enya is the world's biggest raised vocals to various projects over the ing and Transition Program' at Seattle selling new age artist and an Oscar winner years. The daughter of Brazilian music leg University, points out: 'music doesn't need - her music is simply transcendental. This end Joao Gilberto, this album is a balmy a prescription'. 1988 album is the foundation for her trade summery offering in both English and Dr. Harvey has been using music to mark sweeping melodies, intertwined with Brazilian. effectively treat Alzheimer's patients and mystical vocals and Gaelic charm. Sade - The Best Of {Sony BMG) studying how it can have a positive effect Various Artists - Simplicity Though it's almost a cliche to add Sade's often within the length of time of a single {Sony BMG) name here, it's true that though her band's song. He asserts music is 'capable of creat This double CD contains classical pieces music has often been copied, it's rarely ing change in almost every system in your considered some of the most beauti been bettered. This collection of Sade hits body, and about all it takes is one song ... ful music ever made. Debussy's 'Clair might still be the best all-time soundtrack music affects cognitive development, it De Lune', Beethoven's 'Fur Elise', Satie's for a lazy summer afternoon ... or morn facilitates changes in energy states and 'Gymnopedie No. 2' and more provide mg. consciousness' stimulating 'both physi hours of gorgeous music to calm the soul. ological and psychological health'. Cafe Del Mar - The Best Of Additionally, a study from the Gen David Sylvian - Gone To Earth {Universal Music) eral Hospital of Salzburg, examining the (Virgin) Long considered the leaders in the chill-out effects of relaxation imagery and music Former 80s pop star Sylvian was a true area, here's a great place to start if you're on pain relief, concluded that patients who trailblazer. This double 1986 album, one looking for a laid-back, groovy album to listened to music had 'substantially bet half with vocals, the other half instru bring you back down to earth with a gen ter pain relief, as well as improvements in mental, is where Sylvian virtually set the tle, cushioned fall. Good for repeated plays their sleep'. _ blueprint for esoteric ambient or 'new age' when you need to lower the tempo. Air - Moon Safari (EMI} ANTI-DEPRESSANTS sive message of hope and determination This French duo have still never bettered Raise your spirits, raise a laugh, or just to beat her illness it's an inspiration to all their 1998 debut, featuring the stunning twirl around the kitchen to these. of us. 'All I Need', as well as hits 'Sexy Boy' and SEXUAL HEALING 'Kelly Watch The Stars'. Another album There's a lot to be said for the healing slavishly copied since its release, but per power of great sex. Here's the perfect fit. haps the ultimate in 'morning after' CDs. Massive Attack - 100th Window ACCEPTANCE (EMI} If you're dealing with sexuality, HIV status If you're after something to set the mood or other issues, these might resonate. for a little lovin' then here's the perfect CD. Annie Lennox - Bare (Sony BMG} Although any Massive Attack CD ranks as Ex-Eurythrnic Annie stripped herself of a must-have, this most recent album of the star-trappings on this recent album to deal Various Artists - Disco Inferno UK (now) duo gradually unleashes a spell with the painful times in her life. Tracks (Universal Music} bindingly compelling sexual energy. like 'Loneliness', 'The Hurting Time' and When the blues come and getcha - who DJ Seymour Butz - Sauna Ses 'Bitter Pill' give a voice to the difficulties you gonna call? Disco! There's something sions (kensatkensington.com.au} we all have to face (and beat) at some about this irrepressible music from the 70s This mix CD was conceived by this legen time. that makes you want to get down, not to dary Sydney DJ with a view to creating a mention, put a stop to any thoughts of Pet Shop Boys - Behaviour (EMI} sleazy sexy setting. He's certainly achieved being down. The ultimate musical upper. This is the album where Neil and Chris got that with what is the best porn soundtrack serious. Often referred to as their 'AIDS Kath & Kim's Party Tape that never was. These throbbing dirty elec album', much of the content is notably (Universal Music} tro sounds just growl pure raunch. downtempo with the subject matter focus The best thing about this CD is not just Mylo - Destroy Rock'n'Roll (EMI} ing onthe death of friends and lovers from that it contains some great kitsch classics Scottish electro wizard Mylo plunders 80s AIDS, as on the poignant 'Being Boring'. ('Three Times A Lady', 'Love Will Keep samples and beats, but fashions something Us Together', 'Macarthur Park') but also Darren Hayes - The Tension & The inherently new to stop it ever being dull or lots of (h)umourous musings from our Spark (Sony BMG} intrusive. With a deliberate sexual frisson two favourite suburban nightmares them This ex-Savage Gardener tackles the lurking in its grooves, this provides the per selves. demons in his past (an abusive father), as fect aural accompaniment to gettirig busy. Kylie Minogue - Ultimate Kylie well as his own sexual infidelities and com Mary J Blige - Dance For Me (FMR} ing out disorientation. At times 3:s raw and (Universal Music} open as a pop album dares to be, it man Though it's an overused cliche that gay Put the voice of the queen of hip-hop ages to reverberate with hope and haunt men adore Kylie, this double collection together with' remi~ers like Thunder ing melodies. spanning her entire career would be hard puss, Hector Hex and Junior Vasquez and placed for anyone to resist. All the hits Rufus Wainwright - Want Two you've got one steamy, hot album guar (justabout) are here and there's not a single anteed to stir things up - especially if it dull moment. Just try defy its charms! involves some potential sexy company. Deborah Cox Remixed (Sony BMG} COMPLEMENTARY A longtime club favourite, especially for THERAPIES There's plenty of music that can be used 'Nobody's Supposed To Be Here', on this as an accompaniment for reiki, mas set, this Canadian soulstress with the big sage, meditation, or other spiritual/ diva voice gets the remix treatment on a dozen or so of her best fl.oorfillers. Warn energy enhancing techniques that bring (Universal Music} about a sense of well-being, content ing: may cause serious disco dizziness! Openly gay Rufus's most recent release ment and contributing to your general documents his addiction issues, loneliness, Delta Goodrem - Mistaken Iden good health. Visit www.oreade.com or cruising and finding gay messiahs in sev tity (Sony BMG} www.newworldmusic.com for some enties porn. Though much of it isn't easy Although Delta's debut album, 'Innocent suggestions. MP3s are provided to help listening, who else is writing/singing about Eyes', had catchier songs, on this album you choose a title (amongst the hun modern gay life today as candidly as this? Delta documents her battle with cancer dreds listed) you personally find a con and her faith in the future. With a perva- nection with. orthern exposure: HIV and body shape change in the Northern Rivers Asha Persson Lipodystrophy: Increase in fat (particularly around the In Sydney, [lipodystrophy]'s more a assume that findings from the urban belly) fashion type thing. Whereas up here, arm were applicable to Australia's it's more, people know that you're sick diverse positive population. People's Lipoatrophy: Loss of fat or something ... I see it on the same, personal and social circumstances may (particularly around arms, but on a different level ... Body image shape everyday realities of living with face and legs) more in Sydney and disclosure and the lipodystrophy in different ways, includ likes of that up here (Ethan). ing their gender, sexual orientation, age, and cultural-linguistic background, but Northern Exposure · is a new also the environment in which they live. report that explores experiences of HIV and body shape change in Concerns about lipodystrophy being the Northern Rivers. It includes People don't look at a seen as a 'sign' of HIV and sickness were findings from the regional arm of common to both groups. To Sydney par the Side effects and lipodystro person for what they ticipants, this sense of forced disclosure phy project,· a qualitative study do, what they wear, was mostly a concern in relation to gay examining how people negotiate how they look community because they believed that adverse effects of their antiretro lipodystrophy is well-known in that viral treatment, particularly Iipod social world. Northern Rivers partici ystrophy and lipoatrophy. Northern Rivers was chosen as a suit pants also believed that most gay men The Sydney arm of the study, prin able site due to its relatively substantial are familiar with the features and impli cipally located in inner-city gay com population of people with HIV, its alter cations of lipodystrophy, a troubling muniry, showed that for many of the native lifestyle and culture, its regional notion to some due to the perceived research participants, lipodystrophy and rural environments, the absence stigma of HIV in the region, including was a socially and sexually isolating of easy access to an array of services, among local gay men. experience. It often had a negative effect and the absence of particular cultural However, in the Northern Rivers, this on their self-esteem because of ongo expressions common to inner-city Syd was a significant concern also in relation ing HIV stigma and a highly body-con ney gay community. to the broader community. There was a scious society that shows little tolerance In collaboration with ACON North feeling that parts of the local population of body types that happen to fall out ern Rivers, fieldwork and in-depth inter were 'really straight' and less accepting side the cultural ideal. Considering how views with 17 men were conducted in or less understanding than in cities. So, important bodies are to most people's Lismore, northern NSW, in November many participants felt a need to care identity and to everyday social inter 2002. Considerable time was devoted to fully protect their HIV status. While actions, it is obvious that unexpected exploring interview participants' experi most did not believe the broader com body shape changes can have significant ences of body shape change in relation to munity knew about lipodystrophy, many implications. body image, self-esteem, social and sex were concerned that people might think The impetus for the regional arm of ual interactions, treatment decisions, and they look 'sick' as a result of lipodystro the study emerged out of an interest everyday negotiation of life in a regional phy, or that they might think 'there is in understanding how particular con area. Their stories were both similar and something wrong with you'. texts may influence the experience of different to that of the participants in the Sydney participants believed they body shape change, rather than simply urban arm of the project. stood out by virtue of living in a 'know- ing' community well aware of lipod Northern Rivers than it is in certain sec not usually extend beyond friendships ystrophy. Northern Rivers men also tions of Sydney gay community and that to include sexual attraction or relation believed they were conspicuous, but for any distinction between Northern Riv ships. different reasons. Many thought lipod ers and Sydney is an illusion because the Several participants thought that ystrophy, or any difference, is likely to local population of gay men is largely lipodystrophy was less talked about in be more noticeable in the Northern Riv made up of expatriate urbanites. the region compared to the major cit ers than in Sydney because of the higher But most participants felt there was ies. However, a sense of social silence degree of visibility and 'talk' that comes a distinct cultural difference. Many around lipodystrophy was a common with living in a smaller community. But commented that common measures of theme also among Sydney participants. they also observed that it is easier 'to social status in Sydney such as wealth, On the other hand, less access or expo hide' in the country than in a city. This occupation, possessions, and appear sure to information about body shape can make it easier to have lipodystrophy ance were of much less importance in change might account for the fact that in the Northern Rivers, but also more the Northern Rivers. 'People don't look the Northern Rivers participants gen difficult. As many pointed out, the nega at a person for what they do, what they erally had less knowledge and under tive consequence of 'hiding' is increased wear, how they look', Corey said. 'It's standing of lipodystrophy than did the isolation, especially in an environment about the person generally, which is so Sydney men and less awareness of ways where people often have to work hard much more accepting'. While they did to manage it physically and emotionally. at building and maintaining their social not dispute the obvious urban imprint There was a patent yearning for more networks. on specific local expressions of lifestyle information and discussion. Among Sydney participants, body and attitude, they insisted that the gen In addition to discussing how gay image and loss of 'looks' and sexual erally tolerant and 'progressive' mind- men in the Northern Rivers experi desirability were frequently raised con ence and negotiate lipodystrophy, the cerns, particularly in relation to what report provides an overview of other many described as the body-oriented Northern Rivers issues that were significant to the par Sydney gay 'scene'. In contrast, body ticipants, including sociality, disclosure, image was seen as less of an issue men tended to see and access to services. Interview quotes among the men in Northern Rivers. In lipodystrophy as a are used extensively to allow the many fact, many thought that issues around sexual rather than a issues of living with HIV- in Northern lipodystrophy were different in Sydney Rivers to be expressed by the partici precisely along these lines. For this rea social issue. pants in their own words. The report son, they generally believed it was easier is a joint publication with a report on to have lipodystrophy in the Northern Northern Rivers data from the annual Rivers than it would be if they lived in set which partly defines the region is a Positive Health survey. Sydney: result of urban people bringing those For a copy of the joint report, contact kinds of values with them, seeking an Asha Persson at the National Centre in The whole image stuff is much alternative life. HIV Social Research on (0?)9385 6414 stronger in Sydney than it is up here. Yet, in many of the interviews, there or [email protected] I mean, a lot of the gay men up [here] was a tension between this emphasis on aren't into going to the gym and look the relaxed attitude to body image in ing beautiful. It's, you know, and a lot Northern Rivers and the participants' of the guys who are up here are older own experience of body shape change. guys anyway, so there's - It's just, it's Most were clearly troubled by their just a very different scene really, com changing appearance and talked about pared to Sydney (Stuart). People Living with HIV/AIDS how it had a negative effect on their self (NSW) in partnership with the Many participants felt there was a esteem in ways that were similar to their National Centre in HIV Social lack of emphasis on appearance in the Sydney counterparts. In this regard the Research has produced a fact local community in general. And the Northern Rivers men tended to see lipo sheet called Living with body renowned 'alternative' culture in the dystrophy as a sexual rather than a social shape change. If you would like region was seen by many as more inclu issue. Anxiety about body image, often a copy, phone our office on 9361 sive and accepting of difference. As compounded by ageing and HIV stigma, 6011 or 1800 245 677. Living with Alexander put it: 'Nobody gives a stuff came to the fore in sexual situations or body shape change can also be what you look like. So, in that regard in the context of finding a relationship. down loaded from our website at it's, you know, it's a great place'. Some commented that the much talked www.plwha.org.au Some men disputed this notion, saying about 'acceptance' and relaxed attitude that body image is not much different in to body image in Northern Rivers did eav1•ng on a jet plane Visas, carrying medication, travel insurance, food and more Stephen Gallagher International travel, whether tions for Australian travellers, they're immigrant visa, they do not require you're a- seasoned traveller or the destinations about which I still that you undergo an HIV test or ask first timer, requires careful plan field inquiries through work and you about your HIV status. While in ning and preparation so that because with the exception of Japan theory you're barred from entering you can concentrate on having I've either travelled to all of them, the country, in practice they don't fun when you arrive. In these loaded down with my HIV meds or police it. Similarly Indonesia requires times of uncertainty surround intend to do so soon. payment of $60(AUD) for a visa on ing international terrorism or arrival for stays of 3 to 30 days but Visas trepidation because of recent doesn't ask any questions about For the most part visa requirements cataclysmic events in Indian health status. Check visa require pose no difficulties for Australian cit Ocean countries, this is ever ments with the Indonesian Embassy izens, just because you're HIV posi more so. Throw HIV into the mix before departure, and don't rely tive - that is unless you're travelling and you'd be crazy not to do on experience from previous trips. to the US. some serious investigation and They've changed twice in the space planning before you head off. of six months and may do again Those who carefully plan usu soon in true Indonesian fashion. As ally seem to have a great time. a frequent traveller to Indonesia I Those who plan Those who don't, encounter a can recall at one stage you just used range of obstacles which can carefully usually have a to hold up your passport and smile really put a dampener on their great time at customs officials who'd smile trip. This only became appar back with a with a hearty Selamat ent to me about ten years ago Datang. Then last year new require when I used to conduct infor ments came into force on February Most countries do not require mation forums for HIV positive 1" so I had to pay visa on arrival fee visas for short stays (less than 30 international travellers at ACON. of $25US for a 30 day stay and since or 90 days), depending on where People who attended those ses May '04 they've changed visa require you're going. Some countries do pose sions happily provided me with ments again. restrictions on HIV positive travel feedback about their trip upon Chinese visa requirements are a lit lers, subject to your intended length their return and many of the tips tle more complicated. If you're trav of stay (much like Australia does). are still relevant. elling to Hong Kong, visas aren't So Thailand prevents people with I've concentrated on a limited required by Australian passport HIV from obtaining a visitors' visa, number of destinations, namely holders for stays of less than 90 days. but then stays of less than 30 days in Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Sin However, visas are now required for Thailand don't necessitate a visitor's gapore, India, China, the EU, Can visits to other parts of China for $30 visa to begin with. From all reports, ada, the USA, and Japan. Why? for a single entry on an Australian when you apply for a 90 day non- Because they're common destina- passport. Visa costs vary depending on nationality (US passport holders ticular nationality. Don't assume that you'll need to apply for in advance at pay $85, other nationalities $50) and just because you're a New Zealander a US consulate) to enter for 30 days no questions about health are asked. for example that requirements will or less to attend conferences, receive Malaysia doesn't require a visa for automatically be the same. If you're medical treatment, visit close family Australian travellers for trips of less booking travel arrangements over the members, or conduct business. You than 90 days. Similarly Singapore internet it's advisable to telephone the have to demonstrate that you're not doesn't require visas for short stays embassy to check that visa informa currently sick, that you've got suf but you must nominate whether you tion on their web-site is correct and ficient insurance to cover any medi intend to stay for less than 14 days up to date. cal care that might be required and or less than 30 days. It's a criminal If you intend to ask questions about that you won't pose 'a danger to pub offence to stay longer than you nomi entry restrictions on the basis of HIV, lic health' while you're there. Each nated when you arrived. be warned that many embassy staff case is considered on its merits but Australians do not require a visa don't really have a clue. I've been it would be unusual for an Austral for short stays in Canada. However, told entry is completely prohib ian citizen to be rejected if he or she new legislation does require that all ited by some embassy staff when in meets the criteria. It's important to airlines provide your name, age and fact it's not. So, if you're going to remember that once you're listed as place of birth to Canadian authori ask, start out with a general ques HIV positive, with the INS, it's for ties when you make your travel tion about health related restrictions ever. You'll have to apply for a waiver booking. This is a condition of the before mentioning HIV. In my experi each time you go. Opinions vary as 'Advance Passenger Information/ ence this elicits an accurate response, to whether you'll get a waiver if you Passenger Name Record' (API/PNR) rather than a knee jerk assumption. just want to go and a have a touristy legislation to expedite entry. If you Of course you probably don't want good time. It depends on who you have a previous record and pose a to give them your name and contact speak to. national security risk you will be details if they need to find out before There's also the 'l;)eslgnated prevented from entry. they can answer you. Get someone Event' Policy. This policy allows Japanese entry restrictions are as to call on your behalf. I'm not sug for the entry of HlV-positive persons simple as can be. No visa required gesting that's there's a big black list to attend certain 'designated events,' for a stay of less than 30 days. Visi somewhere but it pays to be cagey which are considered to be in the tors to India require a visa and, in - I'm not about to disclose my status public interest, such as academic and true Indian bureaucratic fashion, to a foreign government. educational conferences and interna this necessitates a mountain of paper Visa requirements for the tional sports events. The US Attor work for the myriad of visas ~n offer. good ole USA ney-General can 'designate' such an Once again, visitors do not require Australians in possession of a event which means that attendees proof of HIV status. 'machine readable passport' do not can enter the US for the duration of Most, if not all, European coun require a visa for stays of less than the event without being asked about tries do not require a visa for short 90 days with an onward ticket and their HIV status. stays and, like most of the afore proof of sufficient assets (proof All arrivals in the US (including mentioned Asian destinations, only of stay such as hotel bookings and those in transit to Canada or other require an onward or return to desti credit cards usually suffice). How countries ) are required to fill out a nation ticket to enter the country. ever, requirements for HIV positive customs/immigration form. For HIV Any visas required should be visitors wishing to enter the United positive visitors, the question on the applied for before you enter the States are somewhat different. Sec entry form (similar to the Australian country. Generally you can't apply tion 212(a) (1) (A) (i) of the US Immi immigration/customs form given out for a visa on-shore, and in some gration and Nationality Act denies on the aircraft) regarding commu countries you need to leave to apply entry to any applicant for a visa - or nicable. diseases is tricky no matter for an extension. non-visa - admission who has a com which way it's answered. If the appli It pays to check visa requirements municable disease of public health cant checks 'no', and the visitor is when making the travel booking significance, including HIV infec found in possession of HIV medica and before departure. Visa require tion. In tions, INS officials may deny entry on ments are different depending on your short if you've got HIV, you're the grounds that the applicant lied on nationality. Be sure to ascertain what pretty much persona non grata .. the entry form. You'll be sent back on the requirements are for your par- You can be granted a waiver (which the next plane and risk being barred forever. If the applicant checks 'yes' hand luggage. I've carried meds Food & beverages or if INS officials suspects the person with me and I've couriered them in One of the great joys of international is HIV-positive, entry may be denied advance. Really its up to you, remem travel for me is to eat food I've never tried unless the applicant has the waiver bering people with HIV enter the US before. I love pointing at that strange referred to earlier. every day. If you decide to use the looking dish, smiling, nodding and ask Remember, if you decide to tick the vitamin bottle option approach cus ing for some. Beware of food from street 'no' box - and we know that many HIV toms with confidence -you'd have to vendors but use some commonsense. positive people do - you're running a be really unlucky for them to empty If it looks clean and its been cooked in significant risk. You could argue that the contents out. front of you its better than something answering 'no' is legit because Aus that's been languishing in the tropical tralia classifies HIV as a 'transmissible' Travel Insurance & heat without refrigeration. If it's fried in rather than a 'communicable' condi reciprocal health care front of you it'll probably be ok as frying tion, but that's a distinction that your arrangements kills just about everything (including any average INS officer won't be interested Travel insurance is a must!!!! It won't nutritional value in the food but hey).· in exploring. Then there's the question cover you for anything HIV related Rule of thumb for fruit is: peel it or leave of carrying HIV meds with you. but if you break your arm bungy it. Avoid shellfish, and be sure that water jumping in Colorado it'll off-set the is bottled or ice cubes are safe. Most Carrying medication horrendous medical bills. It'll also reputable places in Thailand, Indonesia People safely carry prescription med cover lost luggage or stolen items. and Malaysia use sterilised water for ice ication with them all the time. The Australia has reciprocal health care and in Bali they'll have certificates on only thing you need to remember is to arrangements for acute or emergency the wall to prove it. You may also want carry it in your hand luggage in case care with a number of countries, to consider using bottled water to brush your suitcases end up in Kalathum namely the UK, Netherlands, Swe your teeth. The cardinal sin is assum pia. A covering letter from your doc den, Malta, Italy, Finland, Republic ing that the familiar fast food chain is tor stating that they're prescribed of Ireland (Eire) and New Zealand. 'cleaner' than the local cafe. The only drugs for a medical condition is all If you need to obtain medical care times I've seen friends get sick is from that's required. The drugs should be while overseas (or think you might) fast food joints because the turnover is listed by name, dosage information contact details of overseas AIDS not as high and the people working there is useful, and medications should be organisations can be obtained through are not as familiar handling the food as left in their original containers. The ACON or PLWHA NSW, before you they are with local dishes. medical condition does not have to depart. Remember health care services Food in mid range hotels is usually be named, and don't carry excessive especially HIV specialised services good and safe. Be adventurous but be amounts as that can be construed may not be what. we're accustomed to careful. Those tropical fruit salads in that you intend to stay longer than in Australia. So don't go away expect Bali are irresistible and generally safe you've otherwise indicated. ing you can get the same quality care providing the restaurant/cafe is clean If travelling into the US it's worth you'd receive from a GP in Darling it and busy - quiet food outlets with knowing that customs officials are hurts. slow turn over are a breeding ground trained to recognise HIV medica for bugs. tion. Many people choose to send Vaccinations Plan, enjoy, bon voyage!!! their medications ahead to friends Have a chat to your doctor before For all you need to know about or to their hotel. All that's required you set off overseas about what safety, visas, and safe eating visit is a customs declaration form avail vaccinations are advisable. About www.smartsafe.gov.au or call PLWH/A able from Australia Post filled in with the only vaccine which isn't appro (NSW) 9361-6011 or ACON 9206 2000 'for personal use only, not for resale'. priate for PLWHA is yellow fever 1 http:llwww.frommers.comldestiNatioNslcalifomial Pack your meds into insulated pack 0215024435.html - so you might want to rethink aging and use a courier. Although it's more expensive, you can be guar your travel plans to the Amazon or anteed of their timely arrival. Call deepest, darkest central Africa. You ahead before you leave to ensure that can still go and get a vaccination your friends or hotel have received exemption but space doesn't allow '-: .. ~ . ·~ ,.._ . your package. me to outline what steps you must "."•;, _ .... Many people find it easier to put take in order to do so and do you their meds in vitamin bottles in their really want to risk it? ·-':~..~ _;: f"" 16 February - Marcil 2005 Taking care of your mouth and teeth is a very important, yet often overlooked, part of CHANGES TO THE ORAL ~ij) maintaining general health. ENVIRONMENT ,-SJ .!:..) Oral health refers to the condition eople with HIV may experience a number of of your teeth, gums, mouth and Pchanges to the oral environment. Discussed ,~::1 below are a number of the more common changes. ,,-1 throat. Their condition can n,aste Changes can occur as a common side _,a~ significantly affect your physical .L effect from some HIV drugs and other p~ medications, or due to fungal infections such as '- .. ,.., and emotional wellbeing, _..J ._,j Candidiasis. Rinsing the mouth clean with a neutral ,~} including comfort, appearance, tasting mouthwash (Bicarb Soda mouthwash) -~ before eating may be useful. Moist foods with a ~ self-image, self-esteem, ,,,.-J ..__ strong flavour through the addition of herbs, spices interpersonal relationships, diet and sauces may assist in masking any altered taste ::; -;.J~ and speech, and further impact sense. Although strong spicy foods - mask taste ___. changes, they may not necessarily be appropriate upon other health conditions.' food choices for maintaining weight or improving -S(i ~ gut function. It is advisable to seek advice from an ~;; experienced HIV dietician. ,,-i ~ .__.i,1---,1__. Thoroughly brush your teeth, at least ~ ~ ___,.,..} twice a day or after meals; use toothpaste or rinses that contain g fluoride; floss after meals; drink plenty ,r-} ._.. of water (2 - 3 litres per day); and regularly visit your dentist. Teeth Clenching & Grinding (Bruxism) can cause teeth and gums to become painful, sore and sensitive, and result in marked wear of the teeth. Emotional factors (eg. stress, anxiety) and physical factors (eg. abnormal bite, crooked teeth and nutritional factors) are thought to be involved. Some HIV drugs 2 which affect sleep, mood or anxiety levels may cause a higher likelihood of Bruxism. Try to limit acidic foods such as soya sauce, wine, beer, acidic fruit juices, Some antidepressant medications and marinades and refined dietary sugars recreational drugs such as amphet (confectionery, soft drinks, etc.). These amines and ecstasy may also contribute foods can worsen sensations of 'burning to teeth grinding. mouth syndrome' that sometimes occur Relaxing at night before bed and seeking from oral opportunistic infections, and may ways to reduce stress levels may be one increase the incidence of tooth decay. strategy. Proper dental care for irritating bite abnormalities may be another. Your Floss, brush, rinse. Dry Mouth (Xerostomia) is due to dentist may also suggest wearing a mouth lack of saliva. There are a variety of causes, guard at night to prevent tooth grinding. Limit sugar, drink water, including HIV infection, which can cause swollen salivary glands, some HIV drugs, stimulate saliva ... Tooth Discolouration is an alteration other medications (eg. diuretics, antihyper in the appearance of the teeth, beyond tensives, antihistamines, antidepressants, the natural variations in tooth colour, bronchodilators, antipsychotic drugs) and which occur among individuals. recreational drugs (eg. amphetamines and ecstasy).2 Allergies and infections may also Internal discolouration of teeth from cause dry mouth. illness and drugs occurs during tooth formation in children. Wear of enamel Without enough saliva, food can build up will cause exposure of the yellow grey in the mouth, between the teeth and interior of the tooth. This is the main gums and promote tooth decay, cause of colour changes in adults. Dry periodontal disease and Candidiasis. mouth and some medications can When the mouth is dry it may be useful cause extrinsic stain which can be to try sucking ice, chewing sugarless removed by professional cleaning. gum, and eating moist raw foods such as celery, lettuce, apples, melons, paw Most tooth discolouration can be paws, mangoes, fresh herbs, etc. successfully lightened through proper bleaching procedures provided by a Drinking plenty of liquids at or between skilled dentist. Some conditions make the meals is a good idea, as is rinsing your discolouration more difficult to remove. mouth often with one (1) teaspoon of bicarbonate soda dissolved in a glass of water or an alcohol-free mouthwash. Avoid sugar since it can make your mouth even drier. If this doesn't work, an artificial salivary substitute may be recommended by your doctor or dentist. Over-the-counter products are not recommended, as bleaching should only be done under the supervision of a dentist following proper examination and diagnosis of the cause of 3 discoloured teeth. Nutritional approaches to prevent and treat Candidiasis are controversial and Oral infections complicated. In some individual circum ral Candidiasis (Thrush) is a stances, too much refined sugar, alcohol, Ofungal infection of the mouth and/or caffeine, and nicotine can make Candida throat. The infection can take several worse. Some vitamin and mineral different forms, but most commonly deficiencies have also been associated there are small or large white patches on with Candida overgrowth (iron, folate, the roof of the mouth, tongue, inside zinc, vitamin 812). cheeks, and the mouth may feel furry, Some nutritionists and dieticians Oral infections can be sore or itchy. These fungal organisms recommend adding Lactobacil/i Acid live in most human mouths, but a treated with: ophilus (probiotics) to your diet, available weakened immune system can make it in concentrated capsule form or in Medications easier for this fungus to grow. yoghurts, to promote healthy (good) All efforts should be made to control bacteria in the body's gut, throat and Good nutrition Candidiasis early, since protracted mouth lining. Garlic is believed to Candidiasis will result in significant taste have antifungal properties, but some Complimentary therapies disturbance, loss of appetite • and evidence exists which suggests avoiding ubsequent weight loss and debilitation. garlic supplements if taking Saquinavir and other Protease Inhibitors (due to everal antifungal medications are drug interactions). vailable including the topical reatments (applied directly onto the Before adding or subtracting components nfection areas) such as, Clotrimazole, to and from your diet, it is important to mphotericin B and Miconazole, and remember there are many individual ystemic (drug) treatment with factors, which can stimulate Candida luconazole. However, there is some overgrowth. This includes certain drugs ebate as to the best way to prevent which can alter the natural organisms in nd treat Candida outbreaks, mostly the mouth. ue to the ability of the infection to It is important to check with a dietician evelop resistance to some anti-fungal or your dentist before altering your diet. edications. Topical drugs can be used or extended periods but their efficacy ay be limited. Alternatively, antiseptic hlorhexidine based mouthwash g. Savacol) held in the mouth for one inute then spat out, may help. void mouthwashes, which contain lcohol, as the alcohol may cause outh burning. ------ Other conditions Oral Ulcers (Aphthous Ulcers) occur on the mucous membranes (mouth surfaces) and present as painful, red, inflamed open sores, making eating certain foods uncomfortable. They are most commonly caused by an overzealous immune system following immune reconstitution from HIV therapy, although a declining immune system, HIV 4 medication side effects, and trauma to the area may also lead to oral ulcers. Angular Chelitis is a mixed fungal and They may also be a symptom of other bacterial infection, causing inflamed red viruses such as the Herpes Simplex Virus patches and cracks in the corners of the mouth. It can be treated with antifungal (HSV),_ Cytomegalovirus (CMV) or the creams such as Daktarin. Often there is Coxsackie virus. also bacterial infection in the area, which When symptoms of any ulcer or lesion should be cleaned regularly with first occur they should be mentioned to Betadine. Applying Vaseline or cocoa your doctor or dentist, to enable a proper butter to the area once the infection has diagnosis of the cause and selection of Take some time, at least once a been treated may help keep the skin appropriate treatment, to prevent any moisturised and prevent further cracking. further progression. month, to look inside your If you are having difficulty with your food Gingivitis and Periodontitis are intake and selection of foods speak to a mouth for signs of infections gum infections characterised by dietician who can help you devise a swelling and bleeding of the gums when and sores. Check you tongue sustainable food-energy diet 'that does brushing or flossing. Breakdown of the not irritate your mouth when you eat, {top and bottom}, lips, gums, attachment seal between the teeth and and helps prevent against weight loss. gums occurs, which causes the gums to cheeks and the roof of the recede or crevices (pockets) to form. mouth. Early treatment can Bad breath may also occur due to the GENERAL GUIDELINES build-up of bacteria between the teeth FOR GOOD ORAL HEAL'l'H prevent some problems from and in these pockets. getting worse. Bleeding gums is the earliest sign of Thoroughly brush your teeth, at Gingivitis. Without proper dental and least twice a day or after meals. health care intervention, more serious Use toothpaste or rinses that problems can occur such as "Necro contain fluoride.3 tising Ulcerative Periodontitis" - a severe infection and ulceration of the Floss after meals. gums and mouth lining. Drink plenty of water (2 - 3 litres Gingivitis is caused by the build-up of per day). dental plaque, which can be prevented Regularly visit your dentist. by proper brushing technique using a small-headed, soft toothbrush and Where dentures or other dental fluoride toothpaste. prosthetics are fitted (crowns, bridges! braces, etc.) correct cleaning and Chlorhexidine based mouthwashes are maintenance are also important. Dentures very good to guard against infections. that fit poorly can also negatively impact Avoid antibacterial mouthwashes that upon your oral health and comfort. Your contain alcohol, as the alcohol can sting dentist or oral health professional can inflamed areas. provide solutions to these problems. ( ll GETTING THE MOST FROM A VISIT TO YOUR DENTIST lanning a course of action for dental 5 Pcare and treatment is important for people with HIV. Your dentist is a partner in developing this plan and is there to Whether you disclose or not, you have provide you with information and the right to expect fair and adequate treatment options. Optimally, any course treatment provided in a caring, non of treatment should be made with you, discriminatory manner. Additionally, your doctor and your dentist working there is no onus, or legal requirement, to in partnership. disclose your HIV status for the protection of a health care worker Do I need to disclose my (including dentists). All health care workers HIV status? providing any clinical service are trained in procedures that reduce their risk of blood While there is no legal hile there is no legal requirement for to blood exposure. They should treat Wpeople with HIV to disclose their everyone the same way using clinical requirement for people with status to a health care provider, HIV health and safety procedures. infection can present some unique oral HIV to disclose their health Ring and ask If the dental clinic has problems and therefore disclosure to a status to a health care dentist you can trust may result in worked with people with HIV and/or improved health care outcomes. is familiar with HIV oral compli provider, HIV infection can cations as a way to make the topic To ensure you get the best possible of disclosure easier. present some unique oral health care, it is your responsibility to provide as much information as possible Privacy and your personal problems and therefore about your health. This includes medical history, any medication or compli information disclosure to a dentist you mentary therapies you are taking, and ealth information and your medical can trust may result in whether you are being treated by H history are considered to be another health care provider. privileged information disclosed to your improved health health care providers. You have the legal Talk to your peers and doctor. right to expect confidentiality of your care outcomes. Talking to people in similar health care information and health circumstances can help you condition(s) in all aspects when you determine whether dlsclosure of attend a dental clinic. HIV status is an option that might have some benefits. 11 Northern Rivers Area Health Service Northern Rivers Area Health Servic provides emergency dental treatmen to eligible patients. Contact your I Community Health Dental Clini which is listed in the telephone boo The Area also administers a progr to provide dental care for people wit HIV/AIDS through private dentists. Fo Where do you go? information on this program conta 6 our local dentist can continue to the Manager, HIV/AIDS Fund Yprovide for most of your dental Programs on 02 6620 7505. needs. Where they have specific Other Non-Metropolitan Areas concerns they can also consult with or If you are from a non-metropolita refer you to the specialist HIV dental area your local HIV/AlDS service services at: can advise you whether there ar Talk to your peers and doctor. Sydney Dental Hospital (SDH) any specific local dental arrange (Chalmers Street, Burry Hills ments in place. For local informati Talking to people in similar opposite Central Railway discuss this with the HIV/AlD circumstances can help you Station) service co-ordinator in your area. Ti People with HIV/AIDS receive the obtain the co-ordinator's telephon determine whether disclosure same range of services available to number contact your Area Healt all patients of SDH. This includes Service, which is listed in your loc of HIV status is an option that assessment, treatment and speci telephone book. The 'services might have some benefits. alist care. As with all patients, there these centres are funded by th are some limitations to treatment NSW Health Department available. To be eligible you must To be eligible for treatment you mus hold a HCC or PCC card. For an be in possession of a current healt appointment phone 02 9293 3316 care card. between 8.30am and 4.00pm Monday - Friday. When you ring for an appointment ask for an WHEN nm YOU LAST VISIT assessment under the 2.3 Program. YOUR DENTIST? St Vmcent's Hospital Dental Clinic (Victoria Street, Dental care and treatment is a Darlinghurst) important element in the planning The St Vincent's Hospital Clinic your overall health care. provides basic general dental Good oral hygiene can assist i treatment, oral surgery (removal of minimising your exposure t wisdom teeth), oral biopsy and opportunistic infections. management of some oral problems Good oral health is conducive t arising from HIV infection. For an better dietary habits and henc appointment phone 02 8382 3129. better nutrition. Some clinical aspects of HI infection and the side effects of it treatments, make dental care mor problematic but also mor necessary. Ask your doctor, dentist or healt care provider to refer you to one the listed services. Disclaimer: This information is intended as a guide only, and should not be used as a substitute for health care advice and treatment from an oral health-care professional. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW 7 ABOUT THE NEW :MEDICARE ITEMS From 1 July, GPs can refer patients enrolled in an Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) plan to eligible allied Footnotes Dental care and treatment is health professionals and dentists. Oral health conditions may increase your Enrolled patients are eligible for up risk of heart disease, lung disease, and an important element in the to five allied health worker services stroke. In pregnant women, oral health conditions may increase the risk of having planning of your overall per year on referral from their GP. a premature baby. Patients are also eligible for up to 2 The use of recreational drugs can also health care. three dental services per year on cause other direct health compromising referral from their GP. Each dental effects. Additionally, many of these drugs referral attracts a $73.35 rebate. are known to cause drug interactions with Allied health professionals and HIV medications, which can lead to treatment failure or toxicity and increased dentists can continue to charge side effects. For further information on drug their own fees, or they can now interactions and health effects of choose to bulk-bill Medicare. Jf recreational drugs, contact the Treatrnents they charge a private fee, patients Officer (ACON), or speak to your doctor. can collect the rebate and their out 3 Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by of-pocket costs will count toward building up the tooth enamel and resisting the MedicarePlus safety net. any acid breakdown of tooth enamel (the hard mineralised outer white shell of the For further information visit teeth that gives them strength). www.health.gov.au/medicareplus or www.hlc.gov.au References and further reading HN Human Immunodeficiency Virus Dental Care. E Coates, B Scopacasa, R Logan. South Australian Dootal Service. Hepatius C Dental Care. BrorM>)'T1 Scopacasa (BDS FRACDS), Liz Coates (MOS FADI FICO), Richard Logan (BOS MOS), Special Needs Unit, Adelaide Dental Hospital. Australian Scdety for HIV Mecftdne (ASHM). Positive Information for Patients (P1P), Chapter 7.09: Lifestyle and Health Promotion, Oral Care Recommffldations; Chapter 5.20: Oral Conditions of HIV lnfectioo (www.ashm.org.au) I - Other services that can help • Treatment Information Officer, AIDS Council of NSW (ACON) Call for up-to-date information about treatments for HIV. e (02) 9206 2036 I l Freecall 1800 816 518 or visit www.acon.org.au '-.c.A"l':-_TJ'.""- ·:c::..1,c ·:-~ r;,:..- ··~ O!JJ Albion Street Centre Nutrition Department !J_..; r) • Customised services for health care workers and HIV & Oral Health Websites people affected by HIV/AIDS and Hep C: • www.hivdent.org Extensive information on oral ~ --- counselling-education-training-international project health care. o~_ development. Dietician (µ (02) 9332 9600; email • www.projectinfonn.org Useful oral health information. r.J~ [email protected] or visit www.sesahs. Search for terms and conditions listed in this resource. · nsw.gov.aulalbionstcentrelclinicallnutrition ~ • www.aidsmap.com Information and factsheets on oral :~ Health Care Complaints Commission (HCCC) __,,J --' health conditions and treatments. • Monitors, investigates and resolves complaints • www.colgate.com/oralcare Dental health fact and a-~ about health care providers and health care information sheets. \ ~ services in NSW. (µ (02) 9219 7444 Freecall 1800 ~ ,-,. t9""1 ~ 043 159 or visit www.hccc.nsw.gov.au ~~ • Heterosexual HIV/AIDS Service (Pozhet) ~ Men and women living heterosexually with Acknowledgements HIV/AIDS.(µ (02) 9515 3095 Freecall 1800 812 404 ,-J --' PLWH/A (NSW) Inc. would like to thank Queensland AIDS --I ~ (national) or visit www.pozhet.org.au Council (QuAC) and Queensland Positive People (QPP) for ~ • Multicultural HIV/AIDS Service(µ (02) 9515 3098 their generous support in the development of this - ~ 0). or outside Sydney Freecall 1800 108 098. Mon - Fri factsheet. This factsheet is based on a resource developed rj ~ 9am - 5pm. Bilingual/bicultural co-workers and written by Peter Watts, Treatments Officer, Queensland -...... providing emotional support, advocacy and AIDS Council (QuAC). ~- information to people living with HIV/AIDS from ~;:: non-English speaking backgrounds. ',-',__#---' People Living With HIV/AIDS (NSW) Inc. --> • A non-profit community organisation representing Produced by the Health Promotion Unit of the interests of people living with HIV/AIDS in NSW. (µ (02) 9361 6011 or Freecall 1800 245 677 or visit www.plwha.org.au ~PEOPLE LIVING! For regional NSW HIV/AIDS and related services: • Contacts A directory of services for people living ~WITH HIV/AIDS; with HIV/AIDS. Available from People Living With HIV/AIDS (NSW) Inc. e (02) 9361 6011; Freecall Copyright «:I 2004 Queensland AIDS 1800 245 667 or visit www.plwha.org.au Councll (QuAC), Queensland Positive ~~ . People (QPP) & People Living With ?_.-,GuAC HIV/AIDS (NSW). This infoonatlon may be copied for personal or organisational use provided you acknowledge QuAC & QPP and also the assistance of People Living Wrth HIV/AIDS (NSW) Inc. in the production of this factsheet. Funded by NSW Health. NSW~JHEALTH This fact8heet was produced with the assistance of an unconcltlona l from Glead Sciences Pty Ltd. er) GILEAu DealgnGeoffreyW1J&no+ Assodateo. Sydney etsa companion animals an assistance animals - What's In a Name? Many of us, around 50% according to Futures 4, have a companion animal: dogs, cats, fish, birds and even farm animals - though farm animals probably aren't the best choice for an inner city apartment. We might also call them 'pets.' As HIV is a disability in terms of the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act 1992, do our relation ships with our pets qualify for consideration under the assistance animal provisions of the Act? These are the pro visions that allow disabled people who rely on Guide Dogs mainly - but also some other assistance animals - to another condition - for instance, ability Discrimination Commission have their animals with them vision impairment, some phobias er's decision to decline the complaint. on public transport and in - where the assistance animal has She found that the fact that the man enclosed spaces where ani been trained specially to assist in alle had trained the animal to provide mals wouldn't normally be viating the effects of disability. This him with companionship was not permitted. The answer from the Human Rights and Equal is one situation where love, support sufficient to establish that it had been Opportunity Commission is and companionship just isn't enough, trained to alleviate the effects of his that HIV in itself normally it seems. disability (2 December 1998). wouldn't qualify for assist The HREOC website reports on a We'll be focussing on the impor ance animal access entitle case where: a man complained that he tance of pets in the lives of HIV ment - though it's not impos had been discriminated against by a positive people in an upcoming sible that the circumstances country rail service provider's refusal issue. In the meantime, the HREOC of a very specific case might to permit him to be accompanied in website is a useful source of infor do so. the passenger carriage by his com mation about a wide range of dis Generally, someone with panion animal, a chihuahua dog. The ability and rights-based issues. http: HIV would also have to have President confirmed the Acting Dis- //www.hreoc.gov.au/ peaking up for the benefit of all positive people Claude Fabian reflects on ten years of the PLWH/A (NSW) Positive Speakers' Bureau By the time we launched the Posi They could see for themselves what The Positive Speakers' Burea tive Speakers' Bureau I had been a person with HIV was like and this also encouraged a dialogue abou a speaker for about three years. I would also reinforce the safe sex the important issues of the times: was _trained by the ACON Speak message. Most of the media images the availability of effective treat ers' Project, whose purpose was at the time were of people at the end ments, euthanasia, multiple loss o to provide general talks around stages of AIDS, often accompanied loved ones, loss of your job/career HIV and safe sex. The ACON by sensational headlines. There was dreams and expectations, financia project was receiving more and also the Grim Reaper 'awareness' independence, housing, discrimina more enquiries from the commu campaign. We wanted to challenge tion, quality of life, the nature o nity to hear what it was like to live with HIV on a day to day basis. these misconceptions. the community response and man Initially the project relied on sev The I'SB gives those in the audi others. Ten years on from the offi eral ACON positive workers who ence a more balanced and accurate cial launch of this project - thos would go out and give talks, and picture of HIV positive people, and subjects (and some new .ones) con this role took them away from tinue to be as relevant today as..the their intended duties. So, about have ever been. · four people were trained in speak At the time of the project's found ing skills with a focus on telling a more balanced and ing, there were few people willin our story and our experience of to openly identify themselves a accurate picture of HIV living with HIV. To my knowledge positive, either to a small group o I am the only one of those four positive people people or to a mass audience lik who is still alive and/or still doing the media. I knew first hand ho talks. beneficial the talks could be for al As already mentioned we knew involved. we had to work out a way of form they can use their knowledge to I was a member of ACT U ing a project that would provide a challenge the extreme opinions of Sydney, and as the T-shirts reads 'voice' for positive people to tell others in their circle of influence. Silence = Death - Action = Life their stories. Whilst we had Talka The PSB also provides the speak Another T-shirt from ACT U bout, which continues to be highly ers with a sense of empowerment reminds people of a passage writte respected and widely read within and purpose - particularly for by Pastor Martin Niemoller, wh the HIV community and sector, it those who had been forced to stop lived through the Nazi era. Unfor mostly reached people who already work. The policy to pay for speak tunately it is incomplete in those i had an interest in the issues. ing engagements not only valued laments, in particular when it come We felt that providing a face to speakers' expert knowledge, but to gay men and lesbians; it is still a face encounter for people (and provided some extra pocket money. important today as it was then. most had never - knowingly - met a This can be very welcome when you 'In Germany they first came fo person with HIV) would give them are living on the pension or reduced the Communists, and I didn't spea an opportunity to ask questions. income. up because I wasn't a Communist. It was against this backdrop that • Working hard to recruit speakers drove those of us who participated from diverse backgrounds. and supported the formation of this • Many of our clients (such as project. Some things have improved, schools, non government and vol The Positive some things have changed and we unteer organisations, and health Speakers' Bureau also also face new challenges. care workers) keep coming back I have learned a lot through my for bookings year after year encouraged a dialogue involvement with this project (pub about the important lic speaking skills and increased Whilst the project is not perfect issues of the times confidence, giving presentations - I would hope that if it was viewed for our training sessions, providing by a professor as an academic essay and assessing feedback, assisting it would receive a high distinction with the project's development and for what it has achieved over the Then they came for the Jews, and helping to write the various funding years. I didn't speak up because I wasn't submissions). Until the AIDS crisis really is over, a Jew. When I first started speaking I was I hope that projects like this <;me Then they came for the trade self employed. I then became a paid continue to be around, and what we unionists, and I didn't speak up worker in the AIDS sector. Then I have learned continues to be used in because I wasn't a trade unionist. retired from paid employment, but other locations here and abroad. Then they came for the Catholics, continued my involvement in the and I didn't speak up because I was sector. It was after I stopped work Claude Fabian is the volunteer a Protestant. Then they came for ing that I began to value the project convenor of the Positive Speakers' me - and by that time no one was more, as it provided me with an Bureau. This is an edited version left to speak up.' ongoing opportunity to give some of the talk he gave at the 10th anni I for one was not going to wait thing valuable to the community I versary celebration of the Positive around until a similar scenario hap live in. It balances my feelings of Speakers' Bureau December 2004 pened here. Many may think this guilt around not contributing to the unlikely, but I would remind you society I live in - in the way I would of the many hysterical headlines in prefer. Having to rely on govern the media and calls from sections ment support for my income, hous ing and healthcare was not how I of the community to 'quarantine', T~ 8IYlOlroC8Sthe lam:h of the Po6itive Speakera . &reau n 'tattoo', 'track', etc that people had viewed my future, at least not ()ecoot)O( 1994 with HIV had to deal with after at this stage of my life. the initial discovery of the disease. The project itself has had many Largely these more extreme meas achievements some of them Talkabout ures were not acted on, at least not include: ♦ Wher1 W1 Sp1ak for Ot.1r,1l¥11 ♦ in this country. • Encouraging individuals and Consider however that at least in groups, like schools, to fundraise this state, and others in Australia, for AIDS charities. people with HIV are required to • Providing education about the disclose their status prior to a sex AIDS Quilt. ual encounter. There can be legal • Creating our own training man consequences, including imprison ual and systems for running the ment, and practicing safe sex can project, which have been adopted not be used in your defence. Whilst by other groups to start similar I am not fully aware of the inti projects - here and in other coun mate details of the cases there are tries. at least a couple of people who are • Producing a video, showing currently going through the NSW aspects of the lives of three of our court system facing charges. speakers. elebrating stories The importance of stories and how they sustain us John Rule The Positive Speakers Bureau are work and many are managing to to bring out positrve voices and a group of people who range in maintain their health with more stories that situate people with age from 23 to 70 and that range treatment options. For many other HIV/AIDS in the social context - in age is also reflected by a great positive people there is poverty, how we are situated in relation to diversity around sexuality, gender, dealing with side effects, and other bureaucracies, social welfare and and life experiences. I think we all issues such as depression. HIV is health services. How we are situ acknowledge and respect those less visible now and perhaps there ated in relation to 'institutions' diversities and recognise also is less sense of urgency.. like the pharmaceutical industry, that diversity sustains us. So what stories will we tell in the the medical professions and so on. Talkabout Magazine in Decem future? At one level, looking at And the stories like the ones that ber 1994 heralded the beginning the past there has been as feeling the PSB have helped develop have of the _PSB 1994 was a hard time of achievement in telling the story been at the core of these other in the epidemic. AIDS deaths social stories. Without 'the indi were peaking in Australia, and vidual stories those social stories there were still no effective drugs don't make sense. to maintain health. While AIDS By their actions and I wonder whether there is as hysteria had settled down from much interest as there used to be in words we are all in a the 80s and HIV had been around these individual and social stories. a while, it was already starting to much stronger place I honestly believe there is a level drop off the media's agenda. But at which they are not being heard there were people determined to anymore. But I don't think that make a difference, to be heard, to means we are in a hopeless situa not be ashamed of their HIV sta of our individual experiences. tion. tus because they knew by speaking Often it takes the form of: 'when There is another level of story about their lives they would chal I was diagnosed, what that experi telling beyond the story of 'I' and lenge discrimination. ence meant to me, how it changed my experience, beyond the story And here it is 10 years on. Yes things for me and my place in the of 'me' in the social experience. terday there were Positive Speakers world and what hopes there are I think that other level of story in Mildura, Dareton, Wollongong for the future.' The real story has is a story of reflection - which and in the Blue Mountains. There been told many times and the PSB includes incorporating both of were also speakers at Liverpool has helped this and it has been those other stories, the individ Hospital, North Shore Hospital heard. ual and the social. We are doing and at two different schools, one in There is also a sense of achieve a bit of that reflective story here Auburn, one on the North Shore... ment in telling the story of our and now, because it is really only The story of living with HIV social experiences. Organisations something that can be done with nowadays has some different like People Living with HIV/AIDS other people. And perhaps there dynamics. Many have returned to (NSW) and NAPWA have helped has only been the space to do it in Paul Maudlin speaks to students about HIV at the Endeavour Sports High School in 1997. Paul was coordinator of the Positive Speakers' Bureau for most of its ten years and supported and trained many speakers in the project. the last few years. Michael Hur ter social experience for everyone. sexuality and relationships, your ley, a researcher from the Austral And I think in the long run that sense of mortality and your feel ian Research Centre in Sex Health story is more than newsworthy ings about illness and death to a and Society talked about this at and will be heard. group of people you haven't met the last Annual General Meeting The Positive Speakers Bureau before is never easy. These individ of PLWH/A (NSW). He spoke and those individuals who have uals address discrimination and about people living with HIV/ given it strength and endurance ignorance on a daily basis, not just AIDS shaping history and shaping deserve every ounce of our sup in their words, but through action cultures. If we continue with the port. By their actions and their in their lives- ground work laid by people who words, we are all in a much started telling stories through the stronger place. Coming out as an John Rule is vice president of PSB, this will spread out and we openly HIV positive person still PLWH/A (NSW). This is an edited will be able to tell a story of how carries the risk of discrimination version of his speech at the 10th we are part of shaping things, in and stigmatisation. Talking about anniversary of the Positive Speak a way that contributes to a bet- your life, especially details such as ers Bureau 2nd December 2004 If you're inter We are part ested in book ing a positive of shaping speaker for your organisation or TRADITIONAL & HERBAL PHARMACY things school contact 12-14 ~inders Street Darlinghurst Phone 9360 4446 Fax 9360 4603 Bee on 9361 6011 Open 7 Days 9.00am till midnight Use Benjamin Chris Ireland Greg Johnston tate of the. [positive] nation The Futures 4 survey Geoff Honnor Time flies. In this instance, seven each study. Just over 50% of the under an equally bewildering vari years have raced by since 925 Futures 4 respondents reported no ety of circumstances and, not sur pioneering HIV positive Austral previous involvement in the Futures prisingly, lots of people were talking ians worked through the ques program while only 24.4% reported about the difficulty in complying or tionnaire that was eventually pub having participated in all three. We adhering with these regimens. Body lished (in 1998) as the first HIV should also bear in mind that the changes were beginning to be widely Futures Study. Since then, the overwhelming majority of us didn't heroically industrious Australian noticed in HIV positive people and complete Futures 4 at all. Still, I'm Research Centre for Sex, Health there was considerable uncertainty and Society (ARCSHS) at Latrobe unaware of any similar study, any as to whether these were about the University has also produced where, that manages to capture effects of treatment or about HIV Futures 2, 3 and now 4 - launched aspects of living with HIV from itself. Still, deaths from AIDS were in in Melbourne in November 2004. such a sizeable nrooortion of those steep decline from the peak reached Subtitled, 'The State of the [Posi a few years earlier and there was tive] Nation,' Futures 4 provides guarded optimism about the future us with an unparalleled insight - how long would the treatments into the way we're travelling. The HIV in Australia is last? Some organisations had begun 1,049 people who took part in becoming, significantly, talking about 're-engagement' for Futures 4 represent around 8% a middle-aged HIV positive people which I always of the total estimated HIV positive experience. population (interestingly, about thought was a bit strange. Most poz the same percentage as Futures people I knew were engaged and were 1). It's worth pointing out that pretty convinced on the merits of while no-one is absolutely cer who have that experience. Its value is remaining so. 'Re-engagement' then tain about how many of us there certainly recognised by international morphed into 'return-to-work' with are - Australia keeps no regis researchers and by a host of state and a kind of implicit assumption that ter of HIV positive people, test a treatments-led recovery of wellness ing is anonymous - the National federal bureaucracies, health deliv could allow people to resume their Centre for HIV Epidemiology and erers and non-government agencies Clinical Research (NCHECR) does here in Australia. And of course - the pre-diagnosis lives. It's proved to be a produce a very credible estimate data are also a matter of more than bit more complicated than that. based on some pretty good data. passing interest to many of us. Moving to 2003/04 (when Futures 4 In 2003, NCHECR estimated the Some scene-setting: Futures 1 was was underway), the picture changes. Australian Body Positive to be undertaken in 1997. Combination 'Hit hard, hit early', is definitely 13,630. therapy was only a couple of years out of fashion. The current consen I thought it might be interesting old in the experience of most of us sus is generally to delay treatment to compare some of the findings of and clinical researchers were hotly until clinical markers indicate that Futures 1 with Futures 4 to see what debating whether or not we should it's essential to start. This has been changes might have occurred. It's hit hard and hit early with treat driven by the understanding that our important to note here that it hasn't ments. Lots of people were on a existing therapies might manage - but been the ~ame group of people doing bewildering number of pills taken can't eradicate - HIV and also by the - realisation that treatments do engen report using complementary therapy that the percentage of PLWHA liv- der a range of side effects including - mostly vitamin and mineral supple ing below the poverty line has proved lipodystrophy and other metabolic ments - in both studies. I note also equally enduring: 32.9% of respond hanges. Treatment regimens are that some 28% of Futures 4 respond ents in Futures 1 against 26.9% in becoming less complex and .... we're ents report using marijuana medici Futures 4. till wondering about how long they nally while around 47% advise rec In 1998, over three-quarters of the will last. Let's look at the journey. reational use of same. You have to respondents reported some involve ot surprisingly, we've got older. wonder if they overlap, don't you? ment with HIV community organi The ages of those responding to Too many of us smoke cigarettes sations - either AIDS Councils or Futures 1 ranged from 18-77 with - including me - 48 % of the Futures PLWHA organisations (though these 4 respondents in fact, which is well a mean age of 39..For Futures 4 it organisations were also the main above twice the national average. was 18-92 with a mean of 44. HIV in means of engaging people in the I noted also that a significant 33 % Australia is becoming, significantly, study and the involvement percentage of Futures 4 respondents reported a middle-aged experience. Gay men may be high for that reason) In 2004, being prescribed depression medica ontinue to predominate as they have 25.8% reported using a PLWHA tion in the preceding six months and throughout the epidemic with 77% organisation and 17.1 % an AIDS I wondered, not for the first time, if of Futures 4 respondents identifying organisation. This compares with as such - which is little changed from it mightn't be time to look beyond what seems to be implicit acceptance 60% of respondents reporting con Futures 1. Around 9% of Futures 4 that depression and HIV kind of go tact with an HIV GP and 45% with respondents were women. together. Do they have to? .. an HIV specialist. Interestingly, the percentage of One particularly interesting statis GP's were also the prime source of people who rated their general health tic concerns employment. In Futures HIV information for respondents in as good or excellent hasn't changed 1, those currently in full or part time both surveys followed by HIV pub much either: - 72% of respondents in lications (Talk.about was reportedly 1; 68% of respondents in 4. In 1998, read by 43 % of the total- sample in around 78 % of respondents reported 2004), HIV positive friends came being currently on antiretroviral ther For many positive next. The internet, accessed for HIV apy compared to 70% in 2004 - and people, HIV is information by 18% of respondents around 87% of all Futures 4 par something that is in Futures 4, came well ahead of ticipants had been on antiretroviral managed pretty much reported person-to-person contact therapy at some point. I wasn't sur with their doctor. with HIV sector workers and peer prised that the percentage on therapy support. It's clear that for many pos had come down though I was a bit itive people, HIV is something that urprised about the relatively small employment were 44% of the sam is managed pretty much with their movement. Drug company and gov ple. In Futures 4, it's almost identi doctor. There's a challenge here for ernment pharmaceutical data suggest cal - on 43.1 %. This might challenge organisations like ours around stay chat the number of HIV positive peo the assumption that the epidemic has ing in touch with the reality of living ple on therapy is now significantly tracked neatly through a pre-treat with HIV in an era when people are lower than this. ment period where PLWHA didn't more likely to confine HIV manage Back in Futures 1, most respond work, to a post-treatment era where ents (59%) believed that combina we're all returning to what we were ment and information contact to a tion anti-viral drugs meant better doing. It may be more likely that couple of prime sources. prospects for most PLWHA, while the split between working and non A few snippets from what is an 36% thought it was too soon to tell. working has been roughly 50/50 engrossing update to an invaluable Here there has been a significant throughout the epidemic with a host Australian research resource-. For shift. In Futures 4, no fewer than of reasons other than just the post those who'd like to get the full pic 77% think that ARY mean better protease moment impacting on the ture, the 2004 report (and all it1s pred prospects and only 6% are convinced ability/capacity of people to engage ecessors) are available for download that it's too early to draw that con with paid work. online at: http://www.latrobe.edu.au/ clusion. Over 50% of respondents Not unrelated perhaps is the fact arcshs/downloads rowing older with HIV Garry Wotherspoon reports on the recent PLWHA (NSW) discussion forum on ageing and HIV at the Positive Living Centre. Well, they say life begins at forty, takenly - that older folk do not have a So we have both new infections but for those who are HIV posi sex life, the statistics of new infections among older people, and older peo tive, it hasn't always been such a clearly refute this. ple who were infected in the past, all rosy picture. For example, the World Assembly on groups having to come to terms with Up until the mid-1990s, acquiring Ageing, HIV/AIDS and Older People, issues relating to ageing and their HIV was seen as a death sentence. organised by the UN in March 2002, health. Treatment options were very limited. did give some pointers. According to Centre for Disease And many people, faced with immi Control (CDC) in the United States, nent death, did what one might well 'age accelerates the progress of HIV do in those circumstances. While to AIDS, and blunts CD4 response to some fought all the way to maintain anti-retroviral therapy'. As well, 'age Keep mind and the same pace of life, others decided related conditions, such as osteoporo to focus completely on quality of life body active, and sis, increase the risk of severe compli issues. So they threw in jobs, cashed one can live a long cations'. in life .insurance, sold up assets, and and fulfilling life A range of other symptoms, -~;eh spent up big, packing in as much as fatigue, poor memory, shortness as they could, in what they thought of breath, sleeplessness, and weight would be the limited time left. loss - are common to both ageing and And then came the antiretrovirals, HIV. And this might mean that people especially since 1996. It became a In the USA, 10% of all reported are not diagnosed correctly, and thus whole new ballgame, with the options AIDS cases are for people over 50, be prevented from seeking early medi having changed dramatically. Now with a quarter of these (2.5% of the cal help. they say we are just as likely to die of total) over 60. It is also clear that older people must 'old age' as of anything else. In Western Europe, nearly 10% of wrestle with many issues not faced by Little seems to be known about all new infections declared between younger people. They find themselves the health and social needs of HIV+ January 1997 and mid-June 2000 were adjusting to the physical and emo people growing older, apart from among the over-fifty group. tional changes associated with ageing, an awareness that, for some, their In Australia an estimated 13,630 in the setting of a debilitating illness. actions had disastrous consequences people were living with HIV/AIDS by In addition, some research suggests for options for the remainder of their 2003. Many of these people acquired older people are vulnerable to such ill lives. HIV some years ago and have been nesses as depression, and less likely to But growing older with HIV is now growing older with the disease. The join support groups. an increasingly important issue. Not median age of the respondents of the So while HIV is now, for most people, only does Australia have an ageing recent HIV Futures survey (comprising a manageable illness (like diabetes), population, some of whom are HIV+, 8% of the positive Australian popula we need to think in new ways about but, increasingly, older people are tion and therefore the most compre a range of issues. And it is timely that acquiring HIV. Indeed, while much of hensive survey of the lives of people People Living with HIV/AIDS (NSW) society often presumes - clearly mis- with HIV in the country) was 43. have organised discussion forums looking at issues like ageing and asso - how little is really known about the stage, we still don't know enough to be iated concerns. One of these was held effects of HIV on ageing. aware of how to differentiate. in early November 2004. On the other hand, everyone was This of course, is not unexpected. Of the twenty people present at the impressed with one of the speakers, a Despite the fact that life expectancy forum, thirteen filled in a question 74-year-old gay man, who, as his bio has improved dramatically over the naire. From those thirteen responses told us, 'has been homosexual for 54 last hundred years, the science of age (six in the 41-50 group, and six in the years and HIV+ since 1996'. He is liv ing is relatively new. It is only in the · 51 + group), nine identified as gay men, ing proof of some of the generalisa past quarter-century that the study of rwo identified as men who have sex tions about how to 'stay alive' - keep gerontology has emerged, with devel with men, one identified as a lesbian, mind and body active, and one can live opments in our knowledge of the biol and one identified as 'sexual'. Simi a long and fulfilling life. And of course ogy of ageing. And being openly gay larly, when stating their gender, there this also leads us to recall the benefits is also a relatively new phenomenon, were eleven men, one woman, and one that come with being older. For many if we take the US Stonewall riots as a exual' person. All were HIV+. So it people this is a time of their lives when starting point, along with the emer was, as one 'would expect, the right they feel they know themselves better, gence of CAMP Inc in Australia the target group. and have a developed sense of confi following year. And HIV/AIDS only While some were more recently diag dence in their abilities and achieve emerged from the early 1980s. So - nosed (three were in the 'less-than ments (not only material achievements unfortunately - it is early days yet, and rwo-years' group), five respondents but also emotional ones as well). Some our knowledge hasn't yet provided the were diagnosed more than ten years older people have also learned through ago. For some, then, such a forum as hard won experience what they want answers we need. this had been a long time coming. Well, if life begins at forty, then I am The three speakers at the forum met but a teenager again. And so maybe we with somewhat different receptions. should rework that saying about old We were all impressed by their sin- diggers, spelt out every Anzac Day, as eriry, and undoubtedly people were If one gets two it could be applied to us - hopefully: interested in the issues they talked illnesses, they don't about (otherwise we wouldn't be Age shall not weary us there). add, they multiply our Nor the years condemn But some of the information given to · health concerns. At the going down of the sun, us was disturbing, to say the least. and in the morning, Cassie Workman, a doctor working you shall see us, in the field, noted, many of the 'facts' on Oxford Street, we base our decisions on are not hard still partying .. :. facts. Thus, what does a T-cell count to focus their lives, time and energy on really mean? Will it vary as we age? and what they don't. What then can we use as a baseline Social worker Paul Andrews also for making such decisions as whether confirmed how little is known of the or not to go on medication? As she so separate effects of HIV on ageing - Gany Wotherspoon is a uccinctly put it, 'if one gets two ill or, for that matter, of ageing on HIV. Sydney-based writer and his nesses, they don't add, they multiply Many of the issues he described are torian, whose books include our health concerns'. those confronting any ageing gay man Minorities: cultural diversity And as she went on to point out - discrimination and homophobia, the in Sydney (with Dr. Shirley there has been little research done of importance of friendship networks Fitzgerald, City of Sydney the situation of ageing and HIV, and for emotional and social support, and Historian), and 'City of the there is no data on long-term effects of how to manage 'uncertainty' as we Plain', a history of Sydney's the infection, and little push for more grow older. gay subcultures. He was the research in these areas. One attendee made a very valuable It is little wonder that some of the point - that there was a difficulty at recipient of a Centenary of respondents thought that the picture the very heart of topic. How were we Federation Medal for his work he painted was too bleak. But oth to know what was relevant to ageing, as an academic, researcher, ers commented favourably, since it or ageing and gay, or ageing and gay and human rights activist. highlighted the reality of what we face and HIV? It would appear that, at this ife in the Country Don't let services dwindle away Peter Thoms I am constantly amazed at the to who could remotely be of assist The fear of vilification and discrimi range of services and specialists ance in a counselling role. That was nation is too great to risk disclosure available in the Central West of either time I spent in hospital. The by standing in the public face to New South Wales, but infuriated first occasion was seven days and the access these services. by the appalling lack of cohesion second fourteen days. I have never been one on the receiv between services. There are of I was sent to an eye specialist as ing end of community health care. course the ongoing difficulties of the hospital did not have facilities I have always been the advocate for health services, their limited funds to make relevant tests. In the course others. It is not easy to be depend and human resources, and the of the examination I passed out after ant on what at times seems to b systematic deterioration of both. being left by the transport driver. charity. a kick in the pants fo We have one GP who specialises After the barrage of questions from your pride. Now the shoe is on th in HIV, and that is not even com ambulance men and eye specialist, other foot, I am more understandin mon knowledge. The public hospital the specialist shouts to the ambo in of what my clients went through, an seems -devoid of understanding and the waiting room... 'Oh! He's HIV+ why they sometimes seemed ungrate needs to establish a protocol con too. It's on the referral sheet.' ful. I am humbled by my own experi cerning HIV and confidentiality. A Off to the pathology department ence and determined to make :i gif number of stories demonstrate my for blood tests. On the referral in ference. point. large capital letters: HIV SEROL Who needs a whinger? No one. S I was told to ring Westmead hos OGY, and my name. What follows I hope this diatribe does not corn pital for blood test results in regard is a not a too discrete conversation across as a whinge. Let's not ge to HIV on release from the hospital. about having to delay HIV tests as complacent and let services dwin Then I was told when I rang they there was an approaching public die away. We often think it's just to could not possibly give those results holiday and the blood would not get hard to fight. That is why we need t over the phone. to Westmead. Could I come back on speak to each other and join forces Staff, unsure what to say in regard the Monday? Again I shrink into a Encourage our representatives to d to your HIV + status, or blood con blush of embarrassment in front of their job and do it well. And let' dition or immune deficiency, and the staff and a waiting room of patients. not just complain. Let's offer som stuttering that goes on as they try to I am well known in the town and this assistance as well, and remember t establish in their own mind what is makes confidentiality very difficult, tell someone when a job is well done the best way to express it! which is another reason for accessing In this way we can encourage the I was asked by the registrar, in assistance outside the area. to struggle on in the face of opposin front of medical staff, 'So how long If the government wants to encour odds and keep making a difference have you been HIV+?' ....and when I age HIV+ people to access general 'So to the barricades, and let us figh answer, they ask 'How did you con services, there needs to be ongoing for freedom' ....God! Can't you hea tract it?'....Silence on my part, trying training to prepare staff sufficiently. the well of the orchestra bringing u to assess the medical significance of We in the country could also see the to a triumphant climax Sorr the question...A reluctant reply fol loss of services because I imagine that is the theatrical coming out i lows with an immediate feeling of the statistics on use would be low me. Before I leave the sleepy hollo shame and embarrassment. and difficult to justify in the age of of the Central West and all its beaut At n_o time is there anyone to talk accountability and value for money. I want to make a difference! o, Can You Cook? No10 Some light summer recipes Tim Alderman Ahh, Summer! I don't know about of many persuasions. Want to dress you, but I love changing into salad it? Don't reach for a bottle! Throw mode, and staying there for as in some sea salt and cracked black long as possible. When I was a pepper, then drizzle over some olive youngster - like mid last century - oil, and the juice from a lemon or there was only one type of lettuce Vegetarian Pizza lime. Or, give your tongue a thrill - Iceberg; one type of tomato, and with Tomato, definitely no cherry varieties; cap and make your own mayonnaise. sicum was unheard of; cucum Okay, it's time consuming and you Rocket, Radicchio bers were the size of torpedoes; get a sore arm from all the whisk & Shavings of nobody, but nobody, ate avocado; ing, but the taste and consistency is eetroot and pineapple came in worth the effort. In our home, we Parmesan tins; and cheese came in a blue eat salads about 4 nights a week • Store-bought pizza base box marked 'Kraft' Cheddar. during summer, so they are not • Store-bought pizza sauce Times have changed, and aren't allowed to get boring • 2-3 teaspoons oregano we thankful. Thanks to a climate In this column, we are venturing • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil chat allows anything to be grown, into the exciting world of lettuce • sea salt and cracked black pepper and an influx of people from every and its relatives. We still have our • 100g rocket, washed & chopped orner of the globe we have the every faithful Iceberg, but added to (or 1 pkt Baby Rocket from super most exciting cuisine in the world. the list now are mignonette, butter, market) _ .o longer is a salad just some juli red or green coral, rocket, radic • 100g radicchio leaves, washed & enned lettuce on a plate with three chio, lamb's tongue, curly endive, chopped lices of tomato, a couple of slices watercress, cos and baby cos, red or • 30g parmesan, shaved (use a veg of cucumber, some cold meat, green oak, romaine, chicory, witlof, etable peeler) diced cheddar cheese and a selec and exciting mixes like Mesclun. rion of pickled onions, gherkins We can also throw baby beetroot Preheat oven to 230°C and bread-and-butter cucumbers. and baby spinach leaves into the Smear pizza base generously with Today we add a mix of leaves and mix. How we use them is open to tomato paste, then sprinkle over herbs; choose from ordinary, Leb wide interpretation, and below are oregano, olive oil, sea salt and pep anese or Telegraph cucumbers; just a few ideas. It's summer, so we per. decide from a range of tomatoes are using a few 'cheats' items to the Place on oven tray and bake for including cherry, grape, roma, vine dishes. 8-10 minutes until a bit crispy. ripened (a particular favourite of Remove from oven and sprinkle mine), oxblood; then add a mix over rocket, radicchio, and fin of avocados, fresh asparagus, and ish with parmesan shavings. Serve freshly cooked baby beets; fruits immediately with crispy bread and such as oranges, peaches, nectar a side-salad. ines, mangoes, strawberries, pear; Serves 2 as a main, or 4 as an nuts, sprouts and seeds; and cheeses entree Tim's Caesar Salad Green Salad with Pear & Walnut • 1 half-size bread stick Lemon Vinaigrette Salad with Lime • 1/3 cup Olive oil • 150g baby cos lettuce Vinaigrette • 2 cloves garlic • 150g small butter lettuce • 1 small baguette, cut into 16 thin • 1 baby cos, or half a regular cos • 50g watercress slices lettuce • 100g rocket • oil, for brushing • 8 slices mild or spicy pancetta, • 1 tablespoon finely chopped • 1 garlic clove, cut in half depending on taste French shallots • ½ barbequed chicken • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard • 1 cup walnuts • 1 avocado • ½ teaspoon sugar • 200g ricotta cheese • Shaved parmesan - to taste (you • 1 tablespoon finely chopped basil • 400g mixed salad leaves can purchase packets of ready • 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest • 2 pears, cut into 2cm cubes, shaved parmesan from cheese sec • 3 teaspoons lemon juice mixed with 2 tablespoons lime tion of supermarket) • 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar JUlCe • ¾ cup 'Paul Newmans' Classic • 25ml lemon oil (if you can't find Caesar Dressing it, soak some lemon rind in olive • ¼ cup lime juice • 1 or i hard boiled eggs, shelled oil for 1-2 days, or omit) • 3 tablespoons oil and quartered • 75ml olive oil • 2 tablespoons raspberry vinegar, • 2-4 anchovy fillets - optional. Per or white wine vinegar sonally, I hate them used other Trim, wash and spin lettuce leaves. than as a seasoning Pinch or trim stalks from watercress Preheat oven to 180°C. Brush and rocket. Wash and spin. baguette slices with a little oil, To make your own dressing To make dressing, whisk the shal then rub with cut garlic, place on - blend 9r process 1 egg, 1 clove lots, mustard, sugar, basil, lemon a baking tray and bake for 10 min garlic, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, zest, lemon juice and vinegar in a utes until crisp and golden. Place 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard and 6 bowl until well blended. Slowly add the walnuts on a baking tray arid" drained anchovy fillets. With the the combined oils in a thin stream, motor running, add ¾ cup olive oil whisking constantly until smooth roast for 5-8 minutes, until -lightly in a slow, steady stream until dress and creamy. Season with salt and browned. Shake the tray occasion ing thickens. pepper. ally to roast evenly, then remove Crush the garlic into the 1/3 cup Combine lettuces, watercress and and cool. olive oil. Slice the bread stick into rocket in a bowl, drizzle over dress Icrn thick slices. Brush with the ing and toss. To make a lime vinaigrette, whisk garlic and oil, then place in a 200°C Serves 4 together ¼ cup lime juice with 2 oven for 8-10 minutes until brown tablespoons raspberry vinegar (use and crispy. Fry the pancetta in a dry white wine if unable to get rasp fry pan until crispy, then drain and berry), 3 tablespoons oil and sea crumble. Wash and spin the cos and son with salt and pepper. tear into largish pieces. Remove the chicken from the bones, and Spread some of the ricotta cheese shred finely. Slice the avocado into on each crouton, then cook under medium slices. a hot grill for 2-3 minutes, or until Place lettuce, chicken, pancetta, hot. avocado and croutons into a salad Place the mixed salad greens, bowl and toss. Add dressing and ( ( pears and walnuts in a bowl, add combine. Top with parmesan and . . . the vinaigrette and toss. Serve with decorate with hard-boiled eggs...... Add anchovies if using. ricotta cheese croutons. Serves 4 Serves 4 xercise is the Ultimate Complementary Therapy It is the activity that ties every have started to speed up. This increase • 5-10 mins thing together. Appropriate exer in muscle mass, is what leads to a Chest exercises. cise increases energy, stimulates faster metabolism, it means your body • 5-l0mins appetite, improves sleep quality will synthesise protein better and insu Back exercises and increases lean muscle mass. lin sensitivity will be increased. • 10-20mins After six to eight weeks of working Laying a solid foundation of grad Legs and bum exercises. ual graded exercise (see Talkabout on core stability things will be greatly • 5mins #136 Dec/Jan 2005) will enable you improved and your body image will Arm exercises. have improved as well. Re read Talk to make faster progress over the next • 5mins about #135 Oct/Nov for more detail few months. Compare the workout in Lower back and stomach exercises. on core stability. Yet most people who Talk.about #134 Aug/Sept 2004 with start exercising still spend only a frac the one in Dec/Jan 2005 to understand tion of their time working on these how to gradually train harder. Or if you were fitter and your health anchor muscles. We can waste too Up to this point it will have been is good you may wish to train more much time trying to lose body fat and compound exercises that make up the often. building up the chest, arms and legs. bulk of your exercise program. A com This is not an effective or efficient pound exercise is one that works more use of most people's limited energy. than one muscle group, while an iso Split routine performed 2-4 . It is also taxing the body's ability to lation exercise works only one muscle times a week. recover without stimulating the mus group Compound exercises allow you Day 1 and or 3 cles enough to grow or adapt. to lift more weight forcing the body to • 10mins Once posture has been improved adapt with greater strength and more Lower back, stomach and stretching and energy levels have gone up, you muscle mass. exercises. are able to exercise more intensely. After concentrating on core sta • 15-20mins The endorphins kick in and we touch bility you would then gradually add Chest exercises. on other benefits of appropriate exer more compound exercises that work • 15-20mins cise. General wellness comes from a the legs chest and back. This would Back exercises. balance of exercise, fuel and recovery. then progress from compound exer The recipe for well being is a triangle: cises only to adding isolation exercises • 5mins exercise combined with correct nutri for the shoulders and arms. Basically it Lower back and stomach exercises tion, (whether from good diet, supple has taken three to six months to start ments, herbs or whatever), and recov isolation work. Day 2 and or 4 ery in the form of good quality sleep An appropriate exercise program • 10mins and enough time between exercise ses now that will build on the foundation Lower back, stomach and stretching sions for muscles to rest. Exercise is that has been built over the last 3-6 exercises the ingredient that activates or ties the months would look like this: • 20-25mins whole thing together. Leg and bum exercises. Back to the specific exercise program. • 5mins Improving core stability is the first and Whole body workout Shoulder exercises. most obvious step. Once this has been performed 2-3 times a achieved everything else has a good week. • 5mins foundation to progress from. Muscle • 10mins Arm exercises. mass should have already started to Stomach, lower back and stretching • 5mins increase. Your body's metabolism will exercises. Lower back and stomach exercises Ask Ingrid What is the best way to lga's personals build up some bulk in my arms? Are there any exer Men Seeking Men or up to early 50s on a regular basis for drinks, dinner. coffee ... nationalities open. Reply: 081002 cises I can do at home? Young guy, 34, 19y+, no partner for 10 years. 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I'm into leather, bodybuild good health, would like to meet and see a guy younger ing, movies, handholding, nights at home, motor- bikes, pos community. Love dogs. Hate cats. Reply: Men Seeking Women ALA All Letters Answered 100023 HIV+ male, 31yo, tall and muscular, motorcycle LTR Long Term Relationship Mid 40a, HIV+ gay male with good looks, in full time enthusiast, seeks female 28-40. I'm hardworking and work and so healthy I could bust, seeks like spirited searching for companionship/relationship, genuine QSO H Good Sense of Humour guy to join me in a new beginning. Reply: 011002 replies. Reply: 100008 NS Non Smoker Early 409 guy would like to meet with a genuine guy HIV+ guy, 53, 5ft 7, brown eyes, OK looks and phy ISO Looking For 35+. Preferring sincerity and understanding is a must, sique. Prudent, compassionate, monogamous, I have learned not to try and understand women but simply o (please) don't waste our time; genitals are fun but I D'n Down To Earth really need some heart. Heritage is no barrier. Reply: adore them. Gold Coast resident. Seeks similar female 02040 2 penpal with view to whatever. Reply: 01040 2 WLTM Would Like To Meer PLAYBIRD I Cleanliness and discretion assured. Sexy Shy, sincere, loyal, hardworking 35yo hiv+ divorcee. QAM Gay Asian Male princess seeks lonely and horny man, HIV status no I'm a straight, honest male living in Sydney. Seeks problem. Hung, active, for very serious fuck session, 1 friendship with hiv+ lady in similar situation who QWM Gay White Male hour or longer, instant gratification. No mobile num wants to meet a true loyal and down to earth true nc Tender Loving Care bers please. Reply: 100011 friend. ALA. Reply: 020«1 02 Young guy, 34, 19y HIV+, no partner for 10 years. Ooodlooklng, 30yo, straight + male, recently diag Looking for sincere and genuine friends with a gr8 nosed, good health, NS, SD. Seeking honest, straight, When placing and ense of humour. Must love animals, surf sun and single female 22-32 yrs for serious relationship and beaches. I am honestly positive, not ashamed and am love. Genuine responses only. Looking forward to answering personals an advocate for positive people. Reply: 280804 hearing from you girls. You will nor be disappointed. Be clear about who you are and what you are looking Reply: 070402 Hlv+, 43yo, fit, nice looking, boyish bod, Capricorn, for. Too much detail can be boring, and too little may Eastern suburbs, not into drugs, social drinker, chef Nthn NSW male. 27yo, hecero pos, single Dad of 1, be too vague. Be honest to avoid disappointment for seeks female to write to, and/or meet. Any nationality, o entertain a lot, love traveling, out activities, ani you and your correspondent. mals. Loving family and friends. Seeks masculine out age. Reply: 100010 going guy for possible LTR. Reply: 180704 Do not give out your work or home address, telephone Attractfve, Sydney, 31Syo +ve male. Seeking attrac Young looklng 43yo hiv+ GAM seeks friendship or tive lady 20-45 yrs for f/ship, r/ship, love. I'm sincere, number or email address until you think you can crust LTR. WLTM sincere, stocky, clean-shaven hairy guys excellent health, athletic build, olive skinned, and a the person. Use a Hotmail or Yahoo address. up to 50yo. I am healthy, caring, romantic and in need hopeless romantic. Enjoy theatre, music, fine din Like you, other people may be anonymous. You can't of some TLC, Reply: 210704 ing, deserted beaches, GSOH, live bands. Discretion assured. ALA. Reply: 100013 always believe everything you are told. Clean cut kind loving affectionate stable man, who wants someone similar for LTR Seeking romantic Aust hetro male, hiv+, early 40s, very fir and healthy, partner around 50s HIV+ for enjoyable life together. genuine personality, lots of hobbies, likes outdoors, N/ When meeting someone: :-I/Scene. Let's meet and see what can happen Reply: S, lives in Sydney. Looking to start friend/relationship C17084 with a female in similar position. Age/nationality Have reasonable expectations. Don't let your fantasies open. Kids ok. Reply: 10002 1 Hlv+ gay male 39yo (look lOyrs younger) 180cm,72kg run away with you - how somebody seems might not (blue eyes), good looks, slim, romantic, honest, pas You know who you are. I received two responses to be who they are face-to-face. sionate, looking for sincere 'boyfriend' must love ani my advert early in the year, bur have been frustrated Meet for the first time in a busy public place, like a bar mals, surf, sun 2Q..35yrs, looking forward to hearing trying to communicate by email. I'm still keen to from you ALA ps I'm an Italian-Gamon boy. Reply communicate bur by some other way. Please. There or club, or with friends. You can go to a private place C310804 are some other ways and you can still remain anony after you have met the person and chink you can crust Sydney Inner West, GWM+, dee masc early 40s mous. Reply: 1000 21 chem. Don't rely on the other person for transport. young at heart, attached (not seeking relationship), Mars -1dng to allgn with his Venus. To: Female Let someone know who you are meeting and where. wishes to meet new friends for coffee, sport, activities soulmate - respect differences, nurture vulnerabili You can leave a note, keep a diary, email a friend, or ere Reply C231104 ties and value each others friendship. From: Hetero ask someone to phone you on your mobile to make Newcastle hlv+, 43 yo guy, gsoh, pt worker/student, sexual Male, HIV+ youthful appearance, just 40's. sure you are alright, 6ft, fit, good looking, seeks potential soul mate. Inter caucasian, 'tall, blonde and with green eyes' - insightful; spiritual and down to earth; all encom ests include reading, cycling, Pedro Almodovan rnov Apply cornrnonsense and the basic rules of personal passing. Reply: 270504 ies and gym. Am romantic but also a realist. Passion safety. Maintain a healthy degree of suspicion: if any and respect are important. Reply C261104 Port Macquarie, pos straight guy non user young thing seems odd, be careful. Gay 43 yo hiv+ in Marrickville. 6ft, 100kg, passive, 43, easy going with GSOH seeks pos lady as smooth body, 2 tattoos, clean shaven looking for good companion/mate if all goes well who knows. At least rimes at my place anytime. Reply: 191004 we'll have one thing in common to begin with (bad How to respond to a humour attempt). ALA. Reply: 130105 Clean cut, kind, loving affectionate stable man who personal wants someone similar for LTR. I'm HIV 50s seek ing romantic partner for enjoyable rimes together. NI Women Seeking Men Write your response letter and seal it in an envelope Scene. Western suburbs. Let's meet and see what hap 24yo stra ight + female, recently diagnosed. Look with a 50c scamp on it - Write the reply number in pens. Reply 12010S ing for love, friends and/or penpals. Enjoy alternative pencil on the outside - Place this envelope in a sepa Flt, fifties, pos., working, lives beachside - seeks music, live bands, photography and movies. ALA. rate envelope and send it to Olga's Personals, PO Box Reply: 100022 stimulating company and intelligent conversation 831, Darlinghurst 1300. about Siegfried's Aunt. Reply 100105 Hlv+ 9lrf, 28y.o. Diagnosed a years ago. I am a genu Qood looldng GAM 38 Athletic body, healthy lifestyle, ine girl with personality and good looks, Looking for positive attirude. Appreciate life with all its special a man. 28-38y.o. with personality and a positive out How to place a personal moments. Seeks attractive GWM soul mate (30-45), look. Looking for friendship, possible relationship. Reply 261004 Write an ad of up to 40 words - Claims char you are an affectionate partner to share my journey with. hiv negative or claims about blood rest results cannot Reply: 1801 os be made. However, claims that you are hiv positive are I'm a totally active guy seeking a totally passive guy, welcome and encouraged - Any personal that refers to who like me is quiet, homely, non scene, affectionate, illegal activity or is racist or sexist will not be published thoughtful and with a heart of gold. Your looks and build are not important. Prefer 1:1 relationship Reply: - Send the personal to Olga, including your name and 200105 address for replies. Personal derails strictly confidential. You can use this form to apply for membership and/or subscribe to Talkabout. Please remember to sign the form. A statement about our privacy policy is below. Please read it. Our contact details are below. Membership costs nothing! Yes, I want to be a member of People Living with HN/AIDS (NSW) Inc How to contact Please tick People Living with HIV/AIDS (NSW) Inc 0 Full member (I am a NSW resident with hiv/aids) Office: Suite 5, Level 1,94 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst O Associate member (I am a NSW resident) Mailing address: PLWH/A (NSW), Reply Paid 831, Darlinghurst Disclosure of positive hiv status entitles you to full membership of NSW 1300 PLWH/A (NSW) with voting rights. Members' details are confidential. You do not need to put a stamp on the envelope. Membership entitles you to Contacts, the Annual Report Phone: 02 9361 6750 and a biannual newsletter. Freecall: 1800 245 677 If you want to receive Talkabout, you need to fill out the subscription section Fax: 02 9360 3504 of this fonn (below). A membership form is available online at www.plwha.org.au. Sign below ' Subscriptions Please use the 'text only' version if you need to use a text reader. 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You can access and correct your personal & health information by contacting our Manager, phone 02 9361 6011 or freecall 1800 245 677, email [email protected] I acknowledge the PersonaV Health Information Statement and □ consent to my information being collected and stored Signature orld AIDS Day in Kogarah John Coady and Alan Dobell We often hear how World AIDS ing the usual choice of delectable Day is recognised in the main ingredients placed gently between communities of Darlinghurst, bread rolls! Following lunch a tree Surry Hills, Newtown and the planting ceremony near the Wara city area. However, what hap tah Clinic concluded the activities. pens 'closer to the Shire'? We would like to acknowledge with At St George Hospital, clinic staff thanks, the Kogarah Council for the and client volunteers were involved donation of a suitable tree. in planning a successful day in rais I discussed with Alan, Merv, ing awareness about HIV in the Arthur, and Graham how they ben ommunity. efit from World AIDS Day. Some of Early in November, a small group their responses reflect issues that are of volunteers prepared red ribbons common for many positive people. for sale. Meeting over a few eve In addition to shared understand nings, we ensured a bumper crop ings, there is also the knowledge was produced and the response was, and awareness of national and as it has been in past years, very sue- international issues. essful. Volunteers and staff alike Being involved each year in such ollected at local shopping centres events brings people together who and railway stations and the people may not engage in anything more who are happy to buy ribbons on than the usual medical services. World AIDS Day, demonstrate how With a wide geographical area in many people have been affected by this part of Sydney, social isolation the epidemic over the last twenty for positive people is very common. years. They make statements like: Comments like 'you know you are • 'I had a brother (or other close not alone when engaged in mutu relative) die from AIDS' or, as one ally beneficial activities' show that young adult reported, participation and some owner • 'many of my parents friends ship of events is very important to during my childhood died and I would like to remember them'. those who are isolated. A 'sense of Back at St George Hospital, an belonging and understanding' is information stand was set up in expressed as part of this connec the main foyer with a large array tion with people in similar circum of brochures, service pamphlets, stances to yourself, with much evi and a video highlighting the theme dence supporting a positive effect of World AIDS Day, which in 2004 on someone's overall health. was a focus on Women, Girls, HIV Alan, and those other posi and AIDS. A few raffles, kindly tive people involved, hope that donated by the mother of one of such enthusiasm and commitment the clients, proved very popular. We doesn't whittle away for the other also held a BBQ onsite, sponsored eleven months of the year. We look by Boehringer Ingelheim, offer- forward to next year! Happenings at home and away 'l'OO Place. NO ■ ,...,, .. 111111•••-~ . ~, a.- ...... ,:. I I •?t. I ·-'ll&:•~.'..,, ...,·-• '· -· ~ f Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras presents John Douglas has previously participated in several exhi its with Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. Over the !as John Douglas' PACKETS ten years, his international reputation has grown with eac subsequent solo exhibition in such places as Fort Lauderd ale, Istanbul, Shanghai, Paris, and Bangkok. When: Feb 4th onwards Through the internet looking-glass it is dark, and things are Recent projects have included a commission to photograp not as they seem. Childhood sweets packets were never like the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in Oslo, a solo exhibi this! Web exhibit John Douglas' PACKETS explores the of paintings My Friend's Bordello in People's Square hopes and fears linked to sex, love and HIV in a retrogres Shanghai, and photographing the midnight sun over Ant sively conservative political climate. Using images largely arctica on New Year's Eve 2004. derived from the artist's own photography and painting, John Douglas' PACKETS is a disturbing yet humorous online For further information see journey through confrontational thoughts and desires. www.JohnDouglasArt.com WELCOME TO POSITIVE HETEROSEXUALS HIV+ HETEROSEXUALS Positive Heterosexuals (Pozhet) is the first stop for information, fun and support for the positive straight community in NSW. We have programs tailored for positive men, positive women, and partners, as well as our popular Open House for everyone living heterosexually with HIV/AIDS. Whether you are looking for information on how to live with HIV/AIDS or just need fun and time out in a safe, supportive environment, our programs offer you a wide choice of over twenty-five exciting events in 2005. All our events are facilitated by Pozhet's qualified health workers, who are trained in heterosexual HIV/AIDS, confidentiality and peer support - come and say hello! Open House Pozhet PozMen Our monthly Friday night Open Jee; other positive straight men and talk about House is for everyone from the posi he many issues you face living with HIV/AIDS. tive straight community, with guest PozMen offers specialist advice, intormation speakers, health information, great 8.f'ld~rt - join our men-only peer support food, loads of fun and new friends! meetings, and -our-men 's--treatments.....night, Our annual workshops, country trips, focusing):tlfs year on treatments and ageing. retreats and complementary thera Positive'rnen also take part in our country trips, pies clinics are also open to all. retrea;s and soc(I nights throughout the yea~. Pozhet PozWomen PartnersPLUS Pozhet positive women are Negative partners of positive people share the walks of life, so come along and find y,e realities of living with HIV/AIDS. PartnersPLUS friendship, support and information you is a new Pozhet program offering support, ad need. The Pozhet PozWomen's pre vice and information especially for you. Meet gram, facilitated by Pozhet's Womer1;'s other partners in safe, friendly surroundings Officer, this year offers women-only and take time out for yourself. Our Open House events in Surry Hills, Auburn, t.iverpoo], events are also for you, as well as our retreats, Blacktown, Lismore and Coffs Harbou?. workshops and outings, either on your own or Choose from lunches, yoga sessions, with your positive partner. peer support meetings, and our spe Connect with other straight people living with cialist women's treatments night. Meet HIV/AIDS. Pozhet Freecall 1800 812 404 (David other positive people and their families Barton, Nandini Ray and Michael Dash) or at our great Open House events. www.pozhet.org.au. If distance is a problem, sign up for our Con nections Program and we'll send you the latest News flash for HIV/AIDS workers! on HIV/AIDS in an unmarked, sealed envelope. Pozhet Women's Network is proud to be providing two HIV/AIDS Workers Forums in 2005 on issues facing women living with HIV/AIDS: March and August 2005. Pozhet - helplng Call Nandini Ray at Pozhet on (02) 9515 each other, 5028 for more details. (l helplng ourselves Pozhet is a program of the Heterosexual HIV/AIDS Service, NSW Health. Pozhet 2005 Calendar HIV+ HETEROSEXUALS January May September FRIDAY 28 TUESDAY 3 FRIDAY 2 to SUNDAY 4 Open House: A Positive Journey Cate Conversation Newtown NEW Pozhet Retreat: Lazy Days NEW Guest: Venerable Yanatharo, Buddhist Monk Positive men end women Hawkesbury River MONDAY 9 to WEDNESDAY 11 THURSDAY 15, 22, 29 Pozhet Outreach: Hunter NEW Pozhet PozWomen: Fit Bits NEW FRIDAY 27 Positive women's yoga classes Pozhet PozWomen: Treatments SUNDAY 18 NEW Night Blue Moon Pozhet at The Haven SATURDAY 28 FRIDAY 30 PartnersPLUS NEW Open House: Food for Thought Partners peer support February June October WEDNESDAY 9 to FRIDAY 11 TUESDAY 7 SATURDAY 1 Pozhet PozWomen at Coffs NEW Cate Conversation Newtown NEW PartnersPLUS NEW FRIDAY 25 Positive men end women Partners' peer support SATURDAY 18 Open House: Getting it Straight MONDAY 10 Guest: Asha Persson, National Centre HIV/ Absolutely Fabulous Pozhet Clinic Positive Women at Auburn NEW AIDS Social Research Complementary therapies PozWest Women peer support SATURDAY 29 Great Day Out NEW South Coast family day trip March July November FRIDAY 11 TUESDAY 5 SATURDAY 12 Pozhet PozMen: Treatments Night Cate Conversation Newtown NEW Stay Tuned Guest: Gary Trotter, RPA HIV Clinical Nurse Positive men and women Annual HIV/AIDS workshop MONDAY 21 FRIDAY 29 Positive Women at Auburn NEW Open House: Pension puzzles PozWest Women's peer support April August December SATURDAY 2 SATURDAY 13 FRIDAY 9 NEW PartnersPLUS PartnersPLUS NEW Open House: Season's Greetings Partners' peer support Partners' peer support Pozhet Xmas party TUESDAY 5 FRIDAY 19 Cate Conversation Newtown NEW Open House: Ho/a/ Positive men and women Spanish food and music SUNDAY 17 to WEDNESDAY 20 Northern Rivers NEW Pozhet Outreach and ACON Northern Rivers FRIDAY 29 Open House: Delhi Delights Indian film, food and music