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Thursday, May 17. 2007
When there's too much profanity almost everywhere, I wonder why we're too critical when it comes to HIV and AIDS. Aside from being fatal and fierce, we attach labels of social stigma and disgrace to these conditions. Too many people have suffered and died, so the least we should think about is discriminating the victims as society's unwanted.
AIDS is a sexually transmitted disease, hence, there are more chances of transmitting the HIV virus through intercourse. So why do we need to shun physical contact? You can touch them and heal their souls. All they need is for you to show them even a bit of compassion and kindness. Even the intimacy of kissing cannot transmit the deadly virus to your partner. So where's the love?
A peck on the cheek or even a sweet touch of your lips can pass on love and care. Kissing is so powerful that it can soothe the ailing heart, even of a distressed AIDS victim. If you really want to make contribution, do away with the myths and misconceptions. Search for truth behind the disease and help strengthen their faith. Two decades from now, AIDS may still be a scare but once you care, you'll help alleviate the social conditions of those in despair.
Monday, May 14. 2007
 One day, we're up and the other we're down. All of us are tossed into a topsy-turvy existence called life. Extreme measures are present, but everyday, we try to fight it off with unwavering faith and courage. Life is a series of challenging tests. Even AIDS victims are bestowed with free will. But when it comes to life and death, is it still our choice to make?
Sunday, May 13. 2007
The world can always proclaim care and compassion for social distress and misery. But the truth never changes -- those inflicted with HIV or AIDS are still treated with disdain. We treat victims no more than guinea pigs for medical research and breakthroughs. Yet, we fail to heal their ailing body and souls. When will discrimination ever stop? When everybody has fallen off the edge and taken their own lives?
Saturday, May 12. 2007
What is life without family? Without love and care? When you're dying slowly into rift and pain, suicide may seem a seductive choice. This is an alarm for people with HIV or AIDS and like Carlos Martines, a Mexican carpenter inflicted with the vicious disease, victims choose to break free from unrelenting society. I hear stories about suicide everyday. Nothing has changed but the names of those who have given up to the battle.
Friday, May 11. 2007
 When it comes to sex and crimes, the Vatican is never without a say. They're like overprotective parents who'll stand and fight for his child. They are spiritual warriors with a religious mandate to combat evil and stop the contamination of the precious society. Well, in a way, they are that, so can we blame our leaders when they are vehement against the use of condoms? Maybe not, but what if AIDS continue to kill their people? Will they still be stubborn to say that even safe sex can't be a cure?
Thursday, May 10. 2007
The Catholic Church claims that the use of condom is not an effective way to ward off the deadly HIV virus. Whether or not countries stricken with AIDS will listen, they'll have to take a stand. There are claims that the safe-sex plastic is impermeable; though the World Health Organization was quick to rebuff their contention, the Vatican continues to protest and advises its faithful followers not to trust the safe sex method. Condoms are not only unsafe, they also promote promiscuity, according to a Vatican bishop. So the war of science and faith is on, once again!
Wednesday, May 9. 2007
The World Health Organization released a statement against the Vatican's clamor, saying that incorrect views about condom and safe sex may further expose people to danger and more fatal risks of disease. Millions of people are killed and more are doomed to suffer from this devious affliction. The medical organization firmly stands by their contention that there's no truth to the Vatican's protest that condoms are defective in stopping the transmission of a dreaded virus. In fact, WHO confirmed that consistent use of condom is a way to save people.
Tuesday, May 8. 2007
If a person acquires HIV, is there any hope for recovery? I've been asked by people about this for maybe a hundred times. I'm not the "Doc", but as a former hospital intern I gained some knowledge about HIV since we were treating HIV positives in the center. Sadly, there's no vaccine against HIV. But there are medications against further infections and complications since it can take 10 years before the symptoms of AIDS manifest. The only thing to watch out for here is the blood -- to make sure that the HIV infection is still in its latent stages.
Monday, May 7. 2007
Blood tests are important in the medication of HIV infection. The trouble with people is that unless they develop the symptoms, they don't visit the physician for necessary blood exams. Sometimes, the doctors make use of cell count in order to discover if the body has enough strength to fight HIV. For example, doctors measure the number of CD4 cells in our body. Normally, we have 500-1600 cells. Those who are HIV positive and are already exhibiting the symptoms of AIDS have fewer than 200.
Sunday, May 6. 2007
 HIV, it turns out, is not just an ordinary virus, but a "retrovirus" which multiplies by using the other cells in the infected person's body. The role of "antiretrovirals" is to simply reduce the number of multiplying HIV-infected cells before it's too late. The scary thing about this is that HIV cells multiply by the billions everyday! But antiretrovirals, when combined with other drugs, can help reduce this number, slow down the infection, and eventually stop the spread of the disease.
Saturday, May 5. 2007
There are glorious days and there are dubious ways, and man always finds himself in the middle of all its besetting danger. When you’'re healthy and mighty, you exhaust all of life’'s possibilities. Money, sex, and luxury-- they all thrive in your audacious living. You seem to have it all, but fate will always claim its price. Once you'’re inflicted with this deadly disease, you forget the meaning of life. They say AIDS is a killer! It kills the hopes and the dreams of a person. But a victim can only fade with nothing but disgrace if he wavers in his faith.
Friday, May 4. 2007
Jamie is 22, a charming, remarkable, and witty person. Perfect stats, actually! Only, he can no longer have a baby, never build a family. But he refuses to call himself a victim. He’ had the best days of his life and even if he's not in the perfect situation now, he resigned himself to faith. He'’s not a pious believer, although deep within, his soul is a warrior. "I've had troubling nights when I'’m left alone in my condo with nothing but fear and despair!"” Jamie confessed. It all changed one day when he got to see Oprah and the story of famine in Africa. He might still be lucky, he thought.
Thursday, May 3. 2007
 According to Jamie, living with AIDS is not the worst thing that could possibly happen to anyone. He said that we are all born as equals. For him, it might be AIDS but for others, it can be a broken family, unrequited love, famine, and disaster. Society only makes its own misery when in fact, he’ considers deafness and blindness more dreadful than having HIV. Jamie’ is an art director, and this is the most fruitful venture of his life. He also fears of dying one day, but at least he was able to see what he needed to see. He’ heard the most crucial comments and savored the best moments. With that, he may be a sinner, but he’'ll be a winner when he leaves his world. Jamie is a champion of his own strength and faith!
Wednesday, May 2. 2007
Nowadays, men rival women when it comes to vanity. You will find them as frequent guests in salons, boutiques and spas. And this vainglory has produced metrosexuals in our society. Nothing to fear but while they update and remodel their haircuts with designers and stylists, have they taught of getting a trim for their foreskin down there? They say circumcision can cut off the risk in acquiring HIV or AIDS.
Tuesday, May 1. 2007
Is circumcision a cut to prevent HIV and AIDS? Certain studies suggest that uncircumcised men are predisposed to sexually transmitted infections, hence, to a more dreaded infliction of the HIV virus. However, in case of UAI or unprotected annal intercouse, there is less conclusive reason to believe that circumcision may ward off the insidious virus. Perhaps, this is why there are more male homosexuals who suffer from the fatal infection aside from the social stigma.
Monday, April 30. 2007
So what should be the fear of uncircumcised men? Well, Langerhans cells found on the inner surface of the foreskin are HIV receptors. During the sexual activity, it becomes susceptible to traumatic ephithelial disruptions. More so, there is higher risk of ulcerative sexually transmitted infection when the foreskin is intact and thus exposing men to HIV acquisition. Will this be reason enough to make you go trimming the foreskin?
Sunday, April 29. 2007
A virus that has developed into full-blown AIDS cripples our immune system. But I dare say it maims our souls. How many families have been broken apart? How many workers driven out of their careers? Even some churches prohibit them from taking communion and confession. Of course, all we hear about is the intensive research for treating AIDS. We even see Bono cry out for help. But how is it out there in the jungle of social discrimination? Aren't victims a social prey of stigma and deprivation? We keep our eyes close from their yearning. We all wish to treat AIDS but first let us heal our ailing souls on the road to perdition.
Saturday, April 28. 2007
 We often hear about the inspirational stories of those who survived AIDS, but on the other corner of the world, some AIDS victims cannot even survive the taunts and injustice of society. Now, here's a story of a true survivor. He was only 25 when he was diagnosed positive for HIV. Carlos thought that it was the end of his life. All he longed for was compassion, but days have gone without hearing anything from them. His wife went away with the kids and his mom never came to visit him anymore. To further injure Carlos' plummeting hope, he was dismissed from work. Living like a beggar, he volunteered for an AIDS program. That's the only time that he kept his spirits high when he saw how others suffered greater than he did. Wives were burned, children were thrown away to the rivers, and some were even left to die. And so Carlos' mission began, now with a new purpose to live.
Friday, April 27. 2007
Carlos, who's been inflicted with HIV for 3 years now, confessed that life has never been better than all his 3 years of ailment. Sure, he lost his family and friends but he now learned to cherish the things he usually belittled. He found peace with God and comfort among other volunteers. He no longer expects a miracle. Carlos said he found it the moment he held others and relieved their pain with his inspiration. A new mission, a new hope, and a new life for a true AIDS survivor.
Thursday, April 26. 2007
Sometimes, I feel like the world will be in safer hands if children will take over the leadership. Their naivety and sheer innocence will filter us from our atrocious acts and absurd beliefs. What's the good anyway of slipping into adulthood when we are only corrupted and further live a worthless life? If only we can be children forever, then may be we'll be free from evil and pain should we stuck it out with Sesame Street. I never really thought that my perception as a child will soon be invaded by corruptions, politics, discrimination, and savagery. But that doesn't stop us from facing the evolving world and its pervading war, we all have to confront our fears. This is not heaven, this is a damn so-called life. Even AIDS can be a flicker of hope.
Wednesday, April 25. 2007
Sweet, cuddly, and dynamic, Deidre is only 10 years old and she's inflicted with a vicious disease--AIDS. I do not pity her, because even with a seemingly serious fatal condition, she never lost her charm and innocence. Her mother left her two years ago in an orphanage in Kenya, but she still believes that one day she'll come back for her so they can be reunited as a family. But until that time, she'll settle with real love and care of the missionary nuns who adopted her.
Tuesday, April 24. 2007
Deidre was asked how she felt knowing that she's ill. Deidre responded with a zeal, and said that she's not ill. She may be a little weak but she can still play, see, and hear and for her, there's nothing really wrong about her. Even if she dies any minute now, she said that she'll die happy because she's got a family. For Deidre, it's not dying but simply slipping into a dream that will eventually introduce her to God. And for a second, I was in awe for a child warrior. I wondered where she got such hope and courage. While others are going wild in finding the cure, all she can hope for is another happy day, perhaps another tomorrow to be reunited with her mother, to be with her surrogate family and to be a child.
Monday, April 23. 2007
 H-I-V, three dreaded letters. Three letters that can change your life. Three letters to lose a job. Three letters to lose the respect and love of family and friends. Don't tell me that life will end with these three letters?! There may be a slim chance to live longer, but there will always be a opportunity to learn and live better. HIV, the moment you hear about it, you cringe in fear. But if you have it, you wish you'll just disappear like a bubble. Why do we fear it so much? Is it because we can lose a love one, or is it because of the shame and disgrace of being infected by it? Before you worry too much, learn the acronyms and the labels. Don't look for the stigma, but understand them better.
Sunday, April 22. 2007
HIV or Human Immunodeficiency Virus is solely for humans. No dogs allowed, just you and me. It is a virus, in short, it's not hereditary. What does it do? It weakens our immune system, that after a time, we may not be able to ward off infections and diseases. On the other hand, AIDS is Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. "A" for "acquired" simply means that it's not genetically transported or inherited from parents. Immune Deficiency, because the immune system is destroyed, making us more susceptible as well as vulnerable to common ailments and infections. "S" for "syndrome" which means signs or symptoms. You develop AIDS from HIV and because of a frail internal combat, your body slowly fades away with no rigorous protection.
Saturday, April 21. 2007
When you have HIV, it doesn't immediate develop into full-blown AIDS. There's no assurance, but if you take care of your body, consult a doctor, take a regular dose of prescribed medication, you'll have a higher chance to live longer, just like Magic Johnson who's still at the HIV stage after testing positive in 1991. So when do you call it AIDS? When you're inflicted with HIV and your body can no longer fight off the parasites that feeds on your body, then it's safe to call it AIDS. However, there are factors that may hinder the progressive stage of virus into disease and infection like adequate nutrition, stress-free and healthy lifestyle, and prescription of medicines that doesn't kill the virus but slows down the proliferation of the fatal parasite. So before it's too late, treasure your health and boost your immune system.
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HIV Aids Comments
Wed, 25.10.2006 16:31
AIDS sends the creeps to most people when they hear about it. It's not even airbourne.
Wed, 25.10.2006 16:31
We're over reacting. We nned to know more about AIDS and treat survivor with more respect.
Sat, 21.10.2006 12:03
My friend told me that a lot of South Africans were disappointed in what Mandela did during his office term. Mandela, [...]
Fri, 20.10.2006 13:30
I'm pro life. Even if you've got AIDS, it still is not a hoice for you to have.
Fri, 20.10.2006 13:29
For others, it may seem a better option. It's not just because of the disease but the family who left the victim [...]
Wed, 18.10.2006 11:39
There may be some truth behind Vatican's claim. Even with condoms, more people suffer from AIDS.
Wed, 18.10.2006 11:39
Although I'm a devout Catholic, when it comes to preservation of life, I think we have to be scientific.
Sun, 15.10.2006 14:30
My sis is undergoing treatment. Hope she recovers and we're praying so bad for it.
Sun, 15.10.2006 14:30
My first symptom developed with sore tongue, much like herpes. The medical tests had to be foregone. The consequences [...]
Fri, 13.10.2006 14:33
Styes normally just leave you in peace, but to hasten your recovery, a wet and warm compress can do the trick. Applying [...]
Thu, 12.10.2006 16:31
Life doesn't end with AIDS, there are more worthwhile things you can do in life.
Thu, 12.10.2006 16:31
There comes a time when we'’re all challenged. I think he’'s right. I'’ve lost a child and even if I [...]
Sat, 07.10.2006 12:35
The world is neither black nor white when you're color blind. You can still see color though shades and degree are not [...]
Fri, 06.10.2006 12:50
I've heard some husbands burn their wives in India, but women keep mum about the incident.
Fri, 06.10.2006 12:50
I've watched Philadelphia by Tom Hanks and I was more than touched to see how AIDS victim struggle for justice and [...]