U.S. President George Bush ignores methods of HIV prevention that work!
Who is informing the president on HIV and AIDS?


Failure of the American president to recognize the need to promote condoms has not only undermined over two decades of HIV prevention that work but also, the president’s government policies on HIV/AIDS prevention are endangering lives! President Bush is not in touch with what works and what doesn't. He fails to understand the importance of promoting condom use to prevent HIV infections from occurring. Condoms have been used successfully to prevent HIV infections from the time, when HIV was first known to be a sexually transmitted disease!

Due to his faith-based beliefs, President Bush has completely disregarded the successes of HIV/AIDS programs that promote condom use. Preventative information, the need to use a condom, instruction on how to use a condom and providing condoms should be forefront in HIV preventative efforts to fight HIV/AIDS. This president has undermined the importance of condom usage and instead, promotes fidelity and abstinence as top priorities.

Fidelity and abstinence are known to be of little effect in reducing HIV infection! Many people have been infected with HIV while believing that they were in a monogamous (faithful) relationship. However, their partner was not faithful! Abstinence is a choice but with that comes the need to recognize the importance of using a condom once the person chooses to become active sexually. Individuals who choose abstinence are often infected with HIV because they do not use a condom when they begin a sexual relationship.

We know that in the twenty-five years since the emergence of HIV, there have been nearly 30 million deaths and currently, over 40 million people are infected with human immune deficiency virus (HIV). The President of the United States and others must realize the important role of condoms in prevention of disease. Consider these points:

HIV does not discriminate and infects people of every age, sex, race, culture, faith and sexual orientation.

Condoms save lives.

Condoms can and do prevent HIV infection and other sexually transmitted diseases.

Promoting condoms does not promote sexual activity.

Individuals who engage in sex without a condom are at risk of being infected with HIV or multiple HIV exposures, putting themselves and others at risk of HIV infection. When HIV infection occurs, an individual is at risk of being resistant to all the HIV/AIDS drugs that the person who infected them was using.

The number of people infected with HIV who do not get tested is likely in the millions. There are individuals who know they have been infected with HIV but who have opted out of getting tested.

There are men (in relationships with women) who do not define themselves as gay but who are engaging in unprotected sex with men.

Unfortunately, with the spread of HIV, there are now what is referred to as ‘Bug Chasers’ and ‘Gifters’. Bug chasers are individuals who are looking (seeking out) to be infected with HIV. Gifters are those who would purposely give (infect) HIV to an HIV negative individual.

There are heterosexuals, bisexuals, transsexuals, lesbians and homosexuals who are engaging in sex without a condom. Oral and anal sex is on the rise! HIV infection occurs in all of these groups.

HIV infections occur through sex workers (prostitution).

HIV Infections occur through the sharing of needles (IV drug users).

Individuals assume from HIV/AIDS media reports that unless they live in places like Africa, China, Russia, India and others where HIV infections are climbing, that they are unlikely to be infected with HIV. Wrong! HIV infection occurs within and outside of high-risk groups. People who believed themselves NOT in a high-risk group are being infected! The spread of HIV has broadened its reaches to encompass much of the world. Many people fail to see that it is a very real threat in their own communities, regardless of the location.

Everyone should be informed of these matters.


President Bush has policies, which do not support, denies or withdraws its funding to NGOs, HIV/AIDS organizations and others who promote condom use as a first line of defense for HIV prevention and this is frightening! Equally scary is Presidents Bush's misguided HIV prevention policies. These policies restrict U.S. funding to U.S. and global NGOs and HIV/AIDS organizations, which provide services for sex workers and IV drug users. These policies have frustrated and angered the rest of the world!

In twenty-five years, we have three generations (mothers, daughters and their children) infected with HIV! Lack of prevention in the spread of HIV means many more generations will be burdened with HIV infections and AIDS deaths!

Misguided or ill informed, U.S. President George Bush has not put in place evidenced based HIV/AIDS preventative policies. This administration’s present HIV prevention policies do not address the needs of Americans (1 million Americans are infected with HIV) or those in any other part of the world.

Bradford McIntyre, HIV+ since 1984
www.PositivelyPositive.ca
Vancouver, Canada

Bio-Alcamid Receives Health Canada Approval!

The arrival of Bio-Alcamid™ is exceptional news to men and women suffering from Lipoatrophy, the disfiguring condition that is often a result of the antiretroviral drugs used to treat HIV infection and AIDS.

Press Release
BIO-ALCAMID™ RECEIVES HEALTH CANADA APPROVAL!

The Injectable Filler Offers an Effective, Affordable Treatment for Facial Lipoatrophy, the Facial Wasting Associated with HIV Infection and AIDS

Pur Medical Corporation, a Canadian distributor of innovative medical and medical cosmetic enhancement products, has introduced Bio-Alcamid™ to the Canadian market. In use in a number of European countries since 2001, Bio-Alcamid™ is an injectable solution which restores the natural fullness and contours of the face when injected under the skin. The arrival of Bio-Alcamid™ is exceptional news to men and women suffering from Lipoatrophy, the disfiguring condition that is often a result of the antiretroviral drugs used to treat HIV infection and AIDS.

Lipoatrophy, often referred to as facial wasting, has become the “scarlet letter” of HIV, a public mark of HIV infection. The daily arsenal of antiretroviral drugs can take a tremendous toll on the quality of daily life causing anemia, extreme fatigue and severe gastrointestinal problems. With the addition of the facial disfigurement of Lipoatrophy, patients are forced to endure a constant visual reminder of the infection, essentially announcing to the world that they are HIV positive or have AIDS. Often, the result is extreme depression, leading to a decision by some to forego the medication they require to survive.

“Until now, Canadian HIV patients living with facial Lipoatrophy have not had a viable treatment,” says Toronto cosmetic plastic surgeon, Frank Beninger, M.D., F.R.C.S. (C). “Bio-Alcamid™ may be used in the large volume necessary to restore fat loss. My patients have been thrilled with the results.” Mona Loufty, M.D., F.R.C.P. (C) MPH - Infectious Disease Specialist at Toronto’s Maple Leaf Medical Clinic concurs, saying “Bio-Alcamid™ has reversed the affects of Lipoatrophy in all the patients that we have treated. It is a quick, simple procedure with outstanding results.”

When injected under the skin, Bio-Alcamid™, an injectable gel polymer, replaces depleted fat tissue, restoring the natural fullness and contours of the face. Unlike other injectable fillers that are commonly used in cosmetic enhancement, Bio-Alcamid™ acts like a gel prosthesis that becomes encapsulated in a thin layer of collagen that isolates it from the host tissues. As a result, a physician can remove Bio-Alcamid™ should this ever be desired. Bio-Alcamid has been used outside Canada in large volumes for the reconstruction of other anatomical areas, namely, buttocks, de-nervated shoulders, and a majority of the time in Europe for facial aesthetic enhancement.

Since November, 2004, more than 1000 Bio-Alcamid treatments have been performed in Canada, under provisions of the Special Access Program, to exceptional results. Bio-Alcamid is now approved by Health Canada’s Medical Devices Bureau, with treatments available through select, trained physicians across Canada. Potential patients can find a physician treating Lipoatrophy with Bio-Alcamid™ by visiting www.purmedical.com or emailing info@purmedical.com. Alternatively, further information is also available from the Face Forward Foundation, www.faceforward.ca , a non-profit foundation that supports people dealing with the physical and psychological side effects of HIV infection.

Showing Up For Life!

It was a day just like any other day; I was at work getting set up and ready to get back to work after having lunch. I looked up from my station and while gazing across the salon, I noticed a radiant woman, beautifully dressed, standing at the receptionist’s desk. A stunning woman, with a short layered hairstyle; a shiny silvery salt and pepper colour throughout. She was fashionably dressed and carried herself with style and grace. I don’t know why, but I had a good sense she was there to see me.

She was my next client! Diahne was her name and once seated at my station, she just turned right around in the chair and looked right at me and said “I’m here!” Usually, client and stylist communicate through the mirror they are facing. I acknowledged her, voicing I was happy to meet her and then tried to turn her around and get going on her haircut. Again, she turned and said even more forcefully, “no, I’m here!” Feeling a little awkward about this somewhat, I moved right along into conversation, preparing to cut and style her hair.

Diahne was a most interesting individual, her conversations not like any I had heard before. She talked on about unique subjects and some of which I interpreted as a little quirky. But I like quirky, and I immediately liked her! She spoke of ideas and concepts that seemed a little out there but with such intelligence and wisdom conveyed. If you didn’t understand what she was talking about, you knew she had answers which allowed you to move from your doubts, knowing what she said was completely feasible. She intrigued me and sparked my interest to hear more.

The same time every week, Diahne drove from Montreal to Ottawa for her appointment with me; we talked excitedly and laughed uproariously throughout her appointments. Then we decided to take our relationship outside of the salon and get together the next week at my home in Hull, Quebec. She would come on my day off. When Diahne came to the apartment the next week, she sat at the dining room table and I poured us a cup of tea. Diahne proceeded to tell me everything we talked about from the very first time we connected, was about creating a Trust.

Having created a comfort zone, Diahne explained many things which somehow made sense, so I was all ears. Listening, her words vibrated in my soul. She talked to every cell in my body. What she was saying was somehow being instilled inside of me, talking to every part of my mental, emotional, physical and spiritual body. At this time in my life I hadn’t really explored or considered myself having much of a connection to spirit. I had my own beliefs, with many different ideas about religion and spirituality, collecting bits and piece’s like I thought everyone else had done throughout their lives.

Following with bated breath on her every word, Diahne told me she had specifically come into my life to tell me something. The next sentence she would speak was to change my life immediately and forever. Diahne said, “I have come to tell you that you have suffered long enough, and hard enough, and it was time to get on with your life! I wondered where this woman came from. Why was this taking place? Why is Diahne telling me all this? How does she know?

Undoubtedly, I knew this was true! I had suffered for a long time.

Is this not true for many of us? Have we not suffered enough? Everything Diahne said was true for me, but it rang loud and true this was not just about me. All of the many messages she conveyed had a much broader scope. Somehow Diahne instilled the meaning of LIFE and the workings of the Universe. Passing on to me, a new understanding of our purpose! Hours passed while we talked, and then Diahne left to go back to Montreal.

The following week I looked forward to her visit. Diahne’s name was not in the appointment book where it had been every week. Weeks would pass and turn into years, never again to see Diahne, an extraordinary woman who changed my life!

I haven’t told a lot of people about Diahne, but it seems when ever thoughts or conversation come up about Diahne and this experience, even if months or years go by between thinking of her, I have a sense that when speaking of Diahne, it is exactly when I need to! And perfect for each and every situation when it does come up. Like right now, it is supporting me in what is now my focus around my health and living.

Diahne if you are out there, look where I went with the life force you instilled in me!

I believe this was the start, the beginning of my new journey. A journey from fear to LOVE! The early beginning’s of Showing Up For Life!

That’s exactly what Diahne did! I was a changed person. I knew inside myself everything she said was true. Four years passed from the time I was told I had six months to live, living in my own prison, hiding the fact I was infected with the AIDS virus. Diahne was right on the mark too, was I going to spend another four years waiting to die? Or, get on with my life!

A realization occurred after Diahne left. I went across the street to the local Provi Soir {corner store} and found myself chatting with the cashier. I’d often been talking with her in the store. An invisible wall came down. Years of telling myself I couldn’t let anyone into my life and yet the Truth was; we had been having a relationship on some level all along. We knew we liked each other. It was my wall! This wall prevented me from seeing this relationship existed. I just didn’t see it. Because I was infected with HIV, I had chosen to move far away from family and friends so no one would see me get sick and die of AIDS and to not get close to people or believe I could! And when I let down that wall I created, a world of opportunities presented themselves. Everyone was there! I could have everyone in my life.

Shortly thereafter I painted, wallpapered, and decorated what was a boring beige apartment, one which had seemed pointless to make a home. All my life I played with interior decorating in all my homes, family and friends too, but when I moved into this apartment there didn’t seem to be much point. Doctor’s told me over and over that I would soon die of AIDS. I didn’t decorate or even buy anything for myself or the apartment.

Changing the dull drab walls brought newness to my home mimicking the newness of how I looked at my life. Years earlier, when I sold most of my belongings before moving away, I kept many of the gifts I received over the years from family and friends. All my keepsakes represented all the many people in my life who I loved and who loved me. All of a sudden there was a colorful warmth and Love everywhere I looked.

With this new excitement I went out into the world to create friendship and Love.

by Bradford McIntyre, HIV+ since 1984
Vancouver, Canada
www.PositivelyPositive.ca

U.S. Interferes With HIV and AIDS Prevention




Registered: Jan 2004
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia
Posts: 17
Status: Online
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U.S. Interferes With HIV and AIDS Prevention

The United States government would have the world believe it has been a major contributor in the fight against AIDS but many are unaware of the harmful tactics and funding shortfalls.

Throughout the world people affected by and infected with HIV, as well as the many people and organizations involved in HIV and AIDS prevention; they are aware of the often detrimental effects the United States government’s interference has and continues to have on HIV and AIDS prevention efforts.

The constant bullying by the U.S. government can be seen in far too many areas; leaving the world way behind of where it should and could be in preventing the spread of HIV and AIDS!

Now the Bush government takes aim at needle exchange programs with a ban on the use of federal funds for needle exchange and is bullying the United Nations into withdrawing support for needle exchange programs.

“Silencing the United Nations on needle exchange is deadly diplomacy. The United States should be encouraging proven HIV prevention strategies, not attacking them.” Jonathan Cohen of Human Rights Watch’s HIV/AIDS Program.

HIV and AIDS Prevention programs in the United States and around the world have been negatively affected and HIV/AIDS organizations know only to well the repercussions of bullying when the U.S. government cut funding to those promoting and providing access to condoms!

“Whether it's sex or drugs, the United States is exporting an abstinence-only agenda to countries hard hit by HIV/AIDS,” said Joanne Csete, executive director of the Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network. “If governments do not stand up to this bullying, millions will pay the price.”

What is necessary; is to have the United States government start contributing the actual funding it says it will provide and follow a worldwide view of how best to stop the spread of HIV and AIDS. And stop the bullying!

Then we can all move forward and really tackle this epidemic. United; all working together!

Bradford McIntyre, HIV+ since 1984
Vancouver, B.C. Canada
www.PositivelyPositive.ca

For more information:

Human Rights News:
An Open Letter to the delegates of the Forty-eighth session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND)
http://www.hrw.org/english/docs/2005/03/02/global10244.htm

"Positive living" eclipsed by ARV (Antiretroviral)drive

Originally, it seemingly appeared that anyone infected with HIV would progress to disease and die. This has long since been realized to no longer be true. We have individuals all over the world who are living 20 years or more without progression to disease and without the need for antiretroviral (ARV) medications.

This idea that everyone should be on medications has already been shown and proven by those of us infected, to be the wrong way to deal with HIV!

Treating everyone alike is wrong; HIV reacts differently in each person!

Individuals would not only be needlessly put on highly active antiretroviral drugs (HARRT), but these medications and there toxicity, may prove to cause more illness and progression to disease. Often the treatment is worse than the disease!

There are people who have been infected with HIV who have never developed and may never develop AIDS. Very often, individuals who were put on HIV/AIDS medications just because they had tested positive but without showing any signs of illness or immune suppression; they did not need medications!

Whether it was due to side effects or regime, over the years, many people stopped taking their medications and large numbers have gone on living without HIV/AIDS medications. Often for many years!

Individuals infected with HIV have shown time and time again that what are necessary is; adequate sanitation, proper housing, proper food and nutritional support and clean water for drinking and cooking! These should be provided and if they were provided; even more people would likely not have to introduce HIV/AIDS medications. Far more would fare better than the great number of deaths we see in poorer countries, particularly tropical zones where circumstances may actually accelerate illness and progression to AIDS and causing death.

Here in Canada, we are not seeing the kind of deaths we see in places like Africa. For the most part, we have all the above mentioned and medications are available through health care. I was able to go without HIV/AIDS medications for 13 years out of the 20 years I have been living infected with HIV. There are many people who have been living with HIV just as long or longer; who are not taking medications. This is common knowledge here and throughout the world.

I am saddened to see people put on medications when what many need is not medications but proper sanitation, food and water. How can anyone be expected to fight off a virus when their living conditions are less than adequate, where people are already suffering from dysentery and other virus's and diseases. It is hard enough to keep diarrhea under control that is caused by the HIV/AIDS medications; when you do have proper food and water!

In the richer countries of the world, where food and supplements are plentiful and accessible, individuals are living longer! When infected with HIV and living without the necessities of life, such as clean water and quality food, we have progressive illness and many more deaths.

Just because an individual is infected with HIV; this does not necessarily mean that they will go on to develop opportunistic infections or AIDS.

And people living with HIV have already brought about this realization, as well as, the fact that there are alternative ways to deal with and treat HIV that do not mean using pharmaceuticals! There are people throughout the world living with HIV, without HIV medications; who have continually fought to bring attention to this fact.

We are not properly addressing what is right in front of us, the opportunity to help prevent HIV and AIDS illness and death using proper food, nutritional support, and alternative and complementary therapies. In Europe and the United States, governments and pharmaceutical forces are working at making decisions that if successful, they will not only take away our rights to choose nutritional support and CAM but this will take away what is often for many infected with HIV; a first line of defense in the fight against HIV and AIDS!


Bradford McIntyre, HIV+ for over 20 years
Vancouver, Canada
www.PositivelyPositive.ca