The Reality Of Children Living With HIV And AIDS

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AppId is over the quota

The sad reality is that HIV and AIDS are indifferent to the ages of victims. Many children around the world are born with HIV and unless they are afforded the proper health care their chances of living through the first few years of their lives are slim to none. HIV and AIDS has the same effect on babies as it does on adults and it is very sad to see young children having to suffer the symptoms of this disease.

In cases where children have become infected with HIV, it has usually been transmitted from the mother to the child. Mother to child transmissions can be reduced when certain precautions are followed.

How to reduce mother to child transmission

Mother to child infection can be prevented when taking AZT (zidovudine, Retrovir), this is only effective however if you are in good health and have a good CD4 count. This drug is usually administered the final 3 months of pregnancy. However, if HIV has severely compromised your immune system it is suggested that you start HIV treatment as early as possible during pregnancy. Infection can also be reduced by having a caesarean birth, especially in cases where the viral load is high. Moreover, do not breast feed babies once the child is born as breast feeding increases the risk of transmission from mother to child.

Orphaned HIV infected babies

Much can be done to prevent the HIV transmission from mother to child, yet still each year there are thousands of babies who are born with HIV, and many of these babies end up in orphanages. With both parents infected with the virus, it is usually only a matter of time before children end up in a home.

One might question why the family of the child's parents do not step in to take care of the child, when their family member dies, but many times it is not that simple. HIV and AIDS although is a pandemic which affects citizens from all countries is still more prevent in poverty stricken Sub- Saharan Africa. In many instances the families are too poor to look after another child let alone a child which needs proper health care.

Another reason why many HIV infected children end up in orphanages is because in rural areas there is still a lot of stigma attached to HIV and so in many cases not even the families are willing to take care of the child.

Helping hands

The need for health care for HIV infected babies is great with government institutions not being able to help all the children which need care. Thankfully there are still people who take it upon themselves to care for abandoned HIV infected children within their community, people who play a very important role in society. These people however need help, so if you are by the means to donate or volunteer of your time, locate caregivers within your area to find out how you can make the difference.

For more information about HIV visit the website http://www.alllife.co.za/

Handy Tips On Living With Lupus Symptoms

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Lupus is a condition that affects women nine times more often than men. Infection, medication, emotions and the environment around us can cause Lupus. The condition leaves suffers with pain and inflammation. If you suffer from lupus and need help, then read the tips in the following article.

Take family and friends to medical appointments so you can get the information from your doctor right to your loved ones. They will be able to ask questions you might not have thought off and remember items that might slip your mind. It's great to have multiple perspectives on your lupus care.

Thinking positive thoughts can help you to cope with lupus pain. It might sound silly, but a strong mind/body connection does exist. If your mind thinks positive, it is difficult for your body to feel negative. Fill your life with happiness and you might just find that your pain quickly diminishes.

For people who suffer from chronic lupus, be careful when choosing a pet for your family. Remember, if your lupus is acting up or even gets worse, it may be hard for you to care for your pet. Instead, you may want to consider getting a pet that is easier to take care, such as a fish.

Have a regular schedule. When your body is out of tune with your mind, lupus flare-ups will occur more often. Going to bed and waking up at regular times, as well as having a good morning routine, can help get the two in line with each other and better prepare you for whatever the day holds.

Always make sure that you are doing everything you can to protect your joints, even the ones that are not causing you pain right now. If you are suffering from lupus, don't lift a lot of things with your hands. For example if you are cooking, instead of lifting the pot, try to slide it across the counter to make it easier.

Having a strong support system, including family, friends, lupus specialists and other caregivers will ensure that your lupus never takes your life away from you. Rely on them for help with any problem, from lifting you out of a chair to doing your grocery shopping for you. Asking for assistance is not a sign of weakness!

Keep all of your pots and pans where you can easily reach them. Try using a pot hanger that comes down from the ceiling or using wall hooks that are easily reached to store your cookware. This will help you avoid bending that can stress your joints in the kitchen.

Get educated about your unique condition. There are a few different types of lupus and learning about which type of lupus you have will help you be able to manage it more effectively. Get a diagnosis from a lupus specialist as they see and treat lupus every day; this means they have a better understanding of what you are dealing with. Then do your own research to find out what to expect and how to deal with it.

Make sure you are getting enough sleep. The stiffness and pain that is common in lupus can lead to debilitating fatigue, and many of the treatments for the condition can also cause fatigue. Do what you can to ensure a good night's sleep every night, and you'll feel better and be healthier.

Be sure to keep yourself in the best physical condition possible. Even though, there is not currently a cure for lupus that does mean their will never be. By maintaining your health and keeping fit, you are keeping yourself ready for that possibility. If-and-when a cure is found, you will be ready to try it successfully!

Know your limits. Pushing yourself too hard can be detrimental to your health and safety. If you want to attempt something that may be a reach, try to have someone nearby in case you need assistance. You do not want to cause undue stress on your mind or your joints, so give yourself boundaries.

As stated before, lupus affects many women. Lupus causes the joints to be inflamed and results in the sufferer having great pain. By using the lupus tips from this article, you can reduce your suffering.

Don't give up hope; help is available to find the correct medical professional and to learn how to get support from family and friends at http://lupussymptomsinwomen.lupusaware.com/sle