muscle, improves heart health, and promotes peaceful sleep.
Going out to eat? Opt for the healthier option.
Going out to eat can be fun. It’s a way to remain social, catch up on current events, and eat delicious foods. Well, while eating out. Avoid reaching for fried foods, processed meats, refined carbs (anything with white flour), added sugars, etc. – consider ordering healthier, starting with the appetizers.
Depending on where you go, the menu will differ – but let’s say if the menu carries both egg rolls and spring rolls, opt for the spring. If the menu has juicy burgers – get lettuce buns; if the meal comes with fries, request a side salad or roasted veggies in its place; instead of the soft drink, consume tea, or even better, water – plus its free.
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Skip the drugs and avoid alcohol
Social drinking and recreational drug usage have increased since the pandemic – though people have always participated in such activities, they’re more prevalent now than before.
We should note that excess drinking and drug usage weakens the immune system. According to the US Department of Veterans Affairs, a weaker immune system will have a more challenging time fighting off common infections (such as a cold) and HIV-related conditions. A more fragile immune system also increases the chance that you will experience more side effects from your HIV medications.
Rest is okay
Living in a time where it’s common to be on the grind, it’s easy to get lost in the “I’ll sleep with I die” sauce. Though it’s great to accomplish tasks, don’t make your loved ones feel that they are racing towards a clock. Honestly, rest can restore the body. Rest also helps to fight off infections.
Attend a support group
What happens in support groups stays there. Support groups are safe places that people living with HIV can attend to be surrounded by people who understand where they are and can help them process feelings they may experience.
It takes courage to attend support groups for several reasons. Some reasons may be rooted in shame, fear, stigma, and exposure. Supporting someone battling these emotions by saying “I’ll go with you” eases the stigma, lessens the anxiety, and lets them know that they are not alone in their process.
It takes a village to get through difficult times – in such times, friends and family need to know they are supported. Don’t be the reason they hide their status due to a lack of support, shame, or denial.
Very Well Health said it best, “…finding people you can confide in safely will not only help normalize HIV, but will help our village overcome everyday challenges including treatment, prevention, relationships, and your general well-being.”
So, grab your village, listen to them, encourage them, go to the gym with them and remind them that there is so much life after a diagnosis. You can do it!