Positive Living April 2006

The April 2006 issue of Positive Living, NAPWA's national HIV news magazine.

Viral rebound: How stop-start spelled the end for SMART

From the April 2006 issue of Positive Living

The sudden cancellation of a large HIV clinical study has significant implications for how we treat HIV. KIRSTY MACHON reports.

Dealing with depression

From the April 2006 issue of Positive Living

Feeling blue from time to time is normal, but when the blues won't go away there is much that can be done to deal with depression. DAVID MENADUE investigates.

Surge in new infections

From the April 2006 issue of Positive Living

A substantial rise in new HIV diagnoses in Victoria has meant the number of people diagnosed Australia wide has continued to rise, causing widespread concern among governments and community groups.

One Day

From the April 2006 issue of Positive Living

Not all my days are the same, but Thursday is the day I do my volunteer work for PLWHA NSW, something I look forward to each week. Going into the office makes me feel good, it gives me purpose and motivation, and allows me to enter an environment that I always find welcoming, friendly and rewarding.

Power-packed proteases

From the April 2006 issue of Positive Living

In the last issue, we took a look at the nucleoside analogue 'backbone' of anti-HIV treatment, but a strong backbone is only part of the story -- it needs something to hold up. This Backgrounder looks at the protease inhibitor class of drugs.

The T-20 conundrum

From the April 2006 issue of Positive Living

What is the place of T-20 in the spectrum of HIV treatment, and when is the best time to start treatment on T-20? These were among the questions considered at a meeting in Sydney on Saturday 8 April.

Christmas with the HIV children in Romania

From the April 2006 issue of Positive Living

Don Hindle visits the Sigureni Hospital in Romania, where an energetic doctor is caring for a group of HIV-positive orphans.

Psychologists to be covered by Medicare

From the April 2006 issue of Positive Living

A $1.8 billion, five year plan announced by Prime Minister John Howard in early April will increase mental health services and provide Medicare rebates for psychologists for the first time.

Treatment breaks: an individual perspective

From the April 2006 issue of Positive Living

With the SMART trial making treatment interruptions a much less attractive option for people with HIV, we take a look at one man’s experience of taking a break from treatments.

Acupuncture

From the April 2006 issue of Positive Living

Acupuncture, one of the major branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has been used by HIV-positive people for many years. Acupuncture can help relieve the symptoms of HIV infection or treatment side effects, and can support general health.

News and treatments briefs

From the April 2006 issue of Positive Living

HIV-related news in brief from the April 2006 edition of Positive Living.