The July/August issue of Chicago-based Positively Aware magazine, Inflamed Response, looks at the role inflammation plays in the health of people living with HIV.
Included in this issue is an overview article by Dr. David Shepp, associate professor of medicine at the Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine, about the causes and effects of chronic inflammation. Shepp explains that chronic inflammation resulting from an over-stimulated immune system can lead to NAMIs ( non-AIDS-defining medical illnesses ) such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Also featured is a trio of articles exploring the recent good news about PrEP ( pre-exposure prophylaxis ) and treatment as prevention, including a very personal account by Nick Literski of how he and his HIV-positive partner came to the decision that Nick, HIV-negative, would take Truvada as PrEP to avoid seroconverting.
PA favorite Dr. Tony Mills writes about the array of viral load tests that are now available and the advantages and disadvantages of some of the newer technology, while PA Editor Jeff Berry reports on Dan Savage's recent appearance at AIDS Foundation Chicago's Spring Luncheon to spread the word about his "It Gets Better" campaign. TPAN's Tom Holler profiles Leslie Henderson, a graduate of TPAN's POWER ( Positive Outcomes for Wellness, Education, and Recovery ) program, who provides an inspiring example of overcoming adversity and proving that life with HIV can be vibrant and fulfilling.
And finally, Sue Saltmarsh is back on her political soapbox once again, presenting a possible scenario of the results of proposed budget cuts and suggesting some activism during next year's World AIDS Conference in Washington, D.C.
Positively Aware is an internationally known and respected magazine devoted to HIV treatment and health. Positively Aware has a circulation of 100,000, and is published bi-monthly by Test Positive Aware Network ( TPAN ) in Chicago. Founded in 1987, TPAN is Chicago's oldest peer-led AIDS service organization and specializes in treatment information, support services, and prevention.
To order copies of the magazine, call ( 773 ) 989-9400 or e-mail distribution@tpan.com . For more information about TPAN and Positively Aware magazine visit www.tpan.com and www.positivelyaware.com .
