10 reasons to-test for-STls never too late - Positive Life NSW

10 reasonsto- test for-STls

Studying -never too late

no.143 February - March 2006

2 In this issue3 Letters3 Talkshop4 Positively positive

HIV Visibility8 Decisions to make

Disclosure, condoms and relationsbips9 When everything changed

Maxine: Testing HIV positive10 Testing, testing

Gay men talk about STls131416

1819

Sexual transmission risks and Hepatitis CThe wart virus: HIV and HPVAnother day In my lifeAn intimate story of treatments, companionshipand making ends meetHappeningsStudying... It's never too lateThree men talk about returning to study

24 Making changesThe Positive Decisions Expo

27 Book ReviewAIDS in Latin America

28 Wonderful worldVanuatu

29 Quick News for women30 So can you cook? no. 16

World of spices32 Services33 Ask Ingrid

Healthy Heart34 Olga's Personals36 Membership of PLWH/A (NSW) is free

Cover photo: Jamie Dunbar

Conbibutora:James Fraser, Jamie Dunbar, Kathy.Triffitt, Michael, Rick Knight, MaxineLewis, Dan, Timothy, Mark, Geoff Honnor,Jason Appleby, Ian J Thompson, Ross,Johnny, Fletcher, David Wallace, RebeccaReynolds, John Douglas, Nandini Ray,Tim Aldermq17, lngricl Cullen

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ettersTalkshop .What's happening

New opportunity for networking inthe Northern RiversAnnouncing a new resource for PLWHAs whoare residing in the Northern Rivers of NSWand surrounding areas We would like tointroduce you to a new web based connectiongroup through Yahoo Groups called: NOR[email protected] (No Ordinary Rural Community Of Women And Men).It's been set up by the ACON HIV Health Promotion worker, Michael Riches and ACONvolunteer Nick Roy. Michael has worked inand around the AIDS Inc. traps for a few yearsnow, and Nick has been a long-term commit~ed volunteer within the sector for many years· also. Social isolation relating to living withHIV/AIDS has been identified as a significant)arrier to well-being in numerous researchreports, and is also reported as a key concernfor local plwhas. We hope that this group willhelp to reduce this.Some of the ways that we suggest you uti

lise this group is to chat, information givingand receiving, transport assistance re. lifts etc,letting people know of social arrangements,wanting to buy/sell stuff etc, etc ... just beimaginative!We will be regularly placing web based

information from organisations like ACON,PLWHA (NSW), NAPWA, AFAO etc onto thisgroup site. Should you come across anythingthat you think will be of interest to the groupas well, we encourage you to do the same.This is your space so please feel free to 'have

a go' and see where and how we can make ourrather disparate, but connected communitymore cohesive and supportive of one anotherand the lives we lead.Yours positively,Nie and Michael

We welcome your letters, comments orartwork. Letters should be less than 300words in length and may be edited. Pleaseinclude contact details for verification.Email Talkabout at [email protected]

Deadline extended:Important to completeFutures surveyIf you haven't completed aFutures five survey, there is stilltime to do so. The deadlineto complete surveys has beenextended to March 31.The findings from the survey

are used by to ensure that policies and services are best suitedto the needs of HIV positivepeople. Surveys can be completed online at www.hivfutures.org:au. If you prefer to fillin a hard copy, we can post youone if you ring PLWHA (NSW)on 9361 6011 or free call withinNSW (1800 245 6Tl)

Karumah has movedto new and improvedpremisesKarumah the drop in centrefor people with HIV in Newcastle moved premises late lastyear. Their new and improvedhome is at 2A Lawson streetHamilton (phone number (02)4940 8393). Recently PLWHA(NSW) conducted communityand stakeholder consultations

Fair day volunteersGavin and Norman

to look at Karumah's futuredirections and how the centrecan build on its strengths andtake on new challenges. Karumah offers a range of services (massage, lunches, pizzanights, a discussion group, anddrop in) and it's a good place _to meet new people if you livein the area.

Planet PositiveThe next Planet Positive (a s~cia1night for HIV positive people 7 .

and their friends) is· happeningon Friday 24th March from 6pm ·to 10pm) at Annie's Bar (563Bourke St Surry Hills). Planet '.~.·Positive is organised by the Pos-.itive Living Centre and PLWHA(NSW) with music by Ruby.

Thank you to ourvolunteers . '.:: ·Thank~ to: o~~ volunteertwho·helped out at the Mardi GrasLaunch (we made $2,500 onthe night) and to everyone whohelped at the PLWHAFair DayStall. We really appreciate yoursupport.

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I had partners who were diagnosed whilst I was going out withthem: when I was negative theywere positive. That would havebeen back in 1985 or 1986 . Wereally didn't know a lot about HIVand AIDS. It was at a time whenI was going out to all the nightclubs on Oxford Street. I was alsotrying to have relationships thatworked. Everything was new andexperimental. It seemed in thoseearly years anyone you knew orthat you'd been close to died. Iremember when I'd gone backto England I used to lie awake atnight thinking about these peopleand feeling really guilty that themedications available to us nowweren't around then. Why am Ialright and why wasn't the medication there for them?I was diagnosed in 1996. I got HIV from

a short relarionship with a guy who waspassing through Sydney. He had what Inow recognise as a sero-conversion illness:so he was highly contagious. It wasn'tfrom not using condoms properly becauseI always practiced safe sex. I honestly tothis day cannot fully understand how I wasinfected, unless the condom had brokenand I had not noticed. I went for a routinetest which showed up positive. So I was abit shocked because I wasn't expecting it:it was just a routine test. I had always goneevery six months for an HIV test.It was when HAART had just been

introduced in October 1996. My doctorsaid although it's really not a good thing,it's probably the best time to get HIVbecause at least there're treatments available; there's something we can do. I wentstraight onto HAART.A friend of mine booked me in to see

a doctor who I thought was a counselorat the time. I went and about three hourslater came out with scripts for all thesepills. My doctor was away so I couldn't goand see him to ask his opinion on the treatment that had been prescribed. I was toldif I didn't take the pills I'd die. So I startedthe tablets and because it was when allthe protease inhibitors had just come out,they put me on massive doses. I was onthe Ritonavir, Saquinavir, d4T, 3TC and a

heap of pills for side effects. I was working at the time and because of the reallychronic diarrhea I had to stop working.I know there are a lot of different ideas

about starting treatment early or not, andthere's still not an exact 'right' answer thatcan be applied to everyone. Everyone'sindividual and unique: some things workfor some people and some things workfor others. I think in my case it was goodbecause nearly ten years on I've still got areally high cd4 and my last cd4 was1600:I've never gone down below 350 and thatwas only when I had pneumonia.I got HIV but it opened these doors to

doing something constructive and something that felt really valid.Initially I was too numb to think about

what it meant to live with HIV. It was actually getting a grasp on what I'd been toldand letting it filter through. I certainly did,at times, think I wasn't going to be aroundin ten years. What if these drugs don'twork and what do they know about thesedrugs? That's why I wanted to find out asmuch as I could about all the trials thatwere gomg on.I wanted to tell to my parents. They live

. in the UK. I told my sister first to see howshe gauged me telling my parents. She saidthey'd want to know. I told them over thephone and they wanted to see me. Theywanted me to go back. Because I couldn'twork at that time I decided to go back fora couple of months just to show them Iwas okay. When I went back I still had theside effects so I ended up staying in the UKin a semi-rural area called Worcestershire.I hooked up with the health care team

there and was put in touch with an HIVcharity: a very small one with two peopleemployed. Because I wanted to learn asmuch as I could about HIV I started volunteering. I also went on as many coursesas I could. I became the representative forthe area for people with HIV and startedtraveling around the UK on the back ofthe Terrence Higgins Trust working withother independent HIV organisations, giving talks to nurses and students: very similar to the Positive Speakers.I ran the Positive Empowerment Group

for people living in rural areas. They wereall very isolated. There were no opportunities for social interaction available

and there was very little information onHIV. I also did some fund-raising, whichI'd never done before. It was like learningall these new skills and I enjoyed it! I gotHIV but it opened these doors to doingsomething constructive and somethingthat felt really valid.This would have been from 1998 until

about 2002. During this time the charitygrew. We started getting a lot more peoplecoming in. There was a cross section ofpeople. A lot of heterosexual women withchildren and quite a few older gay menwho were not out as gay men. Some alsohad mental health problems like bi-polar

I got HIV but itopened these doorsto doing sorneihnqconstructive andsomething that feltreally valid.

depression. I didn't have the backgroundto work with these people but I had thepersonality to bring them together and tolisten and from listening to people's storiesto act on whatever I thought they mightneed. That's how the whole group grew.I left Britain in 2002 or 2003 and cameback to Australia because I was ready tocome back. I now work in the HIV sectorin Sydney and love my work and have agreat respect for those whom I work with.I don't think that people can work in thissector without having a passion, a drivingforce and that in itself is a healthy situation to be in.

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largely invisible: it's not talked about.By telling my story I am making HIV

visible. Talking about our experiences isa good way of describing what it is reallylike to live with HIV: how HIV is transmitted and that it's not just in the gay community. I worked with a lot of positive womenin the UK. Not just black African womenwho've migrated but Caucasian womenas well. A lot of women have got it fromholiday places like Ibiza and the Mediterranean. It stands to reason because everyone's having unsafe sex and sharing partners. There are a lot of bisexual men ormarried men who are having unprotectedsex. We saw a lot of heterosexual men who

- HIV is largelyinvisible: for me tobe openly positiveis a healthy thing.

had sex with men but identified as heterosexual. These men had had very risky,unsafe sex in toilets and other places.To start the discussion I think cam

paigns should be aimed at individuals.They should be specifically targeted. Forexample: to target awareness and to growsupport groups in the rural areas, it wouldbe best (in my opinion) for someone whohas knowledge and experience of what itis like to be both positive and to have livedin a rural area, to honestly and frankly discuss topics that are relevant to that groupof individuals. I have always found thatpeople respond much more effectively witheach other when this is the case. When Iwas in the UK I was asked to help organize a woman's only support group for HIV,but although I am positive and under-

stand some of their issues I cannot possibly fully understand how they feel or whattheir real needs are. Although living withHIV is a similarity that many of us share,it is as diverse as each of us is individual.Long-term survivor's have a totally different outlook as do newly diagnosed people. People from different cultural backgrounds would benefit from informationthat is relevant to them. So, in brief, peerscan help with campaigns and target individuals effectively.I know there are these target groups but

in these groups people are very individual.In a way using positive people's stories is agood way of reaching people. They maybe very close, if not very similar, to whatsomeone has experienced and it makes itmore real. I know it's very hard but I thinkthose are the more effective campaigns.HIV is not something to be ashamed of.

I think there are quite a few reasons whyI should be visible. For me to be openlypositive is a healthy thing. Hopefully itwill encourage other people to talk aboutHIV. It might even prompt some guys toget tested: guys who may be worried aboutbeing tested.Receiving a diagnosis in 1985 was like

being handed a death sentence for a lotof people. They didn't have any options:there was little support and treatmentswere being trialed. There was more activism in the 80s. Activists fought for accessto treatments, care and support. In late 96we had HAART. There were options all ofa sudden where there hadn't been before.We still didn't know what was going tohappen but there was a hope. When I wasdiagnosed, there was at least some understanding that you were in a better positionthan ten years before. For people who arediagnosed now doctors have more knowledge on how to treat HIV and the sideeffects. There's a lot more support now,opportunities for networking and othercommunity services.Now we have to be very careful that

we're not just focusing on the medical sideof things. This may be disempowering forsome people. There needs to be a balancebetween empowering people with emotional support, hands-on help and medical support. People have been dependenton our community support and services

and we're now turning around and sayingit's not good for you to be dependent, youneed to be self-sufficient. What we've gotto be very careful of is treatments are stillextremely new. We've seen all these sideeffects like lipodystrophy and increasing.cholesterol levels. As a worker within thesector, I'm aware of several of my clientsgoing into hospital. You don't hear aboutthis. I think we've just got to be mindfulof those things. I think people get carriedaway sometimes in the successes and thesesuccesses are new.People need to be aware HIV is not easy.

It's not just a question of taking a pill.There can be side effects and treatments

All of a suddenthere wereoptions. . . butthere is a lack ofperception in howHIV can changeyour life.

may not work for some people. On a morepositive note, living with HIV today is notthe same as living with HIV twenty yearsago, we are much luckier having treatment options and organisations that existto support people living with HIV andAIDS. We now at least have choices. It isup to us to support each other and makeinformed choices. I choose to be positivein my approach to being positive ... Positively Positive!Photographs: Jamie Dunbar

If you are interested in being part of thevisibility project (either through the weekend workshop on April 8 and 9 (see page15) or through one on one confidentialinterviews contact Kathy Triffitt on 93616011 or email [email protected]

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A few days before I was due to get mytest results I was overcome with fear. Whatif it was positive? My mother dismissedmy panic, saying, "Oh come on! If youwere positive you'd know!" It seems I did.I hadn't knowingly slept with any positivemen, but I had taken risks. I'd had sex without condoms. That seemed pretty normalamong my peers. Some of my boyfriendshad even dabbled with needles. Also prettynormal among my peers, although I hadalways avoided the silver sparkler.There was nothing I could do now

though except wait.When the day came I went to the doc

tor after work. I had rung him to get theresults but he had asked me to come in.It was a small surgery in Chatswood andwhen I walked into his room and sat downhe showed me a piece of paIJer with asmall part highlighted yellow. It said WBPositive. He said he was sorry and told methat I didn't look like the type. I rememberbeing very calm and thinking that I knewmore than he did - none of the positivepeople I had met looked like the type. Hewas kind though, and I could see he felthelpless. He rang a specialist at the RoyalNorth Shore Hospital, made an appointment for me, and that was the end of theconsultation.I walked out of the surgery in what I now

realise was shock. I felt calm and weightless and completely numb, an incrediblesadness just below the surface. Nothingmattered anymore. I went to the bank andsaw a work colleague. We waved and suddenly everything was in slow motion. Sheseemed literally miles away, completelyunreachable, yet she was just on the other

side of the room. I felt my life taking mein a completely different direction now.Everything had changed.I hired some videos and bought myself

a box of chocolates, and when I got homerang work and told them [ wouldn't beback. I told them I'd had some bad news.My Mum rang me to see how everythingwent and I couldn't lie. I told her and shestarted to cry. That's when I cried too forthe first time.The life change I could sense had cer

tainly come, just not in the way I expectedit. Before getting tested 1 was not enthusiastic about my life and felt unable tocope with another 50 years. After I got myresults I was praying for another 50. Mydesire to live a long life has been with meever since. Although I experienced a hugegrieving process, I was determined that Iwould make this into a positive thing, nomatter what happened. I felt very sorrythat I had not protected myself, chat Imight have thrown away my life. Thisawakened in me a desire to care for myselfand do the very best I could.I swapped nursing for welfare and was

glad. I met a lovely man and we married in2001. We moved out of Sydney and boughta house. I don't know what the futureholds but I'm making plans.

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sexual partners, I get tested every threemonths. I really don't mind getting tested,it keeps me informed.Do you think.it's easy / or embarrassing

to talk about S'Tls (withdoctor/ partners/friends)?I used to worry about talking about HIV,

but once I came out as positive to familyandfriends, and got nothing but support,I realised that there was nothing to worryabout. Those around you who really loveyou will always support you. Though, Imust admit, I would find it awkward talking with family about STis. As for doctors,what's there to be embargassed about?They deal with this kind of thing everyday. ·It's their job. I talk openly to my doctorabout all aspects of my health, sex, drugs,relationships, work; the lot. Your doctorneeds to know as much about your physical and mental health if he is to diagnoseyou accurately.What do you think sexual health means

for you as a positive gay man?Sexual health is very important; after all

we are sexual beings. A positive attitudetowards your sex life will make it all themore enjoyable; you'll feel more at easewith your sexual partner(s) and then youcan start exploring and experimentingwith different types of sex.Really, maintaining your sexual health

or your own health: is it very different? It'simportant to keep both. By doing so, youwill keep a physical, emotional and somewill say, spiritually healthier you. All overhealth is important not just for positivepeople, but for everyone.

Mark -..:-;.· . '.,._-.,. .. . .•·\o·•

How long have you been positive?Seven yearsDo you think your attitude to sex

changes after you testpositive? How? Why/ why not?I think that in a weird way becoming

positive was very liberating for my sexlife and sexual identity. When I was negative getting HIV was something that I hadalways worried about, and I would workmyself up ridiculously over the slightestchange in my health after a sexual encounter and convince myself I was seroconverting. During sex I would always be wondering if what I was doing was a high riskactivity, or if maybe I had damaged mygums when brushing my teeth beforehand.Once I became positive (and had time toaccept the situation and adjust to it) it waslike a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. The thing I had feared the most hadhappened to me, and eventually I acceptedit. Unhindered by fear my sexual identityevolved after I became positive, and I reallyenjoy my sex life now.How do you feel about other STis (sex

ually transmitted infections) like Gonorrhoea, Syphilis, Chlamydia etc e.g. doyou thrnQ they're an important issue ornot? Do you think there are more of themaround at the moment?The only STI that really worries me is

Syphilis. I had it a few years ago and thetreatment for it is was so drawn out andpainful. Ten consecutive days of injectionsin the butt was hell. It was also recommended I have a lumbar puncture after-

wards to ensure the treatment was effective. I just kept avoiding getting it doneuntil the doctor forgot all about it. ! havehad a couple of other STis over the years,and though they were annoying at thetime they were easily treated. I have beenin a monogamous relationship for the pastyear so don't really have any exposure toSTis or know how many are around at themoment.Why would you test for an STI? Would

anything put you off testing?If I was single and having sex with a lot

of different people I would get regularlytested. Nothing would really put me off.I would rather find out as early as possible if I had anything and treat it immediately so that any negative effects would beminimal.Do you think it's _embarrassing or diffi

cult to talk about sn, with,a doctor?Not at allWhat do you think sexual health means

for you as a positive gay man?To take charge of my own wellbeing and

also to be considerate of others. I think it'simportant to educate yourself and be fullyaware of any possible consequences ofyour sexual activities so that you can try tomake informed and responsible decisions.

exual transmission risksand Hepatitis C

Geoff Honnor looks at the issue of sexual transmission of Hepatitis C

It's long been thought that sexualtransmission of Hepatitis C (HCV)is relatively rare. However, somerecent research from the UK andAmsterdam, presented earlier thismonth at the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections in Denver, Colorado, suggests that sexual transmission ismore.common than we've thought- particularly among gay men whoare already HIV positive.

Dr Mark Danta from London's RoyalFree Hospital reports that, to date, around225 HIV positive gay men have been diagnosed with sexually transmitted Hep C inLondon and Brighton. His study lookedat the risk factors associated with 111_ of ·these me;i" who were diagnosed with 'fiepC between October 2002 and August 2005.These were:• Unprotected receptive anal intercourse• Receptive and insertive fisting (withoutgloves) and use of sex toys

• Group sex• Drugs like Crystal, E, GHB, K, amylProfessor Roel Coutinho from Amster

dam's Municipal Health Service reportedthat the incidence of HCV in gay positivemen had increased tenfold after the year2000 compared with the 15 years before.He reported on risk factors associatedwith 25 gaypoz men who were diagnosedwith HCV between 2003-05; 50% reportedfisting and 65% were also diagnosed withsexually transmitted infections like syphilis. Prof Coutinho also commented thatthe HCV infections seen so far are probably "the tip of the iceberg" since theseinfections were only picked up because thedoctor was specifically looking for them.At this stage, there's not a lot of evi

dence about the incidence of sexuallytransmitted HCV in Australia - thoughI remember Dr Cassy Workman hypothesizing about the role of SM/leathersexin a study she presented at the Australasian Society of HIV Medicine conferencein Melbourne in 2001. It's worth remembering that gay poz play scenes have goneglobal and participants can be in Europeone day and Sydney the next - and lots ofpeople will be at this time of year.

There was a good deal of discussion atthe conference about why this increasewas occurring now. There was some suggestion that sero-sorting (poz guys seekingeach other out for unprotected sex) mighthave something to do with it and also therise of "Poz Parties"/extended play scenes(often via internet hookup) whi(li'.' frequently include practices like fisting. Therisk factors cited by Mark Danta "'.. toys,fists, drugs and a roomful of happy tampers - will probably not be unfamiliar to anumber of gay poz guys here in Australia.It's pretty obvious that lorrg periods of

unprotected fisting/play can exert significant wear and tear on mucosa! tissue andcreate ideal conditions for blood-bornevirus transmission. While guys who regularly participate in these scenes are oftenvery knowledgeable about risk, pleasure,limits and safe practice, these findingsstrongly suggest that :a heightened senseof risk awareness - gloves for fisting forinstance and Hep C testing - would be avery good idea for poz handballers and sexpigs everywhere.If you've already got HIY, Hep C is defi

nitely not a good thing to acquire. HIV/HCV co-infection can make HCV muchharder to treat and make the hepatitisexperience much worse generally.

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Couttt>o R et al. Risa In HGV Incidence In Hrv-rnected Men WhoHave Sexwith Mer, In i'mstoo:iam: Sexual Transmisslon o1 ooncut toTreat HCV Genotypoo 1 and 4. Thrteenth Coofareoceoo

Retrovlruaesaoo Opp:rttr,lstlc lnlectlons, Den;er, abatracl87, 2006.Dama M et al. Evld..-ce /or SexualTranatrlsslo<1 al HCV i1 RecootEpldemc In HIV-infected Men In the UKTrlrteenth Conferaoce0/1Retro-,,ruses and Opportt.niatlc lnfactlons , De<Mar, abstract 88, 2CX>6.

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PLWHA (NSW) is planning aHealth Promotion fact sheet on:

Disclosingyour HIVstatus to yourchildren

Let's talkabout it ...(HIV visibility)creativeworkshopSaturday 8 April & Sunday 9 April

If you are a parent and would like to beinvolved in a confidential interview ora focus group to help put together thisfact sheet

Writing tellingyour storytaking photographs

discussionlearning new skills

meeting newpeople ...

call Kathy on 9361 6011or email [email protected]

Materials developed may be used fora campaign ...If you are interested please call Kathy9361 6011 or email [email protected]

How could a strong carersupport network help you?

If you're caring for a GLBT friend or partner, thencoming together with others in your situation could helpyou, and them as well.

ACON is starting a new GLBT Carers Network to helpprovide you support and services. To find out more,contact Veronica on (02) 9206 2032, or visitwww.acon.org.au/glbtcarers.

SOJTH EASTERN SYDl'-EYtll.AWARRANIIW9HEALTH

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monitor what is called an INR. This is ameasure of the thickness or thinness ofmy blood and is necessary to determinethe dose of a drug called warfarin I haveto take daily as a result of a heart valvereplacement operation I underwent twoyears ago.

Even though I have to have this testtwice a week and perform the same thingon myself twice a day, I never get used tothe feelings I have that my body is beingviolated and assaulted each time it is delivered on me. Today the experience is madeworse as the nurse performing the procedure has difficulty in inserting the needleinto my worn and scarred vein and has totry again. My third prick of the day. Sheapologises and mumbles something aboutmy veins 'rolling' and being hard to access.However, the blood gets taken and with abandaid on my arm I set off on foot to thePLWHA office in Oxford Street.

greeted happily bythe Snufta who woosme into the calmnessand relative tranquillityof my nest

As I made mention of earlier, I enjoy mytime in this place and I am able to help outby answering the telephone, filling envelopes or doing any of the other little jobsthe staff may have for me. Being a member of the board of PLWHA (NSW) I alsofind this is a good way of keeping in touchwith how the day-to-day functioning ofthe organisation is going.Time passes rapidly and it is now

around 1.30pm. Next on my agenda is myweekly appointment with my GP. In orderto control the effects of the peripheralneuropathy caused by my antirets I take adrug that I cannot get on-going prescriptions for, so I have no choice but to go in tothe surgery each week. This can be a bit ofa nuisance, but the gain is worth the easeto my pain.

Over 20 years I have built up a verygood rapport with my doctor and the surgery receptionists - it's more like visitingwith friends than visiting the doctorI catch another bus back to the Junction

where I begin shedding my money by paying my bills. The phones, the credit card,the department store card ... I considermyself fortunate to have those cards asthey make it possible for me to buy littleextras - perhaps to supplement my groceries or to enable me to purchase new shoesor clothes when I need them.

I stop for a coffee at my favourite cafewhere I observe the passing parade while Isip my latte.

I arrive home around 3.30pm and amgreeted happily by the Snufta who woosme into the calmness and relative tranquillity of my nest with her purrs and funnylittle squeaks and squeals.After resting for an hour or more I have

my fourth jab of the day. Not wanting torepeat the awkwardness of the peg incident I finally find a spot on my thigh thatdoes not feel too tender and administerthe shot. Even though the lignocaine againeases the pain, I curse, but then I remember just how effective this present combination of antirets has so far proved tobe and with that thought my discomfortpasses away.The phone rings and it is the nurse at

the hospital with my INR result and whotells me what dose of warfarin I shouldtake that evening.Around 4.30 and as the opening cred

its of 'The Bold and The Beautiful' rollonto my television screen I reach for theblue "evening" dosette box that holds allmy pills, big and little, and again swallowanother handful.I watch the five o'clock news from my

kitchen as I prepare my dinner - chickenand salad again, with a baked potato forthat good dose of carbs. I feel a furrytickle around my ankles and look down tosee little Snuffy gazing up at me with herbig green eyes, so I turn my intention tothe task of feeding and watering her.As is often usual for her, she remains in

the kitchen with me until her meal is laidout before her. She looks at it, sniffs at it,looks at me - and walks away! Cats! Whatdo you do?

Sometimes I decide to be a bit formaland set a nice table to have my dinner andwine off, but more often than not I eatwith the plate on my knee in front of thetelevision. Tonight the seven o'clock newsis, as always, no brighter than the bulletin was at five, so I channel surf, hopingthat there might be something on that willcatch my attention and hold my interest.Then I remember - more pills to take!Three kaletra pills later and I am on

the floor playing with Snuffy having donethe dishes and tidied up the kitchen andlounge. Nothing interesting enough on thebox to keep me up so I retire to the bedroom and turn on the bedroom tele andgo to bed. More channel surfing! I ponderon the fact that I am, either through ageor through lessons I have experienced as aresult of the inconveniences imposed uponme over 20 years of HIV living, becomingincreasingly intolerant of disruptions tothings I find pleasurable. Tonight it is theinane, insane advertisements that pepperan otherwise entertaining (for once) programme on a commercial channel that bugme, so I fuck to the ABC and SBS. Nothinghappening there, so I prepare to enter myother world of sleep and dreams. '.,. · ·

Snuffy generally joins me, havingdeigned to eat some of the food I-have leftout for her, and I drift off to sleep ... zzz.

So ends just another dayin the life ofme - just another positive person.

hale111/IIDII.QIIClllrelaClrllntH

FREE LEGAL ADVICE

HALC provides free legal advice,lnfonnatlon and referral to people llvlng InNSWwith an HIV related legal problem.

To make an appointment please call us on

02 9206 2060All lnfonnatlon Is kept strictly confidential.

9 Commonwealth Street,SURRY HILLS NSW 2010Freecall 1800 063 060Fax (02) 9206 2053Email [email protected] to 6pm Mon to Fri

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STls1 are an importanthealth issue for people with

HIV. Once common among gaymen, sexually transmittedinfections declined in the

1980s and early 1990s as theresult of the focus on HIVprevention, but t~ey have

returned - in epidemicproportions - among gay menacross the developed world inrecent years and among HIV

positive gay men in particular.

STls can have serious healthimplications, particularly if nottreated. Syphilis in particular canhave a severe impact and be -harder to treat in HIV positivepeople. Having an STI can increasethe risk of passing on or gettingHIV and it can also make managingyour HIV more difficult.If you are sexually active and HIVpositive, testing for STls should bean important part of maintainingyour health and well being, as wellas the health and well being ofyour partners.This factsheet has been developedfrom a series of interviews anddiscussions with HIV positive andnegative gay men on theirexperiences of testing for STls. 2It looks at why it is particularlyimportant for gay men with HIV totest for STls.

10 reasons

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Why test for STis?

For some men, testing for STls is routinewhile others respond to symptoms or

risk events. Starting a new relationshipcould be another reason.

Peter:What would prompt me tohave a test for STis is havingsymptoms. It depends on thecircumstances I suppose ... for meit's always been a symptom. [ ... ]Regular testing would make STis alot easier to deal with.

Wtlile many had a general understandingof STls, they reflected on tlavinglimited knowledge of the importantdetails around STls. Exampies includecommon symptoms of STls, the waySTls are passed from person to person,available treatments and what happensduring testing.

John: We don't know a lot aboutsymptoms like Chlamydia. Iwouldn't know the differencebetween syphilis and gonorrhoeaand I think the general publicreally has no real knowledge. Howmuch do we need to know andhow do you simplify that. Whatabout the guys who have nosymptoms but have an STI?

I think everybody who is sexuallyactive needs to be aware of theincreases in syphilis and otherSTis, and how to prevent getting itor passing it on.

Screening at least one to two times a yearfor STls during a visit to your HIV doctoris one Wa'f to minimise your health visits.Remember you need to specificallyask for tests for STls.

What to ask for?

Wittl gonorrhoea and Chlamydia ask for aurine sample, anal swab and throat swab.With syphllls and hepatitis A &. B ask forblood tests (if you have not beenvaccinated or are already immune).

The more partners you have the moreoften you should be tested. Everythree to six months is a guideline.a

Some men feel more comfortableseparating their sexual health care fromtheir HIV care by going to a Sexual HealthClinic. These are free of charqe andconfidential. A Medicare card is notrequired and you do not have to use yourreal name. However, it is a good idea tolet your HIV doctor know whatmedications you are on. Talking aboutyour situation may result in you receivingmore appropriate treatment and advice.

Tony on the other hand is morecomfortable talking to his HIV doctor.

Doctors should be encouraged tooffer tests to patients more often.My current doctor is very good.He suggests a full checkupanyway. With my previous doctorI had to ask for a test. It wouldbe good if doctors were moreproactive in suggesting a test andwithout making you feel like youare a bad guy because you arepositive and having sex.

It is important to find a doctor with whomyou can discuss important aspects ofyour life.

3

4. Having lots of sex

partners means the riskof getting an STI iseven higher.

5. Any sexually active macan catch an_,STI.

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What about the typeof sex?

Your risk of STls is affected not only bythe number of sex partners, but the

type of sex you are having. Some sexualpractices are riskier than others for STls(e.g. unprotected anal sex, oral sex).

Oral sex may be a choice made betweenpoz-neg partners to prevent passing onor getting HIV Unless there are co-factorspresent (e.g. cuts or sores in your mouth)that may contribute to HIV transmission,oral sex is considered relatively safe forHIV Oral sex, however, can spread otherSTls such as gonorhoea and syphilis inthe throat.

The more partners you have, the moreoften you should test for an STl, howeverregular STl testing should be a part ofevery sexually active gay man's healthmanagement.

John: You only need to have sexonce with a guy in an unsafeenvironment or have unsafe sexto get an STI. Anybody who hasany form of sex is at risk.

Guys who sleep with two people ayear might not focus on amessage that says if you're morepromiscuous it increases yourchances of an STI.

STis are important inpoz-poz sex

This is what James said:

I had always been safe with othermen after my HIV diagnosis-upuntil about a year ago. Becausethe other person was positive wecame to an agreement to haveunprotected sex: our choice, butone that I feel needs to bediscussed with your partner. [ ... ]I didn't want to get STislike syphilis.For most gay men, using condoms are the

· best way to look after their sexual healthand the sexual health of their partners.

STI testing as part ofeveryday life

Discussion group part icipants expresseda need to "normalise" STl testing.

Max explained:

We need to normalise testing. Itshould be like a mammogram orPap smear for women. They're sopublic nowadays: ads are on primetime television. Testing should belike another part of life, daily life.[ ... J It's on your list of things todo for the week.

5

8. You may haveexperienced unusualdischarges, rashes,itching and pain duringsex or when pissing.

9. STI symptomsere notalways obvious andfrequently there are no

noticeable symptoms.

10. It is important to lookafter your health and tha

of your partners.

Some HIV positive men have made thedecision not to use condoms when

they have sex with another positive man.Poz-poz sex does not prevent the passingon of STls, in particular syphilis - and mayactually increase the risk 5

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6 The type of sex you are having is risky".(e.g. fucking without a condom)."

7 Positive men who bareback · togethermay be at a higher risk of gettingan STI.

8 You may have experienced unusualdischarges, rashes, itching and painduring sex or when pissing.

9 STI symptoms are not always obviousand frequently there are no noticeablesymptoms.

10 It is important to look after your healthand that of your partners.

Concerns about STis should not discourage you from having a healthyand satisfying sex life. Using condoms is the best way to look afteryour sexual health but they are only part of the equation.If you are sexually active it is a good idea to get regular tests for STis.The more partners you have the more often you should be tested.Every three to six months is a guideline.

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tud!ing...its never

too late

The very thought of being backin a classroom studying again isenough to put most people offstudying for the rest of their lives!But while it is not for everyone,studying can offer many benefitsto those who decide it is whatthey want to do.

David Wallace from BGF'sPositive Futures project talks tothree people about their differentexperiences of studying at TAFEand university - the challengesand issues they faced; thebenefits for them of studying;and the things that have keptthem inspired and motivated tokeep studying.

1 Information technologyWhat are you studying?2005 Certificate IV Multi Media, Learn

ing Lab, Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills

What was the background to you decidingto do this course?I decided to do the multimedia course at

the Learning lab, as I had an opportunityto upgrade my skills from low end IT technology to macro media. I am learning howto format for CD, or HTML uploading tothe internet: things like Java, 3D, Video,telecasting, and photographic technology.I had taught IT in business technology

in High Schools in NSW, Queensland andin the UK, bringing with me the knowledge of what I learned at the College ofFine Arts 10 years ago. I found the skillsI had 10 years ago were outdated. I alsowanted the choice of a career change.

How long is the course and how far areyou into it?The Learning Lab Certificate IV is an

intensive course for 10 -11 months. Usually these were three long days per week.

How many hours a week do you study?From 21 - 24 hours per week

What have been some of the issues youhave faced in doing this course?They are strict on insisting that if you

cannot attend due to health, you mustcall in sick before class begins. If you areabsent without a declaration, they declareyour enrolment open. They are preparingus for a competitive workforce. My healthwas never made an issue. It is easy to fallbehind as there is a steep learning curve,so the college urges students to minimiseabsences. It really can be difficult catchingup, particularly editing, for example, completing a video from Adobe Premier forShockWave, to upload to HTML, only tomove quickly to Flash will have you spinning like a top. Three quantum leaps inone week are not easy.

Have you had to deal with any HIV specific issues as a result of studying?I was sick a few times, but it was only

mmor.

How have you coped financially?Reasonably well, the $30 per week edu

cation allowance from Centrelink was agreat incentive to stay with the course tothe end. I spent this on Internet Broadband

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How many hours a week do you study?I have around 15 contact hours a week

that includes lectures and tutorials. On topof that I can spend another 15 hours a weekstudying, and by this I mean visiting thelibrary, reading, and writing assignments.Some weeks I don't spend that much timebut other weeks can be more depending onwhat assignments are due. On top of this Ispend a good deal of time in the cafeteriachatting with the friends I have made.

What have been some of the issues youhave faced in doing this course?I had spent several years not doing very

much at all. I wasn't working and so Iwould come and go as I pleased, eat whenever I wanted, sleep whenever. Going touni means having a routine and so it tookme some time to get used to being in classand working. I guess it took a bit of timeto get my brain to switch on too. I was ina classroom with lots of people I didn'tknow and I had feelings of inadequacyand fear about what people would thinkof me. All of this is really normal I reckon,and after participating a little bit thingsgot easier. Before too long I felt at ease andstarted actually enjoying myself.

I think it is valuable tomake some friendswho you can beopen with aboutwhat is really goingon for you

I went to all the orientation week forumson how to write essays, take notes andread at academic level and I found thesereally helped. I also swallowed my prideand asked a lot of questions so I was sure Iunderstood. Before too long I realised thatuniversity level study isn't that difficult,that it is aimed at normal people, and that

the academic staff really want to help students succeed.

Have you had to deal with any HIV specific issues as a result of studying duringthis time?My first weeks at university coincided

with my first weeks on HAART. I had sideeffects that included feeling slightly nauseous, lightheaded, bloated and thoughit wasn't too bad I just didn't feel myself.This probably affected my emotional stateas well and I felt a bit like an outsiderbeing this 34 year old HIV positive manamongst mostly teenager girls. Happilythe side effects went away and from thenon I just started enjoying myself at uni.I have actually come out as positive to

one girl who has been very supportive andhas become a great friend. I think it is valuable to make some friends who you canbe open with about what is really going onfor you.

How have you coped financially?I have been on the DSP for a few years

and am lucky to have supported housingso my financial situation is quite manageable. Uni fees are $200 a semester, althoughthe abolition of Voluntary Student Unionism means that after June 30 this year theyare optional, and my text books are about$100 a semester. Centrelink provides a$200 grant, called the Education EntryPayment, for people who want to return toan approved course of study and this hashelped. I also manage my finances by making sure all my bills are paid fortnightlythrough Centrepay and by saving a littleeach week with an ING savings account, Ilearned how to do this by accessing financial counselling at BGF.My biggest expense I guess is my inter

net connection and my computer. Youreally do need a computer to study at unialthough the uni does have a lot of computers available for use. I bought my computer on eBay for a couple hundred dollarsand so far it's been a good buy.

Did you encounter any problems fromCentrelink?I had a problem proving to Centrelink

that I had actually returned to study. Theycancelled my Pensioner Education Supple-

ment (a fortnightly payment of around $70dollars paid to those undertaking a Centrelink approved course of study) severaltimes before I went to the uni and got thepaperwork they wanted. The problem wasthat the computer kept asking for a spe-

cific document but the staff didn't actually know what that was. Sometimes withCentrelink you have to be very - patientand keep asking questions until you workout what they really want. In my experience they do really want to help you butsometimes they just don't have the skills.I mean it is such a huge bureaucracy. I tryto approach them with respect and assumethat they want to help me, not hinder me.

What have been the benefits of studying?The benefits are immense. I mean I

really feel like I have a future now becausI am looking ahead. I am actively engagein the idea that 'HIV is no longer a cleatsentence' by planning a career. I feel motivated now and this helps me to do orhethings that interest me. For example, !asyear I was in a play. The most importanthing for me has been an improvement imy self esteem because I have somethinto do every day and have some direction. Ihas been important for me to not get stucin the doldrums of being on DSP but tactively use this time to get ahead in mlife.

What do you hope to do with the qualification?

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the way I think they should be written!From a health perspective, I have to

manage my energy levels and in this area Itry to keep up with my gym work and mymorning walks around the Opera House.One area that I have let slip is my meditation sessions at home and hope to motivate myself before class starts this yearand commence them again.The major issue is that when you have

assessment items due, that they consumeyou. Everything else has to come secondand this can affect your social life or lackof.

Have you had to deal with any HIV specific issues as a result of studying duringthis time?When I first informed various people

that I was about to undertake this course,it was pointed out that it was not necessary for me to disclose my HIV status andso this is one area I have chosen not to disclose at. this stage. No one has come outand openly asked me if I am positive anduntil they do so, I personally don't think

Who knowswhere this couldlead to?

that it's something they need to know.They may have their suspicions but untilthey ask me outright then that is when Ishall disclose this information. I am openabout my status with every other aspect ofmy life.

How have you coped financially?It is a struggle at times and I haveto plan my class presentations around

this factor. I get an extra $62 a fortnight from Centrelink, whilst I am atcollege and this does help. I take mylunch and cold drinks with me mostdays to college and this saves me anyunnecessary expense of buying lunchetc. During the warmer months I walkto college and this also saves me somemoney and I use this to my advantageas I include it in my cardio routine soit works both ways.

Did you encounter any problems fromCentrelink?No, although initially it took some

months for me to get the extra benefits asthere were thousands of other students inmy situation. However, towards the end oflast year Centrelink sent me the necessaryforms to recommence the extra benefitsonce I resume my studies.

What have been the benefits of studying?A whole new world has opened up for

me. It has given me .a whole new senseof self worth ... that if I put my mind tosomething then anything can be achieved.It is almost like I am fulfilling the desiresof that 17 year old boy who was so disappointed when he was told that he couldnot go on to achieve all that he had workedso hard for at school.The other major benefit has been that

areas that I thought that I had a definiteopinion in have been challenged and thatI am constantly questioning and reaffirming everything that I may believe in.This diploma course has also given me

the confidence to tackle tertiary studies inthe future.

What do you hope to do with the qualification?This changes every other week. But

at this stage I would like to work in GayMen's Health at ACON, or in the alcoholand other drugs area, or work in some waywith the HIV positive community - and atsome stage in my life go to Africa and dosome community aid work. I hope to usethis qualification to further my studies atuniversity and work part -time.

network behind me and that they believin me; my fellow students and lecturersat college. And to be quite frank I avery happy with the results that I havachieved so far and I feel that I am working towards a goal and fulfilling . a lifelong dream.

Do you have any words of advice/inspiration to share with others?Be prepared to be challenged and tha

anything is possible if you put your hearand desire into it. There is no greatepower or tool that you can give yourselthan an education and to keep on learning. ~o knows where this could lead to.I have been blessed with some incredibllecturers and have known within my hearthat I have made some life long friendsAnd man to learn something new everyday .... to me that is what life is all about.

We would like to thank Ross, Johnny anFletcher for sharing their experiences witus. For support and assistance with any othe issues connected with undertakingcourse of study - whether it is at TAFEuniversity or a local community collegecontact the Positive Futures project at BGon 9283 8666 or Freecall 1 800 651 011.

What has inspired you to keep going?The fact that I have a strong support

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information, planning, and expert adviceare still essential. Half of those presentwho indicated that they were interested inwork wanted to do something very different from what they had done prior to seroconversion. Many participants wanted todo work that feels meaningful. Lots of ushave been recipients of social services and

want to give something back and participants tended to be most enthusiastic aboutactivity directed to a human bottom line.Is Vocational Training an option?Many who are on disability still have

some energy that we could put to productive use. Many experts believe that doingsomething that gets us out of the house

and engaged with the community playsvital role in maintaining our physical anmental health, that it alleviates depression, contributes to a sense that life hameaning, and keeps us engaged as activparticipants in our communities. Maybthat work won't be paid employmentit may start with sustained activity thabenefits other people as volunteer woror an internship, or it may be school antraining.The reality is that most of us could fin

real benefit in taking time for ourselves tdeal with unresolved issues around basieducation, or to get trained or retrainefor jobs that make sense for our lives now.

"There is always somethingnew to learn, it is up to usto take the relevant parts ... "[Leslie]

Medlcal QuestionsIn the medical arena a lot of people see'to be asking the same kind of question"am I really well enough to work? Whaif I have to change meds, or the meds stoworking? How will the stress of workinaffect my health? Will my adherence bcompromised? WiH I be able to take thmedications' correctly am! consistently?Can I manage my meals around my medswhile still working? Will I be able to manage my other daily activities while stillworking? Is my health stable enough to goback to work, and what will happen if itchanges?"For many positive people, health main

tenance is a delicate balancing act, andintegrating self-care activities with thedemands of employment can be a formidable challenge.

Psychosoclal IssuesEven when people are medically stable,supported with legal and benefits information, and armed with training that canmake them competitive in the workforce,there can be a host of psychosocial barriers to employment. Often people whohave been out of the workforce for a long

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Timothy Frasca is the Director ofthe CIPRESS Foundation in Santiago, dedicated to sexual healthpromotion. He offers a chronicleof the changing course of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Latin Americaand uncovers the enormous cultural changes, which have takenplace throughout Latin Americaas a result of HIV/AIDS. Notwithstanding many similarities amongcountries in the region, the storyof HIV/AIDS in each is unique toits political and cultural contexts,economic conditions and recenthistories. In some cases healthministries, social organisationsand people with HIV/AIDS generated dynamic and creative strategies to address prevention andcare issues: in other countriesthe response started out well andstagnated. A few found it difficult to initiate any response at all.These variations are the subject ofFrasca's AIDS in Latin America.Frasca draws lessons from the strong

activist movement that has succeeded inincreasing government resources to fightHIY, and gives insights into the futureefforts that will be needed to combat AIDSin the region. Personal narratives are intermixed with the first set of comprehensivestatistics on the epidemic. Interviews withactivists, doctors, government officials,journalists and people with HIV/AIDScomplement Frasca's analysis and help toprovide a picture of how the epidemic hasdeveloped.Organized by country, Frasca has

included chapters on Peru, Mexico, Costa

Book ReviewAIDS in Latin Americaby Tim Frasca

Rica, Guatemala, Trinidad and Tobago,Argentina, Brazil and Chile. The countries were selected for different reasons.Chile, Peru and Argentina are neighboursand have recognisable similarities in theway AIDS was handled, although' the differences are· also immense. Brazil brokeground by showing that a country withenormous inequalities and severe povertystill could create "a coherent and humaneresponse". Central America offered interesting contrasts, especially due to CostaRica's role as the island of gay tolerancein the area, its early sophisticated NGOactivities and the many spin-offs it generated around the peninsula. Mexico wasincluded because of its proximity to theUnited States and leadership of the firstregional networks.AIDS organisations did a lot to challenge

official negligence, stigma and discrimination but as Ramon's story illustrates "theydid not necessarily know how to help people with HIV". Frasca concentrates heavily on gay-oriented prevention projectsand associated issues. This is because thehistory, to date, of AIDS in Latin Americais heavily populated with gay and otherhomosexually active men both as activists and as people with HIV. Just as in theUnited States, gay men took interest in theAIDS issue out of identification with it, "auseful bi-product of the otherwise damaging "gay leprosy" and "pink plague" propaganda found in local newspapers".For Frasca the AIDS issue had narrowed

from the intense debates generated in thelate 1980s on sexual culture and sex education, health services, human rights andsocial exclusion, "to how the epidemichad returned instead to the white-smocked

sphere of the sexually transmitted infection clinic and the hospital. Instead of achallenge to hundreds of years of sexualhypocrisy [ ... ], AIDS was steadily·evolving back to its initial status as an issue fordoctors to resolve with their patients". Asa counter response to this shift he 'presentsminimum data along with anecdotes fromthe work of AIDS organisationsto groundpolicy and history in the realities ?f peo-ple's lives. ,: ·If one of the aims of AIDS ·in Latin

America is to mobilise a deeper appreciation of history, as well as provide newimpetus and ideas for moving forward bysharing political, governmental.and community experiences, it has been successful.Frasca reminds us that early responses tothe epidemic in Latin America were characterised by a philosophy that revolvedaround. a stir' of Ji-iderstandings of ethical responsibility and political obligation,bound together by community participation and empowerment. Frasca wants toremind us of these principles and theirimportance in the work we do today.

Contents:Introduction; Peru: Testing, Testing;"Pefialolen"; Mexico: Fatal Advances;Costa Rica: The Velvet Glove; Guatemala: The Iron Fist; "Fame"; Trinidad &Tobago: Living with People Living withHIV/AIDS; "Air Travel"; Argentina: SplitPerspicacity; Brazil: Seductive Models;"Turnpike"; Chile: Seizing Empowerment;Epilogue.

Reviewed by Kathy Triffitt

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uick Newsfor Women

Nandini Ray profiles events for womenorganised by Positive Heterosexuals

Happy New Year to all from Pozhet!We have a bumper calendar plannedfor 2006 with many new eventsplanned for women and their family/friends.

Workshops for womenWe're running four new workshops·for positive women on Saturdaysthat will include topics such as positive pregnancy, finding your soulmate and where to shop for the bestpriced bargains! Each workshopwill be held over a couple of hoursand includes a free lunch.

tive women's group for developingand maintaining a highly successfulinformal support group. This groupwas started lip by several poz womenin Coffs and supported by their localArea Health Service and ACON. Ithas been going now for several yearsand is just as successful as ever. Wewere really pleased to support thisgroup of women by providing themwith scholarships to attend last year'sPozhet Annual Workshop in Sydney.We're also looking forward to seeing the Coffs Women's Group againin 2006.

We're coming to visitNo matter where you are, we willmake every effort to have somethingheld in a location near you! So calling all women from Canberra, CoffsHarbour, Lismore, Albury, Dubboand Newcastle - we're coming tovisit! Keep your eyes open for thesedates on the new 2006 Pozhet Calendar in your Talkabout. And if youalso have any suggestions for anyevents you would like to see happening in your own area, please do nothesitate to contact us to discuss them.We would love to hear from you.

Greater West Get Togetherand Big Day OutWe're holding two major events inWestern Sydney in 2006 throughThe Haven in Blacktown. These willalso be advertised in Talkabout andthrough the Pozhet Connections Program and will be a great opportunity for all women and their familiesto come along, meet new people andstay connected with services in thelocal area.

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Coffs Harbour women'sgroupPozhet would like to say congratulations to the Coffs Harbour posi-

Cafe Connections Is backAnd finally ... Cafe Conversation, theTuesday morning coffee bar program,is starting up again in Newtown. Thisis a small and informal way of talking with other positive people whileenjoying a coffee or two. Please feelfree to drop in and have a chat.

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SAFFRON·The Saffron crocus is an autumn Bowering perennial that belongs to the lily family. Its purple Bower has six stamens. EachBower has three stigmas that are attachedinto the base of the bloom by a fine palethread called a style. Dried saffron stigmasseparated from the Bowers are between 10-18mm long, are dark-red, thin and needlelike at one end, broadening slightly untilfanning out at the tip in a trumpet shape.It has a honey/woody aroma and a bitter, lingering, appetite-stimulating taste.It is expensive due to it being harvestedand produced by hand. Though expensivein large quantities, most recipes only callfor a ¼ to a ½ teaspoon of this preciousspice, and this can be bought relativelyinexpensively.

Saffron Spi·ceCake;250 ml (1 cup) freshly squeezed orange

JUlCe1 tablespoon finely grated orange rind¼ teaspoon saffron threads3 eggs155g (1 ¼ cups) icing sugar250g (2 cups) self-raising flour370g (3 2J3 cups) ground almonds125g unsalted butter, meltedicing sugar, extra to dustcream, to serve

Preheat oven to 180°C. Lightly grease a22cm round cake tin and line the base withbaking paper. Combine the orange juice,zest and saffron in a small saucepan andbring to the boil. Lower the heat and simmer for one minute. Leave to cool.Beat the eggs and icing sugar with elec

tric beaters until light and creamy. Fold inthe sifted Bour, almond meal, orange juicemixture and butter with a metal spoonuntil just combined and mixture is justsmooth. Spoon the mixture into the prepared tin.Bake for one hour, or until a skewer comes

out clean when inserted in the middle of thecake. Leave in the tin for 15 minutes beforeturning out on a wire rack to cool.Dust with a little icing sugar, and serve

with cream.

STAR ANISEStar Anise is the dried, star-shapedfruit of a small, Oriental, evergreentree, and is a member of the Magnolia family. The narcissus-like, greenish-yellow unscented flowers are followed by rayed fruits composed ofeight seed-holding segments. Thearoma of Star Anise is distinctlyaniseed. It has a strong, sweet licorice character, and deep, warm spicenotes that are reminiscent of cloveand cassia. The flavour is similarlylicorice-like, pungent, lingering andnumbing, leaving the palate freshand stimulated.

CaribbeanChicken withGinger & StarAnise;25g fresh ginger3 star anise4 chicken breasts3 tablespoons sherry150ml chicken stock3 garlic cloves, crushed2 bay leaves150ml olive oil150ml white wine vinegar2 white onions, slicedsea salt and 8 peppercorns

Crush the ginger and star anise in amortar and pestle and add to a panwith chicken, sherry and stock. Simmer for 20 minutes, or until chickenis cooked and tender.Shred the chicken into thin strips

and place in a bowl with the garlic,bay leaves, olive oil, vinegar, onions,salt and peppercorns. Mix well, andleave to marinate in the refrigeratorfor a couple of days.Serve with a spinach salad and

lemon wedges.

SUMACThis Middle eastern spice is from one of150 varieties of rhus trees. Sumac comesfrom the berries these trees produce,which are in tightly bunched clusters 8-lOcm long, and about 2cm across at thewidest point near the base. The berriesripen to a pinkish red, and are finally deepcrimson when harvested. Sumac powder isa deep burgundy colour, course texturedand moist. The aroma is fruity, like across between red grapes and apples witha lingering freshness. The taste is initiallysalty, tangy and pleasantly fruity with nosharpness.I introduced a number of people to this

spice by using it on oven-roasted tomatoes, which it is really delicious with. Italso goes well with avocado, chicken andfish. It is one of the ingredients in the Middle Eastern za'atar rub.

Slow-RoastedTomatoes12 Roma tomatoes, fully ripe and halveda sprinkling each of salt, castor sugar andpepper

1-2 tablespoons sumac2 tablespoons olive oil

Place tomatoes cut side up on a bakingpaper lined baking tray Sprinkle with salt,castor sugar and pepper, then cover with agood sprinkling of sumac. Drizzle the oilover the tomatoes and roast at 100°C forthree (3) hours.These can be served hot or at room tem

perature as cocktail finger food or used aspart of a salad.

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We all know it'simportant to keep fitfor a healthy heart

Ingrid Cullen

Fitness training for your heart isany exercise that uses large muscle groups in a continuous mannerin order to elevate the heart rateto a level that has a training effecton it. As you get fitter, your heartmuscle responds like any othermuscle. It adapts to the workloadand changes, becoming strongerand able to pump more bloodeach heartbeat. Aerobic trainingor cardio exercise trains the heartto pump more efficiently, so it canprovide oxygen rich blood to theworking muscles, your brain andall your organs.As with any sort of training, you need to

work out what level of exercise to start at,and how much to increase this by, so youcan get the best results. You also want toget healthier without the risk of overdoingit or injuring yourself. You can start simplyby walking, cycling, swimming gardeningetc for as long as you can easily, and everyweek or so go for longer or make the activity harder. If that doesn't sound like you,try doing circuits of exercises in a gym orat home. Anything that trains the heartmuscle by making it respond to exercisewill work. To work out your training zoneor the level of exercise you need to engagein to have a positive effect on your heart,work out your resting heart rate and yourmaximum heart rate. You then use thesefigures to calculate 60%- 85% of yourheart rate, as this is what's called your aerobic training zone. This is the heart ratethat is safest and most effective for makingyour heart stronger and you fitter. I covered resting heart rate in the last issue ofTalkabout. (Take your pulse first thing inthe morning, or after you have been resting for 30 minutes or more. Remember

this or write it down because you will needit later). You can estimate your maximumheart rate by subtracting your age from220.So for me, Ingrid, at 43 years of age and

fairly fit (well I like to think I am), witha resting heart rate of 64, my heart ratetraining zone is between 132 and 160.

Ingrid220-43 age = 177max heart rate and myresting heart rate is 64.Resting heart rate + 0:6 x (max heart rate-resting heart rate)64 + 0.6 x (177-64) = 132 is the lowestheart rate for effective heart health. 60%64+ 0.85 x (177-64) =160 is the highestheart rate for effective heart health 85%

You can use the formula above to workout what level to train at for your heart'shealth. Remember, as you get fitter, yourresting heart rate will slowly decrease andyour heart will be more efficient, so yourheart rate will increase more slowly. Thismeans you will have to work harder tokeep your heart rate in your training zone.It will also be a sign that you and yourheart are fitter.If you are overweight start with 20 min

utes of exercise at 60% and do it 2-3 timesa week. Try to add some strength work aswell, to keep your muscle mass up. If youare under weight do one aerobic session aweek, and concentrate more on strengthwork to build up a bit more muscle. Aerobic exercise is important for a healthyheart but you can get it from all sorts ofactivity. So next time you train in the gymwith weights, check your heart rate. If itstays in your training zone, you are gettinga cardio workout as well as building upyour muscle mass.

Ask Ingrid

What are the best exercises forlooking after your heart andkeeping cholesterol low?

Having a healthy heart is notjust about exercise. You alsoneed to watch what you eat,have regular health check ups,and manage stress. Not alwayseasy, I know, but it's about getting balance into your life.As discussed in the article inthis Talkabout, some type efaerobic exercise is what youneed for a healthy heart andthere are many ways of getting this. Any activity that getsyou in the zone, ·60-85% ofyour maximum heart rate1 willdo. The exercise, doesn't haveto be particularly hard, justoften enough to strengthenyour heart. The diet is the next

'·important thing. Think of ·changing how you eat ratherthan just counting calories:Wha.t you.eat has a big effecton your cholesterol. There arevarious types of fats and cholesterol, somegood, some notso go~d..Saturared fats are theeasiest food for your body tomake cholesterol from, so theseare the first things you shouldreduce in your diet. Gettingthe right balance for you canbe quite hard, especially whenHIV and meds complicatethings. Talk to a dietician; askyour GP or ACON to recommend someone who knowsabout nutrition and HIV. Thenmanage the stress in your life,things that trigger unhealthychoices, like not exercising oreating well and you will havea healthy heart as well as ahealthy body.

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4!I yo South Coutmale 18 yrs +ve, 6 ft 2, passive, WLTM guysco 45 for friend/relationship without the use of drugs. Tired ofbeing single, willing to travel within reason. GSOH, DTE, caring and affectionate - that's me. Reply: 17oeo8

R1ver1na, 37 yo, HIV+ slim, slightly hairy WLTM other'locals' for friendship, perhaps LTR. Into AFL, camping, beach,kissing, cuddling and of course the obvious. Can accommodatefor country weekends away Prefer mature, but not set in stone.Reply:~

Kenelngtonarea, GWM WLTM Similar Masculine Aussie 45-55, also into Willingness, Sai Baba, Spirirualiry, Conversations,Practicality, Spontaneity, Complementary Therapies, QuantumHealing/Physics, Cooking, Completed UPW, Old Movies, Markets, Shopping, Country Outings, Liberal Contributor, Enigmatic Lover, Slim Trim Healthy, ALA Reply:28090II

37 yo IIV+ 6 ft 3, 85 kg, grey eyes, brown hair, gym fit, handsome masculine hairy chest active NS affectionate intelligentWLTM HIV+ fit masculine affectionate passive guy 30 -50 forLTR. I want to settle down with you, get 2 dogs, a cat, travel,live life to the fullest. I live in the inner east for now ALA Reply:011100!5

40 yrs old, good looking and in good health. GSOH. Curious,reserved, active. I would lilce to meet a genuine friend, LTR,TIC ALA . I'm passionate and friendly Age/nationality open. Ican travel anywhere in Australia. Reply: 141

Mid north coat 34 yo poz GWM 5ft 5, slim, passive/versatile,healthy and very laid back. Into nature, reading, nudity andart. Looking for friends and lovers with similar interests or not!.-\LA Reply: 271008

40yo Hot Latino-Italian man straight acting, versatile, hardworking, honest and nice body, and in good health. No drugs.ALA LTR TLC The guy who comes into my life will have myfull sex, love, care, assistance, share bills and more. Open toall nationalities. I don't have a specific 'type' or age Reply:140905

Sydney, healthy HIV+ middle aged man, relatively attractivewith active mind and body, interesting life, honest, sentimental,maybe funny, WLTM other human for exchange of kisses, hugsand ideas, not sex yet. Age, race, colour irrelevant, heart essential. ALA Reply: 0811011

35yo 5ft 8, 65kg HIV+ GSOH Fit easy going, nice looking.Enjoy beach, gym, swimming, outdoors and indoors (curlingup), and odd night out. Looking for relaxed fit guy with GSOH28-45. Reply: 2151105

Blue eyed brown hair 40 years old GWM In gaol until March06 ISO guy up to 30 for friendship possible LTR. GSOH passionate, loving, intelligent, successful, non scene ALA penfriends wanted. Reply: 2811

In gaol - poor sick queer, threatened with a lash, 18 years HIVpoz, first time in prison, in single cell, bored, lonely, isolated,seeking penfriend. No S&M types please. 40. Reply: 3011011

Young 38 year old GWM HIV+ in gr8 shape, handsome gr8personality. 5 ft 7 & 65 kilos, brown hair, green eyes. Exercises regularly. Adventurous & versatile WLTM pleasant looking DTE guy 25 - 45 gr8 personality & smile, enjoys sport &exercise. Mature attitude but likes a bit of fun. Secure & careerminded. Any nationality. Reply: 10120!!

45 yo pos 3 yrs , good looks, gym fit, healthy, defined shape,good dresser, NS, non scene, 5 ft 8, 70kg, honest, loyal, monogamous, good values, GSOH, looking for similat.arrributes in30+ guy for LTR, good job, likes homelife, dinners, movies,travel, photography, reading Reply: 09010e

Qrut catch Aalan guy, 31, gym fit, genuine, DTE, caring andaffectionate professional WLTM GWM who are tall, fit, sincere, affectionate for dinners, movies, travel, gym 21. to 40 yearsold. Am good looking and like to take care of someone! Reply:100106

Wollougoog, 39 yo HIV+ GWM 6 ft 67 kg blue eyes, shortbrown hair, and masculine WLTM man to 45 (prefer active)who is masculine, non scene and DTE for possible LTR. Myinterests: swimming, music, reading, dogs, camping, healthyliving and spirituality Reply: 070209

Men Seeking Women19'1+ male, 31yo, tall and muscular, motorcycle enthusiast,seeks female 28-40. I'm hardworking and searching for companionship/relationship, genuine replies. Reply: 100008

Shy, sincere, loyal, hardworking 35yo hiv+ divorcee. I'm astraight, honest male living in Sydney. Seeks friendship withhiv+ lady in similar situation who wants to meet a true loyaland down to earth true friend. ALA. Reply: 020602

Ooodlooldng, 30yo , straight + male, recently diagnosed, goodhealth, NS, SD. Seeking honest, straight, single female 21.-32 yrsfor serious relationship and love. Genuine responses only Looking forward to hearing from you girls. You will not be disappointed. Reply: 070402

NthnNSWmale. 27yo, hetero pos, single Dad of 1, seeks femaleto write to, and/or meet. Any nationality, age. Reply: 100010

Attractive, Sydney, 35yo +ve male. Seeking attractive lady 20-45,yrs for Uship, r/ship, love. I'm sincere, excellent health, athleticbuild, olive skinned, and a hopeless romantic. Enjoy theatre,music, fine dining, deserted beaches, GSOH, live bands. Discretion assured. ALA. Reply: 100013

Aust hetro male, hiv+, early 40s, very fit and healthy, genuinepersonaliry, lots of hobbies, likes outdoors, N/S, lives in Sydney Looking to start friend/relationship with a female in similarposition. Age/nationality open. Kids ok. Reply: 100021

You know who you -· I received two responses to my advertearly in the year, but have been frustrated trying to communicate by email, I'm still keen to communicate but by some otherway. Please. There are some other ways and you can still remainanonymous. Reply: 100021

"Man~ to align with his Venus.To: Female soulrnate -respect differences, nurture vulnerabilities and value each othersfriendship. From: Heterosexual Male, HIV+ youthful appearance, just 40's. caucasian, 'tall, bionde and with green eyes' -insightful; spiritual and down to earth; all encompassing."Reply:270504

15d North Coat LifHtyle . Straight guy, 43 HIV+, non user,easy going, genuine, GSOH seeks similar HIV+ lady for companion/mate for LTR and if all goes well who knows. We couldjust be very compatible. Reply: 100020

MarsM9klng to align with his Venus. Just looking for a nicegirl; someone to share common interests, as well as our 'trialsand tribulations.' Heterosexual male, HIV+, just 40's Caucasian. Down to earth; enthusiastic in everything worthwhile inlife.Reply:29030!5

37yo, HIY+ Bisexual male, 5 ft Sin 70 kg, blue eyes, brown hair,OK looks and good physique. Looking to start a new life with awoman 25-45. I'm very straight acting, full of love, and want tospend the rest of my life with a nice woman. PS. Come and stillmy heart! Reply: 150705

HIV+ Womanwanted. Age, looks and nationality open. I'm 39(20 years positive), DTE, GSOH, lives Central Tablelands, animal lover, loves bush life. Main hobby looking for gold. Reply:070011

HIV+ male 31 yrs old tall medium build seeking + female 24- 32 for serious LTR. Love dining out in fine dining atmosphere, GSOH bundles of laughs. European background genuineresponses only, and ladies won't be disappointed. Melbourneregion. Reply: 1110011

~HIV+ male medium build 175cm tall hazel eyes brown hairlooking for female with GSOH and interested in music, rnovies,long walks and loves talking about anything. Also looking forfriendship or possibly more ALA Reply: 28100!!

Women Seeking Men24yo straight + female, recently diagnosed. Looking for love,friends and/or penpals. Enjoy alternative music, live bands,photography and movies. ALA. Reply: 100022

Hlw+ girl, 28J.o, Diagnosed a year ago. I am a genuine girl withpersonality and good looks. Looking for a man 28-38y.o. withpersonality and a positive outlook. Looking for friendship, possible relationship. Reply281004

ALA All Letters Answered

Lm Long Term Relationship

GSOH Good Sense of Humour

NS Non Smoker

ISO Looking For

DTE Down To Earth

WLTII Would Like To Meet

GAM Gay Asian Male

GWM Gay White Male

TLC Tender Loving Care

When placing andanswering personalsBe clear about who you are and what you arelooking for. Too much detail can be boring,and too little may be too vague. Be honest toavoid disappointment for you and your correspondent.

Do not give out your work or home address,telephone number or email address until youthink you can trust the person. Use a Horrnailor Yahoo address.

Like you, other people may be anonymous.You can't always believe everything you aretold. ,

When meeting someone:Have rea.so~able expectations. Don't let yourfantasies run away with you - how somebody seems might not 6" who they are face-to-face. ' ·:.

. .Meet for the first time in a busy public place,like a bar or club, or with friends. You can goto a private place after you have met the person and think you can trust them. Don't relyon the other person for transport.

Let someone know who you are meeting andwhere. You can leave a note, keep a diary,email a friend, or ask someone to phone youo~ your-mobile re ;,;ake sure you are alright.

Apply. cornrnonsense and -~fie'basic rulesof personal safety Maintain a healthydegree of suspicion: if anything seemsodd, be careful.

How to respond to apersonalWrite your response letter and seal it in anenvelope with a 50c stamp on it - Write thereply number in pencil on the outside - Placethis envelope in a separate envelope and sendit to Olga's Personals, PO Box 831, Darlinghurst 1300.

How to place a personalWrite an ad of up to 40 words - Claimsthat you are hiv negative or claims aboutblood test results cannot be made. However, claims that you are hiv positive arewelcome and encouraged - Any personalthat refers to illegal activity or is racist orsexist will not be published - Send the personal to Olga, including your name andaddress for replies. Personal details strictlyconfidential.

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nQ_(Lf)__.,~ P •hetHIV+ 2~~~TI:~~{ 0~first stop for inform.ation,fun and support for thepositive straight corn.in.unity

$ Freecall (nationc;il)1800 812 404

your own private, safe andconfidential connection tosom.ehody who understandshelping you with a new contactthe friendliest heterochat

it's easy to he part of pozhetjoin in over 10 statewide events

see www.pozhet.org.aufor full details

website m.essage hoardinform.ation deliveredto your door.:-- o ., '"'i " .magazinesworkshopssupport groupssocial outingstreatm.ents nighb,new ideas for healthy livingretreatshelp with other sezvices

po%hethelping each other, helping ourselves

Pozhet 2006 Calendar

HIV+ HETEROSEXUALS

FebruaryTUESDAY 7Cate Conversation NewtownPositive men and women

FRIDAY 24Open House: The Law and HIV

MarchFRIDAY 10Pozhet PozMen: Treatments NightPositive Men only

FRIDAY 17 to SATURDAY 18Pozhet Outreach: NEWCanberra region

MayMONDAY 1 to FRIDAY 5Pozhet Outreach:Albury and DubboFriday 26Open House: Jaws/Oral health and Immunity

NEW

JuneTUESDAY 6Cata Conversation NewtownPositive men and women

SATURDAY 1.7Positive Women's ForumPositive Women Only

PartnersPLUSPartners only

NEW

JulyTUESDAY 4Cate Conversation NewtownPositive men and women

MONDAY 10 to FRIDAY 14Pozhet Outreach: NEWCoffs and UsmoreFRIDAY 28Open House: What's Eating You?Food and immunity

AprilSATURDAY 1Positive Women's ForumPositive Women Only


TUESDAY 11Cate Conversation NewtownPositive men and women

NEW

FRIDAY 28Open House: Bride & PrejudiceIndian film, food and music

AugustSATURDAY 12Positive Women's Forum NEWPositive Women Only


TUESDAY 15 to WEDNESDAY 16

SeptemberFRIDAY 1 to SUNDAY 4Pozhet Retreat: Feel Good/Hawkesbury River

FRIDAY 29Open House: Behind ClosedDoorsHIV and the family

Pozhet Outreach:Hunter .RegionSATURDAY 26Greater West GetTogetherPozhet and Western Suburbs Haven

www.pozhet.org.au

NEW

NEW

OctoberSATURDAY 7Positive Women's ForumPositive Women Only


SUNDAY 29Big Day OutPozhet and the Western Suburbs Haven

NovemberSATURDAY 11Know HowlAnnual HIV/AIDS workshop

DecemberFRIDAY 8Open House: Get Wrapped!Pozhet Xmas party

NEW

NEW

NEW

Heterosexual HIV/AlDS Service 2006

10 reasons to-test for-STls never too late - Positive Life NSW

Documents

Transcript of 10 reasons to-test for-STls never too late - Positive Life NSW