WE NEED YOUR HELP
YOUR CONTRIBUTION IS
ESSENTIAL. OVER 91% OF
SILOAM’S CLIENTS LIVE
BELOW THE POVERTY
LINE.
Siloam Choice
Food Pantry
THIS IS ESSENTIAL TO THE 91% OF SILOAM’S CLIENTS LIVING BELOW THE POVERTY LINE
We design our food pantry to offer a selection. This gives our friends living with HIV / AIDS dignity and respect that comes with the ability to choose their meals.
BEYOND DRUGS AND HEALTH CARE
MASSAGE THERAPY BOOSTS THE IMUNE SYSTEMS OF PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV
SPEAKING TO SOMEONE WHO HAS EXPERIENCE TREATING PEOPLE WITH HIV IS BENEFICIAL AS THEY WILL HAVE A GREATER UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT YOU’RE GOING THROUGH
SPIRITUALITY PLAYS AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV
While access to medicines is extremely important, the needs of people with HIV/AIDS extend far beyond drugs and health care. HIV/AIDS care strategies therefore need to be comprehensive
Massage therapy, which has been shown to improve immune function in HIV-positive adults and adolescents, may boost the immune systems of people living with HIV.
A strong immune system allows the body to shore up its disease-fighting arsenal. In contrast, a weakened immune system is an open invitation for disease.
For HIV patients, the immune system must be continuously built up to prevent the patient from succumbing to the disease. Research has proven the benefits of massage therapy among patients who were HIV-positive.
Massage boosts immune system function by reducing anxiety and stress, increasing white blood cell counts, and decreasing the levels of the stress hormone, Cortisol, which has been noted to destroy immune cells.
Massage has also been shown to activate the body’s natural killer cells.
Recent research suggests that properly administered massage therapy may help preserve the immune systems of HIV-positive people who lack access to antiretroviral medication.
A diagnosis of HIV or AIDS may often be difficult to cope with. Although treatment has been shown to be very effective for HIV, and those receiving treatment for the condition can expect to live longer and experience a higher quality of life than they might have in years past, the virus may still have a significant effect on mental health.
People diagnosed with HIV or AIDS may experience:
Depression
Anxiety
Fatigue
Grief for the perceived loss of the life they thought they would have
Anger toward the person who transmitted the virus
Stress due to the financial demands of treatment and any lifestyle changes that may be required
Guilt if they transmitted or suspect they transmitted the virus to someone else
Worry or decreased self-esteem from societal stigma and prejudices about HIV/AIDS
Hopelessness or suicidal thoughts
It may also be difficult for those infected with the virus to navigate the additional challenges a diagnosis of HIV or AIDS can have on romantic relationships.
Getting support
Speaking to someone who has experience treating clients with HIV is beneficial as they will have a greater understanding of what you’re going through and the psychological impacts.