Positive Life NSW

This is an archived copy of a Positive Life NSW newsletter. To subscribe to our newsletters, click here.

From the editor

Hello and welcome to the August issue of Life.mail. You've probably noticed that it's still winter! But spring is trying to break through and this edition of the newsletter is full of events for the (hopefully) drier, warmer weeks ahead.

You should have received the latest issue of Talkabout a few weeks ago – remember that if you mislay your copy or want to share an article with a friend, the entire magazine can be read online, either in page-turning or PDF format, at http://positivelife.org.au/talkabout-gets-animated. Do let me know if you ever have problems with our website.

I'm still happy to receive your contributions for the next segment of Everyday Life in Talkabout. This time it's about 'community' – has this become just an empty buzzword? Or do you have a real sense of belonging to a community in your life? If so, which communities mean something to you? An email-sized contribution is fine. Send it to Susan at editor@positivelife.org.au by next week.

Talkabout gabfest … er, readers meeting

This one's for the inner westies! Yes, Talkabout is venturing out from postcode 2010 and across to Newtown. We're holding another meeting for readers to tell us what you like, don't like and would love to see added to the magazine. Drop in for just an hour on your way home from work or on your way out for a Thursday evening. Meet us at the NAPWA offices, on the corner of Erskineville Road and Wilson Street, just a minute from King St and a short walk from Newtown station, from 6-7pm on Thursday, September 29. Please rsvp so I can get an idea of the refreshments needed: editor@positivelife.org.au

Phoenix events

If you're quick you can catch the next PozQuest workshop, run in partnership with Petrea King's Quest for Life Foundation, from August 29 to September 2 at Bundanoon, just south of Sydney. (Looking further ahead, PozQuest Women is on in November.) Contact Peter Thoms at BGF on 9283 8666.

729 monthly meeting

The next 729 is next Thursday, August 25th, at Twenty10 (45 Bedford Street, Newtown). Get there at 6.45pm for a 7pm start. On the menu: Sprit + Wellness + Health (pathways to our inward journey). Come and share your thoughts, experiences and insights with like-minded people. To rsvp, call Hedimo on 9361 6011 or email: hedimos@positivelife.org.au

PozHet retreat

Pozhet is holding a retreat at Myuna Bay on the Central Coast, from September 9-11. For more info, freecall 1800 812 404 or email: pozhet@pozhet.org.au

HL+

Intakes for the Spring Healthy Life Plus program are now open. HL+ is a three-month fitness program for HIV+ people which includes weekly seminars on nutrition, complementary therapies, supplements, cardiovascular health and more. Participants have unlimited access to Gold's Gym in Surry Hills, access to a personal trainer, dietitian and nutritionist and most importantly peer support. So get your joggers on and contact Steve Wiggins at ACON on 9206 2102 or swiggins@acon.org.au

September Genesis

Know anyone who's recently seroconverted? Let them know about the next Genesis workshop, for gay men who are recently positive, now booking for September at ACON's new premises, 414 Elizabeth St, Surry Hills. Contact hivliving@acon.org.au or call 9699 8756.

Ignite Spirit – Cheer for Life

Ever wanted to try cheerleading? Based in Surry Hills, Ignite Spirit Australasia is part of the International Pride Cheerleading Association and Cheer for Life program and they're looking for new members. You don't have to be a dancer or athlete – in fact, they'd prefer it if you weren't.  They're very poz-friendly. Look for them on the Web: http://www.ignitespirit.org, phone (02) 9280 1424 or email info@ignitespirit.org

Pets at Northcott

Bring your pet to Ward Park and Northcott Community Centre, Belvoir St, Surry Hills for free pet health checks by volunteer vets, free microchipping for dogs and cats, a free barbecue and low-cost desexing bookings (pensioner/healthcare card). Saturday, September 10, 11am-3pm.

Positive women on NZ radio

Listen to a lovely 10-minute program about women from the New Zealand positive speakers bureau. Go to http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/afternoons/20110720 and scroll down to find the story titled: Auckland Story for 20 July, 2011: Wahine Kaha.

Lateline on HIV and premature ageing

At the beginning of August, Lateline aired a short report on HIV and premature ageing: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-08-02/new-research-shedding-light-on-hiv... which attracted a lot of attention.  It's good to see the ABC approaching this story, but as longtime Positive Life member Ross Duffin points out, the report failed to differentiate between HIV Associated Dementia (HAD) – a pre-treatments, or lack of treatments, dementia – and a condition called HIV Associated Neurological Disorder (HAND), which is the real accelerated-ageing story but which is usually mild and progresses slowly.

Easy steps to health

People over 65 are needed for a study into a self-guided walking program run by NSW Health. The 12-month program is designed to motivate and support older adults to reach the level of walking needed for good health. [This is not HIV-specific but it is health-specific – why not give it a go?] Contact the study team on 1800 032684.

IAS conference Rome July 2011

The International AIDS Society held its sixth conference on HIV in Rome in July. The use of HIV treatment as prevention was the major theme of a conference characterised by excitement and optimism – there was even real talk about the science that could lead to a cure. NAM: aidsmap was the official online provider of news coverage during the conference and did a great job. You can read all their email bulletins and news reports at http://www.aidsmap.com/ias2011

That's it for this edition of Life.mail. I hope to meet some of you at the September 29 Talkabout readers meeting.

Salute!
Susan