Just a Joke

A motorist had a flat tire in front of an insane asylum. He took the wheel off, but when he stood up he tipped over the hubcap containing the bolts, spilling them all down a sewer drain.

A patient, looking through the fence, suggested that the man take one bolt from
the remaining three wheels to hold the fourth wheel in place until he could get to a service station.

The motorist thanked him profusely and said, “I don’t know why you are in that place.”

The patient said, “I’m in here for being crazy, not for being stupid.”

ALCOHOL AND THE RISK OF HIV

 

Alcohol is classed as a depressant, meaning that it slows down vital functions—resulting in slurred speech, unsteady movement, disturbed perceptions and an inability to react quickly.

As for how it affects the mind, it is best understood as a drug that reduces a person’s ability to think rationally and distorts his or her judgment.

Although classified as a depressant, the amount of alcohol consumed determines the type of effect. Most people drink for the stimulant effect, such as a beer or glass of wine taken to “loosen up.” But if a person consumes more than the body can handle, they then experience alcohol’s depressant effect. They start to feel “stupid” or lose coordination and control.

Alcohol overdose causes even more severe depressant effects (inability to feel pain, toxicity where the body vomits the poison, and finally unconsciousness or, worse, coma or death from severe toxic overdose). These reactions depend on how much is consumed and how quickly.

There are different kinds of alcohol. Ethyl alcohol (ethanol), the only alcohol used in beverages, is produced by the fermentation of grains and fruits. Fermenting is a chemical process whereby yeast acts upon certain ingredients in the food, creating alcohol.

HIV risk-taking behaviors and harmful drinking patterns

HIV is spread via unprotected sexual contact with an infected person, by direct blood contact through contaminated needles (primarily for illicit drug injection or in healthcare settings without proper sterilization procedures), during birth or breastfeeding (for infants born to HIV-infected mothers), or through transfusions of infected blood. Unsafe sex, identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of 10 leading risk factors for harm globally, is the most common mode of HIV transmission. “Unsafe sex” refers to sexual contact with partners of unknown HIV status without the use of condoms. Unsafe sex disproportionately affects individuals in the world’s poorest countries, where it ranks as the second most important risk factor for disease, disability, and death. By comparison, it is ranked ninth in high-income countries.

Recent research has suggested a correlation between heavy and harmful drinking patterns and an increased likelihood of sexual risk-taking behaviors, including engaging in unprotected sex. It has been suggested that heavy drinking patterns may influence sexual risk-taking by affecting judgment and reducing inhibitions, thereby diminishing perceived risk or excusing behaviors otherwise considered socially unacceptable. High blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels have also been associated with reduced intentions to use condoms.

The relationship between risk-taking, drinking, and HIV/AIDS risk is influenced by cultural and societal factors. For example, a study undertaken by WHO in eight countries found that inebriation was considered a culturally acceptable excuse for acting irresponsibly (including engaging in unsafe sexual activities) in Belarus, Kenya, Mexico, Romania, the Russian Federation, and South Africa. In Romania, this conceptualization was exclusive to men, implying that such behavior was correlated with an assertion of masculinity.

Research indicates that the relationship between alcohol and sexual conduct is context- and community-specific. Outcomes are likely to vary, depending on situation, gender, sexual and alcohol experiences, cultural norms and practices, drinking patterns, and individual physiological responses to alcohol. Expectations surrounding the effects of alcohol (e.g., the perception that alcohol enhances sexual arousal and performance) and personality traits associated with both drinking and sexual risk-taking (e.g., impulsive decision-making, stimulus- and sensation-seeking) may also influence unsafe sexual practices. The WHO study supports this assertion, reporting that in the Russian Federation “there was a common misconception that a person without alcohol was incapable of engaging in sex”.

These factors are, however, subjective and difficult to quantify. In addition, the important and multi-faceted role alcohol plays in various cultures, traditions, and social contexts does not afford an easy comparative analysis across borders or even within a given country. The involvement of many social, cultural, and contextual factors makes it difficult to study the association between drinking patterns and transmission of HIV/AIDS.

How to Prevent Alcohol Abuse

1.    Recognize the signs of alcohol abuse. When the use of alcohol progresses to alcohol abuse there are several recognizable signs. Continued use of alcohol despite negative consequences is one such indicator. Legal problems related to drinking, like getting a DUI, relationship problems caused by drinking, and occupational problems associated with drinking, such as getting fired for missing work when you were hung over are examples of when negative consequences result from drinking. Continued use despite these consequences should signal a problem. Avoiding important obligations like work and school in order to drink is another sign of trouble. Use of alcohol in dangerous settings, like driving or while caring for your children, is also a sign that alcohol use has progressed to abuse.

 

2.    Know your triggers. There are many reasons why a person drinks. Many people use alcohol to relax or unwind. Others use it as a coping mechanism, while others use it recreationally or for fun. It is important to understand the reason you are using alcohol to determine whether alcohol has become a problem. If drinking occurs as a way to escape from problems or as a way to deal with painful emotions, you risk developing a drinking problem and should seek help to deal with these emotions.

 

3.    Avoid high-risk areas. If you are aware that drinking has become a problem, it is necessary to avoid your high-risk areas. If you stop by the bar every day on the way home, you may need to take a different way home. If your best friend shows up every Friday with a bottle of wine, you may have to change plans and meet at a cafe where alcohol is not served. Many times it is necessary to change friendships and change patterns so you can avoid your high-risk areas.

 

4.    Find another outlet. It isn't enough to simply stop drinking.; it is important to find another outlet that can serve the same purpose. If alcohol is a recreation for you, try taking up a new sport instead. If it is a coping mechanism, try utilizing techniques like journaling as a way to cope with your emotions. Find something new to get involved in to take the place of drinking. A healthy outlet ensures you fill the void previously filled with drinking.

5.    Ask for help. If you find that your alcohol problem is too difficult to handle alone, you may need to get professional help. There are counselors who can help treat your alcohol problems. Outpatient and inpatient substance abuse programs are available depending on the level of your addiction. Participate in support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous so you can benefit from the advice of others who have dealt with similar addictions. Professional help may be the answer you are looking for to treat this problem.

Culled from:

1.    The Truth About Alcohol: http://www.drugfreeworld.org

2.    Practical Guides for Alcohol Policy and Prevention Approaches: www.icap.org/policy tools/icapbluebook

3.    How to Prevent Alchol Abuse: http://www.ehow.com

IT'S JUST A JOKE

 

A husband feared his wife wasn't hearing as well as she used to, and he thought she might need a hearing aid. Not quite sure how to approach her, he called the family doctor to discuss the problem. The doctor told him there is a simple informal test the husband could perform to give the doctor a better idea about her hearing loss.
"Here's what you do," said the Doctor. "Stand about 40 feet away from her and in a normal conversational speaking tone, see if she hears you. If not, go to 30 feet, then 20 feet, and so on until you get a response."
That evening, the wife is in the kitchen cooking dinner, and the husband was in the den. He says to himself, "I'm about 40 feet away, let's see what happens." Then in a normal tone he asks, "Honey, what's for dinner?"
No response.
So the husband moves closer to the kitchen, about 30 feet from his wife and repeats, "Honey, what's for dinner?"
Still no response.
Next he moves into the dining room where he is about 20 feet from his wife and asks, "Honey, what's for dinner?"
Again he gets no response.
So, he walks up to the kitchen door, about 10 feet away. "Honey, what's for dinner?"
Again there is no response.
So he walks right up behind her. "Honey, what's for dinner? "
"Ralph, for the FIFTH time, CHICKEN!"

CONDOM NEGOTIATION AND HIV

HIV/AIDS remains a disease of great public health concern worldwide. In regions such as sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) where women are disproportionately infected with HIV, women are reportedly less likely capable of negotiating condom use. Confidence to negotiate safer sex practices is very crucial especially today when the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) due to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is rampant. In the global warfare against HIV/AIDS, research underscores the importance of communication between sexual partners concerning condoms use. This is based on the fact that communication between sexual partners about condom use is associated with increased use of condoms.

More importantly and probably beyond communication, it is established that those who convince or persuade their sexual partners to use condoms are more likely to actually use them than those who do not.

A condom– if used correctly and consistently– guarantee more than 90% effectiveness at preventing heterosexual acquisition and transmission of HIV. Family planners also acknowledge condoms as players of an imperative role in reducing the risk of unintended pregnancies, with their effectiveness estimated at 85-98% and 79-95% for male and female condoms respectively. Therefore, promotion of condom use has been and continues to receive considerable attention in fighting the HIV/AIDS pandemic [8], and this is very important particularly in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) where unprotected heterosexual contact involving an infected partner is a major pathway for HIV transmission.

Although evidence showing an increased use of condoms over the past decade exists, negative attitudes towards condom use reign mainly due to factors such as fertility desires and sexual conformity of women as a way to accomplish their economic status. Furthermore, barriers to condom use incline towards cultural definition of a good sex and perceptions of sex from a procreation standpoint. In addition, research shows that rejection of condom use is due to several reasons including assertions that it reduces sex enjoyment, uncomfortable to use, they come off inside a woman and that they pedal promiscuity. Other barriers such as doubt in the efficacy of condoms, myths, physical side-effects and others have also been reported. On the other hand, marital status greatly affects condom use. In non-marital relationships, condom use is high and chunkily intended for preventing sexually transmitted infections (STI) especially HIV/AIDS. In contrast, condom use and marital intimacy are incompatible, since bringing the two together may be thought of as confessing infidelity. Evidence shows that other than preventing a pregnancy, condom use within marriage suggests lack of trust between partners and consequently betrays the intimacy that is necessary within a marital relationship. Married women will most likely use condoms if they know or suspect that their partners are infected with HIV or other STIs.

Condom use among unmarried women may be affected by the type of partner. Relationships in which sugar daddies or large amounts of material assistance are involved, condom use is less likely. Also, condom use tends to be higher in the beginning of a relationship, but drops in subsequent contacts as the relationship extends, even if the HIV status among the partners may be unknown.

Gender inequality in the HIV/AIDS burden has been reported in SSA, thus a need for gender-specific efforts in combating the HIV/AIDS. Evidence shows that in 2007, women accounted for 61% of all adults living with HIV in SSA, and 75% of young people infected were girls [13]. The extent of HIV infection tends to be higher among women than men. It has been established that the biological make-up of the female genitalia together with cultural frameworks within which sex occurs, exposes women more to the risk of contracting HIV than their male counterparts.

 

Negotiation Skills about using condom

It might not be easy to negotiate with your partner about using condoms. Here are some tips, which may be helpful:

Select an appropriate time :

It is difficult to talk about using condoms when you are "in the heat of the moment". A better way is to bring up the subject in a frank and honest manner when you are relaxed together, like over lunch or while taking a walk.

Give a clear message :

Tell your partner about your need and expectation, making the message clear and to the point. Let your partner know that you care about health and encourage him/her to do the same. For example you may say, "I want to have sex with you, but I won't unless we use protection." Or "I have decided to use condoms because I don't want to risk getting sexually transmitted infections or getting pregnant."

Make condom use fun :

With a bit of creativity, you and your partner can make it fun to use a condom. Try a variety of different condoms, experiment with the size, shape, texture and thickness and look for different colours and flavors until you find the ones that you both prefer. Also, putting on a condom can be made part of your foreplay: for instance, just before putting on the condom, spread some lubricant on the head of the penis and gently massage the penis to get sexually aroused. Keep in mind that your health and your life are more important than a few moments of embarrassment.

What if your partner says "NO" ?

Common excuses for not using condoms:

• "Don't you trust me?"
• "It's like having a shower while wearing a raincoat!"
• "I am already using other contraception."
• "It spoils the mood."
• "I thought we loved each other."

We tend to want to please the person we care about, so being firm may not be easy. If your partner resists or pressurizes you, you need to repeat the message and use more "I" statements. For example:

• "When you say this, I feel upset. Although I do trust you, I don't trust your previous partner(s). I think it's better that we use a condom."
• "When you say that putting on a condom is like having sex with a raincoat on, I feel frustrated because we both know the risks of not using a condom. I just want us to include condom use in our sexual activity. There are so many condom styles, let's choose one together!"
• "When you only care about contraception, I still feel worried as there are other risks to think of and I would like us to use a condom as well."
• "When you say the condom will spoil your mood, I feel cross because it seems like you are using that as a threat. I don't enjoy sex when I don't feel safe and I'd like us to think about all this before we do anything."
• "When you complain about using condoms, I feel upset because I really care about you and I was preparing for something that concerns us both. I think it's time for us to talk about our relationship."

Act on your decision :

Following through on your decision is a continuous process that may not be easy, but once you have decided "No condom, No sex", you must act according to your resolution in spite of your own sexual feelings and/or pressure from your partner.

Culled from:

1.    Exavery et al. BMC Public Health 2012,12:1097, http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2458/12/1097

2.    Red Ribbon Centre, http://www.rrc.gov.hk

TATTOO AND RISK OF HIV

The popularity of tattooing and piercing, especially among young people,

and the risk involved with these activities makes it worthy of attention. Risk

reduction messages to youth should consistently address these behaviors.

Transmission of diseases from tattooing may be related to the use of needles that were contaminated with blood from a previously tattooed individual, or the use of

contaminated dyes and other material, such as sponges or tissues used to wipe

away blood. In addition, HIV has been shown to remain infectious in aqueous

solutions at room temperature for up to fifteen days (1) and pigmented solutions,

because they are relatively inert, may also support the virus.(2) As a result, the

tattooing gun itself (not just the needles) is also a potential source of

contamination for blood borne infectious diseases.(3)

The risk of transmission of blood borne infections during tattooing is attenuated

given the process used. A single needlestick injury from an infected host carries

with it a 5-30% risk of transmission of hepatitis B (HBV), a 3-7% risk of

transmission of hepatitis C (HCV), and a 0.2-0.4% risk of transmission of HIV.

(4,5) Given the rapidly repetitive process of tattooing, transmission of blood

borne infectious diseases (including HIV) through unsafe tattooing practices is

more likely to occur.(2)

 

If your mind is still set on a new tattoo, be sure to take these precautions.

1.    Find a tattoo artist who has single-use, “throw-away” kits that are individually packaged, dated, and sealed and hold disposable needles and tubes. Watch your tattoo artist remove the new needle and tube from its sealed envelope immediately before your session.

2.    Make sure that the tattoo parlor is fully licensed and that your tattooist has a great deal of experience.

3.    Make sure the artist wears sterile disposable gloves for each client and use sterile disposable towels, much as you’d expect from your dentist.

4.    Watch a procedure first to make sure that unsterile surfaces and equipment are not touched by the tattoo artist once the procedure has begun.

5.    Look for telltale signs of sloppy tattoo practices, such as blood splatter, dirty work surfaces, the absence of red “sharps disposal containers,” and a lack of infection-control practices.

6.    Ask where the ink was manufactured and procured. “It’s best if the ink comes from a large manufacturer that has been in business a long time, and even better if the artists have tried the ink on themselves.

7.    Ask if the inks used are made of nonmetallic organic pigments.

8.    Consult a doctor if you see any sign of rash or infection (redness, swelling, or drainage of pus).

 

 Ref:

1) Resnick L, Veren K, Salahuddin SZ, Tondreau S, Markham PD. Stability and inactivation of HTLV-III/LAV under clinical and laboratory environments. JAMA 1986;255 (14):1887-91.

2) Messahel A, Musgrove B. Infective complications of tattooing and skin piercing. Journal of Infection and Public Health 2009;2(1):7-13.

3) Nishioka SA, Gyorkos TW. Tattoos as risk factors for transfusiontransmitted

diseases. International Journal of Infectious Diseases 2001;5(1):27-34.

4) Beltrami E, Williams I, Shapiro C, Chamberland M. Risk and management of bloodborne infections in health care workers. Clinical Microbiology Reviews 2000;13(3):385407.

5) National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Alert. Preventing needlestick injuries in health care settings. Ohio, USA: United States Department of Health and Human Services, Centre for Disease Control and Prevention; 1999.

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

SOURCE: Health Promotion Board (HPB) webpage

10 Myths about HIV and AIDS

Myth #1

There is no need to use a condom during sexual contact if both partners already have HIV.

Fact:

There are different strains of HIV. If a condom is not used during sexual contact, HIV-infected partners may exchange different types or strains of HIV. This can lead to re-infection, which will make the treatment of HIV infection more difficult. The new HIV strain may become more resistant to the current treatment taken, or cause the current treatment option to be ineffective.

Myth #2

Homosexual men and drug users are more likely to get infected with HIV than other people.

Fact:

90% of all HIV infections occur through sexual intercourse. Out of these, 60% result from heterosexual intercourse. HIV is spread mostly through unprotected sexual contact and does not discriminate against anyone. It is not who you are but your risky behaviours which put you at risk of HIV infection. Regardless of your personality or sexuality, you will be at risk if you don't take protective measures.

Myth #3

Getting HIV/AIDS is a death sentence.

Fact:

Although HIV/AIDS has no cure, it can be treated. There has been tremendous progress in treatment for HIV over the years. A person living with HIV/AIDS can now continue to live a strong and productive life for many years.

Myth #4

My partner tested negative for HIV. That means it is safe for us to have sex.

Fact:

An HIV test works by detecting the presence of antibodies in the body that develop when HIV infects the body. But it takes about three weeks for there to be enough antibodies for detection. In addition, to be sure that the individual is completely HIV-free, it is not enough to have one negative HIV test result - the individual would need to take another HIV test at least 3 months after the first one. He or she must also avoid any risky sexual activities in that whole period. If the second test result is negative, the individual is HIV-free and able to have sex without spreading HIV.

Myth #5

An HIV-positive person who receives antiretroviral treatment will not spread the virus.

Fact:

Antiretroviral therapy can reduce the amount of HIV in the body. However, HIV remains in the body and can be transmitted to others.

Myth #6

Faithful and loving partners do not spread HIV.

Fact:

You may think that your partner has been faithful and loving to you, and will not spread the virus. But what if your partner doesn't know that he already has HIV? A person can be HIV-positive for years without symptoms. Besides, how sure are you about your partner's sexual history? Also, HIV can be transmitted through non-sexual activities -- such as blood transfusions and the sharing of injection needles -- regardless of whether he or she has remained faithful. To be safe, use a condom during sex, and get your partner and yourself tested for HIV.

Myth #7

HIV infections can be cured by having sex with a virgin.

Fact:

There's no cure for HIV/AIDS. However, HIV can be treated and a person who goes on treatment will be able to live a strong and productive life. By having unprotected sex with a virgin or anyone else for that matter, the person with HIV/AIDS can transmit the virus.

Myth #8

HIV/AIDS cannot be transmitted during oral sex.

Fact:

Transmission of HIV occurs when there is an exchange of body fluids (such as semen, vaginal fluids, breast milk, blood or pre-ejaculatory fluids), and this is possible during oral sex when there are open wounds. These include cuts, sores or abrasions in the mouth or gums, or infections in the throat or mouth that are inflammed. There may also be abrasions or sores on the penis or vagina. It is best to avoid oral sex if you have any cuts, sores or abrasions, or if you have a sexually transmitted infection. Otherwise, it is advisable to use condoms when engaging in oral sex.

Myth #9

HIV can be spread during contact with saliva, such as through kissing or the sharing of utensils.

Fact:

HIV may be found in saliva, but it is in too small an amount to infect anyone.

Myth #10

HIV can be spread through non-sexual physical contact such as hugging, handshakes, sharing toilet seats, and from mosquito bites.

Fact:

HIV can only be transmitted through an exchange of body fluids. It cannot be spread through physical contact unless you have an open wound which comes into contact with the body fluids (semen, vaginal fluids, breast milk, blood or pre-ejaculatory fluids) of an HIV-positive person. Body fluids such as saliva, sweat and tears cannot transmit HIV. Also, as the virus cannot survive in insects, HIV cannot be transmitted through mosquito bites.