Justin's HIV Journal

Wednesday, June 28, 2017

7 Facts about the Gift that Keeps on Giving (HERPES)

A&U Magazine 
Just*in Time June 2017 
HIV/STI advice Column 

Okay, now there are many sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that we have to be conscious of and herpes is no exception to that rule. As most of you know I tend to put a little humor in my columns so bear with me…or not; it’s going to happen anyway. So, I’m just going to go right into to it. Here are my top 7 things about the gift that keeps on giving that you need to understand:

For the 7 facts on Herpes Click here or the link below
http://aumag.org/2017/06/21/justin-time-june-2017/

Justin's HIV Journal ranked one of the Best HIV/AIDS Blogs of the Year by Healthline!!



An HIV diagnosis changes your life. Even so, these HIV blogs can help you keep an upbeat mindset. While there’s no cure for HIV, treatment can extend your life and possibly delay the onset of AIDS. You may have ups and down, but it’s possible to live a relatively healthy life. The key is taking care of yourself and educating yourself.

Talking with your doctor, family, and friends can provide emotional support. It also helps to seek support from those who empathize with your situation, like these blogs below. 

The Body: HIV/AIDS Blog Central

The Body is a comprehensive resource for HIV. You’ll find a variety of articles about treatment, diagnosis, prevention, and living with the virus. The blog also features a variety of personal stories about healthcare issues, imprisonment, and advocacy. The Body also encourages patients to continue in their fight.
Tweet them @TheBodyDotCom

POZ
Staying up-to-date on new developments in the HIV world is a key component to managing your health. This blog offers information on upcoming HIV events, statistics, news, and trends. They also offer health management tips, like the effects of drinking alcohol when you have HIV.
Tweet them @pozmagazine

Justin’s HIV Journal
Justin B. Terry-Smith

Justin B. Terry-Smith isn't afraid to open up about his diagnosis of HIV. He uses his blog as a platform to educate others on the importance of safe sex with the hope of helping at least one person. His words are honest and informative. Despite his diagnosis, he's committed to celebrating life.
Tweet him @JustinBSmith79

My Journey with
Kenn Chaplin received an HIV diagnosis in 1989. Despite some serious setbacks with his health, he enjoys sharing experiences related to his health, family, and personal life. His openness and positive attitude can empower and give strength to readers who are in similar situations.

Living in the Bonus Round
Steve Schalchlin received an HIV diagnosis in 1996. As a way to cope with his diagnosis, he started journaling about his health and writing healing songs. Read about his experiences rehearsing for shows, his thoughts on the current state of the political scene, and about the people and musicians who inspire him.

AIDS.gov Blog
The blog operated by AIDS.gov provides a wealth of material and resources. Whether you're searching for information on AIDS research, global news, or trending topics, it’s here. Read about an HIV program for improving long-term care for youths or make a mental note of HIV Vaccine Awareness Day and learn more about antiretroviral therapies.
Tweet them @AIDSgov

I’m Still Josh
Josh Robbins received an HIV diagnosis in 2012. Although receiving a diagnosis can be upsetting, his optimism is contagious. He doesn't think of HIV as a death sentence, nor does he allow the disease to define him. Josh encourages other people living with HIV to live in the moment. His blog features HIV news stories and words of encouragement to uplift readers.
Tweet him @imstilljosh

My Fabulous Disease
Mark S. King has lived with HIV since 1985. After receiving his diagnosis, he became an advocate for others living with HIV. His blog is a tool for bringing awareness and inspiring others. In recent posts, Mark highlights the top HIV advocates to watch in 2017 and brings attention to a film unmasking the fear behind HIV criminalization.
Tweet him @MyFabDisease

NEJM Journal Watch
Dr. Paul E. Sax is the clinical director of the HIV Program and Division of Infectious Diseases at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. He has a strong interest in HIV research. His blog offers a series of informative posts related to treatment, management, and clinical trials. He shares the latest HIV research and news stories as well as experiences from his personal life.

More Than HIV
Brian Ledford acknowledges how receiving his diagnosis in 2010 changed his life. He started blogging to share his story and experiences and motivates others to live life. His posts reveal his personal struggles and give attention to others living with the virus.
Tweet him @MoreThanHIV

HIV/AIDS Advice by Verywell
This blog is an excellent resource for finding satisfying answers to questions about symptoms, treatments, and associated conditions. You'll find interesting articles like what to do if you have HIV and diarrhea as well as information on eye problems associated with HIV.

A Girl Like Me
If you're a woman living with HIV, this blog by The Well Project is a wonderful resource. Read personal stories of other people living with the same questions, challenges, and daily experiences, from healthcare issues to dealing with uninformed comments. Share your story and find inspiration and motivation from the multitude of perspectives represented here.
Tweet them @thewellproject

HIV Negative Spouses
HIV can affect an entire family, even if only one person actually lives with the virus. This blog puts the spotlight on HIV-negative people who have HIV-positive partners. Read about their low points or check out their experiences with PrEP, an anti-HIV medication.

HIV and Hepatitis
This blog covers a host of topics pertaining to HIV and AIDS. Here, you’ll find information on the latest developments in research, treatment, and management, as well as advice on common concerns among people affected by HIV, such as using PrEP.
Tweet them @HIVandHepatitis

Positive Lite
This blog was founded by Brian Finch, who’s been HIV-positive for over 25 years. As an informational source for issues and topics related to the virus, the blog offers a wealth of lifestyle pieces, news stories, health advice, and general tips for living with HIV. It’s an excellent place to increase your knowledge and receive support.
Tweet them @PositiveLiteCom

BETA Blog
This blog is dedicated to providing education and helping readers gain a better understanding of HIV treatment and management. Read HIV-related articles written by individuals knowledgeable in the field. The blog’s contributors include researchers, advocates, and health professionals.

NAM aidsmap
Knowledge is crucial for those living with HIV. This blog has no short supply of educational material and news stories, like one article on how people with HIV can have impaired respiratory health even when viral load is undetectable. Learn about HIV basics like symptoms and life expectancy or take advantage of their resources that include fact sheets, apps, and booklets.

Tweet them @aidsmap_news

Justin B Terry-Smith Ranked #3 on STD Test Express' list for the Top 8 Online Resources for Men's Sexual Health

To go to the article click here or the link below

https://www.stdtestexpress.com/blog/top-8-online-resources-mens-sexual-health-3-justin-b-terry-smith/

Thursday, June 1, 2017

Justin's HIV Journal: Justin at the END AIDS: The HIV Prevention and Outreach Summit in Philadelphia



Panel Discussion HIV in the News




Hey everyone, it's Justin from Justin's HIV Journal.  June is AIDS Education Month and I have some great news.  Philadelphia FIGHT, an ASO has asked me to join a panel for Philadelphia’s AIDS Education Month Summit on 6/7/2017 in the morning at the PA Convention Center.  The panel discussion will be around the subject matter of HIV in the media/news.  Right now, this is a hot topic and I will explain using parts of the e-mail that was sent to me by Philadelphia FIGHT.

“In this era of the twenty-four-hour news cycle, media outlets are always looking for new story ideas, and there are some great examples out there of important, in-depth and well-researched HIV news coverage, but as we know, today the coverage of HIV news can be sparse, and sometimes sensationalized (i.e. some of the coverage of the Charlie Sheen story revealing he is HIV-positive).  Our panel of media experts will share some examples of positive coverage and some inspiring stories about the HIV epidemic, as well as provide valuable tips and guidance on how to get your story told, and how to advocate for more of the types of stories you'd like to see.”

Panel discussions like these are really important because they start a dialog about HIV media can help and hinder our efforts to get to 0 infections.  I will also answer questions from the audience as well.  Panelist will consist of CBS-3 reporter & reported for KYW Radio Cherri Gregg, STI/HIV author, advice columnist and activist Justin B Terry-Smith, and CEO of Techbook Online & co-host of “Pushback” a social-justice podcast, Christopher “Flood The Drummer” Norris and moderator Chip Alfred Director of Development and Communications Philadelphia FIGHT Community Health Centers. Please check the flyer above for information and bios of the panelist and moderator. (10:30 - noon is the approximate time slot). 

Click on the link below for more information about the summit https://www.aidseducationmonth.org

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