By Megan DePutter, Positive Prevention Coordinator
If you are living with HIV, here are five New Year's resolutions you might want to make:
1. Quit smoking:
HIV infection increases your risk of lung cancer by 80%. But smokers are 10 times as likely to develop lung cancer. So if you are HIV positive, and you smoke, you're at much greater risk of developing lung cancer.
2. Eat better and reduce your sugar intake:
Did you know that refined sugar is "by and large the worst additive for the immune cells"? I've posted links to some good information on HIV and nutrition here. Also check out CATIE's nutritional resources online.
3. Get more (load-bearing) exercise:
If you're HIV positive, you have a greater risk of osteoporosis. This year, resolve to take good care of your bones by hiking, walking, dancing, or lifting weights. Learn more about osteoporosis and exercise here or visit my blog post on tips for hiking.
4. Have more sex:
We talk a lot about the risks associated with sex, but what about the health benefits? In addition to pleasure and intimacy, sex is associated with positive health outcomes such as reduced blood pressure, increased longevity, lowered stress and reduced pain.
5. Have more fun:
What's wrong with putting fun on the top of your agenda? Laughter helps to reduce stress and provides a good abdominal work out.
Enjoy 2011, everyone!
Posted on
Wed, January 5, 2011
by Megan DePutter
filed under