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Being HIV Positive Not Death Sentence — Discussants

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Discussants at a panel discussion on HIV and its impact on the youth have urged young people to get tested to know their status to enable them to fight the virus as early as possible.

According to them, most young people refuse to get tested for the virus and by extension other Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STIs) out of fear of possibly being diagnosed as positive They, therefore, encouraged the youth to get tested and added that being positive did not mean the end of the world for them because there is advancement in western medicine…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

 

They also noted that there were ways to mitigate the virus to prevent it from evolving into Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

The discussants included the Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Verifie Health, Alexander Quaisie; a Sexual Health Educator, Barbara Ntumy; an [HIV Clinician and Consultant for National AIDS Control Programme, Dr Nyonuku Akosua Baddoo; a Social Worker, Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights and Human Right Advocate, Gideon Adjaka, and the Programmes Manager at DKT, Nafisatu Sulemana.

The Panel Discussion

The panel discussion was organised last Thursday by Verifie Health, a medical centre that specialises in the testing of STI’s, in commemoration of World AIDS Day, which is celebrated annually on December 1.

It is a day set aside by the United Nations (UN) dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection and mourning those who have died of the disease.

The event, which was on the theme; “U=U, Equalise”, was in partnership with The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), Ghana AIDS Commission, the French Embassy to Ghana, the European Union and DKT International.

Living with HIV

Mr Quaisie, touching on the theme, explained that if a person was living with HIV and took one’s medications regularly one would develop an undetectable HIV viral load and could not transmit it sexually to his or her partner, even without the use of a condom.

“This is a far cry from what we always knew and understood given that HIV is such a deadly virus and only condoms can prevent an HIV-positive partner from infecting an HIV-negative partner,” he explained.

He, therefore, encouraged people living with HIV and their partners to continue taking their medications, which would contribute to the end of AIDS in 2030.

Impediments to testing

Mr Adjaka noted that self-stigmatisation had become one of the leading impediments to testing among young people. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

He explained that this was attributed to some wrongful myths and misconceptions about the virus and added that it was as a result of inadequate information about it.

“Although we have done a lot of work around changing the narratives like using the model approach where individuals living with the virus publicly disclose their status, people still have that mentality,” Mr Adjaka said.

Moral judgement

For her part, Ms Ntumy said having HIV or any other STI was seen as a moral judgement because of their most common method of transmission, which was sex.

She explained that young people were judged due to religious doctrines for doing something natural that made them happy.

“In the Ghanaian culture, a lot of people adhere to a higher authority and that authority guides a lot of ridicule.

“So if this thing is seen as a moral judgement, it creates a lot of contradictions and complications and that’s part of the problem,” she emphasised.

Advice

Dr Baddoo, in her submissions, encouraged young people to engage in preventive measures such as abstinence and the consistent use of condoms when necessary.

She similarly urged them to get tested, adding that early detection was the first step to fighting the virus if diagnosed positive.

Dr Baddoo also said persons living with HIV could have a normal and fulfilling life considering they adhered strictly to their medications and listened to their doctors’ advice.

“I know it’s not easy to get diagnosed as HIV positive because of our mentality that it’s a death sentence,” she added

 

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HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

5 Secret Benefits Of Adding Salt To Bathing Water

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Adding salt to your bathwater can provide numerous benefits that you may not be aware of. Here are five secret benefits of adding salt to your bathing water:

Soothes Sore Muscles: Salt has natural muscle relaxing properties that can help to soothe sore and aching muscles. By adding salt to your bath, you can help to relieve muscle tension and pain, making it a great post-workout recovery tool.

Improves Skin Health: Salt contains minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and calcium, which are essential for maintaining healthy skin. By adding salt to your bathwater, you can help to improve the appearance of your skin, leaving it feeling soft and smooth…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

 

Reduces Stress: Bathing in saltwater can help to reduce stress and promote relaxation. The minerals in the salt can help to calm the nervous system, making it easier to relax and unwind after a long day. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

Helps to Detoxify the Body: Salt has natural detoxifying properties that can help to remove toxins from the body. By adding salt to your bathwater, you can help to stimulate the lymphatic system, which is responsible for removing toxins from the body.

Promotes Better Sleep: Bathing in saltwater can help to promote better sleep by relaxing the body and mind. The minerals in the salt can help to calm the nervous system, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night.

In conclusion, adding salt to your bathing water can provide numerous benefits for your body and mind. Whether you’re looking to soothe sore muscles, improve your skin health, reduce stress, detoxify your body, or promote better sleep, adding salt to your bath can help you achieve your goals.

 

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7 things that will make you look younger than your age

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Aging is a natural part of life, but how we age is often determined by the choices we make daily. While you can’t stop time, you can slow down its effects on your appearance by adopting certain habits that keep your body, skin, and mind youthful. Here are seven things that can help you look younger than your actual age:

1. Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water keeps your skin plump, elastic, and glowing. Dehydrated skin looks dull, wrinkled, and aged. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water a day, and even more if you’re active or in a hot environment.

2. Eat a Balanced Diet

What you eat shows on your skin. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats provides essential nutrients and antioxidants that fight aging. Foods high in vitamins C, E, and omega-3 fatty acids help maintain firm, youthful skin and reduce wrinkles…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

 

3. Get Quality Sleep

Sleep is the body’s natural repair system. During deep sleep, your skin regenerates and your body produces collagen. Lack of sleep causes dark circles, puffy eyes, and a dull complexion. Aim for 7–9 hours of restful sleep each night.

4. Protect Your Skin from the Sun

Sun damage is one of the fastest ways to age your skin. Use sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days, and wear hats or sunglasses when outdoors. UV rays break down collagen and cause age spots, wrinkles, and sagging skin. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

5. Exercise Regularly

Regular physical activity boosts blood circulation, which helps nourish skin cells and keep them healthy. Exercise also promotes better posture, muscle tone, and energy levels—all of which contribute to a more youthful appearance.

6. Practice Stress Management

Chronic stress releases cortisol, a hormone that breaks down collagen and accelerates aging. Meditation, prayer, yoga, deep breathing, and spending time in nature can help you manage stress and preserve your youthful glow.

7. Maintain a Positive Attitude

Your mindset can influence how you look. People who smile often, stay socially active, and embrace life with gratitude and joy tend to appear more vibrant and youthful.

By making these practices part of your lifestyle, you not only improve your appearance but also enhance your overall well-being. Looking young isn’t just about appearance—it’s about feeling young from the inside out.

 

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HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

What Happens When You Eat a Banana First Thing In The Morning?

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Eating a banana first thing in the morning can have both benefits and drawbacks, depending on what your body needs and how it’s combined with other foods.

Bananas are rich in natural sugars like fructose, glucose, and sucrose, which provide a quick energy boost. That makes them great for jumpstarting your day, especially if you need fuel before a workout or a long day ahead.

They’re also high in potassium, which helps maintain proper nerve and muscle function, and supports heart health. Plus, the fiber in bananas, particularly pectin, can support digestion and help you feel full longer useful if you’re trying to avoid overeating later…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

 

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However, eating a banana alone on an empty stomach isn’t ideal for everyone. Its high sugar content can cause a rapid spike in blood glucose levels, followed by a crash that may leave you feeling tired or irritable. Also, since bananas are slightly acidic, they might cause mild digestive discomfort or acidity in some people when consumed without anything else.

To balance this out, it’s a good idea to pair your morning banana with protein or healthy fat like a handful of nuts, Greek yogurt, or a boiled egg. This slows down sugar absorption, keeps your energy levels stable, and makes the meal more balanced.

 

 

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