Muncie Times, Muncie, Delaware County, 5 May 1994 — Page 20

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The Muncie Times, Thursday, 5 May, 1994, Page 20

Spiritual Baptist 1201 E.Jackson Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Morning Worship 11 a.m. Bible Study Wed. 7 p.m. Phone: 284-0557

Terrestrial Church of God in Christ 2112 N. Turner Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Morning Worship 11 a.m. Bible Study Tues. 6 p.m. Phone: 288-8181

Word of Life 1401 E. Kirby Avenue Sunday School 9 aNn. Morning Worship 10:30 a.m. Bible Study Wed. 12 & 6:30 p.m. Phone: 284-6269

Pastor Mack Moses

Pastor James Lawson |

Pastor Bryant Grumes

Alps takes unusually heavy toll among all African Americans

by Norman Nickens The impact of AIDS in the African \merican community is devastating. While blacks represent 12 percent of the population, they account for more than 30 percent of the reported AIDS cases. Among women with AIDS, 51 percent are African American. Among children with AIDS, 57 percent are African American. It is unlikely that the rising incidence of AIDS in the black community will slow down or reverse, unless blacks do something about it. The most effective way for reducing the spread of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, is education. African Americans must educate themselves about how to protect themselves and others from infection and how to stop engaging in high risk behavior—which means having unprotected sex with multiple partners and sharing needles with injecdon drug users. One reason why AIDS cases will continue to grow is that mam people infected with HIV don't have any signs or symptoms. They spread the virus without knowing it. If you know or suspect that your sex partner injects drugs, has unprotected sex, or has sex with people who have unprotected sex, you should think about being tested for the virus. Early diagnosis is the key to treating AIDS-related diseases and infections. Doctors can treat many of these infections once they develop. In some cases, they can prevent them from developing. Doctors can also provide you with information about treatments that can slow the reproduction of HIV, which prolongs the time until an infection might devel-

lop. If you havi never used injection drugs, nor had >exuai intercourse, ot received a blood transfusion, your risk for HIV infection is low. But you are considered to be at “high risk” if you: • Inject or have ever injected drugs and shared your needle or syringe, • Had sexual intercourse with an HIV-positive person; • Had sexual intercourse with someone who injects drugs; • Are a male who’s had sexual intercourse with another male; • Are a female sex partner of a male who’s had sexual intercourse with another male; • Had a blood transfusion (or a blood product) before 1985. People at high risk for HIV infection should talk to a doctor or counselor. He or she will help you analyze your situation and decide if you should consider HIV testing. If you do decide to get the HIV test, bast your decision on facts and youi needs. In a very short time it you take the test, you'll know where you stand. Getting the test for HIV is a fairly simple process. But making the decision to have the test is more complicated. Before blood is taken, a counselor should explain the advantages and disadvantages of HIV testing. If you decide to have the test after counseling, then a doctor, nurse, or technician will draw some blood from your arm. A positive test result does not mean you have AIDS. It means that you have probably been infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Studies of long-term survivors of HIV have shown us that

those who seek and follow treatment, who establish a good relationship with a doctor, who maintain a positive attitude toward life, and who get support tend to do better. With good medical care and proper treatment, HIV infection, while not curable, can be manageable. New techniques and medicines are being developed each year. Facing the fact that you’re infected with a potentially fatal infection is very difficult. The first step is to talk with a counselor. A counselor can help you learn how to take charge of your life and live with the virus rather than spend your time waiting to die

from it.

It’s OK to be scared. Almost everyone with HIV is. Now you also have decisions to make about handling this infection. Here are some important steps to

follow:

• Find an HIV-wise doctor or medical clinic: A good, ongoing relationship with a doctor or medical practitioner will be one of your best

tools

• Get treatment: You’ll need a doctor who knows HIV infection and how it operates, and who is familiar with up-to-date medications and therapies. • Find people whom you feel will care about you: Select a medical helper who makes you and members of your inner circle feel comfortable to discuss it all: treatment, sex, living well and handling fears about sickness and dying. • Remember, you are not alone:

Norman Nickens, an attorney, former

coordinator of the Lesbian/Gay &

AIDS/HIV unit of the San Francisco

Human Rights Commission

There are a million people in the United States who are living with HIV Many new therapies for HIV are under development. AZT, ddC and ddl are now available. More treatments will become available over the next few years. Your doctor can help you decide which drug or drugs may be right for you. The future course of the AIDS epidemic in the African American community depends upon several things. What you know is an important factor. The facts can ease your mind about knowing your health status. The facts can help you overcome unfounded fears about your decision to have the AIDS test. In the absence of a cure, the most effective way to reduce the spread of the HIV infection in the black community is to learn the facts and change risky behavior.