A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 7 - Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS
A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 7 - Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS
A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 7 - Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS
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pannualreport050208.qxp:Layout 1 5/5/08 11:23 AM Page 11<br />
W E L L N E S S & L I F E M A N A G E M E N T<br />
The Kirk D. Baxter Wellness <strong>Center</strong> at Body Positive enhances the quality of life <strong>for</strong> nearly 2,000 men and<br />
women in Arizona who are impacted by <strong>HIV</strong>/<strong>AIDS</strong>. The Wellness <strong>Center</strong> provides complementary alternative<br />
medicine (CAM), behavioral health, nutritional counseling and the vitamin and herb shop. Individuals who<br />
utilize these services tell of profound, positive changes in their lives.<br />
Body Positive does not offer primary care services, but rather, the agency’s services complement primary care.<br />
For example, our registered dieticians provide nutrition and dietary advice. Our naturopathic physicians<br />
provide acupuncture, vitamin and nutrient therapy. Our licensed behavioral health counselors provide<br />
emotional support through a variety of programs, including individual sessions and support groups, and<br />
“Positive Pals” – a program that decreases isolation and increases quality of mental health.<br />
CAM treatments – such as acupuncture, hydrotherapy, botanical medicine, intravenous nutrient therapy and<br />
manipulations – minimize side effects of the virus and toxicity from <strong>HIV</strong> medications. Vitamins and herbs<br />
prescribed by the naturopathic physicians boost individuals’ immune systems and assist in absorption of nutrients.<br />
Therapists at the agency assist clients in managing the myriad of emotions and challenges they may encounter<br />
when diagnosed as <strong>HIV</strong> positive. Families, partners and caregivers sometimes participate in an infected person’s<br />
sessions.<br />
In 2007, our registered dieticians play an integral role in the lives of those infected with <strong>HIV</strong>/<strong>AIDS</strong>. Weight<br />
maintenance is often a challenge, yet vital to one’s well being. They worked closely with clients to devise a<br />
customized nutritional plan that minimizes gastrointestinal side effects of <strong>HIV</strong>/<strong>AIDS</strong> medications, yet allows <strong>for</strong><br />
weight gain and maintenance – all with enjoyable foods.<br />
Looking ahead, the agency intends to expand such initiatives as our pilot mobile nutrition program. With this<br />
program, registered dieticians visit locations that distribute food boxes and consult with <strong>HIV</strong>-positive<br />
individuals and discuss ways to maintain body weight and muscle mass. Individuals then are referred to Body<br />
Positive and are linked to wellness programs.<br />
In 2008, the Wellness <strong>Center</strong> will reach out to existing and new clients to offer in<strong>for</strong>mative wellness workshops<br />
and a new array of products and services that enhance quality of life <strong>for</strong> those impacted by <strong>HIV</strong>/<strong>AIDS</strong>.
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