A MILLION BELLS RINGING ON DECEMBER 1 – World AIDS Day!

"The Bell is Ringing" is a grassroots initiative of concerned individuals, who decided to mobilize communities and individuals from around the world to join a united effort to raise awareness to the HIV/AIDS pandemic. We call on every woman, man or child in our world to ring a bell for 60 seconds on Thursday, December 1, 2005, the World AIDS Day of 2005.

You are invited to be one of many who already joined in. Its simple, it's free, and it's meaningful: together we could generate an enormous campaign. Our greatest reward would be to hear 1,000,000 bells ringing around the world, making a collective noise for more awareness about HIV/AIDS and share the responsibility in prevention and care.

On Thursday, December 1st, 1,000,000 bells worldwide would ring for at least 60 seconds: school bells, hand bells, fire-brigade bells, church bells, tower bells, door bells, receptionists' bells, cow bells, innovative other bells – all qualify for the event. The sound of the bells will mark the opening of a global initiative on HIV/AIDS literacy. The aim is to increase literacy on HIV and AIDS, on its prevention, testing, care and support.

Press release

The Jerusalem AIDS Project

ISRAELIS INITIATE A GLOBAL RING A BELL CAMPAIGN FOR HIV/AIDS

In 20 Days 1,000,000 Bells will Alarm the World to HIV/AIDS, Setting a Guinness World Record

Seven young Israelis launched today (Nov.10th 2005) "The Bell is Ringing Initiative", which aims at mobilizing individuals and organizations to ring one in a million (1,000,000) bells on 1 December 2005 – World AIDS Day. Originated by the Jerusalem AIDS Project, the aim of this initiative is to raise awareness about need to improve HIV/AIDS literacy worldwide. Every day 14,000 new HIV infections occur globally and in Israel, every day a new person is infected with the virus of the preventable AIDS disease. The group is planning to set a new World Guinness Record in bells' ringing for a public health cause.

"Choosing the replica of the USA Liberty Bell, which is hanging in Jerusalem's "Bell Garden", to be the location of the global launch of the initiative was declarative", admits the initiatives' chair, Dr Inon Schenker, "we believe that the values encrypted on the original Liberty Bell should be applied universally also in HIV/AIDS. Besides, this is Jerusalem 's largest outdoor bell".

The Bell is Ringing initiative promotes any type of bell ringing on 1 December 2005 at 20:00 GMT . A unique bell could be rung digitally on their site: www.bells4aids.org

By now support to the initiative comes from Rotary, The Ecumenical Community, The International Federation of Medical Students, UNAIDS and even the professional ( UK based) organization of Bell Ringers.

The major countdown to 8 PM GMT and the Bells4AIDS.org event will be held in Jerusalem on World AIDS Day (1.12.2005). Read more... www.Bells4AIDS.org

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This November 28th marks 20 years, since being told I had six months to live on November 28th 1985. I can think of no better way to celebrate; than to join in The Bell is Ringing Campaign for World AIDS Day!



( In Canada; ring a bell -West coast 12:00 noon. East coast 3:00pm )



Bradford McIntyre, HIV+ since 1984

www.PositivelyPositive.ca

Confusion and Conflict when it comes to HIV and AIDS

In Canada, HIV was first diagnosed among gay men. Later, hemophiliacs and others with health problems were infected due to tainted blood received through blood transfusions. People infected early on had no treatment available! A new and strange virus was weakening the immune system and causing illness in various ways, (what we now know as opportunistic. infections). That’s all we knew! Those who were infected looked for ways to boost their immune system. Not everyone affected by the disease was dying. Unfortunately, the media wrote only about those who were being ravaged by the disease and dying.

People infected with HIV educated themselves. They learned about the positive impact to their health through nutrition, vitamins, minerals, herbs and botanicals and many alternative and complementary therapies. Often, the results were stable or boosted immune systems! The news spread and the evidence was affirmed to us through people who did not get sick. The above methods were used to aid in healing opportunistic infections as well as addressing the side effects of the drugs when pharmaceuticals became available.

There was and still is much confusion and conflict when it comes to HIV and AIDS. Many do not realize that HIV is not the same as AIDS. The media has not provided the necessary attention, information and the true realities of this disease to the world. Fear and stigma have risen when it should be declining. HIV infection can be managed. Incorrectly assuming that HIV is the same as AIDS contributes to the belief that HIV infection means automatic death. In reality, there is a great deal that can be done to prevent the progression to AIDS.

As well as taking care of one another, fundraising, starting AIDS organizations, fighting for treatments and human rights, a network was created to inform and educate people in the ways of addressing HIV. Specifically, education about the immune system and the positive benefits of using alternative therapies was essential!

Around the world, people infected with HIV are very knowledgeable. They are aware that millions of people are addressing HIV through nutrition and vitamin and mineral supplements. These have proven to be beneficial and a great success, whether taking HIV medications or not. Many of us have lived 20 years or more! Yet, nearly a quarter of century since HIV crept into existence, the confusion and conflict continues regarding the benefits of these methods. This makes no sense!

Canada and other countries are prime examples of the recognition given to the use of the above treatment modalities. Scientists and physicians have shown the benefits through various studies. Many governments, such as Canada, have created additional funding for infected individuals, to purchase clean drinking water, food, vitamin supplements and complementary therapies. These have enabled assistance and improvement in many ways: diarrhea, nausea, neuropathy, irritated skin and rashes, wasting, fatigue, loss of appetite, immune suppression and successfully boosting the immune system, reducing side effects of the drugs and increased the efficacy of the HIV/AIDS drugs!

The conflict continues even though science and millions of affected people have more than proven the efficacy of these alternative treatments. The time is past due to end this conflict and acknowledge with rightful recognition their importance in the fight against AIDS! It is urgent that we use every available means to combat this disease and bring comfort to those in need.

Pharmaceuticals play a very important role in assisting the immune system when it is weakened and when the virus is out of control and causing serious problems. The only way to determine how the HIV is reacting in your body is through regular blood work. This knowledge of how HIV is reacting allows you and your physician to closely monitor your health status. You are better prepared to understand and address health issues. Often, people wait too long before getting tested and/or starting HIV/AIDS medications. Knowledge is the weapon to create a positive impact on our health. By using every available means, the more likely we are to survive!

We must end this conflict now!


Bradford McIntyre, HIV+ 20 years
www.PositivelyPositive.ca
Vancouver, B.C.
Canada

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UNITED STATES DISCRIMINATES AGAINST HIV+ PEOPLE

While nearly a million HIV+ American citizens enjoy the freedom to leave and travel outside their country, the United States government prohibits HIV+ individuals from other countries entry to the United States! Without a doubt, this ban is the most blatant display of discrimination against HIV+ people to date! This ban continues to fuel discrimination, while a worldwide community strives to stop the stigma and discrimination surrounding HIV and AIDS!

It is obvious that there is little understanding of HIV or compassion from the American government and other countries, which impose such a ban. I am a Canadian. I am OUT about my HIV infection publicly and as such, I am not allowed to visit the United States. Are individuals who are infected with HIV to be continually and indefinitely discriminated against purely on the basis of their viral infection?

At 52 years of age and HIV+ for 20 years, I am unable to enter the United States whether to visit friends or to vacation. I have been unable to submit abstracts for conferences and unable to accept invitations to participate at HIV/AIDS events held in the United States. This problem plagues many HIV+ people forcing them to lie to immigration officers and to hide their medications or worse to stop their medications, which may put them at even greater risk of developing drug resistance and illness!

Today, when families are spread out far and wide all over the world, many are not able to visit their relatives or friends who reside in the United States. Others who wish to enter the USA may have varied reasons for travel such as: seeking and/or receiving specific medical attention, attending conferences and providing HIV education and awareness.

People of all ages and from all walks of life are infected with HIV. This virus may or may not cause progression to disease or death. There are HIV+ individuals living a happy and full life with or without medications. Some individuals who engaged in drug treatments have been able to discontinue their medications for months and even years. There are infected individuals who have never had any immune suppression and have never had any HIV replicated in their bodies. There are individuals who know they are infected but who refuse to be tested for fear of discrimination. There are doctors, nurses and health care workers who were infected accidentally. Some people were infected through receiving HIV tainted blood. There are HIV+ individuals who are now seniors. Infected individuals are in loving relationships. Mothers gave birth and now, their children are grown and having children. There are HIV+ individuals who have survived since the first cases were diagnosed. Any one of the examples above is sufficient reason for removing the ban!

We are not criminals! People infected with HIV are no different from anyone else and are not asking to be different! Unfortunately, they are infected with a virus. When people hear that HIV+ individuals are banned from entering the United States, they are shocked initially and then are disgusted that access is denied on this basis.

This discriminatory ban, which prevents HIV+ individuals from entering the United States is ethically wrong and should be lifted immediately!

Bradford McIntyre, HIV+ 20 years
Vancouver, B.C. Canada
www.PositivelyPositive.ca

HIV and AIDS-NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIANS

In many countries throughout the world, people are going to naturopathic physicians when faced with a health issue. Unfortunately, where I live in Vancouver, (British Columbia, Canada) the government is planning to cut back the scope of naturopathic medicine by imposing controls on what a naturopathic physician can and cannot do. The B.C. government does not allow naturopathic physicians to have access to medical labs and x-rays or to prescribe medications. The proposed changes include limiting the ability of naturopathic physicians to perform physical exams, diagnose and treat food allergies and place severe restrictions on the medicines ND’s use to treat patients. We must not lose the right of choice and the right to choose!

Dr. Garrett Swetlikoff, ND, British Columbia Naturopath Association President says,
“The B.C. Liberal Government is developing scope of practice regulations, which will negatively impact the provision of valid, science-based, natural medicine from licensed naturopathic doctors. In addition, the proposed changes will limit patient heath care options. Oddly, this comes at a time when preventative medicine is being regarded as an essential component in addressing health care issues. Even Federal Health Minister Anne McLellan recognizes the benefit of complementary care. In recent correspondence, she referred to naturopathic medicine approaches as well placed to play an important role in advancing living strategies, preventing illness, and improving health. The B.C. Liberal’s view is radically different than the federal view.”

It is naturopathic physicians, not medical doctors, who are specifically educated as physicians but with an expertise in alternative medicine. The naturopathic physician spends years of pre-medical training, which is the same as a medical doctor, as well as spending another four years in naturopathic training at University. The United States, Australia, Canada, Germany, New Zealand and South Africa all have 3-4 year courses with a recognized degree.

Here in Vancouver, the Health Professions Act forbids the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia from acting against a medical doctor practicing “alternative medicine” unless the therapy can be demonstrated to be more dangerous than the conventional therapy. This same Act demands that naturopathic physicians, who are specialists in alternative medicine, must prove the absolute safety and efficacy of a treatment before it is allowed to be included in their practice. This double standard is ridiculously biased and does not recognize the naturopathic physician’s expertise. Naturopathic physicians are licensed to diagnose and treat all medical conditions. Naturopathic physicians are specifically trained in the appropriate medical use of all natural prescriptions. However, the government continues to deny their ability to treat patients according to their needs by restricting naturopathic doctors from the same access to necessary prescriptions, labs and other diagnostic tools.

Naturopathic physicians are primary care providers! Government must recognize the value and credibility of naturopathic medical care and emphasize more, the value of preventive health care. It is particularly important now when we are experiencing a health care crisis in this province and across Canada. Government can advocate better acceptance of naturopathic medicine by the medical profession!

The naturopathic physician spends a great deal of time with me to explain my health condition and he gets to the root cause of the problem. Often, the naturopathic physician has answers for me where my MD does not! My naturopathic physician teaches me and emphasizes specifics in diet improvement, healthy lifestyle changes and approaches, which recognize the importance of a healthy body, mind and spirit. There are few other physicians who are able to take the necessary time with me.

For many people, their primary care provider is a naturopathic physician. Many in the medical profession are on the side of the government to change the scope of naturopathic medicine because they are losing patients! Many people living with HIV/AIDS have turned to naturopathic physicians. It is important to be aware that licensed MDs are legally required to use first line pharmaceutical intervention or risk losing their professional practice.

I. Poeitzer says, “More and more citizens are utilizing naturopathic medicine because it is safer, non-invasive, respects the body’s natural healing potential and it has proven success. This move towards naturopathic and other non-allopathic modalities of health should indicate to you the political will of the people.”

We may have jumped the gun and put all our efforts into pharmaceuticals when it came to fighting AIDS.

Recognizing the ability of the body to heal has prompted many to choose to combat HIV in a non-medical direction. Often, people are effective in preventing illness for years before drug intervention is ever necessary, or not necessary at all. Others have continued to live without any sign of HIV/AIDS related opportunistic infections or disease. For some who have tested positive, there has never been any virus replicated in their body. Equally so, many people who are on drug treatments have learned to address the importance of diet, exercise, alternative therapies and supplements, mind, body and spirit. Let’s not close our minds to what is right in front of us showing endless opportunities. These are opportunities for us to learn, grow and have healthy bodies!

“Health is indeed determined by a wide range of influences beyond the traditional health care system. Opportunities and responsibilities to improve or influence health are shared by everyone, including individuals, communities and governments”, says Diane Marleau, former Minister of Health.

In both Canada and the United States, health care systems are being affected by the strains from use and rising costs. Billions are being spent, while people look to the medical profession to care for their illness. There is a whole consciousness that supports disease and we can make an attitude adjustment. If we took a little more care and responsibility for our health and what we put into our bodies, there would be less demand on our health care system. We must not allow ourselves to fall prey to the belief that science and the medical profession has all the answers, nor can we find all our answers in pharmaceuticals. Science, medicine and the use of pharmaceuticals play key roles, but so does the greatest disease fighter on the planet, our immune system.

Those having to make decisions in treatment around choices for healing do not have an easy task. Every person is unique. Each one of us will have different responses to HIV and antiretroviral treatment. There are options and we do have choices. Many have chosen natural healing! Not everyone is OUT publicly about his or her disease and/or treatments and the number if known would be many! In the United States, of those who went to hospitals and sought out medical advice, three times as many people chose alternatives.

It seems there is only money in illness and no money in wellness!

There are no shortages of researchers exploring the positive benefits of vitamin supplementation and complementary and alternative medicine. However, government funding very often never materializes! Without government funding, how can there be any ‘evidence-based’ medicine for complementary therapies? Government lags in funding, while science and the general public already realize the benefits of complementary therapies.

Funding, education, implementation of complementary therapies in our health care and recognizing the importance of naturopathic physicians and securing their place in our health care, is paramount! We should be studying the use of supplements and including them in our health care. Funding is necessary for additional research and fast tracking the implementation of them, providing positive effects for individuals with disease. Saving people’s lives! It is the responsibility of governments around the world to include and provide these life-saving, natural alternatives in health care systems and ensure natural supplements continue to be available. With choice there is hope!

People infected with HIV or have AIDS and all those living with a disability need a quality of life that does not undermine their health. There are people dying due to the stress on an already stressed and suppressed immune system. There is added stress due to a lack of funds available to support nutritional diet and good health. Proper nutrition is necessary for HIV infected individuals, as those who eat well feel better compared to those who consume a less than adequate diet. Malnutrition can compromise their ability to fight off infection. We should be making good nutrition a high priority in AIDS treatment! There are people living with HIV who are in constant need of medical attention due to the poor quality of food and water. Water must be clear of micro-organisms and tap water is not fit to drink by people with a suppressed immune system, as they are susceptible to Cryptosporidiosis and Microsporidiosis. There is a need and an added expense of purchasing bottled water for drinking and cooking. The lack of bottled water contributes to their disease. There is a need for affordable housing, providing a comfortable and stress free environment in which to live.

Health care would have a payback in reduced and delayed usage with these provisions in place, as suggested by studies confirming lower survival associated with these! A call for action is necessary. The present situation dictates that these are vital necessities for people living with HIV/AIDS throughout the world! Since many people infected with HIV have neither the health nor energy to work towards creating awareness and change, it is my intention to speak through my experience for those whom I hope will benefit. Ignoring the importance of meeting these needs will bring an ever-increasing cost to our health care systems and us worldwide. A simple exercise in these directions and implementation would have an enormous impact on the fight against AIDS!

Bradford McIntyre, HIV+ 20 years
Vancouver, Canada
www.PositivelyPositive.ca