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There is a growing epidemiological literature focusing on the association between psychosocial stress and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease progression or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), but inconsistent findings have been published.

I think we all know how linked our emotions are to physical ailments and stress. Depression and anxiety definitely take a physical toll on our bodies. Of course findings are inconsistent though because these are things are extremely subjective.

Despite these limitations, the present evidence from prospective observational studies suggests that further research into interventions to reduce distress/promote coping and examine the consequent effects on mortality and related outcomes in HIV is warranted. Specifically, psychological interventions should be considered in the arsenal of adjuvant therapies for this disease.

Yoichi Chida, Kavita Vedhara, Adverse psychosocial factors predict poorer prognosis in HIV disease: A meta-analytic review of prospective investigations, Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, In Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available online 29 January 2009, ISSN 0889-1591, DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2009.01.013.
(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6WC1-4VGPSK1-3/2/964fab7a3b7b9afb23a211a5f7ccbafe)

Over the summer, research from the University of California, Los Angeles, was published which indicated chronic emotional stress ages the immune system. One cam easily surmise that with a diagnosis of the HIV virus a person would undoubtedly be weighed down with stress. And HIV specifically attacks your bodies immune system so it's a double whammy so to speak.

Stress harmones called Cortisol suppress the immune cells’ ability to activate their telomerase enzymes, which keep the cells young and in prime condition by enabling their ability to divide.

Cortisol is an important hormone in the body, secreted by the adrenal glands and involved in the following functions and more:

* Proper glucose metabolism
* Regulation of blood pressure
* Insulin release for blood sugar maintanence
* Immune function
* Inflammatory response

Cortisol is known as the stress hormone, because stress activates cortisol secretion.

And here in lies part of the problem for proving the whole emotional stress, immune system link. Cortisol secretion varies among individuals. People are biologically 'wired' to react differently to stress. One person may secrete higher levels of cortisol than another in the same situation.

Labels: AIDS, HIV, Immune System, psychology, stress

Many thanks to my brother, Gregory J. Mannering, for making me aware of Dining Out for Life 2008.

Did you know that AIDS is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide, or that women account for approximately 30% of new HIV infections? I didn't know this and the numbers astound me. Thankfully there are several ways I can take part in helping fund research to stop the numbers from escalating.

"Dining Out for Life started in Philadelphia as the brainchild of an ActionAIDS volunteer. It is now in over 45 cities across North America, and raises well over $3,000,000 a year for people living with HIV & AIDS. With cities signing on all of the time, the map keeps growing! They just signed on New York, New York & Fairbanks, Alaska!"

On one day, over 200 restaurants across the Delaware Valley will donate 33% of their food sales to benefit tens of thousands of men, women and children living with HIV and AIDS. It is a perfect event for our 20,000 participants - all they need to do is dine out in a participating restaurant.

Diners who make an additional contribution of $25 or more on May 1st will receive a 20% Off Tuesday Card in mail with their thank you note. This card entitles diners to 20% Off their table's food bill on Tuesday nights at participating 20% Off Tuesday Restaurants all year long.

As a writer born and raised in Delaware, I am located perfectly to participate in this amazing opportunity. But those of you who might be a couple of hours away should still participate and/or look at the map to find a location nearer to your home. This is something you can easily do and it will get you out of the house for a day while also helping to raise money for a great cause.

However, I ask you to look even further into what you can do to help the fight against AIDS and for better treatments which will lead to a cure. This one day event is only a small step in the right direction. ActionAIDS is always looking to recruit new volunteers for their non-profit organization.

You can do something as simple as pick up a phone and offer emotional support to someone struggling with this disease. Volunteering as a "Buddy" can mean saving a life. When you offer your support and compassion to someone they will have the strength to hold onto hope and keep moving forward. A stronger mindset means a healthier outlook on life in general and that can do wonders for your buddy and for you!

"ActionAIDS is a Philadelphia-based organization in partnership with people living with or affected by HIV/AIDS, works to sustain and enhance quality of life."

SOURCE

I'd also like to quickly update, 10:25 p.m., my brother quickly sent a note to tell me some of the participating Delaware restaurants: "Cafe Gelato, Home Grown, Logan House, Melting Pot, Mikimotos, Moe's Grill, Soffritto's or even Timothy's." Yum-o!

Labels: AIDS, Dining Out For Life