Synopses & Reviews
Close to one million people are infected with HIV -- the virus that causes AIDS -- in the U.S., and though in the last ten years therapies have been developed to successfully fight both the HIV infection and its associated illnesses, the physical and emotional tolls are devastating. In the tradition of the other titles in the First Year TM series, The First Year TM -- HIV uses a unique approach -- guiding readers through their first seven days following diagnosis, then the next three weeks of their first month, and finally the next eleven months of their first year -- to provide answers and advice that will help everyone newly diagnosed with HIV come to terms with their condition and the lifestyle changes that accompany it. Starting with the day of diagnosis, author Brett Grodeck provides vital information about the nature of HIV, choosing the right doctors, treatment options, coping mechanisms, holistic alternatives, and much more. The First Year TM -- HIV will be a supportive and educational resource for everyone who wants to take an active role in the management of their condition.
Synopsis
- New CDC recommendations for HIV testing: In a major policy shift, the federal government now recommends that Americans ages 13-64 have HIV tests as part of routine medical care because too many people infected with the virus don't know it.
- The most up-to-date information on HIV: Longtime HIV-awareness advocate Grodeck presents significant changes in treatment while also including new information on: understanding test results (including "false-positive" results); testing positive at a young age; co-infection with hepatitis C; and the crystal meth epidemic.
- The statistics are still alarming despite research and education: In the United States, more than 1.1 million people are HIV-positive; almost three-quarters of new HIV infections are among male adolescents and adults. Substance abuse appears to be contributing to this trend, especially crystal meth. Worldwide, HIV/AIDS affects an estimated 40 million people. Since 1995, the number of people infected has doubled.
- An overlooked health crisis for African Americans: In 2002, HIV/AIDS was among the top three causes of death for African American men between the ages of twenty-five and fifty-four, while it was the leading cause of death for African American women between the ages of twenty-five and thirty-four.
Synopsis
This supportive resource explores the next generation of HIV/AIDS drugs and also includes new research on HIV and crystal meth, as well as new insights for the hardest hit population African Americans.
About the Author
Brett Grodeck, a longtime HIV awareness advocate, has been HIV-positive for eighteen years. An accomplished writer, his articles have appeared in the
Chicago Reader, Chicago magazine,
Men's Health, and various HIV treatment journals. As a patient advocate, he has consulted for the Food and Drug Administration's antiviral advisory committee. Grodeck lives in Los Angeles.
Daniel S. Berger, MD, is Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Illinois at Chicago and is the Founder and Medical Director of Chicagos largest private HIV treatment and research center, Northstar Healthcare. Dr. Berger is widely recognized throughout the industry and community and serves on the HIV Medical Issues Committee for the Illinois AIDS Drug Assistance Program.