New research from Lund University in Sweden suggests that a new aggressive strain of HIV develops more rapidly into AIDS than other current strains. From first infection with HIV to developing AIDS can be as short as 5 years – the shortest known for HIV-1 types – say the researchers. The new strain is a “recombinant” virus – a cross of two viruses that meet in an infected person. Read the entire article at http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/269510.php
Researchers have identified a protein that causes loss of function in immune cells combatting HIV. The scientists report in a paper appearing online in the Journal of Clinical Investigation that the protein, Sprouty-2, is a promising target for future HIV drug development, since disabling it could help restore the cells’ ability to combat the virus that causes AIDS. Read the entire article at http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/269602.php
A new study suggests targeting HIV with radioimmunotherapy could eradicate HIV from infected cells. If given in conjunction with highly active antiretroviral therapy, it may form the basis of a cure. Although highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) kills human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the bloodstream, it does not completely eliminate it from the body because the virus can linger in infected cells and replicate. Researchers from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University in New York presented their findings….read complete article at http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/269711.php
Holiday Letter from FACT President, Louis Licitra Dear friends and families, a lot to say, because we have so much to give thanks for… FACT Bucks County has had a great year for growth and support. The FACT Board of Directors would like to take this time to thank each and every one of you that have supported us and volunteered at events throughout the year. Our quarterly BINGO events are almost always sold out and generate about $35,000.00 annually. The 2013 New Hope~Lambertville AIDS WALK brought in over $65,000.00 from walkers and sponsors. FACT has also been recipients of some grants and …
From AIDS.gov… Prior to the observance of the 2013 Great American Smokeout, in November, a brief new video about the harmful effects of smoking among people living with HIV was released. Organized annually by the American Cancer Society , the Smokeout encourages smokers to make a plan to quit. By doing so, smokers—including those living with HIV…will be taking an important step towards a healthier life…. For more information click here. Additional links: The 6 Most Scientifically Proven Methods to Help You Quit Smoking Health Benefits of Quitting Smoking for Seniors How to Handle Withdrawal Symptoms and Triggers When You Decide to Quit …
Links to FACT sheets and DATA…. National HIV Prevention Progress Report Updated Fact Sheets: HIV in the United States HIV Among Latinos HIV Among Transgender People New Data: HIV Testing and Risk Behaviors Among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men – United States Differences Between HIV-Infected Men and Women in Antiretroviral Therapy Outcomes – Six African Countries, 2004-2012 CDC Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/cdchiv
Individuals Making a Difference Congratulations to the eleven individuals from Region III who made this years list of “unsung heroes from around the country who are committed to ending the epidemic.” For the complete list, click here.
From the Office of National AIDS Policy The theme of this year’s World AIDS Day is “Shared Responsibility: Strengthening Results for an AIDS-Free Generation.” Now more than ever, it is a fitting theme as the United States focuses, both on the domestic and global fronts, on building partnerships that strengthen our response to HIV and AIDS. Continue reading…
On the evening of December 1st, and thanks to a team effort by FACT Bucks County, New Hope Celebrates, Martine’s RiverHouse, and Wessel+O’Connor Gallery (featuring special WORLD AIDS DAY cupcakes by James Rogers of Cakes Done Simple), with thoughtful words from The Rev Michael Ruk of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, our community was once again brought together to remember our friends and family members with HIV~AIDS that have left us, are still living with the disease, and in our hope for a cure. Over 30 participants were in attendance. At Ferry Landing Park in New Hope, we were kept warm with hot apple …
Curtin & Heefner has always been a great supporter of FACT Bucks County and to our local community. Robert Szwajkos is part of our BINGO Committee and also volunteers at all of our events. Family Service Association of Bucks County is part of our team at FACT and receives various grants client care, education and prevention purposes. Curtin & Heefner LLP, Attorneys At Law is a supporter of FACT Bucks County and its servicing agency: Family Service Association of Bucks County assisting individuals and their families living with HIV/AIDS. These Thanksgiving Baskets will be distributed this week to our neighbors by Family Services. …