Advice on Aging Well With HIV

Helen Turner Goldenberg, 65, Dallas, Texas; Diagnosed in 1984

Be absolutely positively positive and proactive in the management of your health. As a 28-year HIV survivor, HIV advocate/activist, peer educator, certified public speaker, member of the Ryan White planning council in Dallas and evangelist (my faith in God gave me hope), I believe Jesus Christ can make the difference in your lives too. I have come a very long way with struggles of chronic pain, fear, feelings of inadequacy, stigma, a 14-day hostage situation, depression, agoraphobia, macular degeneration, osteoporosis, neuropathy, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, emphysema, other lung issues, obesity and much more.

I therefore strongly advise that you educate yourselves and make sure you have appropriate support. Apply sound health principles when it comes to diet, exercise, navigating the health care system and following a proper medication regimen because there may be consequences tomorrow for the health decisions you make today. Remember, you are greater than AIDS!