HIV & Aging: What's New II

scroll down to see VIDEOS of the programs and lists of RESOURCES

“HIV + Aging: What’s New II,” an LGBTEI Conversation, was presented on December 11, 2013.  Over 50 consumers and healthcare and social service professionals attended the educational forum.

The HIV infected population is aging.  It is estimated that in a little over one year, the majority of people infected with HIV in the U.S. will be over 50 years of age.  Approximately 15% of new HIV infections occur in people over 50.  As the population ages, new issues arise in care and treatment.  Long-term survivors face side effects from use of highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART), as well as from the long-term effects of HIV infection itself.  “HIV + Aging: What’s New II” addressed these issues, outlined the current epidemiology of the virus and served to inform attendees about the physical manifestations and their treatments.  Emotional health issues of isolation, depression and anxiety were discussed during the forum.  The basics of nutrition and food safety were also reviewed.

Program presenters were (pictured at right l-r) Ian Frank, MD, of the Clinical-Therapeutics Program of the Penn Center for AIDS Research; Baligh Yehia, MD, of the Penn Medicine Program for LGBT Health; John Lutz, ATR, BC-LPC, of Mazzoni Center; Veronica Bersani and John Del Rossi, PA, of Rossi Wellness Center.     (photo by Bill Gregot)

This program was made possible by the support of the City of Philadelphia’s AIDS Activities Coordinating Office (AACO), Delaware Valley Legacy Fund (DVLF) and Philadelphia Gay News (PGN).

PROGRAM VIDEOS

RESOURCES

Scroll down for additional resources on NUTRITION

How HIV affects aging

On HIV & Aging:

http://www.aidsinfonet.org/fact_sheets/view/616

How HIV affects aging:

http://www.thebody.com/content/art54795.html#hiv GOOD

Exercise Guidelines Published for People with HIV Over 50: http://www.aidsmeds.com/articles/hiv_exercise_aging_1667_20989.shtml

Menopause and HIV:

http://www.thewellproject.org/en_US/Womens_Center/Menopause.jsp

What are the interactions between my blood pressure medication, my diabetes medication, and my HIV medication?

Specific to HIV and diabetes:

http://www.thewellproject.org/en_US/Diseases_and_Conditions/Other_Diseases_and_Conditions/Diabetes.jsp

Specific to HIV and your heart meds:

http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/More/HIVandYourHeart/HIV-Medications_UCM_315426_Article.jsp 

How can I get health insurance if I am HIV positive?

Ryan White Care Act:

http://hab.hrsa.gov/gethelp/index.html

Affordable Care Act:   

http://aids.gov/federal-resources/policies/health-care-reform/

http://out2enroll.org

Body issues

Touches on all the issues around lipodystrophy treatment:   

http://www.thebody.com/content/art14262.html

The Skinny on Body Fat and HIV:

http://www.thebody.com/content/art53553.html

Can I do anything to get rid of my buffalo hump?

http://www.aidsinfonet.org/fact_sheets/view/553

http://www.medibolics.com/lipodystrophy.htm

http://www.thebody.com/h/how-do-you-get-rid-of-buffalo-hump.html

(It is always wise to proceed with caution with this sort of forums.)

Prevention

Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP):

http://www.avert.org/pep-prep-hiv.htm

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (Prep):

http://www.avert.org/pre-exposure-prophylaxis.htm

HIV treatment issues

Adherence:

http://www.aidsinfonet.org/fact_sheets/view/405

Drug resistance: 

http://www.aidsinfonet.org/fact_sheets/view/126

Web sites for general information

THEBODY.COM

AIDSMEDS.COM

HIVANDHEPATITIS.COM

Special thanks to the staff of The AIDS Library of Philadelphia for their assistance with the preparation of this information.

NUTRITION

The following online resources provide information, guidelines, and tools for providers and patients in managing issues related to nutrition and HIV:

• 2000 CDC Growth Charts: United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.
• Center for Disease Control and Prevention National Center for Health Statistics
• CheapCooking.com. Website with recipes using low-cost ingredients and tips for frugal meal planning.
• Infectious Diseases Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group Affiliate of the American Dietetic Association. Website includes screening tool (Nutrition Screen and Referral Criteria for Adults with HIV/AIDS). Formerly HIV/AIDS Dietetic Nutrition Practice Group.
• MyPyramid.gov. U.S. Department of Agriculture website with dietary guidelines, tips, resources, and consumer-oriented information.
• Health Care and HIV: Nutritional Guide for Providers and Clients Manual from HRSA. 
• Nutrition and Food Safety
• Nutrition.gov
• Tufts University Nutrition and Infection Unit

HIV/AIDS Related Nutritional Problem / Suggestion Sheet

Weight Loss (decrease in both body cell mass and fat)

·       Early identification and ongoing monitoring are key.

·       Identify and treat underlying risk factors.

·       Try to add calories without adding "bulk": 

o   Fat (9 calories/gram): butter, margarine, avocado, cream, mayonnaise, salad dressing

o   Carbohydrate (4 calories/gram): jam, jelly, sugar, icing, gum drops

o   Protein (4 calories/gram): protein powders, cheese, nut butters, trail mix, powdered breakfast drinks, nonfat dry milk

·       Eat more frequently.

·       Maximize good days.

·       Use canned supplements (e.g., Ensure, Boost).

·       For wasting or substantial weight loss, consider referral for therapies such as appetite stimulants or human growth hormone.

Diarrhea

·       Increase soluble fiber; decrease insoluble fiber.

·       Replenish beneficial bacteria (e.g., with lactobacilli preparations).

·       Avoid intestinal irritants and stimulants.

·       Decrease dietary fat.

·       Decrease or eliminate lactose.

·       Increase fluids and provide electrolytes (sodium, potassium).

Early Fullness

·      Take small, frequent meals.

·      Concentrate on solid foods, with liquids between meals.

·      Eat lower-fat, lower-fiber foods.

·      Wear loose-fitting clothing.

·      Sit up while eating.

·      Eat, walk, and eat again.

Nausea

·      Take small, frequent meals.

·      Try dry snack foods.

·      Avoid fried foods, very sweet foods, spicy foods, and foods with strong odors.

·      Try cool, clear beverages, popsicles.

·      Try ginger-containing foods and drinks.

·      Keep liquids to a minimum at meals.

Changes in Taste

·       Eat a variety of foods, not only favorite foods.

·       Try protein sources other than red meat.

·       Marinate foods, use sauces.

·       Use more and stronger seasonings.

·       Try tart foods.

·       Use sugar or salt to tone down the flavor of foods.

·       Try a mouth rinse of 1 teaspoon of baking soda in 1 cup of warm water before eating.

Loss of Appetite

·       Rely on favorite foods.

·       Ask family members and friends to prepare meals.

·       Eat small, frequent meals.

·       Keep snacks handy for nibbling.

·       Eat before bedtime.

·       Eat in a pleasant place, with other people.

·       Make the most of good days.

·       Try light exercise to stimulate appetite.

·       Add extra calories without adding bulk.

·       Consider appetite stimulants (e.g., megestrol, stimulants).

Difficulty Chewing & Swallowing or Soar Mouth and Throat

·       Choose soft, nutritious foods.

·       Blend or puree foods (e.g., soup or stew, smoothies).

·       Add cream sauces, butter, or gravy for lubrication.

·       Sip liquids with foods.

·       Use a straw or drink foods from a cup.

·       Choose bland, low-acid foods.

·       If hot foods cause pain, serve foods cold or at room temperature.

·       Avoid alcohol and tobacco.

·       Soothing lozenges or sprays may help.

FOOD SAFETY

Food Safety for People with HIV/AIDS (PDF - 2.46MB)

A need-to-know guide for those who have been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS

U.S. Department of Agriculture 
Food Safety and Inspection Service

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 
Food and Drug Administration  

September 2006; Slightly revised September 2011

Special thanks to Veronica Bersania for the preparation of the Nutrition and Food Safety resources listed here.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

•  Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics http://www.eatright.org/ 
• USDA: Foods List http://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/search/list
• 5 Keys to Healthy Cooking http://blog.kanetix.ca/5-keys-to-healthy-cooking/
• Food Safety News from the Experts http://blog.zintro.com/food/

Go to:

Conversations home page

EI home page

Resource Guides