fighting hiv/aids through exercise

fighting hiv/aids through exercise
body well

When Earvin “Magic” Johnson announced that he had been diagnosed with HIV back in 1991, many assumed his days were numbered. 17 years later, however, Johnson has defied all odds, emerging as the picture of health with the virus undetectable in his system. While his strict drug regimen has played a huge role in the NBA great’s ongoing battle against the virus, he also attributes his good health to intense daily workouts.

Exercise has proven it provides many health benefits to the general public. Frequent physical activity offers an even bigger benefit to someone living with HIV/AIDS. Despite initial beliefs that exercise would have negative effects on a person infected with HIV/AIDS, the perception has shifted in recent years, with current research indicating that physical activity has no significant adverse effects.

For a person living with HIV/AIDS, the most obvious benefit of physical activity is to prevent and/or treat weight loss. A patient can potentially lose more than 10 percent of his body weight due to a condition called AIDS wasting syndrome. However, resistance exercises and/or aerobic exercises — when combined with treatments such as anabolic steroids — have been shown to be beneficial in restoring a patient’s body weight.

People living with HIV/AIDS may also suffer from a condition called lipohypertrophy — or excessive fat growth. The increase is most often seen in the back of the neck and shoulders. As a result of some anti-HIV medications, many HIV-positive people may experience an increase in the level of fats and sugar in the their blood. Elevated cholesterol levels can increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke, while high levels of sugar can increase the risk of diabetes. Regular aerobic activity can decrease the amount of fatty deposits while also helping to lower cholesterol.

Exercise is believed to have a therapeutic effect on persons living with HIV/AIDS. Studies indicate that exercise can lead to enhanced mental well-being, which some experts believe can help stave off related illnesses. In other words, exercise can make one feel better, thus helping them to fight disease better.

As always, you should consult with a physician prior to beginning any workout regimen to determine the appropriate intensity and frequency for exercising. Once cleared to workout, patients with HIV/AIDS should still pay close attention to how they feel after workouts. They should stop immediately should they experience swollen joints, vomiting, diarrhea, severe dizziness, profuse night sweating, open sores or oozing lesions, pain on bottoms of feet or in hands, or blood in urine or stool. –ivory m. jones