HIV/AIDS RESEARCH:
Recently studies in Africa have shown how this relates to people who are chronically ill with HIV. The report stated that they used 4,000 HIV/AIDS patients who were tracked over a ten year period. None of these patients were receiving any medication what so ever for their HIV/AIDS infection. Of these patients, 2,000 were given a placebo (a sugar pill) and the other 2,000 were taught stress reduction techniques and given basic nutritional -- diet information.
Of the 2,000 patients who received the placebo, 90% had died.
Of the 2,000 patients who were given the stress reduction classes and the nutritional information only 20% had died.
Now granted one could make the argument that the first group, who got the placebo, had ingested too much sugar on a daily basis. But that does not fully explain why those who had used the stress reduction ideas had done so well.
HEART PATIENTS:
When scientists study cardiac patients who were taught meditation and stress relieving methods, they had almost 100% respond. Their heart medication was reduced, they had far less incidences of further cardiac attacks and were found to be in better health than there counterparts who were only given the standard heart medicines.
Most of us have seen the statistics of married men and women who live longer and are considered healthier because they have someone to support them during a serious illness. There are many stories about how people who either have a spouse or loving pet can help them reduce their stress levels. Well, in some cases, spouses seem to ADD to the stress level! I guess it depends on the spouse!
REDUCING STRESS:
Now there are several ways to reduce stress if you have chronic Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C. Whether or not you are currently going through REBETRON or Interferon therapy, your Hepatitis Virus will replicate faster and be harder to keep under control if you don't get a handle on your stress.
Massage therapy is always a great muscle and tension reliever. Careful attention needs to be paid to the hepatitis infected patient because they can bruise easily. Massage products that use heat should be avoided. Hepatitis patients can have very sensitive skin and can burn more easily, as well as they can have topical rashes that might become infected.
