Kosmix Blog

While most people associate December 1st with an excuse to finally put up holiday decorations, snuggle up close to the fire, and spend time with loved ones, it also marks an important international holiday that increasingly gets under represented: World AIDS Day.

World AIDS Day was founded in 1988, and each year a campaign slogan is chosen by the World AIDS Campaign, this year's being, "Stop AIDS: Keep the Promise, Leadership." The slogan serves as a reminder for all governments across the world to meet goals they have set in HIV & AIDS funding public programs for research, care, and awareness, as well as for everyday people to also do what they can to prevent the spread of the disease, raise awareness, donate money, or volunteer in the fight against HIV & AIDS. Additionally, World AIDS Day is a yearly day of reverence to mark the passing of 25 million people that have died from AIDS since 1981. Today, there are 33 million people living with HIV, and 95% of those infected live in developing countries.

How far we have come

The red ribbon is the symbol synonymous with AIDS awareness, so familiar in fact that it has blended into our cultural understanding of the disease. When the disease broke in the early 1980s, spreading like wildfire in urban populations of gay men in New York City and San Francisco, the disease was first termed "gay cancer." Since so little was known about the diseases, and it was afflicting an already stigmatized population, people generally feared even touching those infected with HIV. The Regan and Bush administrations did little to fund research and awareness of the disease, and major newspapers were silent on the topic for years, so it fell to the public sector to take action, raise funds, and get the word out about the disease. The grassroots organization Visual AIDS invented the red ribbon to mimic the yellow ribbon for soldiers overseas. Awareness and funding fell into the hands of celebrities, like activist Elizabeth Taylor, to amplify the original message of the red ribbon, in order to bring awareness and funds to the fight against HIV & AIDS.

How far we have to go

Today both private organizations, charities, and governments around the world are engaged in the fight against HIV & AIDS. To combat the spike of HIV & AIDS in developing countries, some $8 billion was spent in 2005, although close to $20 billion will be needed to maintain the fight by 2008. Differences of cultural understandings and controversies over distributing birth control for protection in developing countries, combined with inadequate funding, inhibit effective control over the pandemic. There is still no cure for AIDS, although there are antiretroviral treatments can prolong and improve the quality of life of HIV infected persons.

What to do

While wearing the red ribbon promotes solidarity, there are other things that can be done, in keeping with this year's "Leadership" slogan for World AIDS Day. The international AIDS charity Avert features a How to Help page, to donate money and offer tips on what you can do. Also check out the World AIDS Day Campaign page on Taking the Lead. Also look for events or organizations in your area that help those living with HIV & AIDS in your area, or around the world, because there is usually something you can do in your own neighborhood that can make a difference. Most importantly, if you are sexually active, make sure to get tested.

--Matthew Krajewski

Holidays change over the years. The mystique that surrounded holidays during childhood may fade, but they nevertheless remain a treasured time to spend and enjoy quality time with family; perhaps more so as both parents and grandparents advance in years. If you have little ones, you get to recreate the magic of the holidays your own parents created for you. And if your parents and grandparents are getting along in years, than you may have to work equally hard to manage a frustrating holiday guest: Alzheimer’s.

It is estimated that over 4.5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. The disease is at present incurable, and typically afflicts those over the age of 60, with risk of contracting the disease increasing with age. Those that develop Alzheimer’s can live anywhere from 10 to 20 years after their initial diagnosis, depending on specific symptoms, progression, treatment and support.

Alzheimer’s may be first identified as Dementia, an umbrella term that refers to changes in brain function. Some Dementia is reversible, but at present Alzheimer’s is not. Alzheimer’s refers to when nerve cells in the brain die, making it difficult for the brain to transmit proper signals. This inhibited brain function most typically impairs memory, thinking, and judgment.

This impaired brain function manifests to the onlooker as different shades of forgetfulness. A person with Alzheimer’s could forget simple things like where they put their keys, or significant things like “fire can burn you” or even what their name is.

While the behavior of those with Alzheimer’s can be disturbing, it is important to remember, especially as you gather together for the holidays, that they are still the person you love. If they forget who you are, do not take is personally, and above all continue to be friendly and caring towards them.

Communicating with loved ones that have Alzheimer’s can be challenging. Maintain eye contact when speaking to them, you will be able to tell if they can understand you by their facial expressions. Try to be attentive, upbeat, and gentle in tone; this should make them feel comfortable and secure. Remember they are not a child, so do not be patronizing or belittling in words or tone, this can cause frustration and anger. Remember simplicity is best in words you choose, and be patient when communicating with them, trying to adapt to whatever mode of communication they choose to use. Above all, remember they are still your loved one, treat them with respect and dignity, and cherish what time you have with this holiday season.

For more on Alzheimer’s, check out the Alzheimer’s Association homepage.

--Matthew Krajewski

It is not uncommon to get the “winter blues.” With shorter days, longer nights, and the holiday stress that tends to increase as December wears on, at least occasional “winter blues” are almost a guarantee. For some, however, these feelings of depression are a constant throughout the season, and may be indicative of a condition called seasonal affective disorder.

Seasonal affective disorder is a form of depression triggered by the changing of seasons, most frequently when summer turns to fall and then winter. This depression can include anxiety, fatigue, lethargy, increased weight gain, loss of interest in usual activities, social anxiety, or oversleeping. Doctors speculate that SAD is related to melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep, due to the longer nights during the winter. These longer nights could also disrupt natural circadian rhythm, another possible cause for the onset of seasonal affective disorder.

If just can’t shake what you thought was “winter blues,” you may want to consult your doctor about seasonal affective disorder, or depression. As with other depressions, it is more frequent in women than men, and is thought to affect people more in northern areas. If your sleep patterns or eating habits have changed, and especially if these are accompanied by thoughts of suicide or increased alcohol consumption, seek advice from a medical professional.

Seasonal affective disorder can be difficult to diagnose, but can usually be pinpointed if you can recall annual bouts of depression followed by periods without depression. Treatments can include light therapy, anti-depressant medication, or psychotherapy.

The holidays are no time to be plagued with depression, especially if it is brought on by the changing of seasons. If you exhibit any of the signs of seasonal affective disorder or depression, make sure to consult your doctor, so that you can get your holidays back on track and enjoy the New Year!