Category Archives: Health
Board Certified Hair Restoration Surgeon
Minimally Invasive Hair Restoration
With (FUE) Follicular Unit Extraction And Surgical Robotic Technology
International lecturer and teacher, Dr. William Yates, M.D., Board Certified Hair Restoration Surgeon, breaks through the old stereotypes of hair loss and hair transplant and brings Chicago’s North Shore the very latest cutting edge technological advancements in the field, offering patients an array of state-of-the-art facial and hair restoration services. He is a world-renowned expert in Follicular Unit Extraction.
He is so passionate and confident the Follicular Unit Extraction technique is superior to traditional methods; he only performs this highly skilled technique for hair transplantation.
Dr. Yates specialized skills make him one of the elite surgeons to educate and train other physicians to perform this specialized technique both locally and internationally.
What is FUE?
While performed under local anesthesia, the hair or follicular units are individually harvested or punched from the back of the scalp or donor area in the hands of Dr. Yates using whatever instrument is best for his patient to obtain optimal results. He utilizes the most advanced ARTAS Robotic Hair Transplant System or various manual, hand-held instruments to delicately punch out each individual hair follicle.
The camera system and algorithms in place with the robot or Dr. Yates skilled eyes and hands, choose the most robust hairs to remove for transplantation. With the traditional strip method for hair transplantation, not only do you have to take all hairs (even weak hair), the patient also incurs a painful cut, stitches and scar that they have to live with and conceal the rest of their lives.
Dr. Yates utilizes state of the art biological solutions such as Hypothermosol and ATPv (adenosine triphosphate) to store, protect and ensure optimal survival of these valuable grafts while awaiting transplant into the balding areas of the scalp for both men and women.
The finishing touch is completed by Dr. Yates artistic ability to create a natural hairline and hair density in his patient’s areas of thinning throughout the scalp. He uses micro-incisions to create sites to place each individual follicular unit, which will grow into a natural, undetectable pattern over the next year.
The results – – Phenomenal, Natural, Permanent Hair that patients can style anyway they desire without a scar in the back of the scalp. It’s cutting edge methodology like this that separates Dr. Yates’ concierge practice from the cookie cutter competition, who still rely on the antiquated guesswork with a scalpel from when they started 30 years ago.
“It’s permanent and not many people can do it right,” says Dr. Yates. “This is the investment that lasts.”
WITH FUE THERE ARE NO TRANVERSE VISIBLE SCARS ACROSS THE BACK OF THE HEAD
If someone is unable to shave the back of his or her scalp for FUE, he also has an answer for this. Dr. Yates is able to creatively trim the hair so that the donor area is completely concealed and you can return to work immediately without any visible signs of a procedure.
Dr. Yates is also very skilled at restoring facial hair such as beards, mustaches, goatees and eyebrows.
He also performs recovery and repair work on patients who have had multiple, visible scars; old-fashioned and undesirable plug procedures; and creative body hair (beard, chest, back hair) harvesting for transplantation for individuals who are “tapped out” of donor hair in the back of their scalp.
State of the Art
Non-Surgical Options…
PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma)
This therapy has been FDA approved and utilized for over 30 years for advanced wound healing. Now, we are seeing exciting results with PRP for hair growth. A patient’s blood is drawn and spun in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets to a specific concentration effective for hair growth. The platelets are then activated and injected back into the scalp at the level of the hair follicles. This process stimulates the body’s own growth factors and stem cells to slow hair loss, reverse miniaturized hair to produce a strong, visible hair again, and if used at the time of a hair transplant, it encourages faster graft growth. This has been very effective for both men and women.
Stromal Vascular Fraction or Stem Cell Therapy with Fat Transfer
Adult stem cells are most concentrated in our bodies in bone marrow and even more so in fat tissue or adipose. Dr. Yates is able to harvest these fat cells and concentrate and purify them in a centrifuge system. He then combines the fat cells with PRP to inject into the scalp to stimulate hair growth and stabilize further hair loss. This process offers even more benefits than just PRP alone by replacing the lost layer of subcutaneous fat in the scalp where the hair follicle thrives.
Scalp Micro-Pigmentation (SMP)
With SMP, pigment is used on the scalp to create the appearance of real hair follicles recreating hairlines, adding the appearance of density to thinning areas and covering unsightly scars. This advanced solution for hair loss replicates real shaven hair follicles on the scalp. The appearance is so realistic that it actually looks like you have hair. We know how the hair should look when pigmented, because that’s all we do everyday – HAIR! If someone has limited donor hair and has been told they were not a good candidate for a hair transplant procedure, they now have a great option! This is perfect for those who wear a very closely cropped hairstyle!
Hair Styling for Thinning Hair
Since hair loss affects so many people and everyone’s self-esteem, Dr. Yates even offers an onsite Licensed Cosmetologist with over 17 years of experience. She studied in Italy, Spain, Greece, Germany, New York, Miami and Chicago. She specializes in styling and educating patients to look their best if they suffer with hair loss.
Someone doesn’t have to be bald to feel the confidence shaking reality of hair loss. For many, it can appear as a lack of volume and expanding thinness. Slowly, their scalp becomes more apparent through the diminishing volume of their hair. Dr. Yates can stop that hair loss in its tracks and reduce the appearance of thinning hair for men and women using the most advanced treatments available in the industry.
When hair transplantation is done correctly by a proficient surgeon, the results look so natural that nobody would know you had a procedure. To achieve the best, natural, and attractive results, you need a meticulous surgeon with proven results.
The team at Yates Hair Science Group delivers the best care and quality everyday and are recognized leaders in the field.
213 N Stetson Ave, Chicago IL 60601
PHONE: 312-261-0872 or visit them online at dryateshairscience.com
AIDS Foundation Chicago Awards $220,000!
The AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) is pleased to announce 18 award recipients of its 2014 Challenge Grants — a legacy program that awards financial support to organizations that are making a difference in the HIV epidemic and the lives of people living with the virus in Illinois. A combined total of $220,000 was awarded among the receiving organizations.
This year, funding was determined based on four categories: Community Mobilization, Strengthening Communities & Reducing Health Disparities, Integration of Service Systems, and Improving Outcomes at Every Stage of HIV Care. These categories directly align with the initiatives set forth by AFC’s 2013-2015 Strategic Plan.
“After an in-depth review process by our Grant Making Committee, we are excited to announce this year’s grant recipients and look forward to supporting an array of innovative and strong HIV/AIDS programs,” said Cynthia Tucker, AFC’s director of Prevention and Community Partnerships.
AFC will be providing funding to the following organizations:
AIDS Legal Council of Chicago
Alexian Brothers Housing and Health Alliance
Care2Prevent at the University of Chicago
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago/Lake County Stands Against Stigma Coalition Enhancement
Chicago House & Social Service Agency
FCAN
Heartland Health Outreach
Hektoen Institute for Medical Research/City-Wide Adolescent Sexual Health Roundtable
Howard Brown Health Center
LAF
McDermott Center (Haymarket)
New Age Services Corporation
Open Door Clinic
Planned Parenthood of Illinois
Puerto Rican Cultural Center — Vida/SIDA/MSM Taskforce
The CORE Foundation/Step Up Get Tested Plus
The Night Ministry
TPA Network
The 2014 Challenge Grants prioritize strategies advancing the fight against HIV/AIDS within the following populations identified in the National HIV/AIDS Strategy: gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with men of all races and ethnicities, African Americans, Latinos/Latinas, transgender people and women of color.
“Given the major changes facing the HIV/AIDS service sector, including implementation of the Affordable Care Act, the National HIV/AIDS Strategy, new prevention strategies and the increasing need for community collaboration, our Challenge Grants give us an opportunity to fund innovative programs that address immediate and long-term priorities in an ever-changing HIV/AIDS landscape,” said John Peller, AFC president/CEO.
#We are all Clean HIV Challenge
THIS IS BRILLIANT!
Could this be the HIV equivalent to the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge? We think so. The concept is the brainchild of well-known HIV activist, Jack Mackenroth who has partnered with Moovz, the leading global gay social app, to launch the project. It’s genius in its simplicity. We are now a selfie-obsessed culture and Mackenroth urges everyone to take a special selfie for an important cause.
“I was inspired by the use of the word ‘clean’, especially common in gay culture, to describe oneself as STI/STD free. Indirectly this implies that HIV-positive people are somehow ‘dirty'”, says Mackenroth. “I thought a PG or PG-13 shower selfie or Vine video would be a fun way that everyone could easily show their support on social media for finding a cure by using the hashtag #weareALLclean when they post their photo with the link. They then nominate 3 other people to participate and hopefully donate to the project as well.”
The goal of the campaign is to raise 1 million dollars to stop the epidemic and help find a cure and the campaign will be ongoing indefinitely. Donate here. All donations received will be donated to Housing Works, a New York-based nonprofit organization fighting on the front lines to end AIDS and homelessness, not just in New York but globally by 2030. The CDC estimates that there are currently 1.2 million people in the US living with HIV and over 35 million people around the world.
“As someone who has been living with HIV for 25 years this is very personal to me.” Mackenroth adds, “There is current urgency for funding as we have new treatments that maintain viral suppression and render HIV-positive individuals virtually non-transmissible. Those same treatments can be given to HIV-negative individuals and protect them from infection. Essentially we already have the tools to stop the epidemic from spreading. Exciting new research is bringing us closer to a real cure for AIDS every day. ”
The campaign will launch within Moovz because of the app’s high user engagement rates and it’s history of successful international LGBT social media campaigns. Mackenroth is known as a social media powerhouse in his own right but he is also enlisting many of his “social media superstar” friends to get the campaign off the ground.
Actor, model, singer and social media stud, Chris Salvatore is igniting the campaign from Los Angeles after joining forces with Moovz as well. “It’s time to erase the stigma and unite as a global community. Regardless of your gender or sexual identity—no matter what age, color, size or shape you are, you should be part of this project! Let’s all be one loud, united voice in support of awareness, education, treatment and research for a cure.” says Salvatore. “And have fun with it. Be funny, sexy or silly. Who doesn’t want to see people in the shower soaping up for a good cause?”
“I truly hope this campaign goes viral—no pun intended.” Mackenroth quips.
The campaign launches between now and World AIDS Day, December 1st and is ongoing until the goal is reached. The hope is that there will be traction in the following weeks so that people know about the campaign on World AIDS Day and change their profile photos to show support.
INSTRUCTIONS:
1) Take a selfie or Vine video of yourself in the shower.** NO EXPLICIT NUDITY**
2) Post your photo now on Moovz and all social media platforms with the caption “Take HIV Shower Selfie Challenge raise $$ for AIDS cure bit.ly/CUREAIDS #
3) Nominate 3 or more other people to participate!
4) (Optional) DONATE!! Please consider a small donation if you are able. Every penny counts! bit.ly/CUREAIDS
5) On World AIDS Day (or before) : Monday, December 1st, please change all your social media profile pix to your shower selfie photo and spread the word!!
AIDS Foundation Chicago Walk Run Sept. 14th
PRE-REGISTRATION ENDS TOMORROW on September 3 for the 2014 AIDS Run/Walk Chicago!
Sign up to join our community of passionate individuals and partner organizations gathering to support vital services for those living with HIV/AIDS in the Chicagoland area!
www.aidsrunwalk.org
Howard Brown Health Center Celebrates its Past and Future at Annual Meeting
Howard Brown Health Center (HBHC) has stood as a beacon for LGBTQ equality for 40 years, and our services only grow more vital in today’s changing healthcare landscape. To commemorate past accomplishments and unfold plans for the year ahead, HBHC will hold its Annual Meeting on Thursday, May 29, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the future home of the HBHC’s Brown Elephant Store in Lakeview at 3020 N. Lincoln Avenue.
Together with funders, community partners, and patients, HBHC’s newly appointed President and CEO David Ernesto Munar will trace the narrative of this remarkable community health center, which has provided compassionate and LGBTQ-affirming healthcare and wellness services to diverse patient populations since 1974.
“For 40 years, Howard Brown has led community-based efforts to improve the health and lives of sexual and gender minorities and our allies,” Munar said. “Since our founding in 1974, the modern gay liberation movement has made extraordinary gains we can all be proud of. But sadly, severe health disparities persist in our community as compared to the population at large. The next frontier of our struggle must seek full health and socio-economic justice for everyone, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.”
The event will take place at the future home of HBHC’s flagship Brown Elephant resale store, opening for business on July 1. This new store symbolizes the expansion of HBHC’s affordable and community centered mission, with proceeds from all Brown Elephant locations expanding access to essential healthcare services to all people, regardless of their ability to pay.
The Annual Meeting, free of charge, will start with light refreshments. The presentation will include the introduction of HBHC’s newly elected members of the Board of Directors. At the event, HBHC will launch a year of activities commemorating 40 years of service to the community. HBHC thanks AbbVie, Barefoot Wine, Jewell Events Catering, MillerCoors, and others for providing generous support to make the Annual Meeting possible.
Please stand proudly with HBHC on May 29. RSVP online here or by calling 773.572.5117. Space is limited.
Howard Brown Health Center and PrEP
Howard Brown Health Center provides access to Pre- and Post- Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP and PEP) to reduce your chance of aquiring HIV. Preventing HIV is part of the full spectrum of primary care services offered at HBHC, and PrEP is offered as part of those services.
To limit the risk of HIV infection, HBHC offers PrEP and PEP to those most likely to be exposed to HIV and those who may have recently been exposed. PrEP is offered without judgment and our staff will work to help you access the medication without prohibitive costs.
Frequently asked questions:
What is PrEP?
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is a medication that can reduce your risk of aquiring HIV. If you take PrEP as directed, it can reduce the chance that HIV will be able to infect your body. A once-daily pill is available for patients seeking PrEP.
Who can take PrEP?
PrEP can be taken by an HIV-negative person (in consultation with their heathcare provider) who wants to reduce their chance of acquiring HIV. PrEP is available through prescription only.
Where to get PrEP?
HBHC offers PrEP to patients in our primary care clinics. Staff are available to help patients make an appointment to see a healthcare provider for PrEP. HBHC also helps patients access assistance programs that may pay for the medication in part or in full.
For additional information or to make an appointment, call 773.388.8885 or walk in during our hours of operation. You can also send an e-mail to prep@howardbrown.org for more information.
Does PrEP have side effects?
Side effects may include upset stomach, headaches, nausea, and dizziness. Patients who experience these side effects often experience them for only a short time while the body adjusts to the medication.
More serious side effects are extremely rare, and may include liver toxicity, renal impairment, and lactic acidosis. Discuss serious side effects with your provider before starting PrEP.
Payment
PrEP is covered by Medicaid and most private insurance plans. Co-pay assistance is available, and many patients with insurance pay nothing out of pocket. If you need help or do not have insurance, ask about patient assistance programs which may pay for the full cost of the medication. Low-income patients may qualify.
More info at HBHC/Prep
More Proof Mom passes on our Gay Gene
A new study of gay men in the U.S. has found that male sexual orientation is influenced by genes passed on by the mother.
The British newspaper the Guardian reports that in a test of 400 gay men, genes on at least two chromosomes affected whether a man is gay.
Aids Foundation Chicago Women and HIV Luncheon
Please join
Aids Foundation Chicago
and AbbVie for a candid discussion about the journey of HIV-positive women. This luncheon will focus on HIV disparaties among people of color and the need for support and better adherence. Q & A session to follow.
Speakers will include Willis Steele, National Advocacy Relations Manager, AbbVie-Virology
and Kathy Bennett, HIV-positive patient advocate, University of Maryland
Join us so you can be inspired for your journey.
Friday, April 25th 11:30-1:30pm
Lawndale Christian Health Center – Skyline Conference Center
3750 W. Ogden Ave Chicago, IL 60623
Please click here to RSVP by Tuesday, April 22.
HIV Cure Research – Community Forum April 23rd
Learn about exciting scientific advances to bring about a cure for HIV disease, featuring Timothy Brown, a.k.a. “the Berlin Patient,” who once had HIV. Recovered from a deadly form of leukemia and now virus-free because of a difficult bone marrow transplant, Brown embodies the hopes of scientists and millions of people living with the virus. Brown’s road to a cure is unlikely to be traveled by many others, except perhaps some who also have both HIV and cancer. But his journey provides critical proof of a concept that just may help lead to the end of AIDS-by offering clues for how to develop a safe, affordable cure for all. He also offers inspiration and hope for the road ahead. The evening will also include information about Chicago’s efforts on the HIV cure research agenda, and time for Q and A.
Wednesday April 23, 6:00 – 8:00pm
Chicago Cultural Center
Cassidy Auditorium
78 E. Washington Street
Chicago, IL 60602
Free and open to the public – registration required by Tuesday, April 22.
St Baldricks Benefit at Scarlet bar March 27
Vanite’ Paul Mitchell Focus Salon is hosting a benefit at Scarlet on MARCH 27th, from 7-9PM. Kettle One & Nolet’s Gin will be providing cocktails for 2HRS & My Fit Foods will be providing “Cancer fighting foods” for the event.
This is a fundraiser for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation—proceeds to benefit cancer research, development and services for children in Chicago.
Tickets are $30 per person – – Tickets are available here
Aids Legal Council Chicago Helps Inform Residents About Affordable Health Act, November 2nd
AIDS Legal Council of Chicago to partner with Broadway United Methodist Church and
First United Methodist Church/Chicago Temple
Event to focus on informing Chicago residents about the Affordable Care Act
as a part of “Cover Your Community” day of action
As
of October 1, 2013, individuals, families, and small businesses in
Illinois can sign up for quality health coverage through Get Covered
Illinois – The Official Health Marketplace by visiting www.GetCoveredIllinois.gov.
Through the Marketplace, Illinois residents can get to the right place
to shop and compare all of the health insurance plans offered in the
state.
On November 2,
AIDS Legal Council will participate in the “Cover Your Community” day
of action, a statewide effort to educate Illinois residents about Get
Covered Illinois and the health insurance options available to them.
ALCC will partner with Broadway United Methodist Church and Chicago
Temple, covering topics such as what types of coverage are offered, how
to get coverage, plan costs and financial help, Medicaid, local
resources, and more. Specially-trained counselors, also known as
“Navigators,” will be present to assist Chicago-area residents and
answer questions in-person.
What: Local and Fair Trade Vendor Fair What: Homeless Ministry
When: Saturday November 2, 2013 When: Saturday November 2, 2013
10 am to 6 pm 9 am to 11 am
Where: Broadway United Methodist Church Where: First United Methodist Church/Chicago
Temple
3338 N. Broadway St., Chicago, IL 60657 637 S. Dearborn,
Chicago, IL 60605
Who will be there: Kate Miller & Marina Kurakin Who
will be there: Gregory Gross
Visit www.GetCoveredIllinois.gov to learn more.
First Couples HIV Prevention Strategy for Gay Men in Chicago
Today, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will be taking over “Testing
Together,” the
first-ever couples HIV prevention strategy and program for gay men, and
will be rolling out the program to 21 major cities,
including Chicago, at 70+ HIV testing sites nationwide.
program enables male couples in the U.S. to learn their HIV status
together and develop a customized HIV prevention and care strategy.
Current
HIV testing programs focus on individuals in the U.S, however, it’s
estimated that one-to two-thirds of new HIV infections came from main
partners among gay couples. The Testing Together program was
developed by Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health and funded by the M∙A∙C AIDS Fund.
Why it Matters:
- According
to research conducted at Emory with the CDC and NIH, it’s estimated
that one-to two-thirds of new HIV infections came from main partners
among gay couples and a significant number
of men in longer-term relationships were unaware of their partner’s HIV
status. Further, because they were in a couple, they felt less at risk
for HIV and therefore less likely to get tested for HIV. Current HIV
testing programs focus on individuals in the
U.S. Due to the growing rate of HIV among gay couples in the U.S.,
Testing Together is designed to help stem this spread. - According to a report released by the Chicago Public Health Department on the health of gay men in Chicago, 35 percent of gay black
men have HIV. This is followed by 16.8 percent of gay white men, and 12.5 percent for gay Hispanic men.
prevention programs focus on individuals or groups of gay men when, in
fact, most new HIV infections come from main partners in
a relationship. Our ‘Testing Together’ program is the first HIV testing
service geared specifically toward meeting the needs of male couples,”
said Patrick Sullivan, DVM, PhD and Professor at Emory University’s
Rollins School of Public Health. “We’re happy
that our collaboration with CDC is bringing this program to more HIV
organizations in major cities throughout the nation. Bringing this
service to scale for male couples was made possible by the generous
support of the M∙A∙C AIDS Fund.”
AIDS Run and Walk Chicago September 28th
.Area runners invited to help support life-saving HIV/AIDS care, prevention, and housing programs
WHAT: More than 3,500 runners will lace up their shoes and join in the fight against HIV/AIDS during the 12th Annual AIDS Run & Walk Chicago, September 28. The AIDS Run & Walk Chicago is the Windy City’s largest annual fundraising run/walk for HIV/AIDS.
This year’s event kicks off at Chicago’s iconic Soldier Field with the 5K and 10K courses winding along the lakeshore.
Funds
raised through the AIDS Run & Walk will benefit programs and
services for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago and 34 other city
organizations that work with more than 25,000 people living with
HIV/AIDS in Chicagoland. Since its founding in 2001, AIDS Run & Walk
Chicago has netted more than $4 million to battle the epidemic.
To register, donate, or learn more, visit www.aidsrunwalk.org or call (312) 334-0946. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
WHEN: September 28, 2013
8:00 a.m. Event registration and packet pick-up
9:00 a.m. Opening ceremonies
9:30 a.m. 5K Walk begins
9:45 a.m. 10K Run begins
9:50 a.m. 5K Run begins
10:00 a.m. Post-race entertainment
COST:
Event registration is $30-$45 in advance; $50 on-site. Registration
includes the official t-shirt and other benefits. To register as a
fundraising individual or as a team, visit aidsrunwalk.org or call (312) 334-0946.
WHERE: Soldier Field, 1410 Museum Campus Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60605
CountyCare a New No Cost Health Insurance Program
To celebrate Pride Week, Cook County Health and Hospital Systems and Howard Brown Health Center
demonstrated their unique collaboration to provide medical and
behavioral care for the LGBTQ community and LGBTQ allies by encouraging
Howard Brown patients to apply for CountyCare, a new, no-cost health
insurance program.
Operating Officer of the Ruth M. Rothstein CORE Center and Chairman of
the Department of Internal Medicine at Cook County Health and Hospitals
System, and Karma Israelsen, interim President and Chief Executive
Officer of Howard Brown, welcomed visitors to the center and offered a
tour of their facilities that serve the community.
Cook County residents interested in applying should call 312-864-8200 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., or Saturday between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. To learn more about CountyCare, visit www.CountyCare.com.
CountyCare is a new Illinois Medicaid program. Patients choose a primary care site from
participating local hospitals and healthcare sites throughout the
county, including Cook County Health and Hospitals System locations.The patient is assigned a doctor, nurse, social worker and medical assistant to manage their health care through a new Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) model.
The
CountyCare program was approved under the federal government’s 1115
Medicaid Waiver, which permits CCHHS to early-enroll 115,000 individuals
who will be eligible for Medicaid in 2014 through the Affordable Care
Act.
Illinois’ subsidized high risk health insurance pool IPXP to stop accepting applications March 2nd, 2013
care reform announced this past Friday that the subsidized plans that
are currently insuring more than 100,000 individuals nationwide, will be
closing their doors to new enrollees months before other coverage is
available on the new insurance exchanges.
Although
most of the provisions of the Affordable Care Act do not become
effective until January 1, 2014, the law set up interim plans, called
“Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plans” for people who could not buy
health insurance on the private market because of serious health
conditions, including HIV. In Illinois, the state opened the Illinois
Pre-Existing Insurance Plan (“IPXP”) in August 2010. Approximately 3000
people now have insurance though IPXP. Although those people currently
enrolled in those plans will continue to have coverage until January 1,
2014, when they will be able to move to private insurance coverage,
Friday’s announcement means that no new applications will be accepted
after March 2, 2013.
Ann
Fisher, Executive Director of AIDS Legal Council of Chicago, explained
why this is bad news for people with HIV or any other pre-existing
condition that blocks them from getting private insurance. “IPXP has
been an important source of health care coverage for people with HIV,
including people on the AIDS Drug Assistance Program whose income
climbs above 300% of the federal poverty level (about $35,000) but do
not have health insurance on the job and cannot afford to pay for their
medications themselves. “ The state has been able to refer those
individuals to IPXP, and to help pay the IPXP premiums, so that they do
not lose access to their medications.
Fisher
explained that IPXP was always meant to be a temporary program, set to
expire once pre-existing conditions no longer prevent people from buying
insurance. “But,” she added “we always assumed that IPXP would
continue to accept new enrollees until very close to January 1st.”
“It appears,” she added,” that IPXP is a victim of its own success.
There was a limited pool of money available for the plans, and in order
to make sure they can continue to pay claims of current enrollees, they
now have to cut off future ones.”
AIDS
Legal Council is getting out the word about the closing of enrollment,
and encouraging anyone who has been without insurance for at least six
months to quickly apply for IPXP. NOW!!
ALCC is available to answer questions or assist with the enrollment process and can be reached at 312-427-8990.
Founded
25 years ago, AIDS Legal Council of Chicago works to preserve, promote,
and protect the legal rights of men, women, children, and families in
the metropolitan Chicago area impacted by HIV and AIDS. The Council
provides free direct legal services to people in need, educates the
public about HIV-related legal issues, and advocates for social policies
that ensure fair treatment for all people affected by HIV and AIDS.
AIDS Foundation Chicago Need2KnowHIV
More than 20,000 people are living with HIV/AIDS in Chicago – three times the national prevalence rate.
In some Chicago neighborhoods, HIV rates have climbed to a staggering 53 percent in recent years.
That’s why the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) is marking this World AIDS Day by announcing a new campaign called
Need2Know HIV, an initiative to educate people about the importance of HIV testing.
In
partnership with Abbott, a Chicago-headquartered global health care
company, AFC is using social media platforms such as Facebook and
Twitter to increase awareness and encourage conversation
about testing. The campaign began on World AIDS Day, December 1, and
continues through the month.
What sets Need2Know HIV
apart from other HIV testing campaigns? It highlights the importance of
diagnosing HIV in its earliest stages, as well as ongoing viral load
molecular testing
for those living with HIV.
Unfortunately,
many HIV-positive people are not diagnosed in the early phase of the
disease — when they are most contagious — and unknowingly spread the
virus to others. Testing is critical
to stopping the spread of HIV, though many people are not getting
tested and may not realize significant advances in testing technology
that are now available.
“It’s
simple: we can’t end AIDS without a stronger commitment to HIV testing,
and that starts with educating people about the importance of testing
to know their status and manage HIV,” said
David Ernesto Munar, AFC president/CEO.
People can show their support and educate others by visiting and “liking” the
Need2Know HIV campaign on Facebook, Munar said.
New
diagnostic testing allows individuals to know within two weeks of
exposure if they are infected. The newest HIV combo tests can detect
both antigens (the actual HIV virus) and antibodies
to HIV (the body’s response to fight the virus). HIV combo tests allow
people to know their status weeks sooner than they potentially could
with traditional antibody-only HIV tests.
For
those individuals who live with HIV, monitoring the disease plays a key
role in their overall treatment. Ongoing viral load molecular tests help
patients and their health care providers
monitor the response of the virus to antiretroviral drug treatments,
helping to guide treatment decisions.
Earlier
detection provides information to help people make decisions that may
reduce risky behavior. It also allows people who are HIV positive to
start on antiretroviral therapy sooner, which
benefits long-term health and may also reduce HIV transmission rates by
96 percent.
“For
nearly 30 years, Abbott has been committed to fighting HIV by developing
important tests and therapies for patients,” said Brian Blaser,
executive vice president, Diagnostics Products,
Abbott. “Our commitment to HIV continues today as we partner together
to launch efforts such as
Need2Know HIV to help educate people about the critical role testing can play in stemming the tide of this virus.”
People can learn more by visiting the AFC’s
website and
Facebook page.
Neck, Back, Shoulder Pain and Holiday Stress? 5 Tips To Help Prevent and Reduce Your Holiday Sufferings
The holidays are a wonderful time of the year for many. Families and loved ones get together and give thanks. People celebrate and take time to reach out to neighbors, friends and their favorite charitable organizations. It is a time Michael and I thoroughly look forward to each year.
Entertaining, shopping, decorating, socializing, cleaning, cooking-yikes! The added anxiety and stress of all the holiday hustle and bustle can increase our level of physical activity and mental stressors, beyond our usual day-to-day, and intensify chronic neck, shoulder and/or back pain or aggrivate “bad backs” for those occasional sufferers.
Holiday travel may be a huge factor as well. Long, cramped car rides, horrible airplane seats with almost no padding, and for what seems to be hours on end to reach your final destination… We’ve all been there. Then, to be taken away from our normal comforts of home, like our heated ergonomic chairs and fluffy, pillowtop mattresses and instead, find ourselves sleeping on Aunt Barbara’s couch or an inflatable twin mattress on the floor. You get the picture.
So here are 5 tips we hope you may find helpful in minimizing physical pain and mental stress this Holiday Season:
1.) Set yourself up for success! Establish realistic goals that you truly can accomplish in one day or over a weekend and strive not to be the ultimate people-pleaser, nicely say “No”. Decide what’s most important, prioritize and seek to not overextend yourself.
2.) Get enough rest and sleep. Yes, you have to get to the store, wrap those gifts, pick up dry cleaning, bake that cake, etc…but sleep deprivation is a big contributor to aggrivating physical pain, especially in the neck, back and shoulder regions. Do your best to be disciplined and strive to go to bed and get 6 to 8 hours of sleep! If you have difficulty sleeping due to stress or chronic pain, you might want to check with your primary care doctor regarding possible over-the-counter and/or prescription sleep aids or pain medication options so that you can get the rest your body needs.
3.) TAKE TIME OUT for yourself. Treat yourself to whatever it is you consider a treat within your budget so you’re not adding even more stress to yourself. Maybe it’s a massage or some time at a spa to relax and rejuvenate and recharge your batteries. Consider asking one of your besties to join in if that would make it more enjoyable for you.
4.) Think Small(er)! Plan a small(er) gathering of friends and loved ones, rather than a huge extravaganza. Hosting a large event has many stressors, consider scaling back or hosting 2 small events perhaps instead of one large one.
5.) Exercise. #1 on the list should be exercise, but often, it is the fist activity to be nixed and neglected. Exercise is so important because it helps rid the body of stress and stressful toxins. Do what you can do… Take a walk, run, ride a bike, go to the gym…or workout in your home. Nothing beats exercise during times of stress.
If you are in too much pain to exercise, consider visiting a chiropractor for relief. Chiropractic adjustments help to re-align the spine and remove pressure from the nervous system allowing our bodies to better heal themselves once the nerve interference has been removed.
Michael and I both suffer from chronic back pain and regular problematic neck and shoulder pain from too much time spent sitting and on the computer without proper stretching and enough exercise. We LOVE the chiropractic work of Dale A. Zuehlke, D.C., at Greater Chicago Chiropractic and recommend him highly (561 W. Diversey Suite 221). We do our best to see him regularly for preventative care and maintenance, but to often it is when we are crippled in pain we show up at Dale’s office pleading with him to fix us… fast!
For a free consultation to discuss how he may help you, or to make an appointment for an adjustment call (773) 871-7766 and please tell Dr. Dale Michael and Derrick sent you his way.
Greater Chicago Chiropractic Dale on YELP
Hope This Helps and Wishing Happy Holidays To All!
M&D
CHICAGO HOUSE Selected for National Grant to Support Care and Treatment of Transgender Community
It was announced that local
non-profit leader in AIDS services, Chicago House, was selected as one of eight
national grant sites to study the link between HIV and retention in care of
transgender women of color. The study, which will be housed in Chicago
House’s all new TransLife Center (TLC), will allow $300,000 per year for
the next five years from the Health Resources and Services Administration
(HRSA) as a Special Program of National Significance.
The TLC programming will serve as a
collaborative comprehensive and multi-strategy approach to identifying HIV-positive
transgender women of color who are out of care, while engaging them
successfully in accessible, quality HIV primary care.
In leveraging
the resources and expertise of five project partners – AIDS Foundation of
Chicago, Center On Halsted, Lurie Children’s Hospital, Heartland Health
Outreach, and South Side Help Center – Chicago House will identify
transgender women of color living with HIV, create a broad network of
culturally competent healthcare providers, and deliver an array of services that
help marginalized transgender women overcome barriers to care.
“The TransLife Center Programming will incorporate
three tiers of support to the habitually overlooked “T” in the LGBT
community,” commented Chicago House CEO, Stan
Sloan. “TransHousing
will provide a safe and understanding home to transgender men and women,
through the rebirth of our original 24-hour-care building in Edgewater and
multiple scattered site units throughout the city. TransWorks, an offshoot of our highly
successful employment program, will work with trans men and women to identify
their unique employment placement needs and prepare them for the workplace
through resume writing, interview skills, and connections to culturally
competent job opportunities.” Sloan continued, “The final
element, TransHealth, will
connect trans men and women to non judgmental health care addressing their
unique needs through Dr. Rob Garafolo of Lurie Children’s Hospital.”
HRSA, an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services, is the primary Federal agency for improving access to health care
services for people who are uninsured, isolated or medically vulnerable.
“Chicago House remains committed to providing the best
in services to the homeless and HIV affected, and the integral TransHealth funding from HRSA further validates
the needs that we have identified within the transgender community,”
Sloan said. “The growth in reaching out to this population
represents the same trailblazing growth our founders had in mind 27 years ago,
and it is a wonderful next incarnation for our former hospice site. The
transgender community has been so strategic and receptive in helping us develop
the programs, and we are excited to begin this next step of Chicago
House’s history.”
About Chicago
House
The first organization of it’s kind in the Midwest, since 1985 Chicago
House has provided permanent housing and supportive services to men,
women and children living with HIV and AIDS. Their programs have since
expanded to include community case management, substance abuse counseling, HIV
prevention, medical adherence and the Midwest’s
first employment training and placement program specific to people with
HIV. Chicago House also
offers free, anonymous rapid HIV testing. For more information, visit www.chicagohouse.org.
