LIVING POSITIVELY

July 2015

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contents

In Every Issue P8 Member Support p9 Support Groups p11 Programs for members p16 Ongoing activities p18 Holistic services

p5 Prevention & Education: STD Awareness Month p6 Meals Program p7 Nutrition: Is Coffee Good for You?

p10 3rd Thursdays p14 Community Pharmacy

p19 Staff Directory

Looking for volunteer opportunities?

Then the Boston Living Center might be

the place for you!

Just contact our volunteer coordinator,

Tammy Blocker, and fill out an application .

You must be at least18 years old and be able to

pass a CORI background check.

Call today! 617-236-1012 ext. 227

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special events

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special events & updates

Guest

bloggers

Introducing the

Research

Healthy

recipes!

And

more!

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prevention and education

IT TURNS OUT THAT IT REALLY IS.

And it turns out that it’s even more harmful for people living with HIV.

Compared with the general population, a higher proportion of HIV-positive

people smoke and they’re also more negatively affected by it.

Heart health A recent study found that smoking was associated with 75% of all heart attacks among HIV-positive individuals, compared to only 25% in the general population

Viral load Results from recent research suggest that smoking is associated with increased viral replication in people living with HIV

Life span Researchers have calculated that a 35-year-old HIV-positive smoker would lose 8 years of life because of smoking, compared with 6 years lost because of HIV infection

BUT THIS CAN CHANGE! Quitting smoking could prevent more than 40% of heart attacks among

HIV-positive individuals and can also reduce damage and inflammation to

the lungs which can lead to lung cancer that is often associated with HIV

infection. The damage can be undone

SO HOW CAN YOU QUIT? MGH Tobacco Treatment Center: 617-726-7443

BMC Smoking Cessation Program: 617.638.8670

IS SMOKING REALLY AS BAD

AS THEY MAKE IT

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Monday Night Dinners 6:00pm - 7:00pm Enjoy a delicious dinner

in the company of other members. Dinners are planned to meet the specific nutritional needs

of people living with HIV/AIDS.

Tuesday - Friday Lunches 12:00pm - 1:30pm

Enjoy a hot, nutritious lunch in the Dining Room.

PLEASE NOTE THAT IN ORDER TO RECEIVE TAKE-OUT YOU MUST PRESENT YOUR BLC ID CARD.

Boston Living Center dining room community agreements:

Be kind and treat everyone with respect and dignity Keep our voice down (use an indoor voice) Keep our eating area clean Take only what we will eat during lunch, leaving some for others Refrain from talking during announcements Not engage in the harassment or bullying of others Take cell phones out of the dining room before answering or

making a call Not roughhouse or fight Keep an orderly line and not cut in front of others Give compliments not just complaints Practice courtesy– saying excuse me and thank you to other

members and to volunteers and staff

meals program

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nutrition

THE STUDY: 392 patients who believed

they were gluten sensitive or had celiac

disease (the body can not digest gluten)

were enrolled and asked to refrain from

eating gluten for 6 months then reintro-

duce it to their diets.

THE RESULTS: Of the 392 patients, 6.63 percent tested

positive for celiac disease, and two individuals (.51%) for

wheat allergy. Of the remaining patients, 93% of those

who believed they were gluten sensitive could tolerate it!!

Gluten free products are often lower in fiber, iron, folate,

niacin, thiamine, riboflavin, and zinc and isn’t a guarantee

for weight loss. Hey, an ice cream sundae is gluten free,

but does that make it healthy? No. (delicious, yes!)

BOTTOM LINE: gluten free doesn’t necessarily mean

“healthy” so pick what you think is right for you.

Been to the

supermar-

ket lately? If so, you’ve probably no-

ticed the explosion in the number

and variety of gluten-free products.

Gluten is the protein located in the

endosperm of wheat, barley, and

rye. By next year, sales of gluten-free

goods will up by $5.5 billion from

just a couple of years ago.

30 % of U.S. shoppers are choos-

ing "gluten-free" options but do

they really need to? A new study

THE GREAT GLUTEN DEBATE THE GREAT GLUTEN DEBATE THE GREAT GLUTEN DEBATE

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member support

New Member Welcome and Orientation Thursdays - 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th 10:30am - 12:00pm Bring a letter from your doctor indicating your HIV status, a photo ID, and income verification to become a member. All services at the BLC are free of charge to members. If you are unable to attend group orientation please contact Carmen Rios @ 617.236.1012 x222 for an individual appointment. Consumer Advisory Board (CAB) Tuesday, July 14th 1:30pm - 2:30pm The BLC Consumer Advisory Board is a diverse group of men and women living with HIV committed to being leaders in this community. They serve as the voice of BLC membership to staff and as pioneers in creating new programs and vision. The CAB meets monthly to review current programs, policies, and Center issues as well as offer suggestions for change.

Spirituality Group - is on Hiatus until Sept. 2015 Every Monday at 7pm in the library

PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT GOING FORWARD THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION WILL NEED TO BE

SUBMITTED ANNUALLY DURING YOUR UPDATE:

*Income verification that is no more than 60 days old *Proof of residency

*Insurance

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support groups

G.L.e.M. -Grupo Latino en Movimiento-

Todos los 2do y 4to miercoles del mes

8 y 22 de julio desde las 1:30pm

Grupo de apoyo en Español

para nuestra comunidad latina ,

abierto a mujeres y hombres,

donde puedas informarte y compartir experiencias vividas

relacionadas con el VIH. con el proposito de tener una vida

mas saludable y mas productiva!

Para mas informacion pueden contactar a Stan Flores, 617-236-1012 o escribir por correo electronico a sflores@vpi.org

Thriving The 2nd & 4th Monday of the month– July 13th and 27th 4:30pm-6:00pm

Thriving is a bi-weekly support group for and

by women who have been living with HIV/

AIDS for 15 or more years. It is peer co-

facilitated and is ongoing and open to all wom-

en who are long-term survivors and are mem-

bers of the BLC.

For more information about Thriving and/or to sign-up, contact Tonia Hines at 617.236.1012 x241 or thines@vpi.org, or just stop by the BLC.

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3rd Thursdays

Who Run The

World?

GIRLS. July 16th, 2015

1:45-3:30pm

George Johnson Room

Approximately one in four people living with HIV in the U.S.

are women. Many women living with HIV are not getting the

care they need—88% women living with the virus are

diagnosed but only 32% have the virus under control.

Women have specific risk factors and health needs that

make them an especially vulnerable population when it

comes to managing HIV successfully. Come hear Sarah

Looby, NP discuss the specific challenges and needs of

women living with HIV, including menopause and

cardiovascular health. Whether you are a woman or you

have women in your life whom you love, everyone should

know how to best support the ladies!

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Healthy Relationships

This is a fun & interactive 5 week group for men or women that

will help you build skills to manage the stress of disclosure,

practice assertiveness, AND MORE!

These skills are applied to three life areas:

Disclosing HIV status to family and friends Disclosing to sexual partners Building healthy and safer relationships

Stay tuned for new updates!

To sign-up or learn more about this cycle, please contact: Morrigan Phillips, Clinical Director 617.236.1012 x245 or mphillips@vpi.org

Receive a $25 gift card for coming to ALL 5 groups and other incentives will be given out weekly!

Healthy Relationships does not tell people that they should disclose.

programs for members

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Bridges for Life Program A great way to start the day!

Monday - Friday, 9:30am - 12:00pm -Open to women & men

Bridges is a drop-in medication adherence program, with a harm reduction focus, for individuals living with HIV/AIDS. Groups address the factors that impact medication adherence with topics including mental health issues such as depression and anger management, substance use and recovery, medical/health issues and homelessness. Bridges offers a way for participants to gain support and information and to learn new coping skills. Members also choose to attend the group each day of the week, or on the day that particularly addresses the issues that are most relevant.

Topics explored: Monday ...... Gearing up for the Week Tuesday ...... Relating to Self and Others Wednesday My Body, My Health Thursday .... Moving on up Through HIV and Recovery Friday .......... Burning Desires

Breakfast is from 9:30am - 10:30am (only) Group starts at 10:30am - 12:00pm (no entry after 11am) For more info contact: Larry Kessler 617.236.1012 x238 or lkessler@vpi.org

programs for members

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programs for members

The L.I.F.E. Program- Learning Immune Function Enhancement

Engage your mind and body to manage stress and boost your

immune system! This is a 12 week interactive course that is held on Tuesdays or Thursday from 1:30pm - 3:30pm.

Topics Include: Learning Healing Techniques Coping w/ Stress Communication w/ Providers Healing from Grief & Depression

Fun incentives and snacks will be provided.

For more information about the next cycle of L.I.F.E.® at the BLC , contact :Morrigan Phillips at 617.236.1012 x245 or mphillips@vpi.org, Jeff Webb at jwebb@vpi.org

Stay tuned for new dates!

Are you a LIFE Graduate? If you are a graduate of a previous cycle of L.I.F.E. & are looking to reconnect

with the LIFE program , do some co-factor checking-in, meet up with other LIFE grads & share information and get support? Come join us for LIFE Goes On, a new monthly meet up group for LIFE program graduates. This group meets on the last Thursday of the month from 2-3:30pm in the George Johnson Room.

Next meeting will take place in June 25th. We’ll have snacks, coffee and raffle prizes plus good conversation, networking and health information.

See Jeff Webb or Morrigan Phillips for more information

L I F E

L.I.F.E goes on…

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community pharmacy

FREE CONFIDENTIAL EDUCATION AND

SCREENINGS FOR STI’S & HEPATITIS C

EVERY 2ND Monday FROM 4pm- 7pm in the Community Pharmacy with Joe

EVERY 3RD Thursday FROM 11 am– 2pm in the Counseling Room located on the 2nd floor of the BLC with Irene

Please remember that cold and flu season is here, Community Pharmacy has flu and pneumonia shots available for those that are interested in getting a head start on the cold and flu season. Stop by for more information or any questions you might have.

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community pharmacy

Our neighbors at Community, A Walgreens Pharmacy are hosting the Medication Adherence table located in the art studio. Please stop by for FREE blood pressure screening, ill boxes and blister packing details, and sign up for in-pharmacy vaccinations. Ask the pharmacy any questions regarding current and evolving treatment options, disease state and medication side-effects management and adherence strategies. These services, as well as many others will be available to you every other Monday during

dinner and alternating with every other Wednesday during lunch.

We at Community, A Walgreens Pharmacy are very proud to be working with

VPI and BLC in helping people “Get, Stay, and Live Well”

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Language Exchange Table

Join us in the Dining Room to increase your Spanish or English conversational skills! Wednesdays– 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th Fridays– 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st 12:00pm - 1:30pm Friday Flick Fridays - 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st

1:45pm - 3:45pm Join us at the BLC for a showing of popular movies in the George Johnson Room! Movie title will be selected the day of. Open Art Studio Thursdays– 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th

1:30pm - 3:30pm Come express your creative self in the art studio with artist Luiz Pena! Beaded Jewelry Class with Sond Every other Tuesday: June 14th and 28th

1:30pm - 3:00pm Prisoner Outreach Project Every 3rd Tuesday of the month during lunch Tuesday– June 21st Letter writing and outreach to fellow HIV+ people and BLC members currently incarcerated in Massachusetts jails and prisons. It takes just 15 minutes!

ongoing activities

BLC P.O.P

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ongoing activities

Cyberspace Computer Room Mondays 12:00pm - 7:45pm Tuesdays 12:00pm - 5:45pm Wednesdays 12:00pm - 5:45pm Thursdays 12:00pm - 5:45pm Fridays 12:00pm - 4:45pm

Have a computer question? Stop in and meet with one of our Cyberspace volunteers! Check the calendar posted on the door to Cyberspace for current volunteer schedules.

Chat Before Dinner Mondays - 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th 5:00pm - 6:00pm Peer Leader Jeff Webb facilitates this informal open forum. Come by and discuss whatever is on your mind! Clay Sculpting Classes w/Janice Every other Wednesday: July 1st, 15th, and 29th

Sign-up at the front desk– Space is limited

Walking Group Join us for a leisure walk through Boston Tuesdays - 7th, 14th, 21st Thursday - 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th

Meet in the lobby 1:45pm

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Holistic practices create an environment that makes possible intensive healing on the physical, emotional, mental, & spiritual levels. All members can access these services.

Yoga Yoga is back every Wednesday from 11:00am to 12:00pm! Sign-up at the front desk.

Massage Massage is available to all members once every two months.

Please sign up at the front desk. Please provide 24hr notice for massage appointment cancellations. No shows will result in a 3 month suspension from massage services.

Reiki Reiki is an ancient Japanese system of healing that means “universal life force”. During a Reiki session, the therapist gently places his hands on the client’s body which allows the energy to flow through the body to relieve stress and reduce pain. Sign up at the front desk for a Tuesday afternoon session! Reiki can be done once a week and it does not affect eligibility for massage appointments.

holistic services

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directory

Member Services Staff Directory

Carmen Rios- Member Services Manager x222 Danisha Williams- Medical Case Manager 617-823-1517 Tonia Hines- Member Services Specialist x241 Morrigan Phillips- Clinical Director x245 Amanda Stegmann- Manager of Nutritional Services x256 Caitlin O’Gallagher- Prevention and Education Specialist x261 Jeff Webb- Peer Leader x243 John Bradley- Peer Leader x255 Mario Rodriguez- Peer Leader x233 Stan Flores- Peer Leader

Peer Support Team

Peer Leaders help members empower themselves and develop effective

strategies for living healthy lives. Peers Leaders can relate to you and your situation because they are also members who have “been there, done that.”

Peer Leaders are trained to actively listen, as well as provide you with encouragement, knowledge, & emotional support.

To connect with a peer leader stop in the Member Services office.

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Boston Living Center Mission Statement

To foster the wellness of all HIV positive people and respond to the changing needs of the HIV/AIDS

community. Through peer leadership and support, we strive to enhance and enrich the lives of our members by providing education, treatment information and support

services with the goal of empowering members to live productive lives and participate within their families &

communities.

The Boston Living Center

29 Stanhope Street Boston, MA 02116

(617) 236-1012 - phone (617) 236-0334 - fax

http://www.vpi.org/boston

BLC Member Hours Mon. 12:00pm - 8:00pm

Tues., Wed., & Thurs. 12:00pm - 6:00pm Fri. 12:00pm - 5:00pm

You can contact our Concierge Staff for more information about any of our programs or

services. They can connect you with the right person and provide you with excellent customer service. You can reach them at 617.236.1012 ext. 0