By: Janice Dayle

Are you sick of hearing about especially youth who end up HIV positive because "They had no clue?" Are you lyrically fit and ready for a challenge?

Then get out your writing tools and carve out a good 60 second rhyme to express the importance of getting tested for HIV. Hip-hop Grammy winning artist Common has collaborated with It's Your (Sex) Life, a public information partnership between the Kaiser Family Foundation and MTV, and the Common Ground Foundation, with support from Youth Speaks, to launch: "A Minute," a new lyrics contest to encourage young people to get tested for HIV.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends routine HIV screening for all adults and adolescents (ages 13-64) in the United States. Through this new joint initiative, Common, MTV and Kaiser are encouraging young people to take a minute to inform themselves and others about HIV testing.

CDC estimates that in the United States 1 in 4 people do not know that they are HIV positive.

Research has also proven that particularly in African American and Caribbean communities, HIV is largely diagnosed at late stages, implying again that Black people especially, do not test and so only discover their illness once they become extremely ill - in the later stages, leading to higher instances of mortality and morbidity.

'A Minute' aims at helping to put a stop to all that, because one major weapon in the fight against HIV is knowledge. Submitting original lyrics about the importance of getting tested will give winning writers a chance to have their lyrics used to create a special PSA (Public Service Announcement) to be song by Common and premiered live on MTV on National HIV Testing Day, June 27, 2008. The PSA will also air throughout the summer on MTV2 and mtvU, MTV’s college network, as well as be available on demand at www.itsyoursexlife.com.

"It's important to know your status by getting tested because HIV/AIDS is taking a lot of lives in our community and around the world. I had an uncle succumb to HIV, so I've personally felt the impact of the disease," Common said. "Your lyrics can really have an affect on people's lives and I’ve seen it happen."

Ian Rowe, VP of Public Affairs and Strategic Partnership, MTV said, "This contest offers our audience an amazing way to bring their words to life through Common's voice and will serve as a powerful way to drive home the importance of getting tested."

The competition that intends on engaging and inspiring youth everywhere to learn more about HIV and to get tested, kicked off on Valentines Day on MTV's TRL (Total Request Live). To learn more about the contest or apply, visit http://www.itsyoursexlife.com or http://www.aminutecontest.com.

"The stigma surrounding HIV remains a barrier to many people getting tested," said Tina Hoff, Vice President and Director of Entertainment Media Partnerships at the Kaiser Family Foundation. "By normalizing HIV testing, this contest seeks to make getting tested a mark of empowerment not shame."

UNAIDS – The joint United Nations programme on HIV/AIDS & WHO - The World Health Organization - issued the following statement following a Swiss medical journal bulletin that negates the high possibility of HIV transmission under certain circumstances. YardFlex will follow up with more on the Swiss research and their controversial announcement.

Antiretroviral therapy and sexual transmission of HIV

Geneva, 1 February 2008 - Following the recent publication of an article on Antiretroviral Treatment (medicines taken by people living with HIV that can reduce the amount of the virus in the blood to the point that the virus becomes undetectable) and sexual transmission of HIV in the Swiss medical journal 'Bulletin des médecins suisses', UNAIDS and WHO reiterate the importance of a comprehensive approach to HIV prevention including correct and consistent use of condoms.

The article, published by Switzerland's Federal AIDS Commission (La Commission fédérale pour les problèmes liés au Sida), states that seropositive (HIV Positive) individuals do not risk transmitting HIV to a seronegative (HIV Negative) partner under the following conditions:

The seropositive partner has to have had undetectable HIV in the blood for at least 6 months, there must be strict with adherence to his/her antiretroviral regimen, and he/she must be free of any other sexually transmitted infections.

In the article the Commission states that although available medical and biological evidence does not rule out the possibility of HIV transmission they feel that there is nonetheless enough information to support its statement.

To prevent transmission of HIV, UNAIDS and WHO strongly recommend a comprehensive package of HIV prevention approaches, including correct and consistent use of condoms. People living with HIV who are following an effective antiretroviral therapy regimen can achieve undetectable viral loads (the amount of virus in a body fluid such as blood, semen or vaginal secretions) at certain stages of their treatment.

Research suggests that when the viral load is undetectable in blood the risk of HIV transmission is significantly reduced. However, it has not been proven to completely eliminate the risk of transmitting the virus.

More research is needed to determine the degree to which the viral load in blood predicts the risk of HIV transmission and to determine the association between the viral load in blood and the viral load in semen and vaginal secretions. Research also needs to consider other related factors that contribute to HIV transmission including comorbidity with other sexually transmitted diseases.

UNAIDS and WHO will continue to follow the science of HIV transmission and the effect of antiretroviral treatment on the transmission of HIV. UNAIDS and WHO underline the importance of effective and proven HIV prevention methods for all people irrespective of their HIV status.

In 2005 UNAIDS published a policy position paper on HIV prevention to provide policy guidance on intensifying HIV prevention efforts.

A comprehensive HIV prevention package includes, but is not limited to, delaying sexual debut, mutual fidelity, reduction of the number of sexual partners, avoidance of penetration, safer sex including correct and consistent male and female condom use, and early and effective treatment for sexually transmitted infections.

By: Dr. S. Lawson MD and Dr. H. Boothe PharmD

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic illness that requires continuing medical care and patient self-management education, to prevent acute complications and to reduce the risk of long-term complications. The disease is characterized by excess glucose in the blood that leads to excessive urination and results from inadequate production and or utilization of insulin.

• The different types of diabetes include Type 1, Type 2, Gestational (GDM), and Pre-diabetes.

• Diabetes not only complicates every other disease condition, it can precipitate other diseases.

• 171 million world-wide suffer from diabetes. One in 13 people in the USA have diabetes.

• In the year 2005 a total of 20.8 million have diabetes, of these 6.2 million are undiagnosed. 80% - 90% of the diagnosed are obese when diagnosed.

• It reduces life expectancy by 5 to 10 years.

• Diabetes is associated with obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and an increase in the elderly population.

• The Hispanic, African American and Aboriginal population (with high numbers of poor people with poor diets and inadequate medical attention) are at increased risk to develop diabetes than the rest of the population.

• It is the number 6 leading cause of death in the USA.

• Individuals with diabetes have a 2-4 times the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

• It is the leading cause of kidney failure, blindness, and non-traumatic amputation.

• Prediabetes is characterized by insulin resistance and a compensatory increase in blood glucose (hyperinsulinemia).

Approximately 1.2 million are diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes mellitus.These numbers will double by the year 2030.

• Type 1 diabetes (results from beta-cell destruction, usually leading to absolute insulin deficiency, it is of autoimmune origin that occurs in the adolescence period of life, usually before the age of 30. Type 1 diabetes presents with sudden onset weight loss, fatigue, irritability and was previously called insulin dependent diabetes.

• Type 2 diabetes (results from a progressive insulin secretory defect on the background of insulin resistance, and is caused by inadequate insulin production by the beta cells in the pancreas, defective insulin, or resistance to insulin function at the insulin cell receptors. When insulin binds to its receptor on cell membrane, it allows glucose to enter the cell (i.e. muscle, liver, and fat cells); this is like the key that opens the lock to let glucose into the cell. When glucose is unable to leave the circulation, the blood glucose level rises above optimum level resulting in organ damage.

• Insulin, glucagons, adiponectin, amylin are hormones involved in glucose regulation. Glucagon accelerates the conversion of glycogen in the liver (and promotes the formation of glucose from lactic acid and certain amino acids).

• Insulin stimulates the release of glucose from the liver into the blood. And counteracts the action of glucagons by transporting glucose into cells. Insulin promotes the formation of fatty acids, increases the storage of glycogen, protein synthesis and DNA replication. Amylin is a hormone that acts like insulin.

• Human growth hormone, neurotransmitters, and regulatory peptides also play a role in glucose metabolism.

• In obese individuals, there is abnormal insulin activity (insulin resistance) at the muscles insulin receptors (sites on the muscle cells where insulin acts to pull glucose out of the blood into the cells).

• Cells use glucose as energy and when you have reduced production of insulin or the insulin is not working right glucose increases in the blood. If the cells don’t receive adequate supply of energy this sends message to the brain that results in increased hunger, at the same time, the blood becomes hyperosmolar( too thick) and absorbs water from tissue, this results in dehydration and increased thirst.

• Excess blood glucose destroys the kidney's filtering capability which results in excessive glucose and protein in the urine causing increased urination.

• In type1 diabetes there is a total destruction of the insulin producing cells by antibodies (an autoimmune dysfunction).

• Viral infection of the pancreas is implicated in this destructive mechanism.

• Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) requires insulin. Without insulin the body has to get its energy from fats. This results in Diabetic keto Acidosis (DKA) which leads to metabolic abnormalities. Treatment is Intravenous insulin and glucose. Type 1 diabetes is a result of the complete absence of insulin production in the pancreas, of viral etiology, genetic factors, presence of ketones in the blood (ketoacidosis), sudden onset and usually presents before age 30. These individuals with Type 1 diabetes usually have lean body composition. The diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes is made by detecting of antibodies and C-peptides in the blood.

These individuals usually do not have a family history of diabetes.
• Type2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) frequently presents with poor wound healing, blurry vision, numbness and tingling in the hands and feet, recurring skin and gum infections, vaginal yeast infection, and urinary tract infection. Factors that predispose people to developing T2MD include obesity (waist to hip ratio) fetal malnutrition, gestational diabetes, children born prematurely, a positive family history of T2DM, cigarette smoking, hypothyroidism, trans fat, saturated fats, endothelial dysfunction, high levels of testosterones in women, decrease levels of sex hormones binding protein in men, HIV/AIDS.

• Medications which could increase blood glucose levels: (dose-dependent) thiazide diuretics , beta blockers (lopressor), oral contraceptives, tacrolimus, cyclosporine, Nicotinic acid (niacin), HIV protease inhibitors, antipsychotics (clozapine, olanzapine), Gonadotropin releasing hormones agonists, clonidine, Calcium channel blockers, Pentamidine, steroids, elevated level of plasminogen activating factors, and alcohol.

• The onset of T2DM is gradual and the diagnosis is usually delayed. As a result, circulatory complications are usually advanced at the time of diagnosis. Stroke, heart, cataract, macular degeneration, refractive errors (near or far sightedness), kidney disease, erection problems(ED), constipation, high blood pressure, and subtle infections not detectable by standard laboratory tests are complications of T2DM. The circulatory disturbance and a high Insulin level (insulin resistance) results in abnormal physiological processes. Excess insulin increases the storage of fat around the abdomen (visceral fat), stops the utilization of this stored fat as energy, down regulates the number of insulin receptors and increases the inflammatory substances in the tissues. Fat cells produce substances that are associated with insulin resistance. Inflammation leads to infections (Chlamydia pneumonia has been isolated from plaques that cause atherosclerosis). The pancreas of diabetics is often infected by Cytomegalovirus, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB).

• Insulin increases the inflammatory substances that disturb the endothelium lining blood vessels leading to circulatory disturbances, including stroke. When blood glucose is high, it binds to protein on the endothelium resulting in micro vascular disturbances in the eyes (macula degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts) and disturbances in the filtering mechanism of the kidneys and results in protein leaking into the urine (microalbuminuria). This causes the liver to produce more cholesterol and triglycerides. Insulin resistance, high glucose level leads to dehydration and dehydration causes acidosis. Acidosis encourages cancers. Insulin stimulates DNA replication that predisposes to cancer.

Medication Treatment Options

The use of antihypertensives: Angiotensin converting enzyme(ACE) inhibitors (lotensin, vasotec, zestril) or Angiotensin receptor blockers(ARB’s) (Cozaar, Mircardis, Diovan) have been able to reduce morbidity and death associated with T2DM in people who have had heart attacks, heart failure and chronic kidney disease. These medications not only work on the kidney to reduce the damage caused by high blood pressure (hypertension) on the kidneys by stopping the enzymes that lead to narrowing of the blood vessels (angiotensin), but they work on the cells lining the blood vessels (endothelium) to reduce narrowing of blood vessels. They also reduce cholesterol levels.

• Actos and Avandia are drugs that improve the binding of insulin to its receptor site on cells so that glucose can leave the circulation and enter the cells. Avandia can cause Metabolic Syndrome. Actos can cause weight gain, anemia and edema.

• Alpha Lipoic acid is a potent antioxidant that reduces insulin resistance. It is approved as a drug, in Germany, to treat nerve damage due to diabetes and is beneficial to individual with high cholesterol, cataract, and circulatory problems. High doses can cause nausea, and excessive low blood sugar.

• Metformin(Glucophage) prevents the release of sugar from the liver, reduces insulin resistance, and reduces glucose uptake in the gut. It does not cause weight gain, so it is beneficial to obese individuals. It helps to reduce LDL and triglycerides. Lactic Acidosis is one of its side effects so it is not the first option in patients with heart or kidney disease.

• Glucotrol, Amaryl, and Diabeta (glyburide) stimulate the pancreas to secret insulin. Their main side effect is excessive low blood sugar. Glyburide should not be used by the elderly and individuals with kidney problems.

PREVENTION — Three factors have been evaluated in an attempt to prevent type 2 diabetes: exercise, weight loss, and drug therapy. Smoking cessation may also be important. Intensive lifestyle intervention provides the greatest benefit in prevention of diabetes.

LIFESTYLE MODIFICATION

Exercise — Although insulin resistance and impaired insulin secretion in type 2 diabetes have a substantial genetic component, they can also be influenced, both positively and negatively, by environmental and behavioral factors. The benefit of exercise in preventing diabetes has been demonstrated in several studies.

Proper diets Include supplementation not just restrictions

• When glucose is not available to make energy the cell uses a back up mechanism to make energy, this causes the body to become more acidic.

• Enzymes which keep our metabolism balanced don’t work in acidic environment.

• Efficient DNA replication requires enzymes which require coenzymes and cofactors obtained from the food we eat.

• Today’s soil is deficient of the nutrients required to make these substances and food is genetically modified to increase the yield.

• Heavy metals (aluminum, mercury) and asbestos from the environment, saturated fats, pesticides, and herbicides can contribute to the deterioration in insulin function and production, and at the same time make the pancreas more vulnerable to infections that cause it to malfunction.

• If the insulin function begins to deteriorate, that means other functions have started to deteriorate (i.e. the thyroid and the immune system).

• Available supplements include antioxidants, chelating agents (for heavy metals) and a number of herbals which have demonstrated beneficial effects for diabetics.

Part II will discuss the complications and alternative medicinal choices.

By: Dr. Steve Lawson

Uterine fibroid (leiomyomas) are benign tumors of the uterus. These tumors result from abnormal growth of muscle cells and fibrous connective tissue in the endometrium, myometrium, and the ectometrium of the uterus. By the age of 50 years old the overall incidence of fibroids are 70-80% for women. Black women are four times more likely to develop fibroids than Caucasian women. They also have larger fibroids and develop fibroids at a younger age Fibroids can vary in size from being undetectable by human eyes to the size of a full term pregnancy.

The etiologies of fibroids are linked to hormonal imbalance, obesity,
xeno-estrrogen, heavy metal toxicity, infectious microorganisms, stress and high blood sugar level. Fibroids can cause complications such as menstrual problems, pelvic and lower back pain, constipation, urinary problems, hemorrhoids, infertility, ectopic pregnancy and miscarriages.

Signs and symptoms that presents with uterine fibroids include heavy
menstrual bleeding (menorrhagea), prolong menstrual bleeding
(metrorrhagea), bleeding between periods, period pain (dysmenorrhea),
urinary incontinence, urinary frequency, severe acute abdominal pain,
constipation, hemorrhoids, anemia, back pain and leg pain.

Fibroids can be categorized into three types which include submucosal, myometrial and subserosal. Submucosal fibroids are located in the lining of the uterine cavity. Myometrial fibroids are located in the muscular layers of the uterus. Subserosal fibroids are located on the outer surface of the uterus. Both the submucosal and the subserosal fibroids can form pedunculated (fibroids that hang from a stalk). Fibroids can be detected by using pelvic examination, ultrasound, hysterosonography, hysteroscopy, hysterosalpingography.

Women who have excessive amounts of estrogen and an insufficient amount of progesterone are more predisposed to developing uterine fibroids. Women with excessive body fat are in an estrogen dominant state because fat tissues act as an estrogen-producing organ similar to the ovaries and the adrenal gland.

Estrogen is a prolific hormone that stimulates DNA replication that in excess can stimulate the smooth muscle cells of the uterus to replicate excessively and cause the overgrowth of fibrous connective tissue resulting in fibroids. Insulin-like growth factor is an anabolic hormone that is implicated in the abnormal growth of the uterine muscles that form fibroids. Xeno-estrogens are pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals, and other toxic substances that act similar to estrogen causing DNA dysfunction resulting in abnormal replication that causes fibroids.

The excessive growth of these fibroids can cause submucosal irregularity resulting in dysmenorrhea and miscarriages. Fibroids in the subserosal layer of the uterus can cause obstruction of the colon resulting in constipation and the formation of hemorrhoids (dilated veins located in the region of the anus). Pedunculated fibroids in the submucosal and subserosal layers can twist on themselves cutting off their blood supply and causing severe abdominal pain that may require surgery. Excessive menstrual bleeding due to fibroids can result in anemia and its associated complications.

Treatment includes hysterectomy, myomectomy, Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE), gonadatropin releasing hormones (GnRH) antagonists, androgens (danazol), and focused ultrasound surgery (FUS), and essential oils.

Hysterectomy is the most commonly used method of treating fibroids. Six hundred thousand hysterectomies are performed each year in the USA. Hysterectomy can be performed vaginally or abdominally. The American College of Obstetrician and Gynecology suggest that vaginal hysterectomy is the most appropriate for women with benign diseases and mobile uteri that are less than 12 weeks gestation in size.

Myomectomy is the surgical removal of the actual fibrotic tissue without removing the uterus. Myomectomy can be approached by open abdominal surgery or laproscopically (small incision in the abdomen to insert remote control camera and miniature surgical devices are used to excise the fibroid) or by vaginally removing the fibrotic tissue.

Another method is the Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE). UAE is a procedure where a catheter is used to deliver small particles that block the blood supply to the fibroids. GnRH is a peptide hormone that is used to down regulate the production of FSH and LH which results in the reduction of estrogen. Two examples of GnRH are lupron and synarel.

Danazol, a synthetic androgen can be used to shrink fibroids, reduce
anemia, and stop menstruation.

Another treatment is the focused ultrasound surgery that was approved by the FDA in 2004. It is a non-invasive procedure that preserves the uterus where the patient is placed in a MRI scanner and is subject to focused high frequency, high energy ablation of the fibroid. However, the long term adverse effects of this high frequency, high energy waves are not known.

Essential oils have been used by clinicians to shrink the fibroids. These oils can be applied topically, vaginally, and taken orally for optimal results. Weight reduction, by reducing calorie intake and increasing physical activity, will reduce the amount of estrogen available for the stimulation of fibrotic tissue.

Avoiding commercially prepared foods that are polluted with xeno-estrogens i.e. Fast food, heavy metals, pesticides and herbicides will reduce the formation of fibroids. Keeping the body in the alkaline ph range is crucial in preventing the development of fibroids. Enzymes work best at an alkaline ph. Enzymes are critical in maintaining the biochemical homeostasis (balance) so that the DNA can function normally. Most women are anemic therefore tissues get less oxygen, making intracellular fluid more acidic. Also, most people are dehydrated making the body fluid more acidic. Acidity disturbs the function of enzyme at the DNA level. When DNA replication is disturbed the body’s protective mechanism malfunctions; this predisposes women to pathologies such as fibroid, cancers, autoimmune diseases, and cardiovascular diseases. Mercury and aluminum, its cofactor, are 2 of the heavy metals that cause DNA dysfunction. Taking an uncontaminated brand of fish oil is an excellent way to protect the cell of the uterus from inflammation and migration of any malignant uterine tissues. Fish oils contain eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) which are essential fatty acids. EPA blocks the pathway that causes inflammation. Inflammation is the starting point of most disease states. Most of the time there is an infectious component that complicates the existence of fibroids. For example, Subclinical mixed infections containing viruses and bacteria.

Antioxidants can protect the DNA from free radical damage of the uterine muscles. The electro therapeutic energies that circulate through our body’s meridian also can energize the innate healing mechanism that would allow shrinking of fibroids. If one has fibroids it is very likely that other dysfunctions in other organ systems are occurring at the same time. Having a fibroid means that other biochemical processes have been out of balance for an extended period of time. Any attempt to treat oneself for fibroids must be supervised by an experienced medical practitioner because even natural substances can produce adverse effects.

By: Dr. Carlton Fraser

In spite of the efforts to clarify the origins of HIV/AIDS and to develop therapeutic and management orders, the disease is still shrouded in gray - and some who are genuinely concerned about the devastating effect of HIV/AIDS choose to seek deep into the mysteries.

Boyd E. Graves a US lawyer in his expose "State Origin: The Evidence of Laboratory Birth of AIDS" in which he unfurls numerous historical data - illustrates the intense procedures that culminated in HIV's origins and existence and the subsequent devastation of the innocents as a later development to accomplish the intended ethnic depopulation.

The 'mycoplasma,' discussed in our earlier mentioned "Laboratory of Hygiene History" published May 17, 2007 - was by 1898 the element of proof that epidemics could be arranged.

Four years later the capability to classify certain diseases by their ethnic effect existed. By 1918, the influenza virus killed millions of unsuspecting individuals- it was a flu virus modified with (bird) mycoplasma for which human primates had no acquired immunity.

In 1921 lead eugenics philosopher Bertrand Russell, publicly supported the necessity for organized plagues against the Black population. Secret testing of Afro-Americans were being conducted in 1931 and AIDS was tested in sheep.

In 1948 mention was made of devising a scheme to address the issue of overpopulation in certain racial groups.

Graves further reveals that in 1949 the Visna virus was isolated by Dr. Bjorn Sigurdson – significantly it shared some unique DNA with the HIV (virus), and in 1951 the government conducted its first virus attack on Afro-Americans. In 1970 President Nixon signed the "Population Czar". Nixon’s (August 10th) National Security Memo is unequivocal in its suggested direction(s) for depopulation – Progress Report #8 (PR#8) is issued in 1971 giving the update on the special (AIDS) virus program. It coordinates over 6000 pages of experiments, 20,000 scientific papers in fifteen(15), 400-page progress reports. The Flow Chart is the 'Research Logic Flow' of an ultra-secret federal program entitled 'Special Virus'. "On page 2 of the 1971 progress report (PR#8), the secret program narrates that it is seeking to make a candidate human virus by converging a leukemia and a lymphoma." The original name of HIV/AIDS is Leukemia/Lymphoma Virus. The virus was later attached as complement/contaminant to vaccines and sent as smallpox (vaccine) to Africa and experimental hepatitis B (vaccine) to Manhattan, USA (homosexual epidemic batch #751).

Graves further elaborates showing that PR#8 (Progress Report #8) continues at 273-286 to show that AIDS was given to monkeys...since 1962 the United States and Dr. Robert Gallo had been injecting/inoculating monkeys and re-releasing them back into the wild. The HIV/AIDS complex produced becomes the issue for discussion between the Soviets and Dr. Gallo.

The "Special Virus" is the designer product of a century long hunt for a contagious cancer that will selectively kill. The need for the creation and deployment of AIDS et al is fully outlined in the US population control policy decisions including National Security Study Memorandum 200 (NSSM-200) 1974 drafted and presented by Henry Kissinger at the mega conference on population control held in Bucharest, Romania.

Dr. Graves began his research of the global AIDS pandemic in 1992. His acquaintance with the Special Virus Flow Chart and its disturbing contents was enough reason to convert him into an AIDS activist. With singular intensity, he now challenges the world’s scientists to familiarize themselves with this important document 'The Flowchart'.

The Special Virus Cancer Program was coordinated by Dr. Robert Gallo (USA) and Dr. Nova – Khatsky (Russia) and it wasn't until August 21st 1999 that Graves presented the 1971 Flow Chart to the international medical and scientific community. Additionally, the 1971 electron microscopic representations, of the virus created by the U.S. Special AIDS virus program, are identical to the 1985 electron microscope of HIV/AIDS. The conclusion is that the same virus named ESP-1- mass produced by Pfizer; whose mass production and purification was facilitated by Robert Gallo (Fort Detrick) and Elizabeth Prior (M.D. Anderson Hospital Clinic) is the HIV/AIDS virus. The program's
'research logic' flowchart identifies antidotes experiments for HIV that were conducted in Phase IV-A of the secret program.

In October 1997, the United States patented a cure for AIDS and this has been kept undisclosed. It is patent #5676977.

The claim is entered as:-

1.A method of treating AIDS – afflicted humans comprising injecting a multitude of tetrasilver tetroxide molecular crystals into the bloodstream of the human subject.
2.A method for increasing white blood cell counts in AIDS – afflicted humans comprising injecting a multitude of tetrasilver tetroxide molecular crystals into the bloodstream of the human subject.
3.Methods of treating AIDS-afflicted humans according to claims 1-2 where the concentration of such said molecular crystals is approximately 40ppm (parts per million) of the total blood weight of the human subject. The diamagnetic semi-conducting molecular crystal tetrasilver tetroxide (Ag. Sub. 40. Sub 4) is utilized for destroying the AIDS virus, destroying AIDS synergistic pathogens and immunity suppressing moieties (ISM) in humans. A single intravenous injection is all that is required for efficacy at levels of about 40ppm human blood. In addition, this modality is capable of killing pathogens and purging the blood stream of ISM whether or not created by the AIDS virus (HIV).

In vitro evaluations were done at the Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School (Israel) against Marine Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (MAIDS). The AIDS patients comprised etiological subgroups, Candidiasis and Wasting Syndrome. Current indicator diseases for diagnosing AIDS according to CDC fall into the following major categories:

1. Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia 51%

2. Wasting Syndrome 19%

3. Candidiasis 13%

4. Kaposi sarcoma 11%

5. Dementia 6%

Treatments were with Tetrasil RX the trademark of Holipharm Corporation (of Israel) for Ag. Sub. 40. Sub 4. Evaluations were done on terminally patients in Comayaquela, Honduras. Initial therapy promted elevated temperature indicative of return of immune function; all candidiasis patients showed dramatic increase in their white blood cells, another indication of improved immune function. The noted unfortunate consequence of treatment was hepatomegaly (enlarged liver) without loss in liver function.

The existence of HIV/AIDS seems to be in a convenient parallel what is and what is supposedly documented. As mentioned earlier the presented 'facts' suggests that explanations are wanting. Dr. Alan Cantwell maintains that the introduction of AIDS in the homosexual community in New York City is an unprecedented event in the history of medicine. "...it is biologically impossible for a purported sexually transmitted blood borne virus out of Africa to infect only young white, healthy men in Manhattan."

With high incidences of HIV being reported in African American women, we must not ignore the scientific evidence, stating that the HIV virus was designed...to have an affinity towards a receptor gene in (the blood) of people of color. All black people have the receptor gene for HIV/AIDS.

The holocaust of the middle passage has not yet been closed. We are significantly aware of the profundity of HIV/AIDS and what seeds this continued debate. These truths are alarming but they must be sustained for our survival.

As a backgrounder; read HIV/AIDS facts in the May 17, 2007 article.

"You can have your sexuality...you don't have to lose it because you have HIV"

People tend to think that contracting HIV can spell the end of their sex lives, but HIV-positive Africans of all ages are now being urged to reclaim their sexuality and live healthy, normal lives.

"I got this [HIV] through sex, so [I thought] my sexuality was gone and I felt I needed to stop dressing attractively and wait to die," Florence Anam, 28, an information officer at the Kenya Network of Women with AIDS, told IRIN/PlusNews.

Anam said when she first revealed she was HIV-positive, many men avoided her, believing she was out to infect them; she herself had no interest in sex for several months after she was diagnosed. However, she has since discovered she can continue having and enjoying sex, despite being HIV-positive.

"My take on this is that you can have your sexuality ... you don't have to lose it because you have HIV, you just have to be responsible," she said, adding that sex "has to be good or I'm not having it".

At a recent workshop by the Africa Regional Sexuality Resource Centre (ARSRC), at its Sexuality Institute in Kenya's coastal city of Mombasa, participants heard that there was a need to rethink sexuality in the context of disease, particularly chronic infections such as HIV.

"HIV as a condition is highly moralised; people face stigma because they are perceived by society to have been sexually immoral," said Richmond Tiemoko, director of ARSRC.

"Women are particularly affected by this type of stigma because they are expected to be the keepers of society's morality, so contracting HIV is seen as a great failure on their part." He said it was important that people living with HIV recognised and claimed their right to sexuality and sexual intercourse.

The Sexuality Institute provides a forum for African health professionals to discuss ways of promoting more positive attitudes towards sexuality in the region.

"We believe that to reduce HIV and promote well-being, we need to adopt a positive discourse on sex and sexuality," said Tiemoko. "Discussing issues of sexual violence, stigma, self-esteem and HIV enables people to have a better understanding of their links with sexuality and to make them less taboo."

I am a human being with sexual needs and feelings, which need fulfillment without apologies to anyone.
The workshop was attended by researchers, government workers and staff from local non-governmental organisations with a reproductive health or AIDS focus. They were encouraged to incorporate messages about healthy sexuality into their programmes for people living with HIV.

"When first diagnosed, I considered sex dirty and blamed it for my fate," Asunta Wagura, executive director of the Kenya Network of Women with AIDS, said in a recent interview with the Sexuality in Africa magazine, an ARSRC publication. "I suppressed this need for a long time, until I could suppress it no more and openly declared, 'I am a human being with sexual needs and feelings, which need fulfillment without apologies to anyone'."

Wagura, who has publicly declared her HIV status, caused controversy when she decided to have a child in 2006. Her son was born healthy and has so far tested HIV-negative.

"I was criticised all round ... the view is that people living with HIV/AIDS should not think along those lines, because having a baby involves sexual intercourse," she said.

Speaking at the workshop, Dr Sylvia Tamale, dean of law at Uganda's Makerere University, said there was a 'disconnect' between sex in a health or medical context, and sex in a pleasure context.

"There is a need to 'unlearn' and refine some of the lessons that society teaches us, and open people's minds," she said, adding that sexuality counselling could go a long way towards changing perceptions.

The ARSRC holds rotating workshops annually in Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa. The Mombasa workshop was hosted in conjunction with their partner organisation in Kenya, the Population Council, an international non-governmental reproductive health organisation.

Reproduced with permission from: AF-AIDS eForum 2007: af-aids@eforums.healthdev.org

New York state health officials notified 628 former patients of a Nassau County anesthesiologist that they need to seek testing for HIV, Hepatitis and other blood borne diseases, because between 2000 and 2005 the medical practitioner in question reused syringes when injecting patients with more than one drug, New York Times reports.

Investigations into the practice of anesthesiologist Harvey Finkelstein of Plainview, N.Y. began in 2005 after two of his patients contracted hepatitis C. According to the Times, Finkelstein would use a new syringe for each patient. However, Finkelstein told investigators that in 2000 he began using the same syringe to draw medicine from more than one vial when giving a patient more than one type of drug by injection, which caused the potential contamination of multidose vials.

The blood of a patient with one virus could, by backing up through the needle and entering the vials, be transmitted to another person when that vial of medicine was reused.

Investigators in 2005 notified 98 of Finkelstein's patients who had received epidural injections in the three weeks before, during and after his two patients were infected, that they should seek testing for blood borne diseases. Of the 84 who were tested, no other cases of infection were traced to Finkelstein. The state then expanded its investigation to examine records from 2000 to 2005. New York Health Commissioner Richard Daines in a statement released this week said that "the department identified all 628 patients who had received injections between Jan. 1, 2000, and Jan. 15, 2005, after a thorough review of medical records at all sites where this physician practiced" (Vitello/Kershaw, New York Times, 11/16).

Timing of Notification
State health department officials said Thursday that they had planned as early as October 2006 to notify all of Finkelstein's patients that could have been infected with HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C, Long Island Newsday reports. However, Finkelstein hired attorneys to avoid submitting all the names of the patients to state and Nassau County officials, and officials then decided against issuing subpoenas. "Initially Dr. Finkelstein was very cooperative," Claudia Hutton, spokesperson for the New York State Department of Health, said, adding, "Then later on he retained an attorney and was not as cooperative." Amon, Long Island Newsday, 11/16).

Editorial
Finkelstein's "lax approach to infection control has raised troubling questions about the adequacy of medical oversight in New York state," a New York Times editorial says. According to the Times, state and county health officials have been "justifiably" criticized for moving too slowly to alert Finkelstein's patients of the possible transmission of HIV and hepatitis.

It "seems inexcusable" that it took the state almost three years to notify people under Finkelstein's care that they should be tested for HIV and hepatitis, the editorial says, adding that it will be necessary to determine if the state's investigatory and disciplinary process is "tilted too much toward protecting doctors rather than any patients who may have been harmed." Plans by state officials to eliminate multidose vials "would provide the surest protection against such contamination and not leave patients at the mercy of a doctor's ignorance or carelessness," the editorial concludes (New York Times, 11/17). It also goes to show that HIV infection is not a "gutter" or moral issue, so the infected should never be judged.

Jenna Bush, daughter of the president of the United States, who has written a book chronicling the life of a young Latin American girl born HIV positive; also spoke briefly about the discrimination facing children living with HIV/AIDS in Jamaica. Inspired to write the book, entitled "Anna's Story; A Journey of Hope," following a UNICEF internship in Latin America and the Caribbean, it was the Jamaican response to HIV that seemed harshest, in all of the young Bush’s analogies.

Bush, 25, spoke of HIV positive children in Jamaica who told her they would never disclose their HIV status to anyone in their neighbourhood. The children's reason was a very real fear that someone in their village would stone them to death, she said. This speaks to the single most crippling aspect of HIV/AIDS; that is Stigma and Discrimination.

Talking about children with HIV/AIDS Jenna's book documents the life stories of the kids she encountered during her study/work experience. At a book signing session recently Jenna encouraged people to become mentors, teachers, tutors and volunteers for affected children in need of help and to educate themselves about the crucial issues facing children like, HIV/AIDS, sexual abuse and other like issues, the Tampa Tribune reported.

Intended to inspire and not depress, Jenna spoke of first encounter with Anna, who was like a typical American teen. Jenna told the Tribune, "I ignorantly thought she [Anna] would be scared and sad and would have trust issues. I didn't know she'd already gotten the help she needed and had talked about her problems. By the time I met her, she was incredibly positive. She said, 'This is the way God created my life. What is the point in being sad?"

Anna was not only HIV positive at birth, she was also sexually abused and became pregnant at age 16. Bush mentioned thinking, Ana would never have overcome the barriers in her life had it not been for real friends, mentors, educators and spiritual leaders.

By: Dr. S. Lawson

onorrhea ( Neisseria Gonorrhea) is the second most common bacterial infectious disease in the United States. Gonorrhea and Chlamydia usually walk hand in hand. Approximately 650,000 reported cases occur annually. However, it is estimated that if under-diagnosed and unreported cases were accounted for, the actual infection rate would be twice this number.

The highest occurrences of Gonorrhea infections are among females between ages 15 to 19 and highest rates among males are between ages 20 to 24. It is more common among younger females because the vaginal epithelium is thinner.

This infection can be contracted through, vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Gonorrhea can infect the cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes of women and the urethra, mouth, throat, and rectum of both sexes. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a common complication of gonorrhea in women and epididymitis (infection of the spermatic duct) in men can lead to sterility. Arthritic joint pain, meningitis (infection of the tissue that covers the brain) and heart disease (endocarditis) are rare complications of gonorrhea infection.

Gonorrhea infections do not present with any symptoms 90 % of the time in females. However when they do occur, the symptoms present as burning urination, yellow-green discharge from the vagina, abdominal and pelvic pain, feelings of incomplete emptying of the bladder, fever, unusual vaginal bleeding, bleeding after sexual activity, painful sexual activity, swelling and tenderness of the vulva (female external genitalia). In males symptoms present as burning urination, yellow-white penile discharge, fever, and swollen or painful testicles. With both sexes symptoms may present as sore throat (pharynxgitis), rectal soreness, rectal pus-like bloody discharge, anal itching and painful bowel movements. Symptoms may take from 2 to 30 days to present after initial infection.

This infection can be confused with urinary tract infection (UTI) and, in some cases, is only recognized when a partner is diagnosed. A DNA technique is used to detect this infection. This organism can live up to 4 hours outside the body; consequently, it is possible to contract this infection from the hands of infected individuals. The penis and tongue does not have to enter the anus, vagina, or mouth for infection to occur. Latex condom from the initiation of sexual activity will reduce transmission rate. Sharing clothing (i.e. bathing suit), washcloth of infected individual can result in transmission of the organism. New born can become infected from infected mothers.

Treatment of gonorrhea is becoming a major heath concern because of resistance to different classes of antibiotics (penicillin, sulfa drugs, tetracycline), and most recently the floroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, levoquin, and oflaxacin). The presence of mercury (and other heavy metals) in the enviornment and in the body contributes to development of resistance to these classes of antibiotics.

Gonorrhea, either alone or in combination with other organisms, is found in 40 % to 60% of cases of pelvic inflammation. Infected women who are not treated early enough usually develop Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Systemic symptoms are fever, nausea and vomiting. The infection produces inflammation that results in adhesion and abscess (walled-off pockets of infection) formation. If the infection enters the abdominal cavity, it can result in infection around the liver (perihepatitis).

Most cases of PID are caused by multiple infections, when gonorrhea is detected all antibiotics regimen must cover both Gonorrhea and Chlamydia because most cases of gonorrhea infection are accompanied by Chlamydial infection.

Men and women infected with gonorrhea are more susceptible to HIV infection. STDs also increase the chances of developing cervical cancer. Women infected with the Human Papilloma virus (HPV) before the age of 25 are 40 times more likely to develop cervical cancer. Other viruses like Herpes simplex virus, Epstein-barr virus (also called the kissing disease) can contribute to the development of cervical cancer.

These viruses may act as tumor promoters. High risk behaviors ( multiple sexual partners, an increase rate of acquiring new partners, unprotected sex, illicit drugs use and alcohol intoxication) contribute to the acquisition of viral and bacterial infections by disturbing the delicate ecology of the healthy vagina. Although the PAP smear has significantly decreased the mortality and morbidity of cervical cancer, one of the best screen test for malignancy, the incidence of cervical cancer has increased in young women. Early sexual activity is a risk factor for cervical cancer. Gonorrhea infection has been linked with the development of bladder cancer in men.

Stages, testing and current global infection rates
Grab a dictionary and read slowly, this clearly explains the deadly Human Immunodeficiency Virus - HIV

By: Dr. Carlton Fraser

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) in the United States, uses classification that divides the progress of HIV infection in adults into three clinical stages or categories.

Category A........At this stage the infection may be asymptomatic or cause persistent swollen lymph nodes. These are often those located on the underarm.

Category B.........This stage is characterized by persistent infections by the yeast Candida albicans oar thrush, which can appear in the mouth, throat or vagina. Often conditions may include shingles, persistent diarrhea, fever and certain cancerous and precancerous conditions of the cervix.

Category C ............ This stage is clinical AIDS. Important AIDS indicator conditions are Candida albicans or thrush, infections of the oesophagus, bronchi, and lungs; cytomegalovirus eye infections; tuberculosis, pnemocystis carinii, taxoplasmosis of the brain and Kaposi sarcoma.

The CDC also classifies the progress of HIV infections based on T-Cell populations or amounts, which provide guidelines for the administration of certain medications. The normal T-Cell count of a healthy individual is 800-1000 CD4 T-Cells. A count below 200 CD4 T-Cells is considered diagnostic for AIDS and medication is recommended at this stage. HIV can take almost 10 years to culminate into AIDS.

The development of HIV-I infection into AIDS is determined initially by the infectious dose of the virus, then the subsequent progression is a result of the impaired immune function caused by the direct infection of cells of the immune system by HIV-1. There is a loss of CD4+ cells and the development of opportunistic infections correlates with this loss. With clinical AIDS, the dementia syndrome and abnormal cell growth resulting in KS (Kaposi sarcoma) and B-cell lymphomas may be more directly associated with immune dysregulation as opposed to CD4+ loss.

Development of HIV-1 infection is defined by opportunistic infectious characteristics. Some people who are infected might experience flu like sensations within two to four weeks of exposure to the virus as it usually takes two to five years before any symptoms of HIV infection appear. The initial symptoms are essentially non-specific and variable. Persistent diarrhea or fatigue is common. Fever of unknown origin, excessive night sweating and minor cuts and/or bruises that fail to heal, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, tumors, pneumonia and even memory loss, confusion and depression can all contribute to a scenario if medical attention is not sought or available.

Many people, who are infected with HIV, are not even aware that they have it. Since there exists no reliable latency period, or specific length of time from being infected with HIV and developing AIDS symptoms, it becomes almost impossible to determine the initial onset of the disease, unless one is able to positively track all at risk activity. Testing HIV positive does not mean that one has AIDS as the majority of HIV infected people continue to be AIDS free, maintaining a CD4 T-Cell count of over 200. This occurs with the help of new AIDS medication called antiretroviral medicine. Approximately 25% of the million or so Americans infected with HIV are ignorant of the fact that they are infected…according to the CDC, who suggest annual screening. This number of people infected but unaware of it, increases rapidly across the world.

It is easier and cheaper to detect antibodies against HIV than to detect the virus itself; thus most tests detect HIV antibodies. A confirmed positive HIV test result, quite often, is the earliest indication that an individual may eventually develop AIDS. .

Although ELISA is the most commonly used test for HIV, false negative(s) may occur in the advance stage of AIDS disease or early in the infection prior to antibody formation. False positive(s) might result in individuals who have received hepatitis B immune globulin within 6 weeks of testing; also in multi pregnancy females who may form antibodies that cross react in ELISA testing. Also the presence of rheumatoid factors may cause false positive. A do-it-yourself home testing kit, Home Access HIV-1, has been approved by the FDA. Bi-digital O-ring testing also can be utilized in testing.

Sub-Saharan Africa remains by far the most affected region, being home to 2/3rd of all people living with HIV. 2 million people died of AIDS living in the region in 2005 and there were 2.7 million new infections. India surpassed South Africa as the world's worst-affected country relative to the absolute number of people with HIV.

According the US CDC and Prevention, approximately 62% of Americans diagnosed with AIDS since 1981 have died. AIDS is now the leading cause of premature death among Americans. In the USA, it (AIDS) disproportionately affects members of the minority communities especially African Americans, Hispanics and Homosexual men. In 1999, AIDS was the leading cause of death among African American females who are the fastest growing segment of the population becoming HIV positive.

Worldwide HIV and AIDS statistics for 2006, estimated that more than 39 million people are living globally with HIV/AIDS – 17.7 million women and 2.3 million children. Africa has 12 Million children orphanen as a result of AIDS. Young people under 25 years old account for 50% of all new HIV infections worldwide.

In the Caribbean, the AIDS epidemic has taken an estimated 27,000 lives, making it the leading cause of death among the age group 15-44 years old. A total of 330,000 people are currently living with HIV. The AIDS rate among black women is three times as high as Latino women and 18 times as high as Caucasian/ white women. Today black women make up more than half of all women who have died of AIDS.

In this hemisphere, the Caribbean is the region most affected by HIV/AIDS and is second to Sub-Saharan Africa relative to disease impact.

Basic epidemiological patterns for AIDS emerged, but these are not absolute indicators to prevalence, as more current research has revealed that this disease does not discriminate. In the US, Canada, Western Europe, Australia, North Africa and parts of South America, HIV was initially, primarily known to affect injecting drug users (IDU’s), homosexuals and bisexual males. However, the latest epidemiological trends indicate increased infections in ordinary women in these areas, particularly those unsuspecting ones who live unaware of their partners habits and heterosexual men (particularly those who are uncircumcised). Transmission amongst sex workers has decreased with global education.

In Sub-Saharan Africa, Eastern Europe, the Middle East and South East Asia, HIV transmission is primarily from heterosexual contact and IDU. However, cultural denial of homosexuality in these regions has become recognized as a risk factor for transmission.

Grab a dictionary and read slowly, this clearly explains the deadly Human Immunodeficiency Virus

By: Dr. Carlton Fraser

The Virus: Its History and Definition
The history of viruses probably began about 1886 when the Dutch chemist Adolf Mayer revealed that it was possible to transfer the tobacco mosaic disease from an affected plant to a healthy plant. In the past (1882) he had described the phenomenon as "a soluble, possible enzyme-like contagium" but by 1886 he had altered his opinion and reported that it is "bacterial, but that the infectious forms have not yet been isolated, nor are their forms of life known..."

Subsequently (1892) the Russian bacteriologist Dmitri Ivanovsky failed in his attempts to isolate the infectious agent by use of filtering and it was left to Dutch botanist Martinus Beijerink to voice the observation that the behavior, of the seemingly elusive causative agent, was different from that of bacteria. He fittingly coined the definition 'contagium vivum fluidum' or 'virus(es)' - the Latin for poison.

In and about 1935 two interesting events occurred that contributed immensely to our clinical understanding of virology. One was the American chemist Wendel M. Stanley isolating the tobacco mosaic virus and the other was the invention of an electron microscope which made viruses visible for the first time.

At approximately the same time (19th-20th Century) Leoffler and Frosch discovered foot and mouth disease virus. Almost immediately was the discovery of the first human disease- causing virus, yellow fever virus. By the end of the 1930's tumor viruses, bacteriophages, influenza viruses, mumps and many arboviruses had been identified. Since then and to the present, the discovery and isolation of viruses have intensified with the human immunodeficiency (HIV) and human T-cell lymphotropic viruses listed among the more recent (of the human disease-causing viruses).

Viruses are parasites too small to be seen by even a microscope, that can be found in all types of organisms. They can only reproduce with the help or indirect assistance of the host cell in which they reside. As a result of their inability to self replicate and their inert status outside the living host cell, they are not considered as living organisms. However, viral intercellular entry instantly activates the viral nucleic acids and viral multiplication results. Viruses have few or no enzymes of their own metabolism. To replicate, viruses must seize the metabolic machinery of the host cell.
Acquired immunity is essentially the protection an organism develops against specific types of microbes on foreign substances. When the human immune system recognizes a foreign substance- the provoked response is production of antibodies and specialized lymphocytes (white blood cells). An insufficient response results in varied deficiencies and many viruses are capable of infecting and killing lymphocytes thus lowering the response.

Discovery - Clinical Recognition
AIDS is an immune system disorder in which the body's ability to adequately defend itself is circumstantially diminished. When the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) invades certain white blood cells named T-Lymphocytes and multiples, it creates a systematic breakdown of the immune system, eventually leading to overwhelming damage and the production of chemicals and messenger molecules that kill the invading foreign material(s). The protective limits of the body represent those areas that come in contact with the external environment through: the skin, mucous membranes of the mouth, genitals, nose and eyes the lung linings and so on.

Disruption of this defensive system or alteration in cellular membrane can cause invasion which will precipitate immediate activation of the immune complex. Immune cells are highly reactive metabolically and they exhibit a high turnover. A vigilant immune system is critical to the prevention of infection by viruses, fungi and bacteria and will even deactivate disfigured cancer cells (which form regularly) before they can become malignant disease states which can be fatal. Deaths among people with AIDS are not caused by AIDS itself, but by one of the many infections or cancers to which the syndrome makes the body vulnerable.

Origin of Virus/ Etiology
The origin of the HIV is probably the most controversial and most debated subject in the medical community and in society in general. At the 1996 Eighth Annual Houston Conference on AIDS in America, Howard B. Urnovitz, M.D, a microbiologist, challenged medical science to prove wrong his theory that the human immunodeficiency virus Type-1 (HIV-1) is a monkey-human hybrid that was created after 300,000 Africans were injected between 1957 and 1959 with quantities of experimental live oral polio vaccines contaminated with different monkey viruses. A similar stance was taken by journalist Edward Hooper in his book 'The River: Journey to the source of AIDS' in which he links the onset of AIDS to a mass polio vaccination in the 1950's when many Africans were injected with an experimental vaccine derived from monkey organs. In 1998 the media alerted the public to further evidence that AIDS started in Africa.
The proof consisted of an old (1959) stored frozen blood specimen discovered to be HIV positive. Researchers claimed that the tiny amount of serum contained fragments of HIV 'closely mated' to a virus found in the chimpanzees in the African wild and was in the frozen remains of a chimp named Marilyn, discovered in a freezer at the Fort Detrick biodefense laboratory. The 1959 specimen-obtained from a Bantu man living in Kinshasa, the Congo - was later heralded 'the worlds oldest HIV-positive blood sample.'

In October 2000 the Royal Society of London held a two day conference on the origins of HIV. A single declaration was "all human infectious diseases have an animal origin." However this only helped to ignite the debate as Boyd E. Graves discusses it in his book, 'State Origin: the evidence of the Laboratory Birth of AIDS.' He states that the true history of the origin of AIDS can be traced throughout the 20th Century and back to 1878. On April 29th of that year the United States passed a 'Federal Quarantine Act.' The U.S began a significant effort to investigate 'causes' of epidemic diseases. In 1887 the effort was enhanced with the mandate of the 'U.S. Laboratory of Hygiene.' This lab was run by Dr. Joseph Kinyoun. Two years later (1889) we were able to identify mycoplasmas – a transmissible agent that is now found at the heart of human diseases including HIV/AIDS.

But did science create a genetic genocide machine? Dr. William Campbell Douglas (M.D.) wrote that HIV was finally produced or genetically engineered in 1974. In his report 'WHO murdered Africa', he tells us that the AIDS virus produced by the WHO (World Health Organization) was not just a diabolical scientific exercise that got out of hand, he said, "It...was a successful attempt to create a killer virus which was then used successfully in Africa. African AIDS was the result of the small pox eradication vaccine program conducted by WHO during the 1970's."

At the Royal Society's conference (2000) Dr. Kevin De Cock of the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta Georgia criticized both theories. He expounded on the epidemiological principles required to ascertain the true origins of HIV, describing Hooper's book, 'The River: Journey to the source of AIDS,' that proposes an ecologic association between contaminated OPV (oral polio vaccine) and the emergence of HIV, as hypothetical discourse relying on data that indicated noticeable bias and irregularities of association in their assembly. De Cock was also critical of attempted analysis of SIV (simian[monkey] immunodeficiency virus) distribution among the chimpanzees in Central Africa as epidemiologically irrelevant to understanding what took place in the past, just as current HIV prevalence tells us nothing about the date of HIV's emergence in a population.

Dr. Leopold Zekeng of the Cameroon Laboratorie de Sante Hygiene Mobile reviewed HIV and SIV infections in Cameroon and the theory that monkey- hunting Pygmy tribes in the region might have been the vectors for the transfer of HIV from chimps to the wider population. Zekeng and his colleagues investigated HIV prevalence among two Pygmy tribes and found that HIV was lower than within the predominant Bantu and strongly linked to contact with urban centers suggesting that the theory that Pygmy hunters have acted as a bridge for HIV into the human population is probably fallacy.

In 1981 AIDS was identified as a new syndrome and the sudden appearance of epidemics of previously rare diseases such as Kaposi sarcoma (KS) and Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia were recognized as a single syndrome due to their relation to immunosuppression. The people believed to be mostly affected at that time were homosexual men, indicating the AIDS epidemic might be caused by an infectious agent. Also, haemophiliacs, transfusion recipients and intravenous drug abusers appeared to be a high risk of developing the disorder, thus implicating a blood borne infectious agent as the causative element. CD4+ and T-cells were seen as the elements most likely involved in AIDS; the theory that AIDS was most likely due to a new human T-trophic retrovirus was proposed in 1982. The identification of a human retrovirus [human immunodeficiency virus type I (HIV- I)] as the etiologic agent of AIDS soon followed.

To be continued
Part II - Will discuss stages, testing and current infection rates

By: Dr. S. Lawson

Chlamydia is the most commonly reported infectious disease in the United States causing approximately 4 million infections annually. Today, teenage girls have the highest rates of Chlamydia infection worldwide. Studies conducted show that 1 in 9 women are infected with Chlamydia with higher prevalence between the ages 16-24. Approximately 90 million people are infected worldwide. Fifty percent of the men and seventy five percent of women infected with Chlamydia are asymptomatic (present without symptoms).

Transmitted during oral, vaginal and anal sex, through the blood during pregnancy as well as during vaginal delivery of a newborn, Chlamydia is a curable sexually transmitted infection (STI). Chlamydia trachomatis can be transmitted via aerosolize vapors (similar to tuberculosis). This type of infection does not cause obvious clinical infection but contributes to other severe medical complications such as intractable pain syndrome, heart disease, circulatory disturbances, diabetes, reactive arthritis and cancer.

Chlamydia trachomatis is the species that causes Chlamydia (STI), conjunctivitis (pink eye) and pneumonia in infants as well as Lymphogranuloma Venereum (LGV). Conjunctivitis (pink eye) can cause blindness in the newborn. LGV is caused by this strain of Chlamydia, that mostly affects people in the tropical climate and can invade the skin through tiny cuts, leading to inflamed rectum (proctitis), and skin ulcers. LGV can infect lymph nodes causing genital problems, pain, proctitis inflamed rectum), skin breakdown (ulceration) and swelling.

As a parasite that behaves like a virus, Chlamydia trachomatis is an atypical bacteria. Infected men can act as a reservoir of Chlamydia infection that can contribute to re-infection of their partners. Early treatment and frequent screening of susceptible individuals is critical to prevent severe complications. Inadequately treated infections and the presence of heavy metals in the body may cause Chlamydia resistance to antibiotics leading to persistence subclinical (not detected by routine diagnostic test) infections that can contribute to other medical complications.

Women can carry Chlamydia for years without knowing they are infected. Symptoms can worsen progressively depending on immune status and whether adequate treatment was initiated early enough. Symptoms can begin up to 3 weeks after contracting the infection. Signs and symptoms may present themselves as fever, milky or yellow mucus-like vaginal discharge in women and penial discharge in men. There can also be constant lower abdominal pain, urinary frequency urgency, pain during urination (urithritis), pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia), spotting between periods, easily induced endocervical bleeding, inflammation of the cervix (15% of women with Chlamydia infection will develop cervicitis), pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), painful and swollen testes (epididymitis) and inflamed prostate (prostitis). Chlamydia infection can causes infection of vaginal walls (mucosa) making it more vulnerable to HIV infection.

Be aware that throat infection (pharyngitis) can be caused by Chlamydia due to oral sex. The Chlamydia organism has also recently been discovered in certain plaques that cause heart disease, and circulatory disturbances. Chlamydia infection of the pancreas can contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes.

High incidents of Chlamydia infection are found within single individuals, people of poor socio-economical status, minorities - including non-white race, and those aged less than 19 years old. It is also found primarily amongst people who have multiple sexual partners, anal sexual intercourse, and those abusing drugs and alcohol. A significant number of infections are contracted during pregnancy.

In the United States 1 million women will develop Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) annually and of these 20% will become infertile. Forty percent of women with untreated Chlamydia infections will develop PID. PID occurs when the infection progresses from the vagina into the tubes then invading the ovaries and pelvic cavity. Scar tissues and adhesions in the tubes and pelvic cavity result in severe pain and ectopic (pregnancy outside of the womb) pregnancies. Ectopic Pregnancy is a common cause of death among poor teenagers in the United States. Tubal pregnancy is the leading cause of first trimester pregnancy-related death in American women. Pelvic infections can eventually spread to the liver causing perihepatitis (infection around the liver).

Chlamydia infection can be diagnosed by visual inspection, culture of discharge or secretion, or DNA amplification of secretions (PCR). Recently, a new test, Amplicor Chlamydia trachomatis test, became available which is carried out using a sample of urine, a swab from a woman's cervix or urethra with available results within 4 hours. Another available test allows a woman to obtain self-administer vaginal swab and place into a container for testing.

There are one day and seven day treatments available that are equally as effective, however those infected should discuss particularly - impaired liver function, irregular heartbeat and of course pregnancy with their physician. Some treatments may cause gastro intestinal problems, while others can reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills as well as cause break through bleeding, increasing the risk of unwanted pregnancy. Those infected should continue taking their medication even after symptoms subside to avoid the emergence of resistant organisms.

Heavy metal accumulation in the body may contribute to Chlamydia resistance to antibiotics. Studies suggest the possibility of the development of autoimmune dysfunction due to mercury toxicity based on genetic susceptibility. Heavy metal like mercury, lead and aluminum are typically found in high concentration at areas of Subclinical infections caused by Chlamydia. Amalgam dental fillings constantly emit mercury vapor which is absorbed via the lung. Tap water is another good source of this toxic metal. Where there is excessive accumulation of aluminum and mercury in the brain Chlamydia trachomatis infections often coexist (think about Alzheimer's disease).

PREVENTION
Regular screening for Chlamydia infection of sexual partners (especially teenagers), reducing the number of sexual partners, the use of latex condoms (even with oral sex), and avoiding judgment altering intoxicating substances, are actions that may reduce the incidence of Chlamydia infections. Drinking and cooking with filtered water only, sweating (through regular exercise or otherwise), and using natural substances to remove heavy metals from the body can reduce the accumulation of mercury and complications associated with Chlamydia infections.

One thing to keep in mind is that antibiotics abuse makes us more vulnerable to cancers such as breast cancer and heart disease – making it doubly important to avert Chlamydia infections and its subsequent treatment.

By: Dr. S. Lawson

Herpes Simplex Viruses (HSVs) are ubiquitous organisms whose antibodies can be detected in one fifth of the US population. Worldwide prevalence of HSV has increased significantly in recent decades. HSV-1 and HSV-2 are two types of this virus.

Transmission
HSV-1 infections are transmitted primarily by contact with infected saliva and airborne droplets and usually affect the surface area of the lip, nose, the oral mucosa and tonsils. Congenital (intrauterine acquired) infection with HSV-1 is rare. HSV-1 invades the trigeminal nerves (the cranial nerve the controls the most of the facial and oral region) where they lie dormant until they are reactivated by a stressor (i.e. temperature).

HSV-2 infections are transmitted sexually in adults or during passage through the genital track in the newborn. Perinatal HSV-2 infection is more common than congenital (intrauterine acquired) HSV-2 disease. Women infected in their third semester of pregnancy (congenital HSV infection) have a high incidence of premature birth and intrauterine growth retardation. Cesarean delivery is given to women with active HSV-2 genital lesion at the time of delivery. Sexual activity should be avoided in active HSV-2 disease.

Symptoms
Eighty percent of infected patients are asymptomatic. Symptomatic infections can result in complications during reactivation after primary infection. Complications include herpetic whitlow (finger ulceration), blindness, as well as painful oral and genital lesions (vesicles). Spread to visceral organs, HSV can cause arthritis, multiple sclerosis, pneumonia, esophagitis, adrenal necrosis, meningitis, encephalitis (brain matter infection).

HSV-1 can present itself as painful ulcerating vesicles on and around the lips and in the oral cavity (mucosa and tonsils). Constitutional symptoms include fever, myalgia (muscle aches), malaise, headache, itching and anorexia and intractable pain. HSV-1 can also cause urithritis (inflammation of the urinary tract). Ruptured vesicles formed by HSV-1 infections create ulcers covered with a white coating that can be confused with thrush (candidosis).

There is strong association of HSV-1 with Bell's palsy and multiple sclerosis. HSV-1 is the most common cause of Herpes Simplex Encephalitis beyond the newborn period. Patients with Herpes Simplex Encephalitis can develop memory loss, seizures, hallucination and can produce similar features of psychosis and delirium tremens. The temporal region of the brain is the most common site of infections.

Primary genital tract HSV-2 is asymptomatic in most patients. HSV-1 can also cause genital tract infection with similar clinical presentation but is less common. After the primary infection with HSV-2, it invades the sacral nerve root where they lie dormant (latent period). Recurrence is triggered by a stressor (i.e. depression, menstruation). A burning pain precedes the formation of herpetic vesicles on the labia and vestibule of the vagina. Cervical and vaginal mucosal lesions can ulcerate and progress to necrosis. Urinary retention can result from pain on urination in women. Herpetic lesions may appear on the penis, scrotum, thigh and buttocks, and the perianal area in individuals who practice anal sex. Women tend to have more complications and more severe symptoms. Individuals who have subclinical infections can still shed virus and infect their partner.

Detect, Protect, Treat Magnetic resonance imaging MRI and HSV DNA amplification by PCR are diagnostic modalities with high sensitivity.

Condoms are only protective at the surface it covers. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can identify asymptomatic viral shedding by detecting HSV DNA. Duration of symptoms and viral shedding from acute HSV lesions is reduced by oral acyclovir (Zovirax), valacyclovir (valatrex). Alternatively, anti-viral essential oils have been effective in treating herpes lesions and reducing their onset. Essential oils such as Melissa, Melaleuca, and Rosemary are oils that have been used successfully in clinical practice to treat herpes. By reducing foods high in the amino acid arginine (chocolate, peanuts, seeds, and other nuts) and increasing foods high in the amino acid lysine (vegetables, legumes, fish, and chicken) can effectively reduce the frequency duration and severity of recurrences can be effectively minimized. Pure uncontaminated Omega 3 fatty acids EICOSA-PENTAECNOIC ACID (EPA) and DOCOSA-HEXAENOIC ACID (DHA) derived from fish oil have been used in clinical practice to safely and effectively treat herpes infections.

Testimonial by: JD

I want to express my thoughts on HIV/AIDS and my experiences to all who will listen since HIV to me means Help I'm Vulnerable. This is a statement without boundaries, similar to the virus that can cause this crippling disease - AIDS. HIV does not alert anyone to the fact that it is checking in. Once in your blood stream, it tends to lay quietly at first for a very long time, only coming alive when the opportunity to slip into another red wet human vein arrives. I heard about this pandemic for years, but did not listen…after all, in my mind, this information did not apply to me.

I had no idea...until the day my husband died. When I met him he looked regular - well not exactly regular, he was extraordinarily fine. Masculine - muscular - six pack - smooth and gorgeous complexion - flawless skin throughout - and to top it off he was agile and really intelligent.

Since the early eighties, popular opinion, as well as some published sources led me to believe HIV/AIDS was unique to certain sectors of society. Since I took great pride in my accomplishments as a professional media technician, an educator, community activist and a liberated modern mom, this didn’t seem to be an issue that would ever affect me, My impression of people living with HIV then, reflected the images I had been fed, and they were deplorable in my estimation.

So upon meeting the man of my dreams, it didn't occur to me (in my late 20th century sexually revolutionised morality) that there would be any cause for concern. Besides being a bit of free-spirited, I remained old fashioned in matters of intercourse and therefore slow, but it never crossed my mind that first of all - I ought to thoroughly "interview" my prospective soul and bed mate and secondly that I should have suggested we both have HIV tests prior to sealing up our relationship with sex. Six months later he popped the question - 12 months later we were Mr. and Mrs. and I still had no idea.

My husband was a hopeless romantic. Our wedding was like an event straight out of a dream. Our fine upstanding families and professional friends flew in from all over the world to share the moment with us. I was overjoyed and thought about how fortunate I was and about how good things do indeed come to those who wait. I had experienced failed relationships previously - with men who were Rastafarian, who would profess their love for me and at least 3 sometimes 4 other women simultaneously. As I aged, the old fashioned me surfaced, and I just wanted to be like my mom and dad (married happily ever after) to a guy who wanted only me.

So me and my new "dapper dahlin" went up to the chapel and got hooked. Did I tell you he was successful and had a winning personality to match the physique? Well all that did not add up to the mucky picture I had painted of HIV/AIDS. Three years into our close to perfect marriage he began complaining about aches and pains in his back and then chose to work on extended contracts away from home. On one occasion when he returned form a project, parts of his body was covered with what I now know as Kaposi's Sarcoma (which was one indicator, especially in the 80s and 90s that full blown AIDS was looming). Kaposi's Sarcoma is an AIDS related cancer

Did I know the difference - hell no! This all looked like a bad case of eczema and I just thought my husband was negligent in taking proper care of himself. I nagged him about getting eczema medication and remembering next time to travel with it.

Then another overseas project came up shortly after...it seemed a little soon for him to be leaving again, but little did I know, he was not only getting more and more sick, but he was also aware of his problem and was afraid to disclose. He had told someone (I found out later) that he had not informed me of his illness, because of his fear of rejection - not from me (because we had unconditional love), but from the world around us - his job, his family - including kids, his friends and mine.

A few weeks later I got a call and the message was devastating. My husband was on death's door and was succumbing to AIDS related illnesses. I didn't make it in time to see him - to discuss this whole situation - before he passed away.

I have forgiven my husband and I often think that this happened to me in order to save some people in the world. Since overcoming my own breakdown following his death, I have begun working tirelessly to not only help others who become infected to cope with this disability, but also to educate young and old, men and women about the realities of HIV/AIDS. There are too many myths floating around. Ignorance and misinformation - in this instance can surely end up to mortality or morbidity. The most morbid occurrence being the HIV related stigma and discrimination that I and all other people living with HIV/AIDS face today.

By the way - I think I should also tell you my husband was from an island and he was not a gay man, neither was he one to be promiscuous. He had a history of intravenous drug use - and never in my wildest dreams did I think an islander would have been into slamming needles in their veins. What was he thinking when in his youth he decided to try drugs and needles while on a trip to some mainland...well - it all ended up being to his and my demise.

Moral of the story? Don't just hear the warnings about HIV/AIDS as they pass by the way. Stop - open up your minds and really LISTEN….get in the know. You can get credible and current information always at www.unaids.org and Black ethno specific information at www.blackaids.org - and of course stay tuned to YardFlex, because this "for real" paper will be bringing it to you STRAIGHT.
One more thing...remember that everyone should test. For more on testing for HIV go to: Web site: http://www.testforlife.org/

By: Dr. S. Lawson

One in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that over 200,000 new cases of cancer are diagnosed annually. It makes breast cancer the most common cancer in women. It is estimated that over 40,000 deaths from breast cancer occur annually in the Unites States. This makes breast cancer the second most common cause of death in women ages 20-59.

The precise etiology is unknown. Risk factors include genetics, endocrine, and environmental/lifestyle. Family history may be the most significant factor for the development of breast cancer. Women