Fatten It Up...

This article is about a new type of protease inhibitor that is nanofirmulated & then fat/protein coated.  The process was compared to dipping an ice cream bar in chocolate.  It's at least novel.

The research is showing this approach to have greater efficacy vs the virus.  It  has less general toxicity & requires less dosages.  It may take as little as 1 or 2 times a year for this medication.  That would be an amazing improvement.

The article goes into more details of the mechanics of the approach.  It's an interesting read.  Hopefully, this will work & be available relatively soon.

Cya...

Low Humidity...

It's that time of year again.  The humidity has plummeted.  Our midday humidity levels the last few days have been in the mid 20% range.  That's way too low to be comfortable.

Lower levels of moisture in the air can have drastic impact on your sinuses & the actual nose itself.  I'm prone to nosebleeds during these times.   I've been dealing with them for the last couple of days.

Lower humidity levels can also impact your skin, eyes, hair & breathing.  Most people want an inside humidity of 30 - 50%.  During the winter, I'd opt closer to the 50%.

Things you can do besides use an actual humidifier:  

• Put a kettle or pot of water on to boil.
• Take a shower.
• Irrigate your sinuses.
• Use artificial tears.
• Use lip balm & skin lotion.
• Don't take too hot of a shower/bath.
• Pat you skin dry over rubbing.
• Keep up your liquid intake.
• Avoid harsh soaps & cleansers.

Those are just some ways to make getting through this upcoming season a little easier when dealing with lower humidity levels.  These things will also help in cold/flu prevention.   Fall is here & it brought Winter's dry air with it.

Cya...

Abrupt Shift...

After really warm days, into the mid 90's F, the temperatures took a nosedive.   Last night our temps were int he low 40's with very low humidity.  This was not a fun change. It's taken me all day to get somewhat rehydrated.  

If it stays this way, I can at least adjust to it.  It looks like we'll warm up to more seasonal temps in a couple of days.  Maybe then  things will settle down a bit.  Any hope for our rain total average for the month being met is pretty much gone.  We usually get about 5" & so far we maybe have a quarter of inch.  Unless we get soaked soon, that's gone & we didn't get September's average either.

Not much else going on, so I'll post more tomorrow.

Cya...

Still An Issue...

I've talked a lot about the stigma of living with HIV.   This article details a lot of these concerns for HIV +  people.  There have been great strides made in the medical treatment of HIV, but not in the mindsets of the people.  This article goes briefly into the concerns, fears & actual cases of discrimination against people for no other reason than their HIV status.  

I laugh when people say things are better.  Maybe in some places, but not in most.  This is another reason I dislike the idea of treatment as prevention,  Treatment does nothing to educate or further the understanding of the virus & those living with it.  That will only come with active education & communication.   No pill can do that.

The article's a good read.

Cya...

Whoa Hot...

We're already in the 90's, it could reach the upper 90's.  I certainly hope not.  The southern wind is blowing leaves from the trees & sending them skittering down the road.  It's a neat sound, but the wind is also blowing dust & other crap into the air. Thanks a lot wind.

This is supposed to be the last day of the really warm weather.  After this we're supposed to drop down to the 70's.    I just want it to stabilize.  I'm over these days of 40+ degree temperature swings.  My roomie, the cats & myself are really over this weather.  It's doing no favors for any of us.

Hope you day is going well.

Cya....

Couple More Days...

We were down to the 40's again last night & will probably see the 90's today.  It looks the same for tomorrow as well.  This really sucks.  These huge temperature changes are being really rough on me.  I feel like crap.

I didn't see any articles that looked all that great today.  Maybe tomorrow.  Even if I had, I'm not sure I could've written about them well.   I'll be glad when this weather crap passes.

Cya...

Up & Down & Up Again...

The weather is weird.  Yesterday, towns near us hit the 90's.  Last night we dropped into the low 40's.   That's nearly 50 degrees.  We're supposed to repeat this throughout the  week. Just F'ing yippie!

This weather is seriously rough on me.  My head feels like someone filled my sinuses with concrete.  My body is very sore.  This sucks.

OK, Fall pick a weather pattern for a week. 

Cya...