Healthy in everyday life : Swiss AIDS Federation

Healthy in everyday life

Both the HIV infection itself and the HIV therapy can put a strain on your body. With effective therapy and a healthy lifestyle, you have a high quality of life and life expectancy – similar to that of people without HIV.

Woman in a pool. Body underwater, head above water.

There are simple steps that you can take to actively support and encourage good health:

Stop smoking

Smoking is doubly dangerous to those who are HIV-positive. It multiplies the risk of a whole range of diseases that pose a particular threat to people living with HIV, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and lung problems. In fact, smoking costs those with HIV more years of life than the virus itself. Call 0848 000 181 for information and help on how to stop smoking.

Balanced diet

A varied diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables is healthy and will help your body and immune system.

Enough exercise

Getting enough exercise and doing sports will do your body good and help your circulation. Exercise also helps to prevent depressive moods and enhances your general well-being.

Moderate alcohol consumption

Moderate drinking is not harmful. On the other hand, too much alcohol attacks the brain and liver and increases the risk of forms of cancer.

Reduce stress and relax

Studies have shown that constant stress can seriously damage your health. There are many ways for coping with stress: Yoga, deep-breathing exercices, etc. Look on the internet and find out which method suits you best.

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