The XVII International AIDS Conference held at the Mexico City, from Aug. 3 through Aug. 8 days was an exquisite forum for sharing and showcasing of ideas from international experts. It also saw the launch of various invaluable initiatives by different organizations. Of which, the following four seemed to be quite striking. 1. The Release of “Blueprint 2008,” for AIDS Vaccine Development by The International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) Despite the fact that this year’s IAC conference was devoid of a plenary session on AIDS vaccine, like the previous ones, many researchers intensely reemphasized the need for a vaccine to make the world AIDS-free.  The  IAVI announced the release of “Blueprint 2008.” I think AIDS vaccines are positively the ultimate answer, but till that time HIV drugs should be made available to all those who need them. The Blueprint 2008 stresses on three key areas:The mission to develop a vaccine should be divided up into a set of intermediate milestones, as this would enable measurement of progress as well as hold people accountable. There’s a need to trim and improve the pipeline by a big measure. The number of 30-or so candidates in the pipeline need to be reduced based on the “probability of success.” The final recommendation calls for a sustained effort with an ample supply of new cader of young researchers coupled with stable financing for flexibility.   2. The YWCA Report: ‘Nothing About Us Without Us: a report from the HIV-Positive Women’s Forum This insightful report comes in the wake of the unique challenges that women living with HIV face, and the special needs that they have. It is an analysis and evaluation of the “Positive Women’s Forum,” coupled with the feedback gathered back then. The Positive Women’s Forum was an unprecedented meeting conducted on July 2007 as a segment of the International Women’s Summit on HIV and AIDS. The report offers insight, and stresses that for epidemic control programs to be effective women living with HIV must come forward and lead the AIDS response. Also that HIV positive women must become involved equal partners to shape AIDS programs and policies. 3. The Plan: “Global Alliance on HIV” The program is the brain child of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and was launched in the Americas just before the conference. The initiative, expected to benefit over 7 million would be prevalent in Latin America and the Caribbean. The objective is to raise about 22.3 million Swiss francs, which translate into US$ 21.4 million, in order to give an impetus to HIV and AIDS programs in the Americas. It is slated to begin with the following ten nations, Argentina, Belize, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras and Jamaica. However, in a couple of years a larger number of countries would be included. Of the 33.6 million people infected with HIV around the world, 1.6 million live in Latin America. And this program seeks to adapt an approach that’s based on the prevention, treatment, care  and reduction of stigma and discrimination. Furthermore, of the 7,300,000 people estimated to benefit, groups of special focus would include children with HIV, children orphaned due to HIV, sex workers and of course all those living with HIV. 4. Open Society Institute Report: “Our Lives Matter: Sex Workers Unite for Health and Rights”The report “Our Lives Matter:..” published in August by the Open Society Institute provides coverage of how sex workers in eight countries have organized themselves to protect their health and human rights. It delves deep into the many ways by which sex workers have battled, violence, extortion and incarceration in their fight against securing equal health opportunities. The eight groups from different countries profiled in the report include Sex Worker Education and Advocacy Taskforce (South Africa), Davida (Brazil), Durjoy Nari Shongho (Bangladesh), Humanitarian Action (Russia), Durbar Mahila Samanwaya Committee (India), Odyseus (Slovakia), Urban Justice Center’s Sex Workers Project (United States) and Stella (Canada). While HIV is indeed a tough challenge for the world, but it’s heartening that so much effort is being put in by every one from international organizations to the medical industry, to find a solution. And I’m sure the humans would win over the virus one day.

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Prosperity Group International, global investment strategists, are extremely proud to introduce their new fully automated Index Trading platform, the PGI Auto Trader. Developed in response to clients whose financial circumstances restricted them from entering any of the standard platforms, it is also proving to be very popular among those who simply do not have the physical time to invest but are wishing, and often needing, to supplement their incomes.

The backlash of the economic crisis has left many families and individuals around the globe in financial turmoil, driving them to seek low-risk methods of generating extra money to supplement dwindling earnings. In order to be able to secure their financial futures it has become necessary to look for alternative ways of generating income as job security has also become rather tenuous in the current climate.

As a result of utilising cutting-edge technology, Prosperity Group International announces “one of the most appealing and exciting features being eagerly embraced is the opportunity for the average person to participate in trading the Market Indices with very little outlay, yet having the assurance of consistent returns”.

During the long and methodical process of development, the PGI Auto Trader was subjected to highly rigorous testing, having to fulfil very specific proprietary criteria in order to ensure a product of exceptional quality. As a result, this platform is one of the most exciting, low-risk, high-return for low-investment trading types available today.

Select clients of Prosperity Group International, who took advantage of this low-cost investment tool upon its release only a few weeks ago, are already enjoying the benefits as profits roll in. This company’s dedication to excellence is only surpassed by their commitment to improve the financial health of their clients.

The PGI Auto Trader has just recently become available to the general public and is already gaining momentum within a wide cross-section of individuals and families with varying budgetary confinements, as well as those who are especially time-poor as the trading element is completely automated.

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Holistic remedies help thousands of people worldwide to overcome problems ranging from more serious diseases to the common cold. Holistic Therapist Nitchara Yimsuk answers some frequently asked questions, and tips us off about a versatile treatment called moxibustion.

What does holistic mean?

In holistic treatments we look at the whole person – physical, emotional and spiritual – rather than just treating the symptoms of the problem. We consider a person’s mind and body, diet and exercise, lifestyle and relationships, work and leisure, achievements and problems. Imbalances in any of these areas can contribute to illness.

Where do holistic treatments come from?

Holistic medicine is also known as alternative, integrative or complementary medicine, as it complements conventional practices. It may include, but is not limited to, the following disciplines: spiritual, religious, newly developed approaches to healing or pre-modern medical traditions. Chinese medicine, for instance, follows the holistic principle.

How do they work?

There are many approaches, from energy healing to the use of natural and plant products. The Taoist principles, on which Chinese medicine is based, stress the oneness of everything, the inseparability of solid matter and energy, the fact that there is a common source of all phenomena and experience.

What are some of Chiva-Som’s most popular holistic treatments?

The Detox Retreat is popular. It includes the Cleansing Diet, Colonic Hydrotherapy, Chi Nei Tsang and Acupressure Reflexology. Also high on the list are Flower Essence, Homeopathy and Moxibustion.

What is Moxibustion?

It’s a treatment from Traditional Chinese Medicine in which the herb Moxa Punk is burned on or above the skin at acupuncture points. Sometimes we use other herbs.

How does it work?

The heat warms the blood and the qi (the life force), which improves the flow within the energy channels of the body. Sometimes Moxibustion is recommended as a stand-alone treatment, at others it has a synergistic effect with acupuncture.

Why is it so effective?

The Moxa leaf is bitter and acrid and its nature is pure Yang. Depending on the amount used it produces a gentle warmth or a strong heat and expels cold and dampness.

What is Moxibustion recommended for?

It’s varied. It may be used in the treatment of acute diseases, cold syndromes, diseases of the channel and exterior syndromes, or chronic syndromes and diseases of the viscera (the internal organs). It’s frequently applied in treating arthralgia due to wind-cold-dampness. Also Yang collapse syndrome; Chronic Dysentery, Asthma, Phlegm Retention and Flaccidity Syndrome. It’s also good for some external syndromes, such as carbuncles and the common cold. Additionally, it can work in general health maintenance and disease prevention.

We hear it’s also useful in pregnancies?

Yes, Moxibustion has been used for centuries in China to turn breech babies. The theory behind this practice is that the heat travels up the bladder meridian, which is linked to the uterus. Additionally, it’s useful in treating some Gynaecological Diseases – such as Dysmenorrhea, Prolapse of the uterus, and Leucorrhoea – and Infantile Diseases, including Enuresis and Diarrhoea. Moxibustion is very versatile.

What are the latest holistic treatments that Chiva-Som is offering?

Vacuum-Cupping Massage and the Emotional Freedom technique are both new, and also Maya Massage, which is part of the Detox Retreat offered in the Spa.

How can people find out more about these remedies?

They can consult the website (www.chivasom.com), where there’s a list of holistic treatments and a brief description of each, or they can visit us here at Chiva-Som. All guests are welcome, and we are willing to make initial consultations for every individual who comes.

Our team of Naturopath Doctors and Practitioners work in a very secluded and peaceful environment.

Popularity: unranked [?]

Many of us would like to lose some weight. We would look and feel better, and it’s well documented that being the optimum weight has significant health benefits. The problem is, it’s not easy, either to lose the weight or to maintain the loss. But there are measures that can help. The key is organisation and understanding the processes involved.

Chiva-Som’s approach to weight management involves a multi-faceted programme designed to achieve positive changes to body shape with lasting results.

You can only lose weight by eating fewer calories, burning more calories, or, best of all, through a combination of the two. Because each person is different, the first step is a personal consultation with our naturopaths, who assess your individual dietary profile. They will determine your optimum calorie intake and can recommend appropriate supplements or complementary herbal formulas.

We then establish your body composition and degree of flexibility, strength, and cardio-endurance. This comprehensive physical analysis and fitness assessment ascertains which exercises will benefit you most as an individual.

Healthy, long term weight loss is achieved by losing body fat and gaining muscle tissue through exercise. Because muscle is very metabolically active, it burns calories throughout the day. This combination means your total weight drops considerably and you’re also protected from regaining it in the future.

Additional issues such as stress, food craving and emotional eating can also be a barrier to long term weight management. Chiva-Som’s custom-made programmes can help you overcome these through annexed treatments like EFT, acupuncture or hypnotherapy.

It sounds easy. And it can be, if you have the right weight management structure in place to help you. It’s certainly worth the effort: your body will re-shape, becoming toned and tight, and your health will improve – two things that significantly increase levels of happiness and self-esteem.

For more information please visit Chiva-Som’s weight management site.

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Chiva-Som stress management specialist Paul Emery has a new pioneering consultation called Bio-feedback Stress Management. These are fun sessions that take you through a variety of stress management techniques, so you can assess for yourself which one benefits you most by way of instant feedback from the computer software that you are linked to via a simple ear sensor.

Paul first outlines the damaging emotional and physiological effects stress has on you, and then demonstrates several techniques that can transform that stress into a feeling of calm and serenity.

These stress management techniques that are easily performed lead to better overall health, reduced aches and pains and increased levels of the anti-ageing hormone DHEA in the body, so it helps you live a healthier, longer life. And, in day-to-day terms, at work or play, you’ll start to notice the benefits immediately.

Anti-stress techniques lead to mental and emotional clarity, which means you’re less prone to general anxiety, and quicker to recover when you do get stressed.  You’ll discover a new sense of inner control that helps you develop emotional balance and more patience with other people.  Other benefits include more day to day resilience against stress and improved sleeping patterns.

As a therapist Paul Emery has forged an international reputation for helping people from all walks of life. He’s appeared on the Australian TV show Celebrity Overhaul and been featured in many publications such as the Financial Times, Women’s Health and the Sunday Independent.

Popularity: unranked [?]