The First Year-HIV (First Year Series): An Essential Guide fo the Newly Diagnosed FROM THE PUBLISHER
Close to one million people are infected with HIV-the virus that causes AIDS-in the U.S., and though in the last ten years therapies have been developed to successfully fight both the HIV infection and its associated illnesses, the physical and emotional tolls are devastating. In the tradition of the other titles in the First Year(tm) series, The First Year(tm)-HIV uses a unique approach-guiding readers through their first seven days following diagnosis, then the next three weeks of their first month, and finally the next eleven months of their first year-to provide answers and advice that will help everyone newly diagnosed with HIV come to terms with their condition and the lifestyle changes that accompany it. Starting with the day of diagnosis, author Brett Grodeck provides vital information about the nature of HIV, choosing the right doctors, treatment options, coping mechanisms, holistic alternatives, and much more. The First Year(tm)-HIV will be a supportive and educational resource for everyone who wants to take an active role in the management of their condition.
FROM THE CRITICS
Library Journal
This is an accessible, nonjudgmental guide for people dealing with an HIV diagnosis, regardless of sexual orientation, gender, or needle/drug use status. Grodeck, an online editor for the Rand Review who has been HIV positive for 15 years, does not downplay the complexity of HIV, but his optimism about one's ability to live well with it is clear. His book is broadly arranged by days (one through seven, from adjusting to the news through finding free services, considering a support group, and tracking one's health); weeks (two through four, including dealing with the many aspects of HIV status disclosure); and months (two through 12, including dating and sex, nutrition and exercise, managing medication, and a very optimistic chapter on having children). Given the constant changes in drug treatment, Grodeck does not focus on the latest in medications, gives short shrift to alternative medicines, and urges readers to find the best possible health provider, with many tips on how to do so. Experts are frequently quoted by both name and professional affiliation. There are also sidebars on such issues as AIDS-defining opportunistic infections and 25 pages of resources-all surprisingly lacking URLs. Libraries owning John Bartlett and Ann Finkbeiner's excellent though somewhat more densely written The Guide to Living with HIV Infection may consider this an optional purchase, but Grodeck's modestly priced and readable guide is suitable for both public libraries and for collections in HIV/AIDS or drug counseling agencies.-Martha E. Stone, Massachusetts General Hosp. Lib., Boston Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.
Home
