When last did you have an HIV test? #justasking
If you are having unprotected sex, you should get tested!
#SouthAfrica had:
400,000 new infections in 2012
350, 000 new infections in 2014
‘THINK’……those are the ones that tested and we know about.
And NO I don’t care if you are married or in ‘sure thing’ relationship, check anyway….I always ask the question if I get the married/engaged/relationship comment:
‘So you know what your other half is doing at lunchtime and you are together 24 hours a day’?
It may seem harsh or sound like a scare tactic and I am sorry to tell you this but EVERYONE has the potential to become infected.
#HIV #AIDS
When last did you have an HIV test? #justasking
If you are having unprotected sex, you should get tested!
#SouthAfrica had:
400,000 new infections in 2012
350, 000 new infections in 2014
‘THINK’……those are the ones that tested and we know about.
And NO I don’t care if you are married or in ‘sure thing’ relationship, check anyway….I always ask the question if I get the married/engaged/relationship comment:
‘So you know what your other half is doing at lunchtime and you are together 24 hours a day’?
It may seem harsh or sound like a scare tactic and I am sorry to tell you this but EVERYONE has the potential to become infected.
#HIV #AIDS
Cindy Pivacic has made it her life’s mission to reverse the stigma around HIV & AIDS by using technology to counsel patients and educate healthcare workers.
Follow the link to see full article
Changing the Status Quo with Skype
Cape Town + MasterMind = Style!
Recently Charlotte Kemp relaunched our 2015 MasterMind group with some new and interesting faces, mine! Oh yes and Liezel van der Westhuizen as well 😉
We had an extremely interesting meeting with many valuable comments and ideas being shared.
And in case you thought I was cheeky enough to post and tag without asking, wrong, no liberties were taken, fully permitted, so take that!
Contact me to secure an appointment
Tel: 021 839 4529
Cell: 073 73 96 044
email: cindy@cindypivacic.co.za
Cindy Pivacic
AID My Journey-Support
NPO 093-243
073 73 96 044
HIV Counselling Online
HIV & AIDS counselling & consulting now available online
Cape Town, South Africa
Online HIV Counselling via Skype is a vital move to allow confidential access to support for both HIV positive individuals as well as their families. It has to be made available as an alternative to physical counselling centers. Counselling is necessary to encourage HIV adherence to medication and lifestyle changes. By providing this medium of confidential support and ease of access to information, adherence and change will be sustained.
The stigma still attached to individuals living with HIV & AIDS means that many people are reluctant to use or be seen near the physical and therefor visible public counselling centers. By providing this service online, the individual has the choice of location they are most comfortable with, as well as an assurance of external anonymity.
Besides the obvious need for information and support for the individual, it is also important for the success and stability of companies, that their workforce receives the help they need. Skype counselling is just one alternative offering equal opportunity to develop.
With AID My Journey-Support’s mantra, #TakeCareBeAware; the aim is not only to offer a service to HIV positive individuals but also those that require general information or have been involved in suspected HIV exposure or risky sexual behaviour and require information and support. AID My Journey has seen many enquiries come through social media over the last four years, and not only from South Africa but from various parts of the world. This has necessitated the next logical step to offer support, namely Skype.
One of the greatest concerns is that people are not testing or receiving the support and are defaulting on their treatment due to the discomfort of having to face their community in a public environment.
AID My Journey-Support aims to mobilise and empower the South African business sector as well as the population at large to take effective action on HIV and AIDS. The nature of the business is to educate, mentor and motivate the South African community to take care of their health and well-being.
Skype: cindy.pivacic
Website: www.cindypivacic.co.za
Media/Press/Info Kit: https://cindypivacic.co.za/press-kit/
Testimonials (HIV+ clients): https://cindypivacic.co.za/testimonials/testimonials-sharing/
Testimonials (Associates): https://cindypivacic.co.za/testimonials/valued-testimonials-from-valued-associates/
CONTACT CINDY TO SECURE AN ONLINE APPOINTMENT
TESTIMONIAL 1
Cindy, you and AID my Journey-Support are my lifeline to knowledge and a place I feel safe in and can discuss anything with regard to my status and meet people in the same position as I am. As a white male you are my only lifeline – or should I say the only lifeline I would consider associating myself…. I cannot imagine having to go to any of the govt run clinics for info. I called many national so called “help” lines before I found you – they were all useless – half the places no longer exist or you feel as if you are speaking to a text book – getting the standard replies to questions
Stigma associated with HIV/AIDS is causing so much more damage to those who are too afraid to disclose to their loved ones for fear of losing them.
I have SO many questions going around in my head all the time……
Diabetes is a life threatening disease but there is no stigma attached to this and no restrictions in any way but because it is not sexually transmitted its ok!
My HIV status changed because i saved someone’s life and even if I went to the man’s wife and doctor and got a letter to that effect it would not change the fact that, I
- was not raped
- did not get HIV from needlestick
- did not get HIV from blood transfusion
- as a result of a car accident
Even if it was from sex so what! ALL human beings have sex in some form or other – we are supposed to so why the stigma.
I have very close friends who do not know my status and a weekend does not go by where one of them passes a remark which refers to the blacks and HIV & AIDS and how they are “full of it” I cringe!
TESTIMONIAL 2
Hi Cindy
Hope you well, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for this HIV and AIDS support group u establish, when i first came i was in a bad situation, to meet u and the other members of the group u make me feel at home sharing experience from each other help and give me hope to my journey with my status, what i like about you, your caring love you always give us thank you, you also do the counselling we really blessed to meet a person like you, my wish is ‘forward with group all the best of luck to see this support group grow. Thank you so much keep up with a good work
TESTIMONIAL 3
To: CINDY EMAIL ADD PIVACIC
Subject: Re: Testimonial/Stigma
Sent: Sep 28, 2012 07:02
I’ve found that many people haven’t been fully introduced to the whole topic of HIV. In my case, like so many others, I wasn’t infected due to me having more than one partner. Neither does it make me a victim of a short life span. If anything, I’m now fully aware of what is healthy and what isn’t.
I’m as healthy as the next because I had guidance and knowledge given to me regarding my status.
I’ve been educated and kept up to date with recent statistics as to how not to infect people, how to look after myself and others close to me.
I always thought that being faced with HIV was an impossibility on my account. That I would never be introduced to the stress or health issues would never come across my path. Yet here I am, my CD4 count went up from 282 (Feb 2012, 4 months after I was diagnosed) to 714 (May 2012, after being introduced to meds, keeping an okay-ish healthy lifestyle from the knowledge I was provided with). This not being from the medication, but from the system of support I’ve been blessed with.
If anything, Cindy (to me personally) is a compass, she shows passion in what she does, provides a necessary service. All in all, she’s my compass, my map, my guide.
TESTIMONIAL 4
Hi! Support group is helping m a lot coz it is the only place where I feel comfortable 2 share anything that worries me physically, emotionally and health. And we get different ideas 2 help us coping with positive life. When I’m @ the support group I feel special, warmth, love and care from the support group more than being @ home. Cindy is always there for help when I need someone to talk to and with the diet when I’m sick physically and emotionally. Wish u well.
TESTIMONIAL 5
Hi Cindy, I never got to reply to your lovely comment about me the other day. Thanks so much. I love being in your support group. U are fun, very helpful, and wise with your advice. People are blessed to have you around ({}) to help them thru the HIV illness. Thank you.
Sent from my BlackBerry®
Hi Cindy, since I have started with aid my journey support group I have more knowledge of HIV. If I have any questions Cindy is always there to advise me. I now know how to eat healthy and stay healthy. Cindy’s support group is helpful to all of us and fun at the same time. I have been stigmatised in the past by my son and sister in law. My son won’t allow me to prepare food or cook for him. My sister in law would make me wash dishes with gloves on in case I cut myself. She even went as far as getting me my own zinc for me to wash my own dishes in. Joy Sent from my BlackBerry®
TESTIMONIAL 6
Hi Cindy. Well for me what I’ve came across is that when I got infected with HIV it’s very hard to speak to people you know. I rather confide with a stranger than my own friends/family. It’s very difficult to go for an HIV test especially in the townships as its cold the ‘white room’ cause it’s sidelined in the corner of the clinic. Whether u going to walk out HIV pos or neg u already labelled positive cause you went inside the white room. I just feel like HIV shouldn’t be sidelined like a deadly illness as it’s manageable.
Sent from my BlackBerry®
This is not only for me!
There are 60 but you will have to wait another three years
OR
go to the link at the bottom of the page 😉
1. I know now that I must validate myself before I want others to validate me. I need to stop putting myself at the bottom of the pile. ~Cocomo614
2. I know that my time is just as valuable as anyone else’s and I know I don’t have to apologize for putting me back on my to-do list.
3. When I take care of myself, I am confirming my worth to myself. If I give to myself first (time, rest, love), I have more to give to others.
4. Not to be so hard on myself…been through a lot in life but I still deserve to be happy in this life. ~@nerlster
5. I know that it’s okay to have my own opinions and tell the truth.
6. It’s easy to give up on yourself. The hard part is staying focused on being a better you.
7. I know I am a product of what I believe to be true. I know I hold the power… all the power to change when I want to. I have to commit!
8. I have value and merit, that I am intelligent and worthy of love and respect.
9. I don’t have to let my past define who I am today.
10. I have finally realized I am all those good things about myself that others have seen all along.
11. Instincts are subconscious lessons learned that surface to keep you from making the same mistakes.
12. I have a choice and I am the only one responsible for the life I live.
13. It is better to do than be persecuted by your inactions and your own thoughts. The truer I am to myself, the better my relationships. Love me for my truth, not for my lies!
14. Failure is the path to success.
15. Making small steps equals big dreams.
16. I know I’m off course when that magic, that whisper of possibility, my own rogue spirit gets lost in action. ~@marcygoldman
17. Never trade in what your heart is whispering for what the rational mind is screaming.
18. Courage comes from making courageous choices in life, not knowing what the outcome…better or worse, with no regrets. ~Michael1968M
19. Follow your heart and not others.
20. Never fear taking a chance on something you really want to do.
21. Every event is a learning experience, positive or negative.
22. Experience has taught me that most of my worry is a waste of time, and to be patient. Life often turns out much better than imagined. ~@LauraDemir
23. I know I can’t do anything about the past and how I responded to all the abuse I have suffered, but I can do something about now.
24. You can’t blame anyone else for your problems. Making yourself a victim is simply unattractive and self-defeating.
25. Hard times never last, being tough when needed, kind and compassionate does. ~ccoots
26. Not all things in life go as planned, but if you can find the good in every situation you will always be okay.
27. Sometimes we have to fall so that we can soar higher…and we will appreciate everything more in the end.
28. In a nutshell, “this” too shall pass. ~@bostonsplash67
29. Things will always change, yet stay the same.
30. Changing your thoughts can change your life!
31. I can still do what I set my mind to do, no matter what my physical limitations might be. I just might have to route it different.
32. The energy you put out is the energy you get back.
33. I know that I cannot settle and stay safe in my life. If I want to grow I need to take risks.
34. I know that I cannot ever again let someone else define my abilities. ~@NGW_OT
35. Life is a gift, something to cherish and to take a chance on myself. I don’t want to have any regrets that fear held me back from living.
36. You cannot sit and wait for life to happen. You have to make it happen if you want to reach your goals. ~@@TThomas26
37. I am the only one powerful enough to stop me and the only one powerful enough to set me free.
38. Stop waiting for the changes you want to magically happen—you have to be the catalyst for the changes you want in your life. ~@YWhisenant
39. There’s always a second chance. Plan goals out so you can recognize the progress made in a year on whatever goal you have. Never too late. ~@Tanya1Bless
40. Nobody but yourself can define your worth and capabilities.
41. I was not intended to do this alone.
42. I know I shouldn’t take everything personally. Most of the time it’s not about me but more about who they are. .
43. I cannot change someone or the way they act. I am only responsible for myself and the way I act and feel.
44. It’s ok to distance yourself from toxic people even if they are family. I will not surround myself with that energy.
45. I know the action of judgment is a choice. I choose to do better on how I go about judging othersand how I will go about judging myself. ~@trh_2011
46. Walk away from people who have no respect for you.
47. I know that people will put so many demands on you, but that does not mean that you have to follow them.
48. I know that to fill the love tank of others, I must first fill my own….Mine should be on overflow to have enough to share.
49. The point in sharing your life with someone isn’t to have them make your life better, but to keep you company as you do it yourself.
50. The energy we attract is what we subconsciously feel we deserve.
51. Forgiveness is for me, not for those who have hurt me. When I learned to forgive, I was set free from bondage.
52. Life is short, every moment is precious, and regret is a waste of energy.
53. The more I learn, the less I think I’m right.
54. You can move to a new town, a new house. You can move to the moon, the ends of the earth, your unhappiness will be there to greet you. Fix it. ~@stellacb50
55. Life is too short to live without love and laughter, forgiveness and caring, peace and joy! ~@camprier
56. Everything I need to create a happy life is inside me.
57. You decide if you’re going to be a trusting person or not. You decide if humanity is worth the effort or not. ~@DivaBoricua1
http://tinybuddha.com/blog/60-life-lessons-insights-from-oprahs-life-class/
Linkedin Testimonials:
http://za.linkedin.com/in/cindypivacic
Shawn Fouche
On-line and Social Media Practitioner
Cindy is one of the most dynamic, upbeat and a person who embraces life to the full. She has a story that needs to be heard and her work and activism in the area of HIV and AIDS is remarkable. You are missing out on an incredible motivational opportunity and also to help others living with HIV and AIDS if you do not get Cindy in to speak at your organisation.
Alma Maxwell
Social Media Setup | Strategy | Management | Training | Speaking
I was fortunate enough to arrange for Cindy to be a speaker at my Rotary Club of Durban North. Cindy is vibrant, charming and candid and her talk fascinating. Her personal and personable talk on a serious subject was anything but depressing. Cindy is an inspiration and I recommend her to anyone looking for an engaging and interesting speaker. I also wish her all of the best with her book ‘The Deadly Seducer‘ which I thoroughly enjoyed reading.
Robyn Norman
Office Administrator
Cindy is passionate about her cause and will go to the ends of the earth to help the next person. Cindy is always there for you, no matter how small your issue is. She is amazingly resilient with her endless energy with assisting others. Her talks are to the point and informative. She is professional and reliable with all aspects of her work.
Fred Felton
Social Media Engineer, Falconscove, Partner at Social By The Sea
I was privileged to hear Cindy speak at a networking meeting. Cindy is indeed an inspiring speaker. She is also a fantastic motivational speaker and trainer. I would recommend her for any company; organisation or networking meeting that is looking to book a motivational speaker.
Once upon a while ago………….
As an HIV positive individual I had to look at ways to enhance my well-being.
Writing is an outlet to document my thoughts and share with those needing reassurance.
By authoring a book with the title, The Deadly Seducer I managed to incorporate a positive attitude, healthy foods and the experience of dealing with the effects of AIDS that I acquired, namely TB meningitis, pneumonia, shingles, two strokes and Cancer (Angioimmunoblasticlymphadenopathy) which has given me insight into constructive ways to counsel, mentor and live a healthy lifestyle through educating myself and followed up by sharing the same values with others.
Having lived through the numerous health challenges puts me in a fairly unique position to add value to any educational information provided.
I have since written various articles which have been posted to a number of health and education websites, local magazines and a range of newspapers
Later I developed a training manual on some of the latest trends on HIV and being an avid social media participant have posted educational information on a regular basis.
I would like to deliver ongoing education through the media on a weekly/monthly basis as this will encourage conversations around health and wellness as well as the ongoing HIV situation in South Africa.
I see this as an exercise to generate an income for the Non-Profit Organisation I founded as the sponsorship and fundraising is non-existent and there are individuals who are unable to afford counselling and healthy lifestyle guidelines.
Contact me if this is of interest to you and falls in line with your newspaper, magazine or online presence.
cindy@cindypivacic.co.za
