Chronic illness is a disease or condition that typically lasts for three (3) months or longer and may worsen over time. Chronic diseases generally happen in older adults and can usually be managed but not cured. The most common chronic ailments are cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and arthritis.
Chronic diseases, by definition, cannot be cured—even with significant lifestyle changes, medication, and other treatments. However, chronic illnesses can be effectively managed symptoms can be reduced through holistic management.
Occasionally we are given an incorrect diagnosis or are misdiagnosed as chronic illnesses can be misunderstood by the medical community. We may not have a name for what is happening to our bodies. It is, however, a genuine predicament that needs managing. Correct diagnosis of a chronic condition can potentially take a lifetime to identify. Hang in there even if you feel unable to ‘get it together.’
Generally, there is no easy cure for a chronic condition, so please do not head out on your own and try things that you think will work. Keep in mind others will bombard you with well-meaning suggestions to ‘try this’ for your condition and advise that you can cure yourself with yoga or the latest diet. These interferences can be upsetting and come from an uninformed place, laying the blame for your agony squarely on your shoulders as if you have not already done everything in your control to improve your health.
Having been diagnosed with numerous chronic illnesses such as cancer, strokes, TB meningitis, heart failure, and more health challenges has led to me enduring many medical interactions. Communications have been traumatic and led to lengthy procedures due to incorrect diagnosis and late detection. However, on the confirmation, the correct treatment and subsequent medication were dispensed, putting me in a position to live a meaningful and productive life.
Nobody is invincible. It can be frustrating to hear comments such as ‘just get up and get dressed’ or ‘you are too young to be sick’. Sometimes a chronically ill person is grateful to make it out of bed daily. Remember, you feel that pain; ignore the platitudes.
Not everyone will take your chronic condition seriously as it may not be visible. People may assume you are following a fad diet or feigning an intolerance to certain foods if you decline certain foods due to your autoimmune condition that can be managed but may still be considered chronic. Remember that any health condition lasting three months or longer will be regarded as a chronic disorder, even though your symptoms, referred to as a ‘flare-up’ may come and go.
Encourage people to ask you about your condition. It enlightens them and also helps you come to terms and normalise it in your head. Sometimes we need someone to listen.
There may be days when you can barely make it out of bed or experience immense pain. Attempt to smile through the pain and tell yourself you will be okay.
Medications you take may make you feel worse than the actual illness itself. The side effects may include nausea, fatigue, headache, loss of appetite, and possibly most awful, irritability and mood swings.
Should your physician recommend surgery, understand that it is not a miracle cure and will not automatically be the final solution as they will not always work for you, or they do, but you may still have pain.
Ultimately, what works for one may not work for another. Follow your doctor’s advice and stick to your medication.
Keeping your spirits up by allowing people to be supportive can add to your overall well-being and a positive mindset.
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A chronic condition can affect anyone. How you manage it is what makes the difference. |
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You can get cover of up to 1 million rand for your chronic health condition and up to 10 million if you are living with HIV. |
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SMS CHRONIC to 33857 to find out more. I did! |
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Being diagnosed with HIV in 2004 was a nightmare as there was so much ignorance and misinformation surrounding the HIV virus by both the medical and public organisations.
I was never offered pre or post counselling for my condition. Once diagnosed, I realised what a predicament others less fortunate to access online information and counselling services must be experiencing. Sadly, as no pre, or post counselling was on offer, it left me to gather information and find ways of dealing with my diagnosis myself. I put the lack of a counselling offer, unacceptable, I might add, down to the year 2004, when diagnosed, to ignorance and uncertainty by many medical professionals, on how to proceed during this early HIV period.
I signed up to a do a Lay Counsellor and Victim Empowerment course, educating myself in the process and collecting information and skills to support others in the same predicament.
Before testing for HIV it is essential to get pre-counselling and be well-informed of the reality and practicality of what a positive outcome holds. Post-counselling is equally important as it informs you on what other resources are available and introduces ways of making lifestyle behavioural changes.
Once you are diagnosed HIV positive and have received post counselling which includes a review of your health and medical history, a physical exam, and several lab tests, you will be another step closer to facing the World.
Furthermore, your healthcare provider will explain the benefits of HIV treatment and discuss ways to reduce the risk of passing HIV to others.
The next step will be to have your blood counts done so that your healthcare provider can help you start the medication to treat your HIV (called antiretroviral therapy or ART) as soon as possible. Treatment with HIV medication is recommended for all people with HIV, regardless of how long they have had HIV.
Your blood count will be done next and include some of the following:
Viral Load
A Viral load test measures the amount of HIV in the genetic material in a blood sample and indicates how much of the HIV virus is in your body. The test measures the number of HIV copies in a millilitre.
CD4 Count
The CD4 count is a test that measures how many CD4 cells you have in your blood. These are a type of white blood cell called T cells.
Creatinine
Untreated HIV infection can lead to loss of lean body mass and result in reduced serum creatinine pool and the serum creatinine level, affecting your kidneys.
See https://www.aidsmap.com/about-hiv/other-blood-tests for other blood test information.
If your HIV is left untreated, it can cause substantial weight loss, often accompanied by diarrhoea, prolonged weakness and fever. HIV can also cause neurological complications with symptoms such as confusion, forgetfulness, depression, anxiety and difficulty walking. I know this as I, due to lack of medical advice on starting my medication, experienced blackouts, hallucinations, and loss of memory, amongst other acquired health challenges (I was unable to recall my four-digit pin, Doctor’s name, cell no. and more).
When coming to terms with your HIV positive status, you may find yourself shifting from your ‘normal’ mindset to cope and implement new strategies to take control. Know that there are actions you can implement to cope with your diagnosis.
- Talk to a counsellor or trusted friend and try to have open, honest conversations about HIV, feelings and goals.
- Educate yourself as much as you can with up-to-date information about the dis-ease.
- Being diagnosed with HIV is life-changing news. Listen and learn from people that are living openly with their HIV status.
- Get moving and exercise for an hour at least 3 to 4 times a week, even if it is just walking!
- Review your eating/diet habits and adjust accordingly. There is little or no need to change if you currently practise a healthy eating lifestyle.
- Get enough sleep.
- Adhere strictly to your medical treatment.
A chronic condition can affect anyone. How you manage your health makes the difference.
You can get cover of up to 1 million rand for your chronic health condition and up to 10 million cover for your HIV status, SMS LIVING to 33857 to find out more, I did!
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It would be very remiss of me if I let this slide, especially after Liezel van der Westhuizen, a speaker colleague, friend, and Mastermind Associate could get so excited on my behalf.
I received an animated phone call saying:
‘Do you know that you are ranked Fourth (4th) on the list of famous motivational speakers in South Africa’?
Needless to say, I hopped straight on to the internet to check it out, lo and behold; there I am on a list of 80 of my peers, who would have thought!
I have no doubt it has a lot to do with the amount of visibility, through marketing, SEO’s and general PR that I have done since going public with my HIV status in 2011. (Diagnosed 2004).
It is however very rewarding to know that your message of HIV awareness is recognised, onwards and upwards.
Thanks again @Liezelv #GiraffeLiezel #Giraffeinthecity, much appreciated for sharing this with me, we as speakers should celebrate each other as candidly as you did as we all have an important messages to share.
Check out the list.
http://eventsource.co.za/list-of-famous-motivational-speakers-in-south-africa/
Cindy shared how she overcame her war,living a life of purpose & educating those she can to live positively.
Speaking at International Women’s Peace Group
“We need to educate that there is life after diagnosis”
#OvercomingYourWar #ConversationsforPeace
South African companies should engage Brand Ambassadors to be their spokesperson, not only for their brand but as part of our strategy to curb the pandemic of HIV & AIDS?
Introduction
Today’s competition among brands for a particular niche is really tough and challenging. If this is not addressed properly, you will find yourself in the midst of brand giants that will bury your brand’s popularity.
You need to find ways to deal with this and develop unique ways to stand out in the crowd.
A popular solution is through the use of a brand persona. Susan Gunelius said, “Your brand is like a person with its own distinct personality”
So is it a must that your corporate brand ambassador is a celebrity? Definitely not!
Your choice can be someone that embodies your brand but he/she must possess the following:
7 Must Have Characteristics of a Corporate Brand Ambassador:
1.Knowledgeable and Innovative in marketing brands
Knowledgeable – Becoming a brand ambassador means that a person is automatically a marketing representative of the company.
2.Professional speaker
Ensure that your brand ambassadors are proactively initiating conversation with others in promoting your brand’s product; be it goods or services.
3.Leader
The main purpose of a brand ambassador is to embody the values, the character and the overall image inherent to the brand.
4.Credible
Credibility of your ambassador is very important. A known and respected authority person adds value to your brand versus extremely expensive advertising campaigns.
5.Relationship Builder
Speaking for your brand is one thing, building a solid relationship is another, and the latter is more important.
6.Team Player
Indeed, brand ambassadors should be high-caliber people. But more than this, they should see themselves as part of the team.
7.Tech-Adequate
Your ambassadors should also be updated on the latest trends that people recognize. Today, people are very much inclined to the use of social media.
Conclusion
Selecting the right brand ambassador (brand persona) is an essential part of your marketing strategy. You need to maximize this wonderful opportunity in building up your brand. Pick the right person with the right skills. Have you considered a brand ambassador? Does your brand ambassador exhibit the core values of your company? Remember your ambassador personifies your corporate brand; choose the best image you want to display.
(Extracts only) Reference: Venchito Tampon
Final Word
by Cindy Pivacic
This option should be the way forward for all companies as it not only promotes their product with a relationship building persona but will contribute to the fact that the company is fully engaged in the welfare of the country.
As a person living with HIV for 11 years and engaged in Sales & Marketing for 30+ years, am in a unique position to be heard and have an excellent online presence to boot. With the added value that I am a Speaker and Trainer providing services to various corporate and public events thereby making an impact on the lives of others, is a considerable bonus to any company considering this option.
South Africa had 750 THOUSAND NEW infections in 2 years which means the workforce is harshly affected!
My question to you is:
What is your company willing to do to become involved in the curbing of infections and improvement of life, enabling progress in South Africa?
Contact me if you wish to discuss opportunities
cindy@cindypivacic.co.za
Tel: 021 839 4529
Cell: 0737396044
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.
Workshop HIV & AIDS – Let’s ‘THINK’ Are you a JUMP ahead?
I am looking for Event Companies that are capable of putting 2015 Training Workshops together, start to finish, includes:
- Venue hiring
- Database – plus mine
- Travel, planning….the works!
WHO is up for the challenge in Cape Town, Gauteng and KZN
I require established organisations
with at least 3 to 5 years experience, no newbie’s please.
See attachment for content of Workshop and if you are interested, contact me please at cindy@cindypivacic.co.za for further information.
‘Cindy Pivacic is a Trainer, Speaker, Author, Counsellor and Activist on HIV & AIDS.
She is in the unique position to add value, having presented numerous talks and workshops on a range of essential HIV & AIDS issues creating awareness and sharing information.
In 2011 she founded a centre for people living with HIV & AIDS to assist them in skills development and knowledge to empower them to get back into the workforce’.
#HASHTAG RADIO
A very well thought out and insightful interview with Leandre de Bruyn.
That is where the message needs to start…..the youth.
