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Health Corner
By Julene Tripp Weaver

Consultations Available on Alternative/Complementary Strategies for Managing HIV Infection

Buyer's Clubs are a wealth of information as well as a good source for supplements, vitamins and complementary or alternative therapies. This year while visiting New York City I took the opportunity to visit DAAIR, Direct AIDS Alternative Information Resources. Fred Bingham started DAAIR and I had the opportunity to meet him and shake his hand. Fred is considered one of the most knowledgeable persons in the United States on using vitamins, herbs and other alternative treatments in managing HIV infection, and the side effects from pharmaceutical drugs.

He's a busy man, so although I would have liked to sit down with him and do an interview that was not possible. However, while in their office I learned that Fred offers free 45 minute consultations on complementary strategies for managing HIV infection. He provides offers his expertise to the community at large. He has been living with AIDS since 1989 and he has maintained a 900 T-cell count and a low 700 viral load for over three years, without the use of pharmaceutical drugs.

This service is available to any DAAIR member and can be done over the phone, or in person if you are in New York City. Becoming a member is easy, call the toll-free number (888) 951-LIFE (5433), or send an email to: info@daair.org, and request a Membership Outreach Pack (MOP). This is a very useful document to have, the MOP is over 150 pages long full of information, articles and details on many supplements, and why they are important to people living with HIV/AIDS. It takes about three to four weeks to receive the package, once you receive it fill out the paperwork and mail them a check that is based on a membership sliding scale from $5 to $25.

Once a member you can make an appointment for a free 45 minute consultation by Fred over the telephone. Before the appointment he needs your last three complete sets of blood work, a list of current pharmaceutical and alternative treatments you are taking, and a list of current health complaints. This paperwork can be faxed (212) 689-6471, or mailed to DAAIR, 31 East 30th Street, Suite 2A, New York, NY 10016. While waiting I suggest you read through the materials in the MOP in preparation. As a member you will receive an additional package of treatment information, when I was there they were working on a new improved edition.

This small office was a hub of activity, people coming and going, ordering supplements, and having meetings; laughter and a sense of health abounded. I had called their office several times while gathering information about buyer's clubs, it was great to meet Fred and put a face to his name. I walked away knowing I had met someone who has dedicated his life to increasing both knowledge and hope about AIDS, his work is an inspiration that helps many thrive.