Friday, October 14, 2016

3:50 PM - ,, No comments

HIV/AIDS - 101 For Dummies


There is a lot of talk about HIV/AIDS, and for good reason. Awareness is the key to reducing the growth and further damage done by the Virus. Nonetheless, not all things spoken about it are true.

Did you know that 75% of the people infected with HIV go colour-blind? No, because it isn’t a fact! Sorry about pulling that one on you, but let’s see some more (less ridiculous) myths surrounding the subject!

HIV/AIDS | Bonafide Urban Chick
HIV is the same as AIDS

No, HIV or Human Immune-deficiency Virus is the virus that infects the person who comes in contact with it. Whereas, AIDS or Acute Immuno Deficiency Syndrome is its long term effect. Not everyone who is HIV positive will go on to be an AIDS patient. Thanks to modern medicines, the mutation and impact of the virus can be curbed to a great extent.

Men are more prone to AIDS

This was a considered a valid point for some period of time due to the fact that men, more openly, used to indulge in casual sexcapades. Nonetheless, with women being equally sexually liberated, now women have a higher susceptibility to contracting the virus. This is mostly because the woman’s sexual organ is more open to any infection entering the body, as compared to men.

AIDS is a Homosexual-Centric Disease

On the contrary, HIV and AIDS has been detected more in heterosexuals. Nonetheless, HIV does not discriminate between sexual orientation. If you are having casual sex with multiple partners, you have a chance to contract the disease.

HIV can be cured

NO! Despite the in-depth medical research, there is still no cure for HIV. Nonetheless, the good people researching have found drugs that help keep the mutation of the virus to the bare minimum which allow the patient to lead a normal and fulfilling life. There is a chance that the occurrence of AIDS is then kept to the very later stages of life.

HIV Symptoms show up immediately

There is no certainty as to when the signs of HIV will surface. The time can range up to 10 years before the symptoms show on the patients. Hence, it is essential that if one is indulging in sex with multiple partners one must get themselves tested for HIV at regular intervals and also discuss it with new partners before “jumping into bed” with them.

If both partners have HIV, one doesn’t need to have safe sex

While it seems like a very logical statement, it is important to know that the HIV is a mutating virus and one can get repeatedly infected with different strains that mutate in the system further. So, yes, even if you and your partner both have HIV, it is essential to use a latex barrier.

There is a Vaccination to avoid getting HIV

Gosh NO! Despite repeated efforts, medical scientists have still not succeeded in formulating a vaccination to avoid HIV. The most certain way to keep HIV at bay would be to not have sex. But that doesn’t seem like the most practical option, right? So then it is advisable to use barriers during sex and communicate with your partner before you indulge in the act.

Condoms can avoid HIV completely

Just like pregnancy, condoms are effective at avoiding the contraction of HIV only about 80% of the times. Yes, this is not a very pleasing figure. Hence it is essential that whether you are using a barrier or not, you discuss HIV with your partner before indulging in sexual activity with them.

I won’t get HIV with Oral Sex

Chances are slim, but still present. Because HIV can be transmitted through blood and bodily fluids, if one indulges in oral sex with an HIV patient, one does have a chance of contracting the disease if they have any gum bleeding, open wounds or ulcers in their mouth. Hence, when indulging in Oral sex with and HIV patient, always use a barrier.

HIV/AIDS is something that we all need to collectively know more about. While the biggest hurdle is that fact that we have still been unable to find a cure, knowing that there are drugs that can help those who are already infected is a breath of fresh air.

3:36 PM - , No comments

Are You Right in Drinking Energy Drinks?

Energy Drink | Bonafide Urban Chick
How often do you find yourself reaching out for an energy drink because “it is better than having a normal aerated cold-drink”? For some reason it just seems to make more sense to pick up something that boosts your energy as well as satiate your need for a cold-drink, right?
Energy drinks are dime a dozen and available at practically every general story. From being used in mocktails to hookahs they have seeped into our lifestyle quite comfortably. But is that a good thing? Just like tea and coffee, which boost us, energy drinks have their fair share of side effects as well.

Lack of Sleep: Most energy drinks contain caffeine which is a prime cause of insomnia. People are addicted to caffeine have a tendency to sleep less than 3 hours a day, which may help them get more done in the short run but cause them anxiety, chronic headaches and irritability in the long run? Lack of sleep has major implications on the basic functioning and wear-and-tear of the body and is the worst thing you could put your body through.

Excessive Nutrients: Most of us will say “What’s wrong with excessive nutrition?” Well, a lot. While it is absolutely great if this nutrition is derived from natural sources like fruits and vegetables, getting it from an artificial source will lead to your body to put in more effort into breaking it down and cause the release of more toxins. We all know that that is not the best thing in the world.

Sugar Sugar Sugar: Thanks to modern day research, it is amply known that excessive sugar in the system is going to do you no good. While it plays a major role in weight gain, excessive sugar also causes behavioural problems like impatience, lower tolerance, anger issues and insomnia.

Ginkgo Biloba: Most energy drinks contain Ginkgo Biloba, which when combined with Ginseng (which also most energy drinks contain) can cause heart trouble and chronic headaches. It’s like saying, the energy drink is really going to give you a headache!

Dehydration: Yes, you have the energy drink to quench your thirst, but the combination of the many ingredients in the drink are the cause of dehydration. Which in turn will make you have more and more the drink and amplify the many other side effects they cause. You see the drift here?

Addiction: Energy drinks are addictive. So, if you are planning on replacing your drink with an energy drink at the bar or mixing it with your vodka, it’s strongly suggested to you to re-think your options. Energy drinks contain amino acids, which in excess from an artificial source will cause you to feel light-headed for a bit. The feeling is great and you will find yourself reaching out for the next can in no time. When mixed with alcohol which is a depressant, the energy drink which is a stimulant, prove to have several adverse effects on your body. The most common of the lot is sudden pain in the chest and chronic heart problems.

 Listen, you could disagree, and I completely support your right to do so! But this post is not to negate energy drinks, but to understand that their consumption needs to be in moderation!

Sunday, October 9, 2016

5:56 PM - ,,,,,, No comments

5 Reasons Why I'd Want My Girls Watching Miss Congeniality

Released in 2000, Miss Congeniality and Miss Congeniality 2 in 2005, were quite the hit in India as well. Starring Sandra Bullock, the Miss Congeniality series was about an FBI agent having to be gorgeous and beautiful. While, prima facie, this movie seems to be something that conforms to the stereotypes enforced on women by society. In reality, it is far from it. Which is why I'd want my daughter or niece or little sister watching these two movies.

Being Tough is Cool | Bonafide Urban Chick
1. Being Tough is Cool: Be what you are, if you are a girlie girl, then good, but if you are a toughie, then be proud of it. Because who you are will be who you are. Nonetheless, there is a little bit of ass kicking that every girl should manage! Learn some self-defense, so that you don't need a knight in shining armour. Because, girl, it is time the princess learns to save herself! Which brings us to the next point!

Looks are Important But Not Essential | Bonafide Urban Chick
2. Looks are Important But Not Essential: A little bit of expert work, and effort can make anyone look attractive. But what defines you is what dwells in your mind and heart. You're skills, your abilities and what you do for society is what defines you!

Girl Time is Important | Bonafide Urban Chick
3. Girl Time is Important: While it is important to work hard, focus on your studies and focus on your career, some pizza and dancing with your girls is something that helps open your heart and mind. It liberates you, makes you realize (if  you have forgotten) that you truly are amazing and a "total queen"!

Food is Good | Bonafide Urban Chick
4. Food is Good: Yes, being thin and having a sexy figure is important. I mean, we would all want to fit in the model size clothes, right? But, food is good girls! Eat well, eat right and eat what you love! And if you love the butters, creams and cakes, then also add exercise to your regimen! Simple!

Sometimes the Best Partner in Life is a Friend | Bonafide Urban Chick
5. Sometimes the Best Partner in Life is a Friend: Love is overrated darling. Yes, it is lovely to have someone to love you, pamper you and care for you. But who the heck said that it has to be a man? If you get a man to do this without compromising on your identity, then great. Otherwise that amazing friend who is always there for you, is a good partner too! Love is love because it simple is... love doesn't demand change!

Look sweetheart... you are amazing, and Grace Hart is like you, in some way or another. Love yourself, be yourself and have the guts to stand up for yourself! Through all that, I am with you! 

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