A breast-feeding woman, and a person working hard or sweating a lot in a hot environment, will need extra water. Thirst is a good
guide. If you are thirsty, you need to take more fluid. Alcohol takes water from the body rather than adding water, so is not a good
source of fluid. Many families have someone who has HIV. It is important for them to eat well when healthy and before they have
any symptoms. Eating wisely can help them to stay healthy longer. If a person is losing weight, then eating more food and eating
more often during the day may reduce weight loss.
Knowledge about what foods to eat is not enough. The food people eat is affected by their access to foods as well as their customs
and beliefs. Check that any suggestions you give are acceptable and can be carried out. Food is needed for energy, to build and repair,
to protect and to keep the body functioning. We need a variety of foods. The amount to eat and how often to eat depends on individual
needs.
All pregnant women need to eat wisely for their health and for the baby's health. A well-nourished person has a stronger body to
fight infection and to cope with HIV and fighting additional infections. Nutritional care (through preparing food safely and eating
a well-balanced meal) and support can improve the quality of life for a person living with HIV/Aids.
DISCUSSION
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First discuss the need to eat wisely because of HIV status. Ask the group why they think it is important to eat wisely.
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Discuss the effect of HIV/Aids on nutritional needs. Ask the group how they think being HIV+ affects one's nutritional needs.
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Introduce a discussion on how the members try to stay healthy. What could they do to be healthier?
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Use the background above to help you facilitate the conversation.
Hand out an HIV/Aids information booklet to every group member.
ASSESSMENT
At the end of the session, recap the important core concepts. Ask the group if they have any questions. Assess if they know the
following: the difference between HIV and Aids, the concept and importance of CD4 counts, transmission of HIV and why good nutrition
is important. Ask the group to explain some of the concepts to one another to see if they fully understand. Be sure they understand
the importance of staying healthy.
APPLICATION IN PRACTICE
Ask the group members to discuss something they have learnt in this session with a friend or family member that they have disclosed
to. Ask the group to try and keep track of what they eat this week, and think about how they could change their diet or lifestyle to
become healthier.
CLOSURE
Discuss the way forward and preparation for the next session. Next week's session addresses disclosure issues. Discuss their child's
group session. In the group session for the children, they got to know each other better and they played games that enhance trust.
CHILDREN'S HOMEWORK
No homework was given in the children's group. Talk to your child about the other children in the group and their experiences of the
group.
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Children
The KGOLO-MMOGO PROJECT