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HIV,
AIDS AND ISLAM
Islam is a religion that is very close to
human nature. It appreciates the powerful sexual desires that humans have.
Therefore, it encourages that these desires be fulfilled, and advocates and
encourages marriage, so that through marriage sexual desires can be
fulfilled. Like other heavenly religions, Islam provides us with a moral
code for sexual enjoyment. Islam also prohibits the use of substances which
may impair the senses. Therefore, the use of narcotics such as heroin and
alcohol is strictly prohibited.
However, we must recognize that people engage in sexual activities before
marriage, and there are also people having extra-marital sex. Islam means
the submission or surrender of one’s will to Allah, and therefore, it
follows that a Muslim should not be realistic and must face the fact that
not all of us follow our religion fully.
Sexual practices that may not be allowed by our religion do nevertheless
exist. Therefore, there is the need to accept reality and develop HIV and
AIDS educational programs for all our communities. These programs must
emphasize Islamic moral values, but should also inform people about methods
of protection from this life threatening illness.
Some Muslims may think that HIV and AIDS are not issues for the community.
The reality is that HIV and AIDS are major issues in many Muslim countries.
It is therefore becoming extremely important that we accept that we are
equally vulnerable to HIV and AIDS. Given the increase in HIV infection
globally, it is more important than ever that we discuss HIV and AIDS
openly.
By Abdul Kayum Ahmed and Fahmeeda Miller
VITAMIN C TO TO HELP
PROTECT SKIN
One way to protect
skin from ultra-violet rays is to wear sunscreen if outside during the day.
However, a new study by scientists at the University of Leicester in the UK
learned that vitamin C may be an important component in helping to prevent
skin problems.
According to the results, vitamin C helped wounds to heal more quickly and
to protect against DNA damage to skin cells. It may also help slow the
ageing process, making this important news to individuals in the cosmetics
industry.
...more
Article copied from Better Health Research Website with thanks
CUCUMBER BENEFITS
A GUARANTOR FOR
GOOD SKIN
...more
Article copied from Hair & Skin Care Website with thanks
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In this issue:
• HIV, AIDS and Islam
• Understanding Innate Immunity & HIV
• Vitamin C to Help Protect Skin
• Cucumber Benefits for Good Skin
• Know Your Temperament |
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UNDERSTANDING INNATE IMMUNITY & HIV
What
role do innate immune responses play in defending against HIV infection?
By Regina McEnery -
December 2008
Humans
are repeatedly exposed to various pathogens, including viruses and bacteria.
The body defends itself against these pathogens using a complex network of
cells, tissues, and organs, which together form the human immune system (see
VAX July 2008 Special Issue, Understanding the Immune System and AIDS
Vaccine Strategies). There are two branches of the immune system, innate and
adaptive, that play a critical role in eliminating invading pathogens.
The innate immune system is the first line of defense against viruses and
bacteria. The cells of the innate immune system both detect the invading
virus and try to control or eliminate it. Dendritic cells and macrophages
are among the most important in recognizing invading viruses like HIV and
are found in mucosal tissues, as well as at other sites. These cells are
like the body's 24-hour security force and are constantly patrolling for
foreign invaders. Once they come in contact with viruses, they grab hold of
the warring particles with the help of finger-like projections. The
dendritic cells then cut the virus into small fragments called epitopes that
are displayed on the cell's surface. When these dendritic cells travel to
the lymph nodes, which are the communication hubs of the immune system, the
HIV fragments on their surfaces act as warning flags, alerting other immune
cells of the invading virus.
Innate immune responses are activated soon after an infection occurs but
they are not specific, so whether the enemy is a cold virus or HIV, the
innate immune system responds in the same way. If the innate immune response
is not capable of eliminating the virus or bacteria, or if these responses
are evaded by the pathogen, the adaptive branch of the immune system kicks
in. The adaptive immune responses, which include cellular immune responses
(CD4+ and CD8+ T cells) and antibodies (Y-shaped proteins that work
primarily by latching onto viruses and preventing them from infecting their
target cells), are pathogen-specific and therefore take longer to become
activated -- typically several days.
...more
Article copied from "The Body" website with thanks
EFFICACIOUS FOR VAGINAL ENLARGEMENT |
