Breakthrough in Thailand: Elimination of Mother-to-Child HIV Transmission

HIV Advocates aims to share HIV-related news to people all over the world. Like many, it advocates dissemination of information and education to have a better understanding of HIV, including its consequences, and more importantly, how to survive with such. We are one with the many in rejoicing when a breakthrough has been achieved. Among others, one that we widely celebrated is the news that Thailand eliminated mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV. With more than half a million people in the country who have HIV, this is indeed good news. Even World Health Organization congratulated the country for this feat.

The HIV epidemic in Thailand started in the beginning of the 1990s.  In as early as 1988, however, the country has already registered its first case of HIV in a pregnant woman. In recent years, cases of MTCT were believed to be more than 20%. Its elimination, no wonder, has been welcomed news, especially by the WHO.

How exactly is Thailand able to eliminate MTCT? There are various ways, and one of such is the strengthening of maternal and child care policies. They have executed a national AIDS prevention measure and introduced anti-retroviral medicines. Through the latter, it has been asserted that the risk of transmitting HIV to children during pregnancy, breastfeeding, delivery, and labor is reduced to just a little over 1%, which is a significant improvement from the previous probability of 15 to 45%.

In 2000, based on the country’s statistical data, there are more than 1,000 children who had HIV. In 2015, it has been significantly reduced to 85. This is decrease of more than 90%, an achievement that is recognized by WHO. For mothers, on the other hand, in 2000, there are more than 15,000 of them who had HIV. By 2014, meanwhile, it has been reduced to 1,900. This is an 87% decrease. The government has provided equitable access to healthcare for both the rich and the poor, which is probably one of the reasons for the reduction of MTCT, or HIV cases in general.

Thailand is just one of the many countries that have been earlier validated by WHO for the elimination of MTCT of HIV. Other countries who share the same accomplishment include Armenia and Republic of Moldova. At HIV Advocates, just like many others, we hope that this is going to inspire other governments to be also proactive in their approach in fighting HIV and to develop robust policies to extend universal care to their citizens.

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Pamper your Skin with The Beauty Chef Formulas

“Our range of inner beauty elixirs boost hydration, improve collagen renewal, and increase antioxidant levels to fight free radical damage.”

Gourmet Skin Bar is home to the finest cosmetic and skin care brands, which use organic and cruelty-free ingredients. Quality products are only associated with high-end brands, and those tend to be heavy on the pocket. The brands featured at Gourmet Skin Bar are at par with the high-end products and are budget-friendly. One of the brands we are proud to stock is The Beauty Chef.

The Beauty Chef is the brainchild of Carla Oates, who has packed her 15 years of knowledge of natural beauty products and minerals into her line. Carla believes that beauty lies within, and inner cleanse is what brings out the natural glow and health on the outside. All the ingredients in Carla’s range are included based on this philosophy. The line of products at Beauty Chef include prebiotic and probiotic supplements, which are rich in skin-loving ingredients for a beautiful you.

     Carla is the author of the best selling book Feeding Your Skin, editor of Wellbeing Beauty Book and is the natural beauty columnist for Wellbeing Magazine. She is also the Goodwill Ambassador of Australian Organic. She also conducts Beauty Chef workshops in Sydney, guiding women on growing organic skin products in their gardens.

    So if you’re looking to start a cleansing regimen for your body, no need to go to the chemist and splurge on synthetic multi-vitamins. Inner Beauty Boosts and Powders by The Beauty Chef contain the same vitamins and minerals, in organic formulation - available exclusively in Hong Kong at Gourmet Skin Bar.

Given an Earthy Theme to your Kitchen with Bamboa Home

Bamboa Home is a unique retail boutique, as it houses products made exclusively from bamboo. Ecologically sustainable and economically feasible, Bamboa customers contribute to a greener, more people-friendly earth.

Bamboa Home offers a wide variety of products for domestic use or for decor. Bed linen, furniture, kitchen-wares and bathroom accessories are all made from real bamboo.

In Kitchen and Dining wares, Bamboa has complete dining sets for boys and girls and an assortment of bowls and dishes to serve food. Chopsticks in a variety of colours and prints are also available, and they add a pop of color to your tableware. Serving plates and fruit and snack bowls can also be used as kitchen decor items.

Current masterpiece on display is designed personally by Julia, CEO and Founder of Bamboa. The Fenetre Knife Holder is a smart, trendy kitchen accessory which can hide your knives, and keep them away from children. Julia has taken a conventional knife holder and given it a spin, using bamboo for its antibacterial properties. The dual colours in the shade of natural bark colors and the print give it a very earthy feel, and make it stand out in modern chrome-themed kitchens.

All profits are used for our Going Green initiative and for supporting various environmental projects., and all products are made by local craftsmen, who are financially supported through this venture.

Visit Bamboa store at PMQ and learn more about our products and projects.

Shop: S304, Tower A, 35 Aberdeen Street (PMQ) Central, Hong Kong

Shop Online:  http://www.bamboahome.com/

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NANNY Care First Infant Milk - Available for next day delivery in Hong Kong

Baby Central Hong Kong was created by two mothers to cater to the needs of the ever busy mothers. Supplies for kids require special attention, as there is no compromise on quality. With substandard and dupes available in the market, it is very important to find original products of brands. Baby supplies are not just limited to food, but also to clothes, diapers, baby carriers, books, toys, nursery furniture and training tools for eating. Baby Central is one smart hub for all your child’s accessories. Housing the best brands, all accessories for mother and children are available at Baby Central.

     Just last year mothers in Hong Kong were frantic for getting formula milk due to a severe shortage in the region. Other quality brands were selling milk at high prices, leaving mothers desperately looking for other options. With Baby Central, mothers need not worry about the search for quality formula milk. We are now stocking NANNYCARE UK First Infant Milk, which is a unique formula as it is derived from goat milk.

NANNYCARE Infant Milk is made from whole goat milk, and has been developed after 25 years of extensive research. Research has shown that goat milk is closest to mother’s milk, in comparison to cow milk, hence doctors now suggest milk formulas based on goat milk for mothers looking for substitute formulas. Nutritious and devoid of artificial ingredients, NANNYCare UK’s First Infant Milk is a good substitute for breastfeeding or combination feeding.

Baby Central also offers free next day delivery on products above $300, so you get the best products delivered to your doorstep. No need for mothers to visit different shops for different baby products - Baby Central is there so that you can spend quality time with your baby!

Shop Online: https://babycentral.com.hk/

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Hassle Free Yoga Sessions with Fitness Wear from A Day With Fe

A Day With Fe  is  a  boutique specialising in athleisure, activewear and yoga accessories. Also catering  to evening wear with their wraps, tunics and jumpsuits,  A Day With Fe ensures you look your finest wherever you go. Their activewear is made from sweat­ resistant performance and jersey fabrics, with trendy cuts to hug and support your body.

If  you  are  an   aspiring  female athlete  or  fitness aficionado,  you will agree that  a  comfortable sports bra makes a lot of difference while performing any fitness routine! Our Jour Sports Bra provides support to the bust and back, while also giving women the confidence to perform strenuous exercises without  being overtly  conscious.

The Jour Sports Bra is inspired by the gorgeous one-piece swimming suits that flatter your back. They offer maximum  comfort at a fraction of the cost.  The Jour Sports Bra is available in fabulous colours from Purple, Wine, Stormy Grey and Yellow. We recommend pairing it with their Luxe 3/4 leggings for maximum comfort and mobility. The Jour Sports Bra can also be worn with jeans as summer wear, to show off those toned abs and back you’ve been working on!

All products are in stock online and at A Day With Fe store at PMQ Hong Kong - your best option for quality fitness wear and accessories.

Shop: S502, Block A, 35 Aberdeen Street (PMQ) Central, Hong Kong

Shop Online:  http://adaywithfe.com/
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Superior Traction – Shop Our ToeSox Collection

T8 Fitness is a comprehensive online store which has been on the market for over five years, supplying thousands of customers with different and highly effective fitness accessories and solutions. The products brought to you by T8 fitness will properly complement your workouts and bring convenience to your training sessions. The accessories are going to provide you with additional benefits, qualities, and support which is incredibly important if you are to conduct a proper training session. With this in mind, we’d like to present you with our ToeSox collection that offers you a wide range of socks for all your Yoga, Pilates and Exercise needs.

Fitness has become more important over the last few years, as people become more concerned about their well-being. Yoga, Pilates and Dancing have become popular solutions to staying fit. However, the majority of routines would require you to be barefoot, and it is highly advisable that you use some sort of protection. This is why we’d like to bring to your attention our ToeSox collection of incredibly stylish, high-quality grip socks.

Yoga, Pilates and Dance Benefits

ToeSox are specifically designated to provide you with a lot of advantages in Dance, Pilates and more! When you dance or use a yoga/Pilates mat, the movements are going to require you to take sudden turns and stops. In order to do so, you need to introduce a source of traction on your feet. This is where the socks included in our ToeSox collection come into the picture. Specifically tailored for gripping smooth surfaces, Toesox will provide you with all the traction you need for your fitness routine.

They will provide your feet with the necessary protection in order to prevent injury and damage to your feet. They also keep your feet warm which is going to allow you to dance or perform footwork comfortably and help with flexibility.

ToeSox are a convenient solution at an affordable price that will lend a little boost of stylish attitude to your day!

Shop: http://www.t8fitness.com/
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The Importance of Getting an Assessment before Starting Pilates

It is always important to ensure that any exercise you do is appropriate and safe for you, regardless of age, health history or fitness level. One of the best ways to prepare for exercise, both physically and mentally, is checking whether you can safely perform increased physical activities. That is why when you sign up for Pilates and Gyrotonic Exercise at Iso Fit you must undergo a thorough assessment session first.

If you are getting started with Pilates and Gyrotonic exercise at Iso Fit for the first time, or you have been inactive for a long time, getting an assessment from your trainer will help to point out your strengths and weaknesses. During this time, you can also evaluate your postural alignment and determine the best program for your needs. If your trainer uncovers any underlying problems that may affect your ability to participate in some exercises, you will be able to get all this information and use it to figure out the best way forward for you.

The next step is evaluating and explaining anatomically what the client's body is doing and why. Pilates and Gyrotonic exercise at Iso Fit are designed to offer healthy structural alignment through functional activities. Basically, it has to do with improving the core stability, which is keeping the spine and pelvis in the appropriate position while the whole body or limbs are moving through space without any undesired compensations or distortions. Anyone who does not maintain the correct control of their core in any given movement, either through arching the back or excessively moving the pelvis is usually said to demonstrate a poor core stability.

During the assessment you will also be introduced to Pilates and how it works to improve the general posture of the body. It is true that pains and aches, as well as various other issues, can be traced to poor alignment. At Iso Fit,  you will be able to improve your postural muscles and also your health.

At the end of the assessment, clients can discuss with their Iso Fit trainer the best way to move forward, and to determine their fitness goals. Since every person is different, each client will have their own unique goals that they have to work towards. Book Your Assessment Now!  

Visit:  802-805, 8/F Yu Yuet Lai Building, 43-55 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong

Learn More:  http://isofit.com.hk/
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