BEHIV's 2nd Annual “Bar Day”

Better Existence with HIV (BEHIV) will host a number of events in the afternoon on Sunday, September 7 to benefit its Massage Therapy program. The event, its 2nd Annual “Bar Day” at bars in Andersonville and Edgewater, will include activities such as raffle drawings and drink/shot specials at the different establishments. Participating bars/start, include: @mosphere-3:00pm Glemwood-3:00pm Ravenswood Pub- 11:00am Touché- 5:00pm Big Chicks- 2:00pm Jackhammer- 2:00pm SoFo- 12:00pm Stargaze-This will be the ending party which will start at 5:30pm. Karaoke will start at 6:00pm. In recognition of BEHIV’s Bar Day event, La Cocina de Frida will give a percentage of their brunch sales to BEHIV’s Massage Therapy program on Sunday, September 7, 2008 “ 30% of people with HIV suffer from neuropathy. The pain, which can include burning feet, tingling hands and numb toes, is often so bad that sufferers scramble to piece together scant relief from topical creams and pills, ” says BEHIV Executive Director Eric Nelson. “ Some neuropathy is caused by the virus itself, while other cases are from HIV medication side effects. " “ Massage therapy is a restorative health option for individuals dealing with neuropathy. It helps alleviate neuropathy pain and discomfort, eases mental and emotional stress and depression, boosts immune system function and increases T-cells. ” Because BEHIV does not charge for its massage services, individuals who lack financial resources are still able to receive the benefits of this vital program. Despite the benefits of massage therapy for people living with HIV/AIDS, federal funding for massage therapy has been eliminated. However, BEHIV is committed to continue providing this very important service. Annually BEHIV provides: - Case management, mental health counseling, art therapy and massage therapy services to 300 individuals who need a lifeline to lifesaving services housing for 190 men, women and children who would otherwise be homeless - 1,000 free and confidential HIV and STI tests - Education to over 12,000 of young people on how to protect themselves from HIV For more information, contact Rita Lewis at 847.475.2115 extension 114 or ritalewis@behiv.org