Shanti | The L.I.F.E. Program

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a cofactor?
A cofactor is anything that affects your immune system and, ultimately, disease progression. The L.I.F.E. Program focuses on both internal (psychological) and external (social) cofactors, such as coping skills, doctor/patient relationships, grief and depression, nutrition and exercise, self-assertiveness, survival stress and life goals.

How does a psychological issue influence the immune system?
Just a few decades ago, science believed that the immune system functioned independently of other body processes. We now know that a change in your mental or emotional health can have direct effects on your nervous system, which in turn influences the overall functioning of your immune system, including certain white cell counts and the production of various immune-related hormones and messenger molecules.

Does the L.I.F.E. Program replace my medical care or medication?
Absolutely not. The L.I.F.E. Program is designed to complement and augment your primary medical care. We believe the best treatment for HIV infection is a combination of (1) quality medical care, including antiretroviral medicine when appropriate, and (2) immune-enhancing psychological and behavioral habits.

Will my immune system be harmed if I perform poorly on a cofactor for a few days?
No. The effects of cofactors on immunity—either negative or positive—are long-term effects and require weeks or months to have a significant impact. Survival-related stress, for example, can take many months of unrelenting experience before it begins to wear down the immune system.

How strong is the medical research that supports the L.I.F.E. Program?
L.I.F.E. is based on over three decades of scientific research in medicine and health, especially the field of psycho-neuro-immunology (PNI). PNI is part of a broader medical field called mind/body medicine. Hundreds of studies have demonstrated that psychosocial forces can influence immune function in people living with HIV/AIDS, making a potential difference in symptom onset, rate of disease progression, and survival time.

How can I find more websites about mind/body medicine and HIV disease?
Click here.

What if my medical provider has a question or concern about my participation in the L.I.F.E. Program?
We believe that physicians and other health-care providers should be aware of your interest or participation in our program. Please encourage him or her to visit our For Health Professionals area, on this website.

How does the L.I.F.E. Program stay on top of the latest, recent research?
L.I.F.E. staff frequently review the current published literature on HIV-related immunology and psychology, and save relevant articles in a digital archive using Biblioscape software. Additionally, the L.I.F.E. Program is guided by a Scientific Advisory Board composed of physicians and health researchers from various medical schools and research institutes. For a list of our Scientific Advisory Board members, please click here.

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Client Testimonials

"My partner died two years ago, and since that time all I thought about was life without him. I was full of anger and pain. I began drinking heavily and forgot about taking my pills. My L.I.F.E. counselor helped me to see that there were possibilities beyond my life with John. Today, I am clean and sober and my viral load is undetectable! I miss John, but I know that I can move forward with my new life."
— Mario