World Hepatitis Day 2016 is just around the corner! For this year, the World Health Organization (WHO) presents the first ever Global Elimination Strategy for Viral Hepatitis with the theme “Elimination” — and the goal to eradicate hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. ADRLF invites you to be part of this effort to support liver wellness across the globe!

To date, over 400 million people live with hepatitis. Add to that their families and loved ones who are at high risk for getting the disease.  With the support of the CDC, the WHO has set a strategic plan to achieve the amibitous but feasibale goal of eliminating hepatitis. The plan of action starts with increasing awareness about the different types of hepatitis and their risk factors, especially among susceptible groups including baby boomers. Second is to increase early interventions such as infant vaccinations against preventable liver diseases including hepatitis B. Third, among injected drug users, there needs to be specific measures to immediately detect hepatitis,  prevent infection, and reduce transmission of hepatitis B and C. Fourth, to reduce the risk of hepatitis infection among health care providers, proper screening of clinic processes is also needed. Fifth, to ensure proper care of high risk individuals, they should be provided with efficient health services, from an accurate screening to treatment and symptom management. Finally, to have a global support for this advocacy, individuals and organizations must work together.

ADRLF has high hopes for the WHO strategy to yield positive results,  particulalry in reducing mortality and increasing public awareness of this silent disease. This upcoming World Hepatitis Day on Thursday, July 28 offers our global community an ideal opportunity to learn, raise questions, and commit to this important cause.

Learn more about WHO’s Global Elimination Strategy here

Ready to commit? Participate in World Hepatisi Day activities here

This winter season, people across the globe celebrated World Cancer Day to raise awareness of the challenges and threats of cancer, which claims about 8.2 million lives each year; and sends countless millions of others into combat mode. In one way or another — given that it does not discriminate — on a global level, cancer has affected our lives, our communities, our loved ones, our co-workers — and even those idolize. To the millions of his devoted music fans — from glamrock to pop to disco — musician extraordinaire David Bowie and his recent death due to liver cancer tops the list. But what is liver cancer, why have some people succumbed to it rather quickly – like our dear friend Al D. Rodriguez? And what are the risks factors and options for liver cancer treatment? Let’s take a quick look.

David Bowie’s recent death has raised liver cancer awareness. (Photo Credit: Adam Bielawski/Wikimedia Commons)

The liver is a football-sized organ that is responsible for several vital functions in our body including filtering blood in circulation from toxins and chemicals, and breaking down nutrients for easy absorption in our bloodstream. However, exposure to certain chronic infections like hepatitis, and having risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, alcohol abuse, and having a fatty liver can each lead to liver damage that may eventually result in liver cancer. In fact, most people diagnosed with liver cancer are found to have cirrhosis – a scarring of the liver usually caused by excessive alcohol intake.

Some cases of liver cancer are caused by the hepatitis virus, which may infect someone for decades without showing any visible signs or symptoms; in this scenario – as was the case of Al D.  – by the time affected person learns of the condition, the liver cancer is often already at an irreversible, late stage.

It is important to understand the risk factors to prevent liver cancer. For people who have history of injecting drugs and blood transfusion, for example, it is important be screened for possible hepatitis infection. Those from the baby boomer generation — born from 1945 through 1965 – are also encouraged to be tested for hepatitis C. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, limiting alcohol and maintaining a healthy weight are also important to prevent not only liver cancer, but also other types as well.

Liver cancer treatment may vary depending on the affected person’s health and stage of the disease.

Surgical options include liver transplant and partial hepatectomy or removal of liver cancer. Chemotherapy, radiation and targeted drugs are also available.  While there are always exceptions and positive cases that can be identified, the relative 5-year survival rate is projected at being rather low at 15% for many liver cancer patients. This rate greatly improves after surgical removal of the cancer itself, or a liver transplant. Therefore, healthcare quality, options and choices all impact the greater story.

All that said, awareness, education and prevention remain the best tools in the fight against liver cancer.  And as a new season approaches, ADRLF asks you to keep that on your wellness radar!

To learn more, click here

Beetroot is one of those versatile ingredients that you can slice and drop in a classic soup, roast or bake with olive oil, or toss in the blender for a refreshing smoothie. This earthy vegetable has been known to have health benefits including lowering blood sugar – but did you know that it is also rich in antioxidants that promote liver health?

Try beetroots to give your diet a liver-friendly flavor! (Photo credit: Flickr/Creative Commons; Tracy Benjamin)

Beetroots are deep-purple taproots of the beet plant. Also called the table beet, red/golden beet, or borscht, beetroots are often found in Eastern European cuisine; and in fact, they are culturally significant to Eastern and Central European cuisine. As well, they’re specially prepared as a common side dish in Indian cuisine. While the taproot portion is known for its distinctive color and sweet flavor, the beet plant leaves, which are very similar to spinach and chard, are also used in cooking for its high nutritional value. In fact, since the Middle Ages, this taproot has long-held medicinal value.

In liver health, beetroots are among the most effective natural detoxifiers. They contain pectin, glutathione and betaine that support liver function, particularly eliminating toxins. The fiber pectin and betalain pigments in beets help the liver filter and flush out chemicals from the body. Beetroot is also high in glutamine, an important amino acid that regulates the acid-base ratio of the body, and removes toxic waste products. These antioxidant properties stimulate rejuvenation of the liver cells. Beetroot also offers anti-Inflammatory benefits. In addition, it is rich in nutrients such as iron, betacyanin and folate.

Today, beetroots are primarily produced in the USA, Poland, Germany and France. To select fresh and high quality beetroots, make sure that the taproot is smooth and firm, with a vibrant red or purple color. Avoid those that are wrinkled and dull. Also, while beets are available year round, the sweetest beetroots are produced in its peak season around June to October. Eating raw beetroots or drinking beet juice is believed to be the best way to get maximum health benefits.

With these multiple liver and general health benefits, make sure to include beetroots in your diet.

Click here for some popular recipes.

Our much anticipated new year, 2016, started on a rather sad note with the passing of beloved music icons, David Bowie and Natalie Cole, who both suffered from liver diseases. As the world mourns this loss, ADRLF takes a closer look at hepatitis C — and why it is called a “silent killer” for a reason.

Natalie Cole’s battle with hepatitis inspired awareness of this silent but deadly disease. (Photo Credit: Flickr/Creative Commons/dbking)

After being diagnosed with hepatitis C in 2008 and decidedly wanting to make a difference by raising awareness, Natalie Cole opened up about her health struggles with this liver disease, which she acquired from her previous use of intravenous drugs. She underwent heavy interferon treatment which caused stress and fatigue. While coping with the side-effects of heavy hepatitis C treatment, Cole developed serious kidney failure that necessitated regular dialysis, and ultimately a kidney transplant in 2009.

Hepatitis C affects around 150 million people worldwide, accounting for an estimated 500, 000 deaths each year. In the US alone, over 2000,000 new cases are diagnosed each year.

This blood-borne virus is commonly transmitted through unsanitary sharing of needles and syringes, and unscreened blood transfusion. It can also be sexually transmitted; and an infected pregnant woman can pass it to her child.

One of the challenges in diagnosing hepatitis C is that most infected people do not exhibit any symptom for years. Ms. Cole, for example, had been off of intravenous drugs for over 25 years when she was diagnosed with hepatitis C.

There are no vaccines for hepatitis C, but oral treatment is now available at high costs. Antiviral medicine treats about 90% of people with hepatitis, significantly reducing the risk of developing liver cancer.

Testing remains the best and most affordable tool against hepatitis C. The CDC highly recommends hepatitis C screening for people with increased risks including those from the baby boomer generation (born between 1945-1965); people with a history of injected drug use; those who have had organ transplants, blood transfusion, and/or hemodialysis treatment; children born to mothers with hepatitis C; and people with HIV or other symptoms of liver disease such as jaundice and abnormal liver enzyme levels.

Taking a cue from Natalie Cole’s courageous battle against hepatitis C, ADRLF shares this unforgettable reminder: Screen. Vaccinate. Don’t hesitate.

Click here to know more about the World Health Organization key recommendations on hepatitis C treatment For health professionals, click here to learn more about hepatitis C management

The excitement and pressures of the hectic holiday season can add stress to our daily routine – including skipping meals, overindulging in candy and alcohol, and forgetting medications. Increased stress levels not only dampen the holiday spirit but also affect liver health — especially of those who are suffering from liver diseases like hepatitis. As a holiday gesture, ADRLF shares some useful tips to help you manage holiday stress and make the most of this joyful season.

Managing your diet over the holidays

From savory items to desserts, holiday feasts usually feature a delectable array of foods, which often happen to be high in fat and cholesterol. Socializing over the holidays often includes alcohol.  But you don’t have to be such a scrooge and miss out on these holiday offerings to stay healthy. Eat smart by filling your plate first with generous servings of healthy choices such as lean meat, greens and whole grains, and then sampling smaller portions of other treats. Explore non-alcoholic beverages and fortify your liver with anti-oxidant-rich drinks such as green tea and milk thistle. Also, keep a regular eating schedule to avoid overeating. Even when doing last minute holiday shopping, make sure not to skip meals.

Managing Your Medications over the holidays

Staying on course with your medication can be very challenging during the holidays. However, it is very important to keep track of your drug intake — whether they’re prescribed medications or vitamins and supplements — to ensure a healthy and well-functioning liver. When misused, medications can actually do more harm than good.

Children and older adults face higher health risks, if they miss a dose or more of medication. Elderly people, in particular, have a lower capacity to process medicine, and may have adverse reactions to drug intake changes. Read and understand the dosage and schedule instructions of your medications. And do not hesitate to contact your doctor if you have any concerns — including questions on alcohol intake.

With holiday parties abound, note that mixing alcohol and medicine can be dangerous, so caution is advised.

With the hustle and bustle of the holiday, make sure to set phone alarms for each medication. For more information, check out this helpful guide.

Wishing you a bright and wonderful holiday season from ADLRF!