There is another kind of ‘Octoberfest’ being celebrated each year, apart from the widely held German tradition. This celebration embraces liver health in recognition of its vital role in our general well-being — October is Liver Awareness Month.
Why celebrate liver awareness at all?
Passing along an important reminder. Photo Credit: American Liver Foundation.
As the largest gland in the body, the liver is responsible for fundamental functions from processing the nutrients from our food and liquid intake, to detoxifying toxins and regulating our blood composition.
As basic as these liver functions are, it is alarming that many of our daily activities pose great threats to the liver. Poor diet, drinking alcohol, and taking too much or incorrect medication cause liver damage that may lead to more serious conditions such as cirrhosis and liver cancer. To make matters worse, contagious liver-damaging diseases such as hepatitis B affect many people who are unaware of their infection.
What happens when the liver doesn’t work right?
Liver damage causes health problems that could lead to serious diseases, including cancer. At its early stage, liver damage could cause itchy skin, digestive and abdominal changes, and general weakness of the body, disrupting our daily routines. Liver dysfunction due to hepatitis, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, or alcoholic liver disease have more severe and deadly impact.
So this October, let’s feast on liver-loving activities to promote proper diet, responsible lifestyle, and a healthy liver. ADRLF invites you to engage with our mission and take part in these exciting events along with your family and friends!
Join liver health organizations near you – click here
Discover Liver Awareness Month activities near you – click here
Sign-up for a “Liver Walk” near you – click here
Inform loved ones on how to take care of their liver with these short clips
Check your liver health with a quick test here
Donate blood during Liver Awareness Month with Red Cross here
