Think Liver; Think Life
That's the theme of the National Liver Foundation's annual liver awareness campaign and it's good advice.
It's not hard to keep your liver, the body's largest organ, healthy. It requires the same steps as keeping yourself generally healthy. For example:
* Drink alcohol in moderation, especially if you are a woman. One and a half cans of beer a day can cause liver problems in some women.
* Maintain a normal weight so you don't develop a fatty liver, which increases the risk of cirrhosis and liver failure.
* Don't smoke. Smoking is linked to liver cancer and it may increase the toxic effects of some medications.
* Never share a toothbrush or razor with anyone. These items can transmit hepatitis B or C through torn gum tissue or nicks in the skin.
* Only get tattoos and body piercings at licensed establishments that sterilize all instruments and sanitize workspaces between clients.
* Practice safer sex (including condom use) to protect yourself from hepatitis A and B.
* If you have ever been told that something is wrong with your liver, even if you have no symptoms at all, see a liver specialist, called a hepatologist.
* Avoid recreational drug use. Intravenous drugs are a common route for hepatitis B and C transmission. Never share needles.
* If you have ever experimented with intravenous drugs, even if it was years ago, see a liver specialist. Even serious liver damage can be asymptomatic.
When you love your liver and avoid risky business, the liver will serve you well for the rest of your life.