January – Is Love Your LiverAwareness Month
January is love your liver awareness month and is highlighted by the British Liver Trust, a leading UK charity that works to raise awareness of liver-disease.
Sadly, in the UK liver disease is on the rise and 3 main factors that affect the health of your liver are, alcohol consumption, diet, and viral hepatitis.
“One in three of us are at risk of getting liver disease. It is a silent killer and people often don’t realise they have a problem until it is too late”, Pamela Healy, CEO British Liver Trust.
At Steps Together, we know how important this is and launched a service along with RHH Medical called Livercare.
It is a new innovative Liver Scanning Service to help you understand the health of your liver.
Alcohol-Related Liver Disease (ARLD)
Alcohol-Related Liver Disease, otherwise known as ARLD, is caused by drinking too much alcohol and can build up over many years. It severely impacts your liver causing it to deteriorate which can have a deadly effect. It is a common medical issue for those suffering from alcohol addiction or alcohol abuse and those suffering from its symptoms should look to seek help as soon as possible.
What Are The Symptoms of ARLD?
- Weight loss
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Swelling of the tummy.
Who Is At Risk Of ARLD?
If you drink more than 14 units of alcohol a week, then you significantly increase your chances of being impacted by ARLD. 14 units of alcohol a week is equivalent to approximately 5 pints of beer or 4 large glasses of wine.
With the on-going stresses of lockdown, there has been an increase in people turning to alcohol. If you are concerned about yours or someone else’s drinking and would like to find out more about taking care of your Liver, visit our LIVERCARE page.
