Liver disease check-up camp held

Ludhiana: On the occasion of Cancer Awareness Week and concluded Republic Day, a new OPD block was inaugurated and a large specialist liver disease assessment and check-up camp was organised at Dr. J.S.Dhingra’s Gastro & Liver Clinic, Salem Tabri, Ludhiana.

About175 patients underwent free blood tests which included liver function, renal function, blood sugar, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C check. An advanced liver scan - Fibroscan was done for all and around 75 asymptomatic patients were found to have evidence of early liver dysfunction on screening scans.  

The objective of the camp was to check the general public for early liver disease in form of fatty liver, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C which increases the risk of morbid liver illness, cirrhosis and cancer. Free dietary counselling was done and patients were educated on role of lifestyle in liver disease. Free medicines were provided to all patients. Free vaccination for Hepatitis B was also done.

Dr Jasmeet Singh Dhingra told that the one of the rapidly increasing cause of liver disease in our country and especially in Punjab today is fatty liver due to increase in incidence of diabetes and obesity. This epidemic of diabesity is leading to many liver problems & liver cancer.  Other causes of liver illness like Alcohol and viral infections(Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C) are decreasing. 

While giving tips for a healthy liver and long life Dr.Jasmeet Singh Dhingra  said the following measures are essential:
1. Maintain ideal body weight as obesity can lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
2. Eat a balanced diet and avoid high calorie-meals, saturated fat, refined carbohydrates (such as white bread, white rice and regular pasta) and sugars. Good to consume are fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grain breads, rice and cereals, meat in limited amount, low fat dairy  and good fats (MUFA/ PUFA such as vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, and fish). 
3. Exercise regularly as it helps to burn triglycerides for fuel and can also reduce liver fat.
4. Avoid toxins/Alcoholic beverages  as they can damage or destroy liver cells and scar your liver.
5. Avoid the use of illicit drugs as sharing contaminated needles  increases  100 fold the risk of hepatitis C
6. Don’t share personal hygiene items like razors, toothbrushes and nail clippers as they can carry microscopic levels of blood or other body fluids that may be contaminated
7. Practice safe  sex as unprotected intercourse increases your risk of hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
8. Follow directions on all medications as when medicines are taken incorrectly by taking too much, the wrong type or by mixing medicines, your liver can be harmed. Tell your doctor about any over-the-counter medicines, supplements, and natural or herbal remedies that you use.
9. Get vaccinated. There are vaccines for hepatitis A and hepatitis B. Liver cancer ( due to Hep B) is one of the only preventable cancer if vaccination is done timely in early age.  Unfortunately, there’s no vaccine against the Hepatitis C, but with new and easily available oral drugs it is curable.