According to the WHO, Hepatitis B is considered to be the most common cause of liver-related deaths in the Philippines. The country struggles with an estimated 16% prevalence rate of this deadly disease—which totals to more than 17 million Filipinos who have chronic and deadly liver diseases.
To add, the same source estimates that around 1 out of 10 Filipinos are carriers of Hepatitis B and other liver diseases, but most of them may not be aware of it until it’s too late. Get to know some of these easy health tips that can help you reduce your risk today.
- Get vaccinated – Babies should receive their first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth and complete it. Any adult who wants to be vaccinated should talk to a health professional to get the vaccine series.
- Stay lean – Exercise daily and fortify your diet with ingredients rich in fiber, protein (fish), nuts, and vegetables so you can maintain a healthy weight. Obesity can lead to fatty liver disease so it is important to practice portion control if you plan on losing some of those extra pounds.
- Do not use illegal substances – consuming illicit drugs can cause liver damage.
- Avoid drinking too much – Alcohol intake destroys your liver since it attacks your liver cells which can potentially lead to irreparable scarring. Limit indulging in alcoholic beverages or completely eliminate it from your diet if you have already been diagnosed or is at risk of developing kidney disease.
- Do not share needles – This covers all forms of pricking and not just in a medical setting. Getting body piercings and tattoos in unsanitary areas that uses contaminated needles may put you at risk of getting hepatitis.
- Get tested – Undiagnosed hepatitis infections can lead to chronic liver complications and even cancer. Blood tests can determine if you are a carrier of the virus. Your doctor may request for a liver ultrasound to plan the right treatment plan for you.
- Stay protected – Having multiple partners and engaging in unprotected sexual intercourse increases your risk levels.
- Be hygienic – Always keep your space clean and free from harmful toxins which may potentially harm your health. Sharing of personal hygiene items such as razors and toothbrushes transports bodily fluids that can make you very ill.
There is no sure way to avoid getting sick, but living a healthy lifestyle is a good way to start. Ask your doctor today on how you can start monitoring your liver health, most especially if you have family members who were diagnosed with similar diseases in the past.
General disclaimer
Your doctor will always be in the best position to give the appropriate medical advice for your condition. For suspected undesirable drug reaction, seek medical attention immediately and report to the FDA at www.fda.gov.ph and UNILAB, Inc. at 8-UNILAB-1 or productsafety@unilab.com.ph. Always buy your medicine from your trusted drugstores and retailers.
Sources:
https://www.hepb.org/prevention-and-diagnosis/vaccination/guidelines-2/
https://liverfoundation.org/13-ways-to-a-healthy-liver/
https://nkti.gov.ph/index.php/liver-center
https://hsp.org.ph/fat-in-your-liver-can-be-bad.php
https://today.mims.com/liver-cancer-in-the-philippines--a-silent-epidemic
https://www.who.int/philippines/news/commentaries/detail/ph-must-act-to-eliminate-hepatitis
