RESIDENTS of Tenby are being urged to find out how to Love their Liver this World Hepatitis Day.

Health professionals will be in Tudor Square on Tuesday 28 July educating people about their liver and how they can keep it healthy. The event is taking place to mark World Hepatitis Day

Dr Ian Rees, Consultant Gastroenterologist at Hywel Dda University Health Board said: “You may not hear much about it but your liver is your largest organ and is amazing as it has over 500 different roles in the body!

“If you do think about your liver you may think about alcohol. Breaking down the poisons and toxins in your body like alcohol is one job your liver does but there are many more.

“There are also two other major risk factors which can affect the health of your liver – hepatitis and obesity.”

“Across Wales the numbers of people with Hepatitis C has increased, so we are helping to raise awareness about this blood borne virus. This year the World Hepatitis Day campaign focuses on prevention. Every single day people are newly infected with hepatitis C yet viral hepatitis is entirely preventable.

“Hepatitis C is a blood borne virus and by taking some simple steps for example by not sharing needles, you can dramatically reduce your risk of getting it.”

Janice Rees of Hywel Dda University Health Board’s Blood Borne Virus team said: “With liver damage and Hepatitis C many people may have no specific symptoms as symptoms are often blamed on other things.

“Hepatitis C is an important cause of liver disease which can be prevented by taking simple precautions. Even a tiny amount of dried blood – too small to be visible to the naked eye – is enough to pass on the infection if it gets into your blood stream. So on Tuesday, to mark World Hepatitis Day, we will be talking to people about this disease, how they can get tested and what they can do to prevent getting it which includes not sharing personal items such as razors, nail scissors and toothbrushes or any drug paraphernalia.”

“There is treatment but this is more effective if the disease is detected early so if you think you may be at risk come along and have a chat with us on Tuesday or give us a call on 01437 773125 or 07899 915835”

Teresa Owen, Director of Public Health for the Hywel Dda University Health Board, added: “There are many easy ways to Love Your Liver. Being overweight and not doing enough exercise can also damage your liver. Try to get 30 minutes of exercise into your day by making it part of your daily routine -like taking the stairs instead of the lift or taking a lunchtime walk; and take a look at your diet and make one healthy change. Every little really can help, as small changes can turn into big changes over time.

“Another simple step you can take is to have two alcohol free days a week. Your liver works really hard, so come along to the event and find out how to keep you liver healthy and show it some love.”

The Love Your Liver stand will be at Tudor Square, Tenby town centre, from 10am to 4pm on Tuesday (Jul 28), if you are unable to visit the stand but want more information go to www.loveyourliver.org.uk