News
People of Tenby– love your liver!
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
Community
Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity
THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.
Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.
The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.
Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.
Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.
(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)
Business
Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure
PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.
The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.
The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.
A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”
Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.
Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.
From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.
Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.
(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend
ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.
In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”
Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.
Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.
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