MCC Daily Tribune
Hepatitis Awareness Month
Hepatitis Awareness Month is designated in May to raise and spread awareness about hepatitis. Agencies across the country work to promote the importance of hepatitis vaccination and its effective care and treatment, and raise awareness about the consequences of it if it goes untreated. Hepatitis is liver inflammation. Heavy use of alcohol, toxins, some drugs, as well as viral and bacterial infections can lead to hepatitis. In the U.S., the most common forms of hepatitis include viral hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.
HOW TO OBSERVE HEPATITIS AWARENESS MONTH
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Take part in community walks
The American Liver Foundation organizes many awareness events throughout the U.S. Two such famous events are the Liver Life Walk and Liver Life Challenge. Participate in them to show your support. -
Volunteer at a local health center
There are always organizations that need help in spreading their reach, in administration as well as in practical jobs like transportation and meal distribution. You can volunteer and do your bit. -
Spread awareness on social media
Use your social media to spread awareness about hepatitis. Repost links and articles on your feeds. Use the hashtags #HepTestingDay, #HepAware, and #HepatitisAwarenessMonth.
5 FACTS ABOUT HEPATITIS THAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
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Hepatitis isn’t necessarily related to bad habits
Of the five hepatitis viruses, some spread through contaminated water or food, type B is spread through body fluids and type C is spread only through blood. -
Hepatitis can lead to cancer
If not treated properly, inflammation due to chronic hepatitis can cause cell damage and can even lead to liver cancer. -
Pregnant women should be tested
Pregnant mothers are the most common cause of transmission of hepatitis B globally so pregnant women should be tested for the virus. -
Alcohol makes it worse
For both hepatitis B and C, alcohol worsens the scarring of the liver and aids in its faster progression. -
Hepatitis is not genetic
Hepatitis is not inherited, however, type B can be transmitted from a mother to her baby.
WHY HEPATITIS AWARENESS MONTH IS SIGNIFICANT
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It spreads awareness about hepatitis
It sheds light on the importance of awareness about hepatitis and its proper vaccination. It also spreads the word about the latest research and developments. -
Dismissing the social stigma
Many people have the wrong idea about hepatitis. Hepatitis Awareness Month aims to dismiss all negative social stigma surrounding hepatitis. -
It notifies the public about treatment
This month aims to let people know about the various care and treatment options available for all the hepatitis forms. Many people still aren’t fully aware of how to manage this disease.
Hepatitis Awareness Month - National Today
Sarah Benedict
MCC Wellness Council
05/23/2023