Are you concerned about the possible state of your liver? Or, maybe you might just like a check up on this vital bodily organ?
If so, an event outside the European Parliament in Brussels all this week is just for you.
It has been organized by European Liver Patients’ Association which represents some 39 related bodies from 29 European countries and gives people the chance to have what might be, in some cases, a life-saving liver test.
A liver testing “village” includes a mobile liver screening unit. There are also facilities for hepatitis testing and advice and guidance on diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer prevention.
The liver is an essential organ of the body performing over 500 vital functions,including removing toxins from the blood and regulating blood clotting.
Speaking at the site on Tuesday, Marko Korenjak, the Association’s president, told this site that about 500 people are expected to be tested during the week.
On June 3 it is available on the parliament’s esplanade from 9am to 3pm,June 4 from 9am to 5pm and ends on Friday from 9am to 1pm.
Each participant is, after the simple ultrasound examination is finished, immediately given a “scorecard” showing the results. A CAP score which is below 235 dB/m means no or little fat, 235-290 dB/m means some fat and above 290 dB/m means fatty liver disease.
Patients are also tested to establish their fibrosis grade.
Korenjak said, “It is vital people have a test because early diagnosis of a problem is so important.”
This is the 4th year the Association has organised the testing at the parliament but the first time it’s been in June (in the past it was in the autumn) to coincide with “Fatty Liver Awareness Month.”
Swedish national Tove Frisch, who is among the volunteers manning the village this week, added, “Liver disease is preventable and it can be effectively detected and treated with early diagnosis.”
“Liver disease is often silent but early detection can save lives.”
The “Liver Disease Prevention Village” is located on the expansive concourse overlooking Place Luxembourg and the tests, which take just a few minutes, are completely free of charge.
The idea is to give the public peace of mind about the state of their liver and catch serious cases before it is too late.
Anyone found to have liver cirrhosis (or even cancer) will need an urgent transplantation.
The key message is: Lack of physical activity, an unhealthy diet, obesity and tobacco use increase the risk of liver disease.
The risk of cirrhosis increases with alcohol consumption and Richard, who’d travelled from his home in the south of England, to man the screening unit, said, “If you do drink it is best to allow a couple of consecutive days without any alcohol. That gives the liver a chance to recover.”
The liver “village” includes a mobile liver screening unit. There are also facilities for hepatitis testing and advice and guidance on diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer prevention.
An event timed to coincide with the initiative will be held in the parliament on 3 June.
Further info: www.elpa.eu
