Hepatitis C Awareness True Prosperity is Good Health
“It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.” Mahatma Gandhi
Most of the greatest events in world history have been those where a group of individuals became aware of the plight of others. This is true in many areas where people need to be free. We all want freedom from suffering, prejudice, enslavement, social injustice, and freedom from the hardship that comes with disease. Enjoying health is an important part of the prosperity that we can benefit from throughout our lives. Gandhi said, “It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.” But freedom can only come when people are aware that there are those who suffer health limitations. This truth is evident today with the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV).
The Hepatitis C Virus has come to the national forefront in recent years. This is largely due to the fact that millions of Baby Boomers have been living with what is called a silent disease. There are usually no symptoms until the liver begins to decompensate. The virus lurks, silently inflaming the liver until it breaks down. Once cirrhosis begins, there is no way of knowing how rapidly the damage will spread in the liver. For the individuals infected, the health that they thought was a birthright is no longer theirs. Sadly, for Baby Boomers it hits just as they were ready to enjoy retirement with the prosperity they had worked for all of their lives.
Many advocates are aware of HCV and have risen to the task of aiding in the support of those who have been diagnosed. Numerous websites share information for all aspects of the disease. Medical clinics are devoted to caring for those who are sick. Research scientists and doctors have spent their entire careers researching for new ways to test for and treat HCV. Insurance companies and private endowments collaborate with specialty pharmacies to make medication available to everyone. Families and friends lovingly give their support to those who are ill. The network is large and growing daily. But the number of advocates does not match the number of those who are infected, treating, or living with the results of HCV.
The Center for Disease Control declared the Month of May is National Hepatitis C Month in 2012. They estimate that approximately 3 million people are infected with the virus. HCV has now surpassed HIV as the cause of death. Due to lack on testing in the past, many people have died from liver related ailments and not even known that the source was HCV. Today, there is a simple test that will reveal if a person is infected. There is a known cure on the market, with more being released as quickly as the pharmaceutical companies get a safety pass from the Food and Drug Administration.
Hepatitis C Awareness Month puts the spotlight on testing. Early detection can allow individuals to take advantage of treatment options before there is severe damage to the liver. This reduces the chance of liver cirrhosis and in turn gives individuals the freedom to enjoy a life that is Hep C free. A diagnosis of HCV is a major life changing event in our lives. Change can be good, but it is never easy. There are many ways that you can join in making change possible for those with Hepatitis C and the number one way is to encourage testing. Once diagnosis is made, then the real freedom begins. It may not seem like freedom at first, but with the various treatments being released, along with education and support, a new life can begin – One that will be Hepatitis C free.
Many diseases have been wiped out in my lifetime. I look for Hepatitis C to be next. Lucinda Porter gives many ideas about how to create more awareness on her website. She has been an advocate for many years and speaks of looking forward to the day when we won’t have to promote awareness for Hepatitis C. That will be a wonderful day. But for now we will put our thoughts and efforts toward it, not just in May, but all year. Wishing you the truest prosperity in health and in every area of your life, Karen:)
Hepatitis C Awareness True Prosperity is Good Health
pics via myvtools.com, natuaralnews.com,
Hepatitis C Awareness True Prosperity is Good Health
