Liver Canada

What is pruritus? Ask The Liver Dictionary! 📕

Pruritus is the medical term for itching. For some people living with liver disease, it can be a common and challenging symptom. It usually occurs in people living with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), where the bile ducts are damaged or not working properly. When bile flow is impaired, substances can build up in the body causing this itching sensation.

If you are experiencing consistent itching, speak with a healthcare provider to explore possible causes and management options.

It’s World Transplant Day! Today is a day to celebrate the amazing gift of organ donation and to recognize the ongoing journey of those who receive a transplant and the care it takes to protect that gift for years to come.

This month, we welcomed Dr. Mamatha Bhat to our blog with ways to care for yourself post-transplant. Dr. Bhat is a hepatologist and clinician-scientist at UHN’s Multi Organ Transplant Program and UofT’s Division of Gastroenterology.

Head on over to our blog ➡️ https://liver.ca/resource/caring-for-yourself-post-transplant/

Your liver is a superhero organ that plays a vital role in your overall health. 🦸 From supporting brain function by clearing toxins, to strengthening bones through vitamin and mineral balance, to helping your heart health by managing cholesterol and blood sugar, your liver works hard every day to keep your body in balance.

Learn how your liver supports your body from your head to your toes at liver.ca/your-liver.

🏃‍♀️✨ It's almost go time! Move for Liver Vancouver is just around the corner on Sunday, June 7th and we want YOU there! This day is all about fun, movement, being outside, and community coming together for liver health. 🧡

Sign up today and bring your friends and family along to try bobsleighing, ski jumping, kayaking, and surfing through simulators, OR test your agility, speed and accuracy with our interactive sports challenges! The more the merrier! 🎉 liver.ca/moveforliver/

Hey look! 😎 Even Apple knows that coffee is good for your liver.

Alcohol is one of several risk factors for liver disease. Since alcohol is processed by the liver, it can damage liver cells over time. This damage can lead to fat buildup and scarring, which affects how well the liver functions.
When it comes to protecting your liver, consuming less alcohol is best.

Choosing to reduce how much and how often you drink can make a meaningful difference to your long-term liver health.

Learn more ➡️ liver.ca/your-liver

🚨 It’s almost time to move! 🚨⁠

Move for Liver is just weeks away, and the excitement is building! Here’s what’s waiting for you on June 7 at Richmond Olympic Oval in Vancouver from 1-4pm!
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🌟 A fun, inclusive event to experience no matter what your pace with sport challenges, high-tech simulations, or a Seawall walk to enjoy the outdoors
🎵 Great vibes with community and celebration⁠
💗 A chance to make an impact for liver health in Canada
🥳 An unforgettable day, whether you are joining in person, or from afar

Move for Liver is all about coming together for a meaningful day of movement and impact. Register today and start fundraising! liver.ca/moveforliver/

Although it can be reversible, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) can progress to more advanced liver conditions such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) or cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is a major risk factor for liver cancer and chronic liver failure, as the scarring can severely impact the liver’s ability to function.

Understanding the stages of liver disease can help you make informed lifestyle choices to protect your liver.

A healthy liver ➡️ Your liver functions properly by detoxifying the body and supporting your overall health.⁠
MASLD ➡️ Fat builds up in the liver cells. Symptoms may not be present at first, but it may lead to inflammation over time.
MASH ➡️ A more severe form of MASLD where fat buildup causes inflammation and liver cell damage.
Cirrhosis ➡️ An advanced form of liver damage characterized by irreversible scarring of the liver that significantly reduces its ability to function.
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Follow the link to learn more about the connection between cirrhosis and MASLD ➡️ liver.ca/fatty-liver-disease/

If you’re a monthly donor, this one’s for you! 🩵

Today, we’re taking a moment to say a special THANK YOU.

Because of you, we continue to push forward education, advocacy, and vital support services for those across Canada touched by liver diseases. Just like the liver itself, you’re a true superhero. 🦸

And, if you aren’t yet a monthly donor, we encourage you to learn how a monthly gift to Liver Canada can make a tremendous impact: https://bit.ly/49B4re7 🌈

Clip in, turn up the resistance, and ride for a good cause! 🚴🏼‍♀️

On June 13, join YYC Cycle Spin Studio for a community class in support of liver health, hosted by our very own Alberta Regional Community Manager, Karlee!

Reserve your seat now at ➡️ liver.ca/event/spin-for-liver-health/