T H E  L I V E R

The liver is the largest organ in your body.  It is reddish brown and is about the size of a football.  The really amazing thing about the liver is that if they took away half of the liver-it would grow back in a few weeks!

The liver is a very important organ because it provides over 500 bodily functions.  It filters everything you eat, breathe, and even things that you get on your skin.  The problem is that things such as alcohol, street drugs, cigarette smoke, toxic fumes, some herbs, and even some regular medicines people buy without a doctor's prescription can do damage to the liver.

For some people, Hepatitis can cause the liver to become scarred.  After a long time, (usually 10 to 40 years), the liver can become so damaged that it just can't function very well.

R E M E M B E R.....

* You can keep the liver healthy by stopping or reducing alcohol and street drugs.  If you can't stop, get some help.

* Try to eat a healthy well balanced diet that includes lots of fruits, vegetables, and lean meats.

* Work closely with your doctor to make sure that you are doing everything you can to keep your liver healthy.

* Talk with your doctor about ways to stay healthy, about the medications that can rid the body of hepatitis, and if the medicines can help you.