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In this Issue:

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As the countdown to the New Year was underway, you may have found yourself evaluating 2017 and thinking about the possibilities for 2018.  If so, you were not alone.  Fueled by the belief that “what we focus on gets accomplished”, this time of year presents an opportunity to create a vision for where we want to go.  Many have a vision in each of these four areas: financial health, emotional health, spiritual health and physical health.  I want to focus on physical health, specifically on our weight. 

Our diets, activity level and go-go lifestyles can lead to putting on a few extra pounds.  Over the courses of months and years, a few pounds here and there can add up.  This can lead to certain medical conditions like Type 2 Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Heart Disease & Strokes and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFALD).  In fact, NAFLD affects about 100 million Americans, both children and adults.  It is the most common cause of “chronic” liver disease in the United States.  If you are overweight, have diabetes or high cholesterol, or a family history of liver disease, you should make an appointment for a physical and talk to your doctor.

Although right now there is no medicine people can take to cure NAFLD, the best thing someone could do is to lose weight.  NAFLD can be prevented and/or reversed through healthy eating and exercise.  By following a healthier diet, getting some exercise, and following your doctor’s advice, you can maintain and preserve your liver health.  So, if you included this as a way to increase your overall physical health in 2018 … congratulations.  We look forward to hearing about your journey!

Scott Suckow
Executive Director, Pacific Coast Division

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Meet Our Program Intern, Krisztina! 

I once read somewhere that one of the essential ingredients of happiness is awareness, because awareness is a very potent tool to help us change our behavior.  Wanting to make a change was the reason why I  was drawn to a volunteer intern opportunity with the American Liver Foundation, Pacific Coast Division.

As a current Healthcare Administrator student with a background in nursing, I knew that volunteers at non-profit healthcare organizations can make a difference by helping to raise awareness and inspire the general public to take actions to better their lives.

I was very excited when Peggy, the Community Outreach and Education Manager, contacted me and said I could assist with the implementation and evaluation of their Liver Wellness educational programs. I feel that volunteering with ALF is a meaningful use of my time and while completing my internship I also give back to my community.

Nursing is a fulfilling job, but as a nurse, I could only reach and educate a small fraction of the population who were already experiencing health problems. By assisting with planning and conducting ALF`s outreach programs I have the opportunity to participate in reaching a large number of people and helping them learn about liver diseases, how to prevent them and making people aware of risk factors they might have.



Krisztina Takacs
Programs Intern

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Meet Nathan!

We would like to introduce our 2018 Liver Life Walk San Diego LIVEr Champion, Nathan!

Nathan's 2017 Team, "Nathan's Fight," raised over $2,800 for the American Liver Foundation.  This year their team, "Nathan Beat The Fight" is back again and sharing their story with everyone on why they participate!  Check it out HERE.

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Meet Lori!

Lori Plutchak, a board member of ALF’s Pacific Coast Division, was recently interviewed by Conquer Magazine.  Read the article “Dragon Boat Racing keeps Lori Thriving After Liver Cancer Diagnosis” about her HERE.

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Saumya Jayakumar, MD


Robert Gish, MD


Cathy Mumford

What is Primary Biliary Cholangitis?

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic liver disease resulting from progressive destruction of the bile ducts in the liver.  Bile produced in your liver travels via these ducts to your small intestine where it aids in the digestion of fat and fat=soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K).  When the ducts are destroyed, bile builds up in the liver contributing to inflammation and scarring (fibrosis).  Eventually this can lead to cirrhosis and its associated complications, as scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue and liver function becomes increasingly impaired.

The first ever Ask the Experts Roundtable on Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) in collaboration with the PBCers Organization, will take place on January 30, 2018 at the 211 Connections Center, 3860 Calle Fortunada, San Diego CA 92123.  All are welcome and it is free to attend.

Contact Margaret Beers, mbeers@liverfoundation.org or
(619) 291-5483 for more information or to register.

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We have many wonderful ways and great reasons to get involved with the American Liver Foundation and give back to the community while making new friends at the same time!
Below are current opportunities available with the Pacific Coast Division.

Special Events Intern
Weekly Office Volunteer
Sip 'n Savor Committee Member
Sip 'n Savor San Diego Volunteer
Liver Life Walk San Diego Volunteer

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Annually AMN Healthcare hosts our annual Ask the Experts Liver Wellness Conference.  Their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) represents their commitment to economic and social development that will have a positive impact on the health and well-being of their team members, local and global communities, and stakeholders at large, while advancing the quality of the company through engagement in the world around them. Learn more about AMN at www.amnhealthcare.com.

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In December the American Liver Foundation helped to organize the Southern California State of Reform Health Policy Conference.  The annual conference helps foster a dialog about the opportunities and challenges facing our health care system. Watch a clip from the conference that captures our Executive Director Scott Suckow sharing some thoughts about healthcare reform for those living with chronic health conditions, CLICK HERE to view.  Our advocacy efforts continue in 2018 as we prepare for our annual Hill Day in DC this March.

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Follow the Pacific Coast Division today!
 
                                

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American Liver Foundation
5230 Carroll Canyon Road, Suite 108
San Diego, CA 92121
(619) 291-5483

Call the HelpLine at
1-800-GO-LIVER (465-4837)
M-F / 9AM - 7PM EST
LiverFoundation.org