This October, Move for Liver Health!

October 8, 2024 / Get Well

October is National Liver Awareness Month, and NOVA’s Office of Employee Wellness (OEWW) wants to empower you to take charge of your liver health! Did you know that liver disease is a growing concern, affecting millions of Americans? More than 100 million Americans suffer from some form of liver disease. Often, individuals are unaware of the risks until the disease has advanced.

Fatty Liver Disease (Steatotic Liver Disease)
One of the most common types of liver disease is steatotic liver disease (SLD), previously known as fatty liver disease. Affecting up to 75% of overweight individuals and 90% of those with severe obesity, SLD can lead to liver failure or liver cancer if untreated. The good news is that SLD can often be reversed with lifestyle changes such as regular exercise and a healthy diet.

The American Liver Foundation (ALF), through its public health campaign Think Liver Think Life™, aims to raise awareness and ensure every American understands their liver health status.

Join the Movement!
Many liver diseases are preventable through healthy lifestyle choices, including regular exercise. OEWW encourages everyone to “Move for Liver Health.” Whether you’re a seasoned athlete who consistently meets your weekly exercise goals or just starting out, even small changes in your activity level can make a big difference.

This October, the ALF encourages everyone to take a simple liver health quiz available in English and in Spanish to assess their risk for liver disease and to learn what to do next. Awareness is the first step towards prevention and early intervention.

This October, Represent DMV in the Virtual Liver Life Walk.
One way to get involved in raising awareness and funds for liver health is by participating in ALF’s Virtual Liver Life Walk. The virtual liver life walk allows you to support the ALF in a way that is just as unique as you and your journey with liver health. Host a gathering at your home or meet at your favorite walking location to support those affected by liver disease and promote healthy living.

Here are some other ways to get involved:

  • Walk for Your Health: Make walking a daily habit, whether it’s taking the long way around the office or getting in some steps during your lunch break or after work. Every step counts toward better liver health!
  • Take the Stairs: Ditch the elevator and opt for the stairs whenever possible.
  • Stretch or Do Light Exercises: Get your blood flowing with some simple stretches or light exercises throughout the day. Incorporate stretches into your routine to keep your muscles and organs, including the liver, in optimal condition.
  • Stand Up and Move: Take short breaks throughout your workday to stand up, walk around and stretch.
  • Revisit NOVA’s Move It Monday messages for tips, strategies and simple, accessible exercises to help you get moving at home, at work or in the community.

Beyond Movement

There are many other ways to promote good liver health:

  • Maintain a Healthy Weight: Being overweight or obese is a major risk factor for liver disease.
  • Eat a Balanced Diet: Opt for a liver-friendly diet rich in fruits, vegetables and lean proteins while avoiding excessive sugar and processed foods.
  • Limit Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption can damage the liver.
  • Get Vaccinated: Talk to your doctor about vaccinations for Hepatitis A and B.
  • Talk to Your Doctor: If you have concerns about your liver health, don’t hesitate to speak to your doctor.

Learn More:

This Week’s Tip: Move for Liver Health
Engaging in regular physical activity, even without weight loss, helps reduce fat in the liver and can reverse the early stages of liver disease. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week. By incorporating small changes into your daily routine, you’re not only improving your liver health but also boosting your overall well-being. Let’s work together to promote liver health and well-being at NOVA!

Image: Split box with green and blue background and white text: Left: October Is National Liver Awareness Month. Right: line drawing of a liver. Right Box. White background with green text: Move It Monday! Liver Life Walk with an illustration of a person walking. Box across the bottom with lack text: Monday Campaigns: Move for Liver Health.

Submitted by:
Dahlia Henry-Tett, Chief Wellness Officer (CWO), employeewellbeing@nvcc.edu