To raise awareness about liver health, a special event was organized today at EMC Hospital, Amritsar, under the leadership of Dr. Rohit Dhawan, Senior Gastro Surgeon. The awareness session, titled “How to Keep Your Liver Healthy: Diet, Exercise, and Regular Checkups”, focused on the liver’s functions, related diseases, and scientifically backed preventive measures.
Dr. Dhawan emphasized that the liver is the largest internal organ in the human body, playing a crucial role in metabolism, detoxification, digestion, and immunity building. In today’s fast-paced lifestyle, cases of fatty liver, hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer are rapidly increasing. Alarmingly, these diseases often begin silently, without symptoms, and are only diagnosed at a critical stage requiring surgical intervention.
He stressed the importance of three pillars of liver protection:
🔹 A balanced diet
🔹 Regular exercise
🔹 Timely medical checkups
Dr. Dhawan recommended a fiber-rich diet including green leafy vegetables and fresh fruits, while avoiding processed food. He clearly stated that excessive alcohol consumption is a leading cause of Alcoholic Hepatitis and Cirrhosis, which can ultimately necessitate a liver transplant.
He further explained the rise of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), a condition that can progress to NASH (Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis) and later cirrhosis. To combat this, Dr. Dhawan advised incorporating cardio exercises, yoga, and maintaining an active lifestyle.
As a Gastro Surgeon, Dr. Dhawan also addressed conditions like liver tumors, cysts, gallbladder stones, and chronic liver inflammation, which may require surgical treatment. He recommended undergoing essential tests like Liver Function Test (LFT), Fibroscan, and Hepatitis Profile every six months, especially for those who are overweight, diabetic, or have a family history of liver disease.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Rishabh Arora, Director of EMC Hospital, highlighted the hospital’s state-of-the-art facilities. He said,
“Our goal is not just treatment, but prevention. We aim to educate people in time to avoid serious illnesses. EMC offers international-level diagnostics and treatments including Endoscopy, ERCP, Liver Biopsy, Minimally Invasive Surgery, and Liver Transplant Preparation.”
At the end of the session, Dr. Rohit Dhawan urged all attendees to make positive lifestyle changes, undergo regular health screenings, and prioritize their liver health. He concluded with a powerful message:
“A healthy liver means a healthy body.”
