TRAIN THE
TRAINER

"Foundation for Decision Making"™
Liver Wellness and Prevention of Hepatitis and Drug Abuse.

Motivational communication techniques with proven success enhance prevention and recovery programs. 

Call:
HFI's Training Department at
1-800-891-0707. View our Train the Trainer Program outline here...

 

NNAC
 
 National Nurses Advisory Council

November 13-14, 2008

The Orleans Hotel, Las Vegas, NV

Register Here

Additional Special Program

Hepatitis Patient & Community Forum

November 13, 8 AM - 12 PM

 

     View Videos on Hepatitis and Liver Wellness

    --Healthcare Providers-Teachers-Parents-Teens-Tiny Tots--

Features

• Liver Disease Plagues Obese Adolescents
• Safety of Blood and Organ Donation Improved
• Vertex to Start Phase 3 Trial of Hepatitis Drug
• Tenofovir Approved for Treatment of Hepatitis in Adults
• Hidden HBV More Common Than HCV in HIV Co-infected
• China Shuts Down Hepatitis B Website
    -Hides major health problem prior to Olympics
• Nuts to Obesity and Hepatitis
• Grapefruit Joins Fight Against HCV
• U.S Expert Promotes Hepatitis Prevention at WHO Meeting in Italy
• CSAP Engages HFI
• Tattoo Safety
• HFI Video Wins Emmy Award
• Hispanic, Black and Native American College Students Promote Liver Wellness
• Foundation for Decision Making: Changing Risk Behaviors - The Bottom Line
• New Study Supports Effectiveness Of Liver Wellness Education
• Speaking Of Your Liver, Why Not Take Care Of It? 
• Background Info On Clinical Research Now Available In Spanish
• SAMHSA Grantees Applaud Liver Wellness Approach

Notices

• NIH Consensus Development Conference: Management of Hepatitis B October 20-22, 2008 - Hepatitis B (HBV) is a major cause of liver disease worldwide, causing cirrhosis and liver cancer. In the U.S., about 1.25 million people are chronically infected. This conference seeks to answer questions such as: How many people have HBV? Who should be treated? What are the risks and benefits of treatment? What research is needed? Registration is free: click here.
   
• Scholarships Available - Parents of Kids with Infectious Diseases (PKIDS) has a scholarship fund for children living with HBV, HCV, or HIV whose parents are unable to fully provide for their education due to their own illness with one of these diseases.  For more information, contact PKIDS (877-55-PKIDS).
   

Liver Disease Plagues Obese Adolescents

      Some overweight teenagers have severe liver damage caused by too much body fat, and a handful has even needed liver transplants. Many more may need a new liver by their 30s or 40s, say experts. The condition, which can lead to cirrhosis and liver failure or liver cancer, is being seen in kids in the United States, Europe, Australia and some developing countries, according to a surge of recent medical studies and doctors. It is estimated that 2 percent to 5 percent of American children over age 5, nearly all of them obese or overweight, have the condition, called nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Some experts think as many as 10 percent of all children and half of those who are obese may suffer from it.
      As fat builds up, the liver can become inflamed and then scarred over time, leading to cirrhosis. Liver failure or liver cancer can follow, but if cirrhosis has not yet developed, fatty liver disease can be reversed through weight loss. The disease is most common in overweight children with belly fat and certain warning signs, such as diabetes or cholesterol or heart problems. Genetics, diet and exercise all play a role. It is most prevalent among Hispanics, relatively rare among African Americans, and more common among boys than girls. The scope of the disease has only been realized in recent years. Like heart disease, liver disease is silent. Kids may feel fine for years. Any early symptoms, like fatigue and loss of appetite, are vague and usually eclipsed by more conspicuous problems, from diabetes to high blood pressure. Experts blame obesity, currently about two-thirds of all Americans overweight. With fatty liver disease becoming more common in adults, many experts predict it will become the top cause of liver transplants by 2020.
      From: Associated Press

Safety of Blood and Organ Donation

Improved

     The FDA granted approval of a new blood screening assay for Hepatitis B, the first 3-in-1 nucleic acid test (NAT) for HIV-1, HCV and HBV.  Developed by Gen-Probe in collaboration with Chiron, the new NAT detects viral RNA and DNA during very early stages of infection, reducing the window period between infection and detection.  The test simultaneously detects all three viruses or the individual viruses.  It can be used on plasma and serum specimens from individual human donors, including donors of whole blood and blood components, source plasma and other living donors.  This advance in blood screening technology will increase the safety of blood transfusions and organ donations, decreasing the chance of HIV and hepatitis infection for patients receiving vital blood and organs.

Vertex to Start Phase 3 Trial of Hepatitis

Drug

     BOSTON, Aug. 19 (Reuters) - Vertex Pharmaceuticals has received regulatory approval to begin a late-stage trial of its experimental Hepatitis C drug Telaprevir in patients who have failed previous treatments.

     Results from the mid-stage trial showed that 52 percent of treatment-failure patients who received Telaprevir in combination with the standard treatment of interferon and ribavirin had undetectable levels of the hepatitis C virus after 36 weeks, compared with 30 percent of patients with standard therapy.

Tenofovir Approved for Treatment of

Hepatitis in Adults

     The US Food and Drug Administration has granted marketing approval for Viread, an antiviral drug to treat adults with hepatitis  B.  Viread works by blocking an enzyme called HBV DNA polymerase, which is needed by the hepatitis B virus to replicate in liver cells.
     Results from 2 ongoing, randomized, double-blind, phase 3 clinical trials, show that a significantly greater percentage of patients with chronic hepatitis B who received Viread achieved a complete response to treatment compared with those who received adefovir dipivoxil.

Hidden HBV More Common Than HCV in HIV

Co-infected

     In a retrospective analysis,  Brown University researchers found that occult (hidden) hepatitis C was  much less common than occult hepatitis B. The researchers concluded that occult HBV infection is associated with HIV infection and may be a particular problem for women with poor control of HIV. While chronic HCV infection was common in this cohort, occult HCV infection occurred rarely.
     They reviewed baseline screening of women for HBsAg (detectable in 2.6%), hepatitis B core antibodies (positive in 52%), and HCV antibodies (positive in 54%). At the second time-point, they measured HBV DNA and HCV RNA using the ultrasensitive Roche COBAS TaqMan nucleic acid assay, for HBV and 11 IU/mL for HCV. At the third time-point, they again measured both serological markers and HBV DNA and HCV RNA.  
     Among the women initially classified as having hidden hepatitis B, some progressed to chronic infection and some spontaneously cleared the virus, leaving 26 (3.2%) with persistent occult HBV by the final visit. Looking only at the HIV-positive women, however, the rate of persistent occult HBV infection was 4.7%.
     All of the women with occult (hidden) HBV were HIV-positive, compared with 79% of those with chronic HBV and 69% who were exposed but cleared the virus.
     Of the 33 women initially classified as having occult HCV infection, 24 developed chronic infections, eight cleared the virus, and only one had persistent occult HCV.

Nuts to Obesity and Hepatitis

Grapefruit Joins Fight Against HCV

     Researchers lead by Yaakov Nahmias, Ph.D at the Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Engineering in Medicine identified the role grapefruit may have in hindering the propagation of hepatitis C. This citrus fruit may be added to antiviral medications in the future. Before adding grapefruit to
your daily diet, there are a few cautionary measures to be reviewed. Grapefruit and its juice can be dangerous to people who take certain medications.

Investigators found that hepatitis C virus binds to a very low-density lipoprotein (vLDL, also known as bad cholesterol) before it is secreted from liver cells to re-infect additional liver cells. This serves as a key pathway in the viral lifecycle. Since HCV does not integrate its genetic material into the DNA of infected cells totally clearing the virus is possible if new cells were not being infected. Interfering with the transport of HCV out of cells holds a great deal of therapeutic promise.

Scientists found that by blocking vLDL with a compound in grapefruit, hepatitis C lost its vehicle and thus was stopped from expansion. Grapefruit’s bitter taste is caused by the presence of the flavanoid naringin, which is metabolized into naringenin, an antioxidant known to reduce the secretion of vLDL from liver cells.

Researchers found that naringenin reduces the secretion of Hepatitis C from infected cells. Phytonutrients in grapefruit, called limonoids, inhibit tumor formation by promoting the formation of glutathione-S-transferase, a detoxifying enzyme. This enzyme sparks a reaction in the liver that helps to make toxic compounds more water soluble for excretion from the body. By helping the liver clear out cancer-causing toxins, limonoids’ promotion of detoxification enzymes is a simple way to ward off the development of cancer.

Grapefruit Can Cause Problems Interacting With Medications.

According to Amy Karch, RN, MS of the School of Nursing at the University of Rochester Medical Center, grapefruit juice is one of the foods most likely to cause problems with medications. Grapefruit juice can block an enzyme that breaks down that makes it easier for medication to be metabolized resulting in blood levels of the drug rising faster and higher than normal. In some cases this can be dangerous. It doesn’t take much grapefruit juice to boost the levels of drugs that are susceptible. READ WARNING LABEL ON MEDICATIONS CAREFULLY.

Some drugs that interact with grapefruit include:

Anxiety: Xanax, Buspar, Versed, Halcion
Depression: Luvox, Zoloft
Allergies: Allegra
Heart disease/stroke: Coumadin
Cough: Destromethorphan (found in some cold medicines)
HIV: Agenerase, Crixivan, Viracept, Norvir, Fortovase
Heart Disease/High blood pressure: Coreg, Cardizem, Plendil, Cardene, Adalat, Procardia, Nimotop, Sular, Covera, Calan, Verelan
Asthma: Theophyline
High cholesterol: Liitor, Lescol, Mevacor, Zocor
Pain: Alfenta, Duragesic, Aciq, Sufenta
Infection: Biaxin, Sproanox, erythromycin, troleandomycin

The new evidence supporting the use of grapefruit in the fight against HCV is exciting, both because it may lead to viral elimination and because it can be done with an all-natural, well-known food source.

CSAP Engages HFI to Train Minority Peer

Education Project Directors

     Minority Education Institution (MEI) Initiative Project Directors representing 6 minority universities and colleges attended a Foundation for Decision Making ™(FDM) Liver Wellness Training session supported by the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP). The focus of the training promotes healthy lifestyle behaviors and avoidance of liver damaging activities such as alcohol use and abuse.  The program was the third in a series of FDM trainings to enhance substance abuse, HIV and Hepatitis prevention peer education programs on the campuses of Alabama A & M University, Fisk University (TN ), Florida A & M University, Northeastern Illinois University, Wind River Tribal College (WY) and Winston Salem State University, (NC). The FDM training is a program developed by the Hepatitis Foundation International embraced by SAMHSA.  Over 3,000 of SAMHSA’s grantees dealing with substance abuse prevention have attended FDM training sessions.

 Tattoo Safety: Preventing the Spread of

 Hepatitis and HIV

     Getting a tattoo is a life-long commitment and should be considered carefully and responsibly. Life-threatening infections can occur when irresponsible tattoo artists re-use needles and ink caps or do not use the proper equipment for sterilization. The same safety procedures are needed in tattooing as would be used in a doctor’s office or hospital. If you are considering a tattoo, be proactive in protecting yourself from the long-term consequences of unsafe procedures.

• Tour several shops before deciding where to get your tattoo. If anyone refuses to give you a tour, seems annoyed or reluctant, or does not know the answers to your questions, this is a red flag – move on to the next shop!
   

• Ask to see their sterilization procedure. All shops should use an FDA-regulated autoclave sterilizer, single-use disposable needles with a safe medical waste disposal container, and new inks for every customer. Artists must wear glove.
   

• Call your state health department to find out what regulations, if any, are required of tattoo salons in your state. When you get your tours, ask to be shown any documentation such as licenses that prove the shop is compliant with the laws.
   

• Your new tattoo is like an open wound - always follow the aftercare routine given to you to ensure that your tattoo heals properly and does not become infected.

Give Your Liver a Break DVD Wins Emmy Award
    
     The National Academy of Arts and Sciences presented the Emmy Award for outstanding achievement in television programming for children to Hepatitis Foundation International's newest production, "Give Your Liver a Break".  Bill Shomo accepted the award at the Emmy Awards Ceremony held in Orlando, Florida.  Kudos to Bill, President of Chaumont Communications, who co-produced the DVD with HFI.

     "Through Bill's exceptional ability to tailor messages promoting liver wellness to various audience's in the series of fourteen DVDs he has created for HFI, millions of viewers, young and old, have received messages to help them live healthier lives," said Thelma King Thiel, HFI's CEO.

     "Give Your Liver a Break" and other HFI DVDs are available for previewing on our website, to view, click HERE.

Hispanic, Black and Native American College Students Promote Liver Wellness

Minority students from 12 colleges were energized and praised the unique communication skills learned at a training session provided by the Hepatitis Foundation International (HFI).
The Minority Education Initiative, a program supported by the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP), collaborated with HFI to provide their unique Foundation for Decision Making (FDM) Training for peer educators and their project directors. The focus of the FDM training is to promote healthy lifestyle behaviors by understanding the importance of the liver
to their health and wellbeing. Click here for more

Foundation For Decision Making,
Changing Risk Behaviors - The Bottom Line

Changing risk behaviors and promoting healthy lifestyles through HFI’s Foundation for Decision Making (FDM) Training is reaching a broad range of intermediaries (teachers, counselors, nurses, etc,) working on the front lines.

    50 Department of Education school nurses in Maryland applauded HFI’s FDM techniques providing cutting edge information and innovative ways to motivate students to avoid liver damaging activities.
 

   Native American Tribal Leaders called the Training “awesome” and immediately saw a benefit to their efforts to prevent Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and other devastating consequences related to alcohol abuse.
 

    Students in five Historically Black Universities will receive FDM training in a SAMHSA initiative promoting “Peer Counseling” to prevent substance abuse and binge drinking.
 

    The Coalition to Prevent Underage Drinking learned new techniques to add to their outreach initiatives.

    Head Start program in Florida received HFI’s Liv and Lucky Coloring Books provided by the Hillsborough County Health Department.

Participating in promoting substance abuse recovery and in preventing liver damaging activities depends on having the knowledge to understand why and how to protect one's self from the  devastating consequences of use and abuse of drugs and exposure to blood borne pathogens.

For information about FDM Training contact

Candice Abate at 1-800-891-0707

New Study Supports Effectiveness Of Liver Wellness Education

Impact on unhealthy behaviors highlights need for preventive education

A new scientific study provides an imaginative educational intervention that has demonstrated success in having a significant impact on preventing viral hepatitis and other blood borne diseases related to participation in unhealthy behaviors. Results of a National Institute on Drug Abuse supported multi-site, randomized-control trial called, The Study to Reduce Intravenous Exposures (STRIVE), tested a behavioral intervention among a high risk population of hepatitis C infected injection drug users (IDUs) to identify new  approaches to prevention of hepatitis and other blood borne pathogens. The intervention included messages about liver wellness and viewing the Hepatitis Foundation International’s (HFI) video, The Silent Stalker.

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