Health and Wellness Tips
Hepatitis
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver from any cause. Hepatitis commonly results from a virus, particularly one of the five hepatitis viruses - A, B, C, D, E and G. Less commonly, hepatitis results from viral infections, such as infectious mononucleosis, yellow fever, and cytomegalovirus. The major nonviral causes of hepatitis are alcohol and drugs. Hepatitis can be acute (lasting less than six months) or chronic; it occurs commonly throughout the world. In the United States the viruses most often associated with hepatitis are the hepatitis A, B, and C viruses.
The Delaware Valley Hepatitis Treatment, Research and Education Center (HepTREC) is a new not-for-profit organization established to provide comprehensive hepatitis-related services in the Delaware Valley. HepTREC's vision is to foster open communication among respective parties and to make accurate and up-to-date information on the risks of and treatment for hepatitis readily available to the general public.
A number of support groups are located throughout the area.
One support group, in particular, focuses primarily on issues related to Hepatitis C. This group is located at Bryn Mawr Hospital and meets every 3rd Tuesday of the month. For more details, contact Amy Jessop toll-free at 1-866-Hep-Trec ext. 3.
Other groups dealing with Hepatitis, in general, meet at
- Community Hospital in Chester, PA - 1st Thursday of each month. For more details, contact: Chris Ann Szep toll-free at 1-866-Hep-TREC ext. 6
- Our Lady of Ransom Church in Northeast Philadelphia - 3rd Wednesday of each month. For more details, contact: Karen Throne at 215-682-9136
- Graduate Hospital in Center City Philadelphia - 2nd Thursday of each month. For more details, contact: Monica Burke toll-free at 1-866-Hep-TREC
On-Line is HepTrec's on-line support group: www.HepTREC.org.
Information available on-line includes such topics as
- What is hepatitis?
- Why should I be concerned about having viral hepatitis?
- What should I know about Hepatitis A, B, C?
- Latest Treatments
- Vaccinations available
- Additional Support Groups
- Upcoming events
- and much more
For more information, please contact HepTREC at 1-866-HepTREC or www.HepTREC.org.
