Our Partners











Healthy Lifestyle

How can I take charge of my health?

Living well with HCV means adopting a healthy lifestyle. It is not a cure but part of your overall management of HCV. A healthy lifestyle means that you keep informed about HCV by asking questions, reading, and finding out what community resources are available to help. It is important to learn those attitudes and behaviours that help you to achieve the highest possible physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Your decisions and actions are ultimately the most important ones for keeping HCV under control. Key aspects of a healthy lifestyle include the following.

Nourish your body

  • Avoid alcohol. Research is clear that zero intake of alcohol is best. Alcohol “excites” or activates HCV and may therefore speed up the progression of the liver disease.
  • Avoid using illegal drugs and smoking.
  • Avoid taking medication when it is not necessary. Check all your medications, including “over the counter” medicines bought in the drug store or health store, with your health care provider. A person with hemophilia or related bleeding disorder should monitor liver functions if on anti-inflammatory medications for chronic joint disease.
  • Avoid chemicals (e.g., cleaning solutions, solvents, pesticides, and anything in aerosol containers) at work and at home; these are toxic to the liver.
  • Exercise regularly. Exercise will help you to stay physically and emotionally healthy. Consider the following when starting an exercise program.
  • Consult your health care provider first.
  • Don’t overdo it on “good days”, and do nothing on “bad days.”
  • People with hemophilia or a related bleeding disorder should stop exercising if a bleed occurs. A physiotherapist at the Hemophilia Clinic may give you appropriate exercises.
  • Eat a balanced diet. Good nutrition can keep the liver healthy because the liver refines and detoxifies everything you eat. A balanced diet can actually help a damaged liver to regenerate new cells.
  • Megavitamin therapies, iron supplements and certain specialized nutritional products could possibly contribute to liver damage. Talk to your health care provider or pharmacist if you are taking, or plan to take, any of these products.
  • Get enough sleep. Listen to your body: take a break or nap if you feel tired during the day.
  • Try meditation, relaxation techniques, and massage.

Nourish your mind

  • Reduce stress
  • Adjust your work or daily schedule.
  • Get emotional support from others. Share your problems and tell others about your needs.
  • Set and work toward goals.
  • Keep your sense of humour.
  • Keep a positive attitude (and never lose hope).

Nourish your spirit

  • Keep a positive self-concept and sense of purpose. People who believe in their own worth and in the meaning of their lives experience more happiness, satisfaction and serenity. Avoid blaming or criticizing yourself.
  • Take part in uplifting activities. Having HCV doesn’t mean life can no longer be full and happy. It does mean that you need to choose to enjoy life and to take the time to have fun and enriched experiences.
  • Seek strength from your beliefs and take part in spiritual activities.