From paac 3 Morrow works as a patient advocate for the vet-to-be opened Hepatitis Centre of Excellence in Vancouver. She said the most crucial need tor HCV sufterers i h. “We need a vaccination to prevent the spread of the dis- ease, We need far more clinical research,” she stressed. “It’s a very topical atthe moment, the whole compensa- tion issue brought it into the public spotlight. She will be featured in an upcoming issue of F Magazine, discussing HCV’. Morrow's web site address is: WAAL BOOTIES COm1/, Hotsprings /5670,in des bum Hache’s web site address: hip: //home iSTAR.ca /~jhac hes. Hache wall be presenting the signatures he's collected ‘the country to the printe F 22 betore che House Of Commons, On Merch 27, the federal and provincial governments announced a $1.1 billion com- pensation package for people who were infected with Hepatitis C between Jan. 1, 1986 and July 1, 1990. The dates pertain to the Many Canadians suffer Hepatitis C Liam Lahey Contributing Writer HEPATITIS C is a potentially debilitating liver disease caused by a blood-borne virus. Infection with Hepatitis C can result in cirrhosis of the liver, liver cancer and death Early symptoms include fatigue, appetite loss, nausea and vomiting, itching and joint pain. In 90% of cases the virus progresses co chronic liver dis- cast. Up to 50% of cases result in cirrhosis or liver cancer, vet many live without symptoms for vears. Statistics on how many Canadians suffer from the dis- case is scarce, buta current esti- mate puts it at approximately 270,000 people. Here are some brief facts on Hepatitis C: M@ it is spread by blood-to- blood contact. Therefore, any way that one person’s blood may be in contact with an infected person's blood will spread the virus. Some of the Most common ways of spread- ing the virus are: blood trans- fusions, intravenous drug use, tattooing, body piercing, shar- ing needles. The risk of trans- mitting Hepatitis C through blood” transfusions has decreased significantly since all blood donors are now screened for Hepatitis C; @ people with ‘Hepatitis C are sometimes diagnosed because the liver enzymes in their blood are above normal limits, and their doctors do more blood tests to find the cause. Others are found through testing pos- itive while donating blood. There is no need for anyone with Hepatitis C to be socially isolated. Because it is spread through bload-to-blood con- tact, pcople who have it should take some precautions. They include: W@ do not donate blood; Blet anyone who is in contact with your blood know that you ave Hepatitis C positive. This includes dentists, blood techni- cians, nurses; Bthe B.C. health mimstry esti- Mates as 5 many a5 2,500 British Columbians contracted the dis- case berween 1986 and 1990. Source: The Hepatitis Information Network (ww. bepnet.com) FACTORY FUTON Entrance in sear ane tact that American blood banks be to test for the virus mi 1YS6. {In Canada similar tests began in 1990. ye MICU will receive: pavouts, bur the amounts have vet to be deter- mined. West. Vancouver: Sunshine Coast) Reform MP Jokn Reynolds said the govern: mMene’s current package is sim- Reverse Osmosis PURE Sterilized Also FREF bottle sanitizing an pote first refill © Water coolers # Shower Filters © Furificotion Systems 1877 Marine Dr. North Van Customer Parking in the back 983-2010 1397S Tle foam coe fio, scoteh-paret fon cers pileess tad pena covers: Wade guestites iast 267 €. Ist... WVer | _Mon.- Sat_I1-Gpmn Sunday i2-5 pm 984 4b | ORMOTIV COLLISION SPECIALIST B.C.A.A. - A.R.A. 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Over 60 new and conditioned uprights, grand and digital pianos with SAVINGS OF UP TO 40% shop early while selection is at it’s best ply insufficient. “By excluding pre: 1986 vicums, it ts estimated the gos erament has abandoned some 60,000 Canadians.” Reynolds said. “While tise responsibil ty may be used ment to justty this de surely there are where common sense and compassion should presail, and this is one of those occasions.” ~Cyrix ” Mii -300. .pracessors — _ RAM: 63MB .SORAM 1&BIT 8 J "STEREO SOUND feos dnclugesi and $0 mit, a ‘a ia} vette i 1200 4-600 dps Max résolilion Lexmark 5000 colour jet printer, Reg. 279.00. 2618971 MII tssow Wednesday, August 26. 1998 -- North Snore News — 5 NV woman builds Hep C web site Added Reynolds, “If the tederal government is looking fora precedent to change its cruel decision, it only has to look to the 1990 con:pensa- von pac given to HIV/AIDS victims, who were infected by tainted blood. 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Reg. 139.99. 7618356 524” fatter $23 mir. mail-in rebate : Palm itl” Connected Organizer is complete and ready to go right out of the box! Reg. 549.99. English (2512000), French (2512001) No pa Nol interest A RadioShack credit card lets you make that important purchase today. Pick up an application at your local RadioShack store or visit our websile at www.radioshack.ca for more information. Mido not share razors or tooth- brushes; @ do not share needles or other equipment if you are using intravenous drugs; B® because Hepatitis Cis spread through the blood, the likelihood of spreading it to your sexual partner is low. However, menstrual blood can contain the virus. It is recom- mended that a person who has multiple sex partners practice “safe sex”; @ presently, there is no vaccine for Hepatitis C; Sale ends September 12/98 RadioShack. You've got questions. We've got answers."