IT’S a wake-up call from the Canadian Liver Foundation, British Columbia/Yukon Region, that has launched the Liver Beware Project as fatty liver disease is on the rise in Canada.

It is estimated to be the primary indication for liver transplant in the near future and need to be taken very seriously.

The dangerous aspect is that when there are symptoms, it is usually too late.

So here is your chance to get an easy, painless and needle-free test to identify fatty liver disease and liver scarring or cirrhosis.

The testing is open to Canadians who reside in the Greater Vancouver area. It is being carried out at London Drugs every Saturday and Sunday (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) in two locations (with free parking):

* Vancouver (May 4 -June 30) at Broadway and Vine, 2230 West Broadway.

* Burnaby (July 6-September 1) at Lougheed Town Centre, 9855 Austin Avenue.

The test could save your life, indeed.

Please see the ad on Page 3 for more details.

According to the Mayo Clinic: “The liver is an organ that sits just under the rib cage on the right side of the abdomen. It can weigh up to 4 pounds (1.8 kilograms). The liver is needed to help digest food, rid the body of waste products and make substances, called clotting factors, that keep the blood flowing well, among other tasks.

“Liver disease can be passed through families, called inherited. Anything that damages the liver also can cause liver problems, including viruses, alcohol use and obesity.

“Over time, conditions that damage the liver can lead to scarring, called cirrhosis. Cirrhosis can lead to liver failure, a life-threatening condition. But early treatment may give the liver time to heal.”

You can book an appointment by calling 604-707-6430, or email liverbeware@liver.ca. Leave your name and email address.

A donation of $20 or more to the CFL would be greatly appreciated. A tax receipt would be provided. Fast for three hours before your appointment.