www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, July 9, 2015 | 12 Retired nurse shocked when diagnosed with Hep C by Bob Mitchell Oakville Beaver Staff She spent most of her adult life working as an emergency room nurse and was looking forward to a less stressful retirement. So, the Halton resident never imagined a routine check-up with her family doctor would reveal she had contracted Hepatitis C. "It came as a complete shock," said the married woman with three adult sons. "I didn't have any inkling I had this disease. "I had no symptoms. They say you can live for decades with it and people end up dying with it, but not from it." World Hepatitis Day will be acknowledged on July 28 and one of the messages the 62-yearold Halton resident wants to send out is the importance of asking your family doctor to include a Hepatitis check in your regular blood tests. People around the world are being asked to raise awareness by tweeting #4000voices. `Talk to your doctor about it and if there is any idea that you might have it get it checked," said the woman, who wished to remain anonymous because of the stigma often associated with this potentially-deadly disease. "That's the only way we're going to eradicate it. We can do it because we have the drugs to kill it." Hep C is caused by the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and is a blood-borne disease, primarily transmitted directly into the bloodstream by contaminated injection equipment or products. It's also directly related to people sharing needles for drug consumption and from poor infectious blood-borne control measures. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates 130 to 170 million people -- about two to three per cent of the world's population are chronically infected with Hep C, which like the Hep B virus (HBV) is one of the most common global causes of chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and liver cancer. There were four cases of Hep B in see Treatment on p.14 Since 1967 upholstery & design Mid-Century Modern,Traditional or Contemporary whatever your style.... July 15th thru August 15th 3 course Dinner $32.95 2 course Lunch $19.95 plus a la carte Taste of Clarkson We can make it! Sofas · Chairs · Headboards · Throw Pillows · Drapery & Hardware 905 822 5751 www.michaelsbackdoor.com 11-2345 Wyecroft Rd, Oakville · 905.616.3156 · www.baiers.ca A fusion of JApAnese & Chinese Cuisine in the heArt of oAkville! 1715 Lakeshore Road West FALL IN LOVE WITH YOUR BEST SELF THIS SUMMER At APT Medical Aesthetics, we practice the latest innovations in non-invasive cosmetic medical treatments. We are committed to providing our clients with a high level of excellence all in a welcoming and relaxing environment. ceLebrate suMMer at auGust 8 We specialize in the following services: · Facial Injections (BOTOX® and Dermal Fillers) · Thermage · Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT) · Clear & Brilliant Laser · ZO Skin Health Dine in for All You cAn eAt lunCh or Dinner www.August8.cA 7 DAYs A week 5 Locations to serve you better! oAkville 280 north service road W. @ Dorval al 905-338-6228 BurlinGton 834 Brant Street Call us today at 905.849.8646 to book your COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION 1276A Cornwall Road, Oakville, ON L6J 7W5 info@aptmedspa.com We Do tAkeout! hAMilton 1W Wilson Street · 1066 Upper James St. stoneY Creek 835 Paramount Drive 10% off Dinner only. Cash only & with this ad. www.aptmedspa.com