Columbia University Doctor educates SACSS Seniors on Preventing Liver Disease Through Healthy Habits

While he couldn’t be with us in person, we’re fortunate to have Dr. Abhishek Mathur, an esteemed assistant professor of Surgery with the Liver Transplant and Hepatobiliary program at NY-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, virtually join our seniors for a comprehensive presentation on Liver Disease.

Dr. Mathur elucidated the liver’s vital functions, the alarming global prevalence of Hepatitis B (HBV) in Southeast Asian regions, and the crucial role of early detection and treatment by your primary care physician in preventing liver disease. 

To prevent the risk of developing liver disease, Dr. Mathur recommended adopting a healthy lifestyle, such as modifying your diet – incorporating more fruits and vegetables – and increasing physical activity.

“Whether it’s exercise or a diet, you must have a game plan or goal. Think about taking 5,000 steps a day. Use a fitness tracker or walk with your iPhone to tell you how many steps you’re taking a day,” Dr. Mathur said.

He clarified that while surgery is an option for weight reduction in severe cases, it is always advisable to try dieting and exercise first, as they are safer and more sustainable methods.

Dr. Mathur also encouraged our seniors to focus on their health, reminding them that it’s always possible to make positive changes. He acknowledged that maintaining a healthy lifestyle can be challenging, especially as we age, but reassured them that even small steps can make a big difference in their liver health.

“Every time I speak to my mother, she tells me that if you don’t have good health, you don’t have anything else – you can’t work, enjoy your family, and eat good food. It’s important to see your primary care physician to know if you have fatty liver disease,” Dr. Mathur said.

SACSS thanks Dr. Mathur for educating our seniors about liver disease and for the valuable information he provided on the topic. We appreciate him taking the time to shed light on this critical topic of discussion in the South Asian community.

changes like following a healthy diet and exercise regimen can go a long way in preventing diseases like liver disease. Regular check-ups with your primary care physician can help you stay on top of your health.