"The health of young offenders is commonly poorer in comparison with the general youth population," lead author Dr. Anne Wilson said in a statement.

The liver is the largest organ in the body and is responsible for over 500 functions, including the secretion of glucose, proteins, vitamins, and fats; the production of bile; the processing of hemoglobin; and detoxification of numerous substances. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer (cancer that begins in the liver). Factors that increase the risk of developing HCC include long-term, heavy alcohol use and chronic infection with hepatitis B or C viruses.

Hepatocellular carcinoma is the third leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, and the disease appears to be on the rise, possibly due to an increased incidence of the hepatitis B and C viruses.

Discover six useful tips for people with Hepatitis C who are also managing liver cirrhosis. These tips can help prevent their condition from worsening.

by Nicole Cutler, L.Ac.

By combining prescribed medications, alternative medicine and lifestyle modifications, many people with Hepatitis C are able to triumph over this liver infection. However, Hepatitis C can cause irreparable damage to the liver if it is not detected and addressed early enough. Characterized by the hardening and shrinking of the liver, cirrhosis is the late stage of liver disease where this organ is unable to properly function. Unfortunately, cirrhosis not only presents challenges to Hepatitis C treatment, but it is also a leading cause of mortality. While no simple solution exists to help cirrhosis, experts offer several suggestions to help a person live with this Hepatitis C complication.

Globally, approximately 170 million people are chronically infected with Hepatitis C, with an estimated four million living in the U.S. The longer a person harbors this virus, the more opportunity it has to cause liver damage. Although it typically takes one or two decades, researchers estimate that about one in five Americans with chronic Hepatitis C develops cirrhosis.

Although investigators uncovered a connection between ozone and pathogen destruction in 2002, this compound's therapeutic potential remains unknown. While its safety and efficacy is not scientifically proven, some advocates believe that ozone therapy can destroy the Hepatitis C virus.

by Nicole Cutler, L.Ac.

Floating in the earth's atmosphere absorbing solar radiation, ozone molecules are composed of three oxygen atoms. Used to treat various health issues since the late 19th century, ozone therapy infuses ozone into air or liquids and introduces them into the body. Even though there are limited scientific studies of ozone therapy's safety and efficacy, its proponents tout it as a valuable, economical alternative treatment for the Hepatitis C virus.

As the spread of the Hepatitis C (HCV) continues to gain momentum, more attention is focused on alternative methods to eliminate it. Some believe that introducing ozone molecules into the bloodstream may provide an immunity boost capable of overpowering HCV.

ACT Corrections has rejected calls for a needle exchange program at the Alexander Maconochie Centre.

A Hepatitis C conference yesterday heard a call from the Public Health Association's Michael Moore for an exchange program to stop dirty needles spreading the disease.

ACT Corrections head James Ryan says a program of that type does not fit with the current model.

"If you do introduce needles for use in the prison you've then got to also have to somehow control what drug goes into it as well," he said.