Hepatitis B – What does an undetectable viral load mean? Any person who has a chronic hepatitis B infection should have a blood test every 12 months to check how much virus is in their blood. As there is no cure for hepatitis B at this time, this needs to be done for the rest of the person’s life. This blood test is called a HBV-DNA test or a viral load test. There is no such thing as a ‘healthy carrier’ or a ‘carrier’ for hepatitis B. The virus is always there but may be at such low levels that it is undetectable in the blood. The amount of virus can rise for many reasons and needs to be checked at least yearly to make sure that it is not causing damage to the liver. The amount of virus in the blood (viral load) will help the doctor know if the person needs treatment, and how often they need to be seen to monitor their
is undetectable. Stopping treatment can cause the virus to ‘flare’. It means the virus can replicate quickly in the blood and cause damage to the liver and make the person very sick. Also, stopping treatment may cause the virus to become resistant to further treatment. Stopping treatment also increases the risk of developing liver cancer. For a list of GPs who can prescribe medication for the treatment of hepatitis B please check:
infection. If you are taking hepatitis B medication and you have an undetectable viral load, it doesn’t mean you have cleared the virus (or cured), it means the treatment is working and keeping the
virus under control. People are prescribed treatment if their body’s defence system (immune system) is not able to keep the virus under control. Treatment is also prescribed if they already
have damage to their liver called cirrhosis, and need protection to reduce the risk of the virus causing more damage. Treatment must be taken and SHOULD NOT be stopped even if the virus
https://www.ashm.org. au/HBV/hbv-prescriberlists/ For more information, please contact ECCQ: Website: www.eccq. com.au/bbv Phone: 07-3844 9166 If you live in Cairns, you can also contact: Rhondda Lewis Viral Hepatitis Health Coordinator Phone: 07-4226 4761 Email: Rhondda. Lewis@health.qld.gov.au
Hepatitis, HIV/AIDS and Sexual Health Program Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland (ECCQ)
Beauty Benefits of Olive Oil’s Olive oil is very rich in vitamins, minerals and natural fatty acids. It’s also convenient for sensitive skin and is a powerful ingredient in anti-aging skin care products. Rich in antioxidants, it prevents skin aging, the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines; it nourishes, rejuvenates and protects the skin.
Nimisha Modi
Hetvi Hair & Beauty 0412350013
Hey girls! Save yourself from harsh and expensive lotions with this very simple method. One of my favourite products is extra virgin olive oil. Olive oil is a very popular product that people have used for centuries. Nowadays, it still goes strong and is widely used in the cosmetic industry. Olive oil is very rich in vitamins, minerals and natural fatty acids. It’s also convenient for sensitive skin and is a powerful ingredient in anti-aging skin care products. Rich in antioxidants, it prevents skin aging, the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines; it nourishes, rejuvenates and protects the skin. Rich in vitamin E and A, olive oil helps prolong youth, hydrates the skin, maintains its elasticity and softness. Also, olive oil helps skin cells to regenerate. The list of olive oil benefits can go on and on. How can you use olive oil for beauty? 1) Olive oil in bath To prepare the olive oil bath, just add 5 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil into your bathtub and you are done! (You can add more if you like). This simple, yet amazing beauty secret can make your skin soft and very smooth. Or Most popular Indian way massage your body with the extra virgin olive oil before hopping into your shower,
after you finish taking your bath, pat your skin dry and wipe away the excess oil; you won’t recognize your skin! It will be amazingly soft and smooth, like a baby skin. 2) Olive oil body lotion Once you start using Olive oil it might be your favourite body lotion! Apply olive oil all over body, while in the shower, right after the shower gel; after the application of olive oil body lotion your skin should feel soft and very smooth. This simple beauty secret is a
48 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, May, 2022
very quick and easy way to make your skin look and feel healthy. 3) Olive oil makeup remover Use olive oil as makeup remover in the evening, it gently removes makeup and nourishes the skin at the same time. Apply a little bit of olive oil on a cotton pad (or on a damp cotton pad) and gently wipe away all the makeup from your face. If you have a heavy makeup on, then to remove it massage olive oil all over your face first, and then
wipe it off with a washcloth saturated with warm water. Repeat a couple of times if necessary and remember to be gentle, never treat your skin harshly. Rinse your face with warm, and then splash with cold water; cold water will help stimulate the blood circulation and close pores. You can also use olive oil as a gentle eye makeup remover; it will easily remove waterproof makeup. 4) Olive oil eye cream Yes, you can use olive oil as an eye cream. It will nourish the tender skin
around your eyes and soften fine lines. Gently dab some olive oil under your eyes before bed time or in the morning. Keep your olive oil eye cream in the fridge and enjoy refreshing vitamin filled treatment at a much lower cost 5) How to strengthen nails with olive oil? A warm olive oil bath for nails is an excellent way to strengthen them. It takes only 5 or 10 minutes. Just soak your nails in slightly warmed up olive oil (it shouldn’t be too hot, just a
room temperature). Do this treatment once or twice a week and enjoy strong, shiny and healthy nails! 6) Don’t forget to add olive oil in your salads! Olive oil will improve your skin, hair and nails, and will nourish your body from within. Remember, beauty starts from within! Hope you will benefit using this information. Have a lovely winter. See you next month! Nimisha
