One in twelve Canadians suffers from some form of liver or biliary tract disease.  Sadly, most Canadians don't know they have liver disease until it's too late. Through distribution of the You're Better Off Knowing brochure, thousands of Canadians can now become better informed about the importance of being vaccinated against hepatitis A and B and maintaining healthy lifestyles to help reduce the risk of contracting other serious forms of liver disease.

"This important partnership supports the Canadian Liver Foundation's efforts to provide more Canadians with vital information about preventing liver disease," said Gary Fagan, Executive Director, Canadian Liver Foundation.  "UMED provides a vital service by allowing people with liver disease to travel anytime – and anywhere – with the confidence that, should an emergency occur, doctors can easily obtain their medical history and fully understand their condition by calling UMED's toll-free nurse-staffed hotline at 1-800-675-6692."

"With my medical condition, there is an absolute need for UMED's services," said Susan Parks,* a patient living with liver disease.  "UMED gives me less to worry about in a time of crisis.  This is something all Canadians should have." 

"Liver disease is a serious Canadian health issue," said Armand Benoit, President of UMED.  "Each year thousands of Canadians contract one of the many forms of liver disease and, in many cases, the consequences are fatal.  We are pleased to be working with the Canadian Liver Foundation to help get the word out about how to prevent liver disease and, we will donate $10 to the Canadian Liver Foundation for each new UMED subscriber generated by this partnership campaign." 

Canadians can receive a copy of the You're Better Off Knowing brochure by simply going to their doctor, visiting their local Canadian Liver Foundation chapter or calling the Canadian Liver Foundation at 1-800-563-5483. 

About Universal Medical History and Information Inc. (UMED)

Universal Medical History and Information Inc. (UMED) is Canada's leading registered nurse-staffed call centre designed to collect and store an individual's medical records in a secure and private database.  UMED offers a full range of customizable services with toll-free international access 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  UMED's emergency medical records response system is designed for individuals living with chronic illnesses, severe allergies or who take medications.  UMED helps to prevent misdiagnosis, complications, harmful drug interactions and delays in treatment by providing immediate access to life-saving medical information.  For additional information on UMED's services call 1-800-675-6692 or visit the UMED Web site at www.umedhistory.com. 

About the Canadian Liver Foundation

Established in 1969, the Canadian Liver Foundation was the first organization in the world devoted to providing support for research and education into the causes, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of liver disease.  It remains the only organization in Canada committed entirely to combating every form of liver disease, including all forms of hepatitis, through research, education and patient support programs. 

* Name has been changed to respect patient confidentiality.

Media Contacts:

Canadian Liver FoundationUMED

Bob Hamp, Director of CommunicationNicola Guy, Business Development Director

416 964  4923416 251 2777 ext. 114, nicolaguy@umedhistory.com