Student told she had the liver of an alcoholic by the age of 10

I've never drank alcohol but doctors told me I had the liver of an adult alcoholic aged 10  Daily Mail

Student told she had the liver of an alcoholic by the age of 10

A Woman Defies Odds and Overcomes Liver Disease Diagnosis

Megan McGillin’s Journey with Liver Disease

  1. Megan McGillin, a medical student from Northern Ireland, was diagnosed with cirrhosis, a scarring of the liver, at the age of 10.
  2. Despite doctors not knowing the cause of her disease, they warned that her liver could eventually fail.
  3. By the age of 18, a liver transplant was deemed necessary.
  4. Megan maintained a healthy lifestyle and defied the odds, avoiding the need for a transplant by her 21st birthday.

The Impact of Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is a chronic liver disease characterized by the loss of liver cells and the formation of scar tissue. This can lead to a blockage of blood flow to the liver.

Megan’s Determination and Healthy Lifestyle

  • Megan had to give up contact sports but continued to lead a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise.
  • She believes that staying active has allowed her liver to function for longer.

The Misconception of Alcohol-related Liver Disease

Despite never consuming alcohol, Megan was told by doctors that her liver resembled that of an alcoholic.

She hopes to raise awareness about the damaging effects of alcohol on the liver.

Megan’s Optimism and Uncertain Future

Megan remains optimistic about her future but acknowledges the uncertainty surrounding her need for a transplant.

She hopes to keep her biological liver for as long as possible.

Advocating for Organ Donation

  • Megan won the title of Miss Beauty With a Purpose 2023, using her platform to raise awareness about organ donation.
  • She believes that one day organ donation will save her life.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

  • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
  • SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
  • SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
  • SDG 13: Climate Action
  • SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

The article discusses the health issue of cirrhosis, which is related to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). It also mentions the association of liver disease with alcohol consumption, which connects to SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) as excessive alcohol consumption can lead to water pollution. Additionally, the article mentions the importance of responsible consumption and production (SDG 12) in relation to alcohol-related liver disease. The mention of staying fit and healthy and the impact of climate on liver health relates to SDG 13 (Climate Action). Lastly, the article highlights the need for partnerships in organ donation and raising awareness, which aligns with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

  • Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
  • Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater, and increasing recycling and safe reuse globally.
  • Target 12.3: By 2030, halve per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels and reduce food losses along production and supply chains, including post-harvest losses.
  • Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning.
  • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.

Based on the article’s content, the specific targets identified include reducing premature mortality from non-communicable diseases (Target 3.4), improving water quality and reducing pollution (Target 6.3), reducing food waste (Target 12.3), raising awareness on climate change (Target 13.3), and promoting partnerships for organ donation (Target 17.17).

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

  • Indicator 3.4.1: Mortality rate attributed to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, or chronic respiratory disease.
  • Indicator 6.3.1: Proportion of wastewater safely treated.
  • Indicator 12.3.1: Food loss index.
  • Indicator 13.3.2: Number of countries that have communicated the strengthening of institutional, systemic, and individual capacity-building to implement adaptation, mitigation, and technology transfer.
  • Indicator 17.17.1: Amount of United States dollars committed to public-private and civil society partnerships.

The article does not explicitly mention indicators, but based on the identified targets, the following indicators can be used to measure progress: mortality rate attributed to non-communicable diseases (Indicator 3.4.1), proportion of wastewater safely treated (Indicator 6.3.1), food loss index (Indicator 12.3.1), number of countries strengthening capacity for climate change (Indicator 13.3.2), and amount of funding committed to partnerships (Indicator 17.17.1).

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDGs Targets Indicators
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being. Indicator 3.4.1: Mortality rate attributed to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, or chronic respiratory disease.
SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater, and increasing recycling and safe reuse globally. Indicator 6.3.1: Proportion of wastewater safely treated.
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production Target 12.3: By 2030, halve per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels and reduce food losses along production and supply chains, including post-harvest losses. Indicator 12.3.1: Food loss index.
SDG 13: Climate Action Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning. Indicator 13.3.2: Number of countries that have communicated the strengthening of institutional, systemic, and individual capacity-building to implement adaptation, mitigation, and technology transfer.
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships. Indicator 17.17.1: Amount of United States dollars committed to public-private and civil society partnerships.

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: dailymail.co.uk

 

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