Hepatitis B is one of the most preventable medical conditions due to the availability of a hepatitis B vaccine, yet an estimated 100,000 people in the U.S. are infected each year, and 6,000 die from complications. When William Finley Green was diagnosed with hep B in 1993, he decided to be proactive in his quest to understand and manage his illness—by reading medical and scientific books and journals, talking with doctors, and networking with other people who have hepatitis B. He now shares his experience and knowledge with everyone who has been newly diagnosed. As a "patient-expert" on hep B, Green walks you step-by-step through everything you need to do and learn each day of your first week after diagnosis, each subsequent week of the first month, and the following eleven months of the crucial first year. In clear, concise, accessible language, Green covers a wide range of practical, medical, and lifestyle issues, beginning with coming to terms with the diagnosis and then moving on to subjects including: § Strategies for accomplishing necessary lifestyle changes § Guidelines and tips for modifying your diet § Stress management and exercise § Choosing the right medical team § Discussing your condition with family, friends, and co-workers § Current medical research and medications § Handling sexual and social relationships § Effective alternative therapies § Support group resources By providing reliable, useful, empathetic, and up-to-date information you need to know when you most need to know it, The First Year™—Hepatitis B is a sensitive and empowering guide for everyone who wants to take an active role in their hepatitis B treatment.