Remembering Mickey Mantle

As a member of Red Sox Nation (Go Sox!), it pains me to talk politely about the Yankees, but it's necessary when I think about Mickey Mantle, who played his entire career for the legendary New York baseball team. I've been thinking of Mickey Mantle because the anniversary of his passing 13 years ago approaches this week on August 13. News reports of his death often mentioned a phrase he said that has stuck in my mind: "Don't Be Like Me."

Obviously he wasn't talking about emulating his ability to hit a home run. Rather, he was referring to a lifestyle that put him at risk for liver disease. Mickey Mantle suffered from cirrhosis due to alcohol, liver cancer and, somewhere along the way, was exposed to hepatitis C.

Though ultimately the cause of his death, his struggles with liver disease can be an example to us all, at least toward the end of his life. Mickey Mantle, in his own way, became an advocate for prevention: "Don't Be Like Me." Fortunately for us, quite a bit of liver disease is preventable, especially chronic disease caused by too much alcohol and the hepatitis viruses.

In the spirit of Mickey's final public request, I offer some ideas on the power of prevention: Preventing Hepatitis and, though I could probably come up with seven ways (in honor of his retired number), here are Six Ways to Stay Hepatitis C Free.

Photo from Getty Images