September - Sickle Cell Awareness Month

September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month. Sickle Cell Disease is an inherited blood disorder that affects an estimated 70,000 to 100,000 persons in multiple racial and ethnic populations in the United States. In the United States, one in 500 persons in the black population is born with the disease. Other populations affected include Hispanics, persons of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern descent, and Asians. In addition, approximately 2 million persons in the United States have the Sickle Cell Trait which is typically is asymptomatic, and persons with the trait commonly are unaware of their carrier status. However, these persons might pass the gene on to their children. Sickle cell disease causes the body to make abnormally shaped red blood cells. As the name implies, cells are “sickle-shaped,” like a crescent. Instead of flowing smoothly through the body like disc-shaped red blood cells, sickle cells shape blocks blood flow, which in turn can lead to pain, organ damage, strokes and a higher risk of infection. Other complications include pneumonia, severe anemia, gallstones and leg ulcers. Common symptoms experienced are fever, unusual fatigue, severe headaches, dizziness, weakness and trouble breathing. To stay as healthy as possible, people with sickle cell anemia should: eat a balanced, healthy diet; take vitamins, including folic acid supplements, as prescribed; drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration; avoid extreme cold or heat; exercise regularly, but in moderation; get plenty of rest; avoid alcohol, drugs and smoking; avoid places low in oxygen; prevent serious infections; learn as much as possible about the disease; and see your doctor regularly.

For additional information, contact the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America: Home - Sickle Cell Disease Association of America Inc.