There are several types of anemia: iron-deficiency, vitamin-deficiency, and folate-deficiency. Iron-deficiency anemia is common. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute estimate that over three million Americans have anemia. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms vary depending on the cause but may include:
- Fatigue
- Pale skin
- A fast or irregular heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Dizziness
- Cognitive problems
- Cold hands and feet
- Headache
Poor nutrition is the most common cause of anemia. but for those with pernicious anemia the hidden culprit may be an inability to absorb vitamin B12 due to an overgrowth of unfriendly bacteria. As with other health issues, prevention is often the best approach, and many people can benefit from getting adequate folate and vitamins B6 and B12.
An easy way to know you are not anemic is to donate blood. They will test your hemoglobin level and let you know right away if your hemoglobin is low. Here are some facts about blood needs from the American Red Cross:
Facts about blood needs
- Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood.
- More than 44,000 blood donations are needed every day.
- A total of 30 million blood components are transfused each year in the U.S. (2006).
- The average red blood cell transfusion is approximately 3 pints.
- The blood type most often requested by hospitals is Type O.
- The blood used in an emergency is already on the shelves before the event occurs.
- Sickle cell disease affects more than 80,000 people in the U.S., 98 percent of whom are African American. Sickle cell patients can require frequent blood transfusions throughout their lives.
- More than 1 million new people are diagnosed with cancer each year. Many of them will need blood, sometimes daily, during their chemotherapy treatment.
- A single car accident victim can require as many as 100 pints of blood.
This week, give the gift of life, and gain valuable information about your own health and well-being.
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Rev. Debra Basham
Voice: (269) 921-2217 Email: debra@scs-matters.com https://scs-matters.com http://ImagineHealing.info http://SurgicalSupport.info Small Changes … Infinite Results™
“If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.” ~Mother Teresa Tips from 5 April 2010 to 6 August 2012 are here: Archived Tips |