In recognition of World Anemia Day, Maria Antoniello, MSN, RN, from The Blood Management Institute at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, debunks some common myths about anemia. The Patient Blood Management program, 973-322-2950, can help you determine the state of your blood health and identify and treat anemia as well as nutritional deficiencies that can cause low blood levels.
By Maria Antoniello, MSN, RN, The Blood Management Institute at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 2.4 billion people worldwide have anemia. Anemia is considered a global health problem that particularly affects children and pregnant women (42% and 40% respectively).
What is Anemia?
Anemia is where your blood lacks enough healthy red blood cells, or hemoglobin to carry oxygen throughout your body. There are many different types of anemia, but the most common is iron deficiency anemia.
What are the symptoms?
While some of the initial symptoms of anemia are common, like fatigue and headache, as anemia gets worse, symptoms can include:
- Brain fog
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Desire to chew/eat ice, chalk or other non-food items (Pica Syndrome)
- Weakness
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Chest pain
Why is treating anemia so important?
Hemoglobin carries oxygen to all of our tissues. Our brain, lungs, immune system and muscles rely on hemoglobin to deliver oxygen in order to keep us healthy. Not only do we need oxygen carried to our tissues to manage day-to-day activities, but this is the first step towards maintaining blood health. Having healthy blood and normal hemoglobin can protect us when we bleed, improve our immune system, and help wound healing.
To determine the state of your blood health, make an appointment with the Patient Blood Management program at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center. Our team can help identify and treat anemia as well as nutritional deficiencies that can cause low blood levels.
To learn more, visit The Blood Management Institute website or call 973-322-2950.