September is National Sickle Cell Awareness Month

What is Sickle Cell Disease?

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a group of inherited red blood cell disorders. Red blood cells are normally round in shape and carry oxygen to all of the cells in the human body.  For someone who has SCD their red blood cells are not round and look like a ‘C-shape’ or a sickle. Their red blood cells also become hard and sticky and can get stuck in small blood vessels as they travel around the body. The sickle shaped cells die early which creates a chronic shortage of red blood cells.

‍SCD is usually diagnosed at birth during routine newborn screening tests in the hospital.

Complications of SCD can include:

• Severe pain      
• Swollen limbs
• Anemia
• Kidney disease
• Vision problems

• Talk about pain management disease with your physician    
• Eat a healthy diet, exercise and stay well hydrated
• Have regular health check up sincluding vaccinations and dental visits    

• September is National Sickle Cell Awareness Month
• CDC Sickle Cell Disease Facts 

Who gets SCD?

SCD is common in African Americans but many people of different ethnic backgrounds have SCD. Latinos have the second most common incidence of SCD in the U.S.

How to stay healthy with SCD:

Learn more at the links below: