Sickle cell anemia is a genetic, life-limiting disease in which chronic anemia, sickled red blood cells and inflammation cause debilitating pain and fatigue, as well as long-term complications to bodily organs.
In the U.S., the disease affects up to 100,000 people, the majority of whom are African-American. Globally, it affects millions, and the number of infants born with sickle cell anemia is expected to increase by approximately 30 percent by 2050, according to a study published in the weekly medical journal PLOS Medicine.
September is National Sickle Cell Awareness Month and, in recognition of the awareness month, VCU Health will host a VCU Health Chat from 11 a.m. to noon on Sept. 21 with Susan Ameringer, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Family and Community Health Nursing at VCU School of Nursing.
Ameringer is currently working on a two-year study funded by the National Institutes of Health that aims to examine improved approaches to self-managing exercises in adolescents and young adults with sickle cell anemia.
During the chat, Ameringer will answer questions about how to diagnose, treat and live with the symptoms caused by sickle cell disease. Join the conversation by commenting on Facebook with your questions or tweeting us using #VCUHealthChat.
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