After the global havoc of the pandemic, health campaigns became more relevant and access to health information became essential. Social media can now amplify the reach and goal of a certain campaign, and this month we will color the town in healthy red as we celebrate — Blood Diseases Month. Celebrating Blood Diseases month on social media could serve as an avenue to raise people’s awareness to understand blood-related diseases. Moreover, utilizing our platforms as channels to disseminate information is truly purposeful.
Blood plays important functions for the body. It is composed of plasma, white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. It supplies essential substances, such as sugars, oxygen, and hormones, to cells and organs, and removes waste from cells. Blood diseases related to nutrition and environmental conditions continue to increase in prevalence and pose serious effects on people. Blood diseases could be very dangerous, especially if not treated properly and immediately.
There are more common types of blood diseases in the Philippines and According to the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development, one of the three sectoral councils of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), there are three common blood diseases in the country.
Anemia
The most common blood disorder among the general population. Anemia is a condition wherein the body lacks or has low levels of healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin—a protein inside the red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body.
Hemophilia
Hemophilia is a rare genetic disorder. There are two types of hemophilia. First is Hemophilia A or Classic Hemophilia, which according to the CDC is caused by a lack of clotting factor eight. On the other hand, Hemophilia B, or the Christmas Disease, is caused by a lack of clotting factor nine. There is currently no cure for hemophilia. However, there are several treatments available for patients.
Leukemia
Leukemia is a type of blood cancer, along with lymphoma and myeloma. This cancer is found in blood and bone marrow and it happens when there is an abnormal production of white blood cells. The two different types of leukemia are acute leukemia which grows rapidly and chronic leukemia which tends to grow slowly.
As we celebrate blood diseases month and fight these red flags, Wellness Wednesdays resident doctor Dr. Dex Macalintal suggested eating the colors of the rainbow — from deep purple berries, greens, and all these fruits and vegetables necessary to provide nutrition to our blood. But to name some of the superfoods that can help improve the health of the blood and circulatory system are beetroots, pomegranate, berries, garlic, and cinnamon. Add these powerhouse super-foods to your weekly juicing regimen and diet for a healthy heart. Doctor Macalintal also added that supplementation is also helpful to keep our blood healthy and choosing the right supplement that is healthy and natural can-do wonders for our blood. Just like the superfood Organique Acai Berry – a nutrient-dense, potent with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. A shot of its premium blend will guarantee ample uptake of iron, from foods, into the system and promote red blood cell synthesis and blood passage. Aside from its hero product, Organique Acai premium blend, it also comes in the coffee mix, choco mix, and freeze dried capsules perfect to keep the blood of the whole family super healthy and strong!