ANEMIA

WHAT IS IT?
Anemia is a condition in which you don't have enough healthy red blood cells
to carry sufficient oxygen to the body's tissues. Having anemia may make
you feel tired and weak.
THE CAUSES Anemia occurs when your blood doesn't have enough red blood cells. This can
happen if:
Your body doesn't make enough red blood cells
Bleeding causes you to lose red blood cells more quickly than they can be
replaced
Your body destroys red blood cells
SYMPTOMS Fatigue
Weakness
Pale or yellowish skin
Irregular heartbeats
Shortness of breath
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Chest pain
Cold hands and feet
Headache
At first anemia can be so mild that it goes unnoticed. But symptoms worsen as
anemia worsens.
HEALTH RISKS
Left untreated, anemia can cause many health problems, such as:
Severe fatigue
Pregnancy complications
Heart problems
Death
RISK FACTORS
These factors place you at increased risk of anemia:
A diet lacking in certain vitamins
Intestinal disorders
Menstruation
Pregnancy
Chronic conditions
Family history
People over age 65
PREVENTION
Eat a vitamin-rich diet. Include:
Iron
Folate
Vitamin B-12
Vitamin C
Consider a multivitamin
Consider genetic counseling