January 2009 HealthierYou Calendar

Anemia

Key to the Matching Activity

• National Folic Acid Awareness Week (January 12-18)
• National Blood Donor Month
• Cervical Cancer Screening Month

Fact or Fiction

Iron supplements alone treat anemia.

Fiction: There are many forms of anemia, each with its own cause and treatment. Therefore, iron supplements alone can not treat all causes of anemia.

Anemia is a common blood disorder. It can be temporary or long term and it can range from mild to severe.

Common types of anemia are:

1. Iron deficiency
2. Vitamin deficiency
3. Anemia from chronic disease
4. Aplastic anemia
5. Anemia associated with bone marrow disease
6. Hemolytic anemia
7. Sickle cell anemia

The kidneys play a significant role in the production of red blood cells. The hormone produced by the kidneys that promotes the formation of red blood cells in the bone marrow is called Erythropoietin (EPO). The kidney cells that make EPO are specialized and are sensitive to low oxygen levels in the blood. These cells release EPO when the oxygen level is low in the kidney. EPO then stimulates the bone marrow to produce more red cells and thereby increase the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.

In essence, EPO is the prime regulator of red blood cell production. It promotes the differentiation and development of red blood cells and the production of hemoglobin, the molecule within red cells that transports oxygen. Lower than normal levels of EPO are seen in chronic renal failure.

To read more about anemia (different types, causes, treatments, and preventive measures) please visit

• www.mayoclinic.com
• www.intelihealth.com
• www.medterms.com

NASA in Your Life

Spiralex Resistance Exercise Device

The SpiraFlex system, presently aboard the International Space Station, is used by the crewmembers as a primary countermeasure against musculoskeletal degradation caused by microgravity.

Using SpiraFlex technology, Schwinn Cycling & Fitness, Inc., launched an international fitness program for health clubs and selected retail distributors, called RiPP (Resistance Performance Program).

For more information please visit www.sti.nasa.gov.

Down-To-Earth

Take the Pledge!

Change five lights at home to a compact fluorescent light bulb and save up to 700 pounds of carbon dioxide per year and $90 in energy costs.

Take the Pledge!

For more information please visit www.epa.gov.

HealthierYou by Choice

National Spaghetti Day - January 4th

Make healthy substitutions to reduce the amount of fat, calories, and sodium in your meals and to boost their nutritional content. For example, use whole-wheat or multi-grain pasta in place of enriched white pasta. You'll triple the fiber and reduce the number of calories.

For more information please visit

• www.thenibble.com
• www.tfdutch.com
• www.mayoclinic.com