Everyone’s heard of Sickle Cell Anemia, but did you know it’s only one version of the blood disorder we’re spotlighting today? Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) affects more than 100,000 people in the United States and 20 million people worldwide. This life-long red blood cell disorder ranges in severity, with Sickle Cell Anemia being the most severe form. Despite the widespread name recognition, most people don’t know much about this group of disorders. So, let’s talk about what SCD is and how it can affect the body.
Stopping Neuropathy at Home with the ReBuilder
Gardening with Neuropathy
It’s getting to that time of year again: the birds are building nests, the trees are filling out, and the flowers are blooming. It’s time to get back out into the garden! But if you’re living with neuropathy, tending the garden can be difficult. So we’ve compiled a list of tips and tricks to help you look after your garden and yourself this spring.
Necrotizing Fasciitis: Rare Condition Spotlight
Today's condition is the rarest we’ve spotlighted to date: Necrotizing Fasciitis. This rare infection affects only about 4 in 1 million people in the US every year. Though mortality rates have improved since it was first identified in 1871, it still has a high rate of misdiagnosis. Since early treatment is essential for a positive outcome, it’s important to know the risk factors and early warning signs of infection.
Lupus: Rare Condition Spotlight
It’s estimated that at least 1.5 million Americans and 5 million people worldwide are living with lupus. Identified as far back as the 13th century by the physician Rogerius in his book The Practice of Surgery, it derives its name from its distinctive facial rash which was described as resembling a wolf’s bite.
Hepatitis and Neuropathy
Neuropathy can be a symptom of any number of conditions or can appear all on its own, with no discernible cause. Today, we’d like to highlight one specific cause of peripheral neuropathy: Viral Hepatitis.
Toxins, Neuropathy and You
March is Poison Prevention Month in the USA. Neurotoxins are poisonous substances that alter the function of the nervous system by damaging brain cells or the nerves which carry signals around the body. Some researchers regard substances that cause temporary changes to the function of the nervous system as also being neurotoxic. Basically, there are thousands of chemicals you interact with every day that are harmful to your body and your nerves, whether the effect is acute or cumulative.
Kidneys & Neuropathy
Your kidneys are your body’s free, automatic detox system. Your kidneys and liver naturally filter toxic (destructive to cells) materials from your body via the blood and urine, regulate your electrolyte levels, send minerals to the bloodstream and remove waste.
Celiac Disease: Rare Condition Spotlight
Most people with Celiac disease have been misdiagnosed and have run the gamut of doctor visits to figure out what’s going on, just to find out that they are in fact allergic to a protein found in the regular human diet- gluten. "Gluten-free" is a marketing buzzword now that many consumers have heard, and most react with a snub and an eye roll. They shouldn’t. Even cross-contamination of gluten on safe foods can lead to symptoms and pain for 6 months to a lifetime if left untreated for too long! If you're allergic to gluten and suffer from Celiac disease, bread can be deadly.