10/12/2024
A Personal Perspective why this approach is recommended to its readers if they seek improved Life expectancy and quality of living for Sickle Cell Warriors.
Gatanan-gatananku,
As an adult living with the realities of this disorder, I've learned the importance of being proactive about my health. Part of this proactive approach is observations and pattern recognition like with the changing of climatic seasons always come new challenges to the human immune system, also with the awareness as a community living with compromised immune systems, It is CRUCIAL TO ALWAYS BE PREPARED and especially during these transitions.
Statistically we record higher Warrior visit rates to the ER, higher frequency of crisis attacks and invariably higher mortality numbers (even with recent increase in number amongst known friends within the community) during these windows. 🕯
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UNDERSTANDING THE DOMINO EFFECTS OF CLIMATIC SEASONAL CYCLES ON US:
CASE EXAMPLE: HARMATTAN SEASON.
When the seasons change from Wet (Rains) to Dry (Harmattan) seasons, the microorganisms that attack our immune systems to cause anemia and pain crisis go into overdrive survival mode from effects of dessication in the air to the shortage of nutrients forcing competition between colonies - a phase we call "Lag phase" in Microbiology Lab culturing.
Read more about the characteristics of microorganisms in this phase to understand better. These organisms become more toxic, a survival technique to reduce competition which may trigger mutations causing resistance to antibiotics. These chemical changes to their body when picked up by us from the food we eat, air we breathe, water we drink or even open entries on our skin, they wreck havocs and toxic reactions when in our bodies.
To stay ahead of the game here are:
SIX (6) SUGGESTED MUST-HAVE INTENTIONAL ROUTINES TO ADOPT::
1. Staying informed about seasonal risks and taking proactive steps to protect my health.
2. Go for routine hematology tests & know your numbers. Compare tests results to keep up with updates. Knowing your stable PCV will help you to detect anemia early. Your WBC counts shows you when there's an active infection.
3. Learning new skills, like basic first aid and injection administration, for emergencies.
4. Having a support system, including access to medical centers, registered nurses, and doctors.
5. Keeping a fully stocked medical supply and having a plan for emergency situations.
6. Prioritizing financial well-being to handle routine medical expenses.
By staying informed, connected, and prepared, we can take control of our health challenges and live our best lives. Remember, knowledge is power, and being proactive about your health can save your life.
Compliments of the season to all the Warriors and Gladiators! (supportive non-warriors).
✍️
Your boy,
Timon
