2. People inherit sickle cell disease. Individuals are born with it and it cannot develop in adulthood nor is it contagious. Sickle Cell disease is passed down from both parents and each parent has to carry the sickle cell trait. There is a 25 percent chance that their child will have sickle cell disease for every pregnancy each time they want to conceive. That is a 1 in 4 chance that the child will develop the disease. The United States has as many as two million people who carry this trait. Many are not aware that they carry the trait until it becomes time to conceive which is why it is so important to educate everyone about this important medical condition.
3. Sickle cell disease is not a death sentence and is treatable only by a bone marrow transplant. However, sickle cell disease is a chronic medical condition, but due to increasing medical research and technology many patients can live productive lives. Many patients are now living well into their 40’s and 50’s. However, twenty years ago many children with sickle cell disease rarely made it to adulthood.
4. Sickle cell disease affects more than just Blacks. Sickle cell disease is often thought of as a condition of Blacks, and it is important to note that researchers estimate approximately 60 to 80 percent of those with SCD are of African-American descent. However, other races are also affected. People of Hispanic, Indian, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean heritage are also commonly affected by sickle cell disease.
Dr. Tamika Bush AKA (Dr. TamikaPeds) is a board-certified pediatrician, best-selling Author, Speaker, Media Consultant and Doctor Mom who specializes in children’s health. Through her videos, courses and books she prides herself on helping to keep your children healthy and happy all naturally without the use of conventional medicine.
Dr. Bush has an upcoming book on children’s health scheduled to be released End of October 2017. In this book Dr. Bush tells her own personal story along with Natural and Holistic remedies to many common childhood conditions. Dr. Bush is across all social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @drtamikapeds. She can also be contacted via her website at www.drtamikapeds.com and she also has a special Facebook group for mothers in which she gives natural tips to keep children healthy at www.granolamoms.info