And then there were two... 
Dr. Karen & Dr. Tiffany discuss the importance of balancing work and personal life both during and "after" the pandemic.  Dr. Zanetta is taking hiatus from our usual schedule but will be back!

September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month. Sickle Cell is a hereditary blood disorder that causes the red blood cells to form in a sickled or banana shape instead of the normal round shape. This change in shape makes it difficult for the red blood cells to function properly, including carrying oxygen to cells. 
Sickle Cell presents in two ways: 

• Sickle Cell Trait (SCT): genetic carrier of the disease, but usually does not exhibit symptoms
• Sickle Cell Disease (SCD): experiences symptoms such as anemia, swelling in hands and feet, pain episodes, frequent infections, or vision problems

SCD and SCT impact African Americans at disproportionate rates. Sickle Cell affects 1 million to 3 million Americans and 8 to 10 percent of African Americans. This is because SCD and SCT are an evolutionary trait that people developed in response to help protect them from malaria. As such, this condition is common in large parts of Africa. People whose ancestors are from other regions where malaria was common are also at a higher risk of inheriting SCD or SCT, including people of:

• Mediterranean descent
• Middle Eastern descent
• South and Southeast Asian descent
• Central and South American descent
• Caribbean descent

RESOURCES:

Sickle Cell Video

Sickle Cell Disease.org

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Dr. Karen Winkfield

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Dr. Zanetta Lamar

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Last week, there was another school shooting in the United States, this time in Nashville, Tennessee. The Docs talk about the experience of being a parent, physician, church goer and community member in this time of mass shootings and gun violence.  

The Docs also talk about getting your affairs in order individually and as a family. Dr. Zanetta met with an attorney last week and shared how she felt about making decisions about her own end-of-life.  

Resources:

Gun Violence is Leading Cause of Death for Kids in United States

AMA Statement on Gun Violence

America’s Epidemic of Mass Shootings 

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3 Black Docs

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Dr. Karen Winkfield

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Dr. Zanetta Lamar

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Climate change is a public health crisis, and many medical professional associations are sounding the alarm. 

In this episode, Dr. Zanetta shares her experience as an oncologist treating patients during increasingly frequent hurricanes and tropical storms. The Docs talk about the rise of chronic kidney disease due to increasing chronic dehydration, environmental racism, and the devastating impact of natural disasters on US islands and territories.

What can we do? 

Dr. Tiffany shares how “living with a lighter touch” and gardening is lowering her stress levels and carbon footprint and Dr. Karen talks about how simple changes like turning off lights and advocating for climate-friendly changes in your workplace can help. 

Join us this April for Earth Month! The Docs will be highlighting issues that impact the Earth and your health. 

Resources:

Statement on Climate Change: American College of Nephrology 

Call for Emergency Action on Climate Change: The Lancet

WHO Climate Change Resources

American Medical Association Policy on Climate as a Healthcare Crisis

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3 Black Docs

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Dr. Karen Winkfield

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Dr. Zanetta Lamar

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