Spreading Marrow Awareness
Chapa-De Indian Health Auburn Grass Valley | Medical Clinic
We know that our body is constructed by our skeleton, or bones. But what is inside of our bones? Marrow. Marrow is incredibly important, but it is not often talked about. This month we are observing National Marrow Awareness Month.
What is marrow?
Bone marrow is a soft and sponge-like tissue in the center of most bones. There are two types of bone marrow.
- Yellow bone marrow– Produces fat, cartilage and bone
- Red bone marrow – Produces white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets, which help our bodies to prevent illnesses, circulate blood and oxygen and create blood clots so we don’t bleed out
Click HERE to read more about the functions of yellow and red bone marrow.
Conditions involving bone marrow
Because bone marrow produces blood cells, there are many blood-related conditions resulting from issues with bone marrow. Some of these conditions are:
- Leukemia – A cancer caused by mutations in the DNA of blood cells
- Aplastic Anemia – A condition where your bone marrow does not produce enough new blood cells
- Myeloproliferative Disorders – Disorders that happen when too many of one type of blood cell grow.
These illnesses and condition share some key symptoms, including:
- Fever
- Fatigue and weakness
- Increased infections
- Shortness of breath
- Easy bleeding and bruising
Click HERE to read more about bone marrow conditions and their symptoms.
Bone marrow donations
When someone is suffering from a bone marrow condition, sometimes they need a bone marrow transplant to help get better. This is when someone donates some of their healthy bone marrow to be given to someone with unhealthy bone marrow.
If you are interested in becoming a bone marrow donor to help those suffering from bone marrow conditions, click HERE to read about the qualifications and sign up to donate.
How can I observe?
In addition to understanding what bone marrow is and the related conditions, it is important to recognize the ways it affects the lives of those around us. This month, make sure you take the time to honor the doctors that treat bone marrow conditions and the donors that help to save the lives of those affected by the conditions.
For more information, please click HERE or call our Auburn location at (530) 887-2810 or our Grass Valley location at (530) 477-8545 or visit us online at chapa-de.org.
Cancer.gov
Medicalnewstoday.com
Healthline.com
Bethematch.org
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Chapa-De Indian Healthcare Auburn Grass Valley