Health Tip: Are You Anemic?
Anemia occurs either when the blood is deficient in red blood cells, or it lacks enough of a protein called hemoglobin.
Some forms of anemia can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says.
Here's the agency's list of warning signs that you may be anemic:
- Feeling tired and weak.
- Experiencing paleness, dizziness, headache or shortness of breath.
- Having a lower than normal body temperature.
- Having cold or numb hands and feet.
- Having pains in your chest, or a very fast or abnormal heartbeat.
- Feeling irritable.
- Doing poorly at work or school.
Health Tip: If You Have to Take Iron Supplements
If you are anemic or need iron supplements for another reason, taking the pills can be difficult.
The American Academy of Family Physicians suggests how to make taking iron supplements a little easier:
- Take the pills with food.
- Gradually work your way up to the number of pills your doctor prescribed each day. Start out with one a day, then after three to five days, begin increasing the amount until you've reached the daily dose recommended by your doctor.
- If iron pills make you constipated, add fiber to your daily diet.
- If the pills make your stomach upset, don't take them before you go to sleep.
- If a particular brand causes problems, ask your doctor about different brands or formulas.
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