World Anemia Awareness Launch 2nd Annual Global Campaign for Anemia, Iron Deficiency and Blood Health

LONDON - Feb. 13, 2024 - PRLog -- This years theme is "The Best Blood is Your Blood - Keep it Healthy" and aimed at the 40% of young women who are part of this silent pandemic of anemia and iron deficiency. The effects often go unnoticed because the symptoms can easily be misread as "normal". But teenagers who suddenly see a drop in their energy, a change in their grades are being encouraged to check their blood health.

"The reason for anemia and iron deficiency, especially in teenage girls is largely down to unreported, unrecognised heavy menstrual bleeding" says Dr Carolyn Burns, president of SABM.

Sherri Ozawa, MSN, RN, co-author of Blood Works: An Owner's Guide commented: "We have a problem with talking about periods. What is a normal period? How would I know if my bleeding is too heavy? I personally didn't know because I had nothing to compare it to."

In an interview that will be featured during the campaign, Dr Irwin Gross, father of 4 daughters and lead author of Blood Works: An Owner's Guide said, "This stigma against talking about periods, needs to change. The need for education on this topic starts at home and men should not be afraid to let their daughters discuss this delicate topic."

This annual event is held on Feb 13 because 13 represents the optimal hemoglobin number for good blood health across the board for all genders. "Anything below 13" says Ozawa, "is not normal, even if your doctor disagrees. We need to be empowered to ask the right questions and take control of our own health."

The global campaign launches on social media and in participating medical centers around the world on February 13 and runs for 1 week. It is aimed to empower young women to speak up and talk to health care professionals about their blood health, especially at an age where their grades and professional future could be affected. World Anemia Awareness Day is sponsored by medical professionals, influencers and the general public who collectively want to raise awareness of the dangers associated with anemia, iron deficiency and blood health.

"How's Your Blood Health?" (1min) https://youtu.be/CuIG3-gUM2w?si=u4E78QocF3dUgI2Z



ABOUT WORLD ANEMIA AWARENESS
World Anemia Awareness is a non-profit awareness group focused on the 2.4 billion globally affected by anemia and iron deficiency.

ABOUT HUMAN TOUCH MEDIA FOUNDATION
Human Touch Media Foundation is a non-profit organization that works to support education and awareness with a primary focus on health care.

ABOUT BLOOD WORKS
Blood Works: An Owner's Guide (https://bloodworksbook.com) is a 456 page book that is collaboration of 48 global leaders in blood health. Blood Works is an official partner of World Anemia Awareness supporting education for blood health, anemia, and iron deficiency. It is co published by Human Touch Media Foundation and City Point Press and distributed globally by Simon & Schuster.

ABOUT SABM
SABM (https://www.sabm.org) is recognized as a key educational resource for Patient Blood Management. SABM is grounded in scientific validation, evidence-based practices and focused on promoting the patient's best interest through effective and optimal blood management.