your health: August 2015

There are natural ways to whiten your teeth even if it is as dark as charcoal or it has lost its natural look. your teeth are the first thing people want to see when they meet with you. so getting your teeth to look good always is not bad business. here are four trusted ways you can whiten your teeth.

1 The best natural way to whiten your teeth is to always brush your teeth after eating or drinking something, most food does not stain teeth but foods and drinks like tea and coffee can stain your teeth badly and even smoking, if you are into taking any or all of these things you should brush your teeth whenever you drink or eat foods that stains.

2. Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide is another natural way to whiten your teeth. This works like magic. just mix a teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide with a small amount of baking soda add the normal toothpaste you use in brushing your teeth to form a paste. Brush your teeth as usual also brush your inner and back teeth to get the result.

3. using coconut oil is another natural way to whiten your teeth. yes, it is true coconut oil can whiten your teeth to be as white as snow Just put a spoonful of coconut oil in your mouth and brush your teeth with it for 5 to 20 minutes or add the coconut oil to a corner of a clean washcloth and rub it on. coconut oil also works well with your gum.

4. apple cider vinegar can help you remove those stubborn stains from your teeth. It has been proven that it does work as a natural teeth whitener especially if you are into tea, coffee and other foods that stain teeth. to get the real result from using apple cider vinegar you must be consistent and you should have used it for some few weeks. you will need to brush again with regular toothpaste after using apple cider vinegar because of his acidic nature.

Sickle cell anemia

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a group of inherited red blood cell disorders. It causes red blood cells, which are normally round and flexible, to become rigid, sticky, and shaped like a crescent or sickle. These abnormally shaped cells can block blood flow, leading to pain and complications.

🔍 Symptoms of Sickle Cell Disease

Symptoms usually begin in early childhood and may vary in severity.

Common Symptoms:

Anemia – Chronic shortage of red blood cells causes fatigue and weakness.
Pain Crises (Vaso-occlusive crises): Sudden episodes of severe pain due to blocked blood flow, often in the chest, joints, abdomen, or bones.
Swelling in Hands and Feet: Due to blocked blood circulation.
Frequent Infections: Spleen damage makes patients more vulnerable to infections.
Delayed Growth and Puberty: Caused by lack of oxygen and nutrients.
Vision Problems: Blocked blood vessels in the eyes can damage the retina.
Jaundice (Yellowing of the eyes and skin): Due to rapid breakdown of red blood cells.

🩺 Complications

Stroke
Acute chest syndrome (similar to pneumonia)
Organ damage (especially kidneys, liver, and spleen)
Leg ulcers
Gallstones
Priapism (painful, prolonged erections)

💊 Treatment of Sickle Cell Disease

There is no universal cure, but treatments aim to reduce symptoms, prevent complications, and improve quality of life.

1. Medications

Hydroxyurea: Increases fetal hemoglobin, reducing sickling and pain episodes.
L-glutamine (Endari): Helps reduce pain crises.
Pain relievers: For managing pain crises.
Antibiotics (e.g., penicillin): Prevent infections, especially in children.
Folic acid supplements: Help produce red blood cells.

2. Blood Transfusions

Used to treat severe anemia or prevent stroke.
Regular transfusions may be used in high-risk patients.

3. Bone Marrow or Stem Cell Transplant

Only potential cure for SCD.
Requires a well-matched donor and is mainly used in severe cases.

4. Supportive Care

Vaccinations: Prevent infections (e.g., pneumococcal, meningococcal, influenza).
Hydration: Helps reduce sickling of cells.
Healthy diet and regular check-ups.