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LEARN HOW TO MAKE OUR TYPE LARGER

Anemia - Are you at risk?
Published May/June 2002

Danny Glover

(NAPSA) - Imagine being so exhausted that even simple tasks seem impossible. For many people with serious diseases, like chronic kidney disease, diabetes, heart disease, cancer and rheumatoid arthritis, this exhaustion is not a result of the disease itself, but actually caused by anemia.

The good news is that anemia can be treated and people can continue to live healthy, productive lives. A new educational initiative, Anemia LifeLine, has been created to help the millions of Americans who suffer from anemia associated with these common, serious diseases. Award-winning actor Danny Glover, whose father had anemia associated with chronic kidney disease, serves as the program's national spokesperson. According to Glover, "Once my father was treated, he regained his independence. No one should have to suffer with anemia."

Anemia occurs when the number of red blood cells (or the hemoglobin in them) falls below normal and the body gets less oxygen and energy than it needs to function properly. This causes extreme fatigue, weakness and other symptoms and accounts for its potentially serious effects on health and quality of life. Anemia can even lead to serious heart problems.

Take the following "What's Your AQ? " (Anemia Quotient) self-quiz that will help you talk to your doctor about anemia.

"What's Your AQ?^TM"

Since you were diagnosed with your serious medical condition:

Have you felt unusually tired or fatigued?
Have you experienced unusual weakness?
Have you experienced shortness of breath?
Have you felt easily confused or lost your concentration?
Have you felt dizzy or have you fainted?
Has your skin become unusually pale, including decreased pinkness in your lips, gums, lining of your eyelids, nail beds and palms?
Have you experienced a rapid heart beat?
Have you been feeling unusually cold?
Have you been feeling sad or depressed?
Do you know if your hemoglobin count is between 12 and 18 g/dl (grams per deciliter) of blood?

A simple blood test can be performed to determine whether your hemoglobin is in the normal range of 12 to 18 grams per deciliter of blood. To receive free Anemia LifeLine educational materials and to learn more about anemia and its treatments, call toll-free 1-888-722-4407 Ext. 700 or visit www.anemia.com Anemia LifeLine was created by Amgen in collaboration with the National Kidney Foundation (NKF), The Wellness Community and the National Anemia Action Council (NAAC).

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