The Month of Septemeber!

September is Sickle Cell Awareness and many people are not aware of that. Sickle Cell Disease is an inherited blood disorder that affects nearly 100,000 people in the United States and this purpose of this month is to  show and highlight Sickle Cell Disease. This month also shines a light on the Sickle Cell Trait.

Many individuals, majority of African Americans, deals with the sickle cell disease. This is where red blood cells are formed into a crescent shape, like a sickle. The sickle-shaped red blood cells break apart easily, causing anemia and other infectious disease. Sickle red blood cells can only live up to 10-20 days instead of the normal 120 days. Sickle cell disease can cause blockage of blood flow and dehydration. Sickle is a underrated disease that many aren't aware of and should be looked into more deeply.

As a person with the sickle trait, I understand how sickle cell works. Sickle cell trait is estimated to affect more than 100 million people worldwide. Sickle cell takes over the body and controls the day to day functions of a human being. This disease or trait is not contagious, however it can be inherited. Based on the photo, one can see how one could be diagnose with the trait or with the full blown disease.

Sickle cell anemia has no widely available cure. Scientists are making progress in the development of new medications that will improve blood flow and help stop the sickling of cells. If you or anyone else is affected by this disease please spread the word and become aware of this major issue.

For more information about sickle cell trait or disease, visit http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/sicklecell/index.html or http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/sca.

The Blessing of a HBCU

Most people think HBCU's are downfalls for African Americans or it doesn't prepare them for success however, that is the complete opposite. HBCU's allow students to understand the value of schooling, it brings the African-American community together, and it also give one an experience that is unforgettable.

Attending a History Black College and University has been nothing but a learning experience for me. My HBCU, Voorhees College, is giving me the feeling of togetherness, closeness, and is very family oriented. A HBCU brings these qualities because of its size and what the school instills in the individuals who put fourth effort to better themselves.

A HBCU brings plenty of challenges. I'm not saying other schools, such as PWI's, don't have challenges however, overcoming challenges at a HBCU is normal and prepares those students for the real world. A HBCU will bring nothing but greatness in the end and will ensure that you apply yourself and push yourself for what you want. The only thing that is given at a History Black College and
University is an opportunity and only the ones who try will succeed.

HBCU's are prominent and are very underrated. If you are given the opportunity to attend a HBCU I advise you to take that offer and make the best of it. Also check out this website to get a better understanding of an HBCU and see what you are missing.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/15-reasons-studying-at-hbcus-is-an-experience-like-no-other_us_55dcde70e4b08cd3359dbf19