Men's Health and Sickle Cell Disease

This week's episode of Black Doctors Speak is all about sickle cell disease. Sickle cell is a genetic blood disorder in which red blood cells become hard and appear like the C-shaped sickle tool, which can be very painful and difficult to manage. Sickle cell anemia commonly impacts the Black community, as it occurs in about 1 in every 365 Black or African American births. Even greater is the amount of Black or African American babies born with the sickle cell trait, which is about 1 in every 13. If you are curious to learn more about sickle cell, tune into this informative episode of Black Doctors Speak! Today, Dr. LeNoir opens up the episode by recognizing the importance of receiving the COVID-19 vaccination, and provides updates on the changing landscape of the virus. Following updates on the Coronavirus is an informative discussion on the ins-and-outs of sickle cell disease. To discuss this important topic, Dr. LeNoir is joined by Mr. John Burns from the Black Women's Health Imperative, an attorney and partner at Burns Brothers, a culture-driven diversity agency. Also joining in on this important episode is Dr. Doris Browne, a past President of the National Medical Association and distinguished hematologist and oncologist, as well as Mr. Ty Montgomery, running back for the New Orleans Saints, who is also a carrier of the sickle cell trait. This panel of guests dive into some of the details of sickle cell that are unknown to much of the public. They dive into the differences between the sickle cell trait and sickle cell disease, the importance of testing for the trait, as well as some complications that come with diagnosing and treating sickle cell. Mr. Montgomery offers some insight on what it was like to be a professional athlete living with the sickle cell trait, and how he handled this diagnosis throughout his personal and professional life. Mr. Burns also goes in to the specifics of what the Black Women's Health Imperative is doing to help educate the public and advocate for those living with sickle cell. Tune in to this episode to learn all about this disease that severely impacts the black community.