How Practice Managers Can Combat Anaemia Through Awareness

Anaemia is a widespread health concern that can have significant long-term effects if not properly managed, making it essential for practice managers to increase awareness and promote early intervention

CREDIT: This article has been created using information from World Anaemia Awareness

The World Health Organisation (WHO) identifies anaemia as a significant public health issue, particularly impacting young children, pregnant and postpartum women and menstruating adolescent girls and women. Iron-deficiency anaemia, the most prevalent form, is estimated to affect approximately 3% of men and 8% of women.

The Symptoms of Anaemia

Anaemia can have a variety of causes, ranging from dietary deficiencies to underlying health conditions. According to the NHS, common symptoms to watch for include fatigue, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, paler skin and headaches. In some cases, anaemia can also cause additional symptoms such as tinnitus (ringing, buzzing, or hissing noises in the ears), a strange taste in food, itching and a sore tongue.

For practice managers, it is crucial to increase awareness of anaemia, as it is a condition that many individuals may not know they have. The symptoms can often be subtle or mistaken for other health issues, and individuals may not seek treatment or even notice the gradual onset of these signs. Left unmanaged, anaemia can have significant effects on both physical health and overall wellbeing. Without proper management, the long-term consequences of anaemia can be severe – untreated anaemia can lead to complications such as fatigue, weakened immune function, cognitive impairments and even cardiovascular issues.

Promoting Nutrition and Diet

One important step in managing anaemia is promoting proper nutrition and diet. Educating patients about the importance of a balanced diet rich in iron, folate and vitamin B12 can play a vital role in both the prevention and management of anaemia. Practice managers can provide resources, such as pamphlets, workshops, or consultations with nutritionists, to help patients understand how food choices can impact their health.

Educational Resources for Patients

Additionally, practice managers can ensure that patients are aware of available resources for managing their condition. Encouraging patients to monitor their symptoms and seek regular check-ups also ensures that any changes in their condition are caught early.

Promoting nutrition education, supporting patient awareness and facilitating access to proper treatment can help patients manage anaemia effectively, improving both short-term health and long-term wellbeing.