World Anemia Awareness Day is February 13
This month, we ask why there are recognition days for specific health conditions and diseases. It’s clear when recognition is focused on diseases that have acute adverse outcomes: We are all usually touched in some way personally. For Iron Deficiency Anemia, one might wonder why there needs to be a day dedicated to such a cause. Despite anemia being largely invisible, it can have sweeping symptoms that wreak havoc on quality of life.
Anemia is a serious global public health problem that particularly affects young children and pregnant women. WHO estimates that 42% of children less than 5 years of age and 40% of pregnant women worldwide are anemic.
– World Health Organization
Commemorating a day bands a group together and provides community support. That day can also bring up feelings around loss and sorrow. Suffering can be a large part of people’s lives when enduring anemia. Providing compassion and space to reflect and learn can be a positive outcome of centering a day around a cause. Severe health challenges can be more readily advocated for with strength in numbers. These days are a way for people to build networks to make a difference. At Mainline Wellness, we recognize World Anemia Awareness Day on February 13.
There can be grave risks to leaving anemia untreated. Risks that specifically target vulnerable populations include maternal and child mortality. Let’s do all we can to advocate for nutritional and supplemental iron access. Everyone is entitled to the best quality of life possible.
Please check out these topical articles if you want to learn more about iron’s impact on health:
Iron deficiency as a risk factor for bone loss/osteoporosis https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10138976/
Iron deficiency as a risk factor for chronic daily headaches https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36739514/
Iron deficiency as a cause of sexual dysfunction in women https://academic.oup.com/smr/article/11/4/342/7222595?login=false
Iron and fetal/neonatal brain development https://obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ijgo.14951
Iron Deficiency and Depression https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022316623726187?via%3Dihub
On February 13, ironforhealth.ca is launching. It’s a site dedicated to all things iron health, including recipes and articles with seasonal ingredients, up-to-date info and the option to take a quiz if you’re curious whether you might be lacking in iron. Mainline’s Dr. A and Dr. J are on the medical advisory board to support this educational and awareness-focused online resource.
About Mainline
Mainline’s mission is to offer fast, safe, friendly, and comfortable iron infusion services for patients and referring physicians across the Lower Mainland. By reducing wait-times and providing timely access, the Clinic aims to boost patient well-being and overall physical health while decreasing the burden placed on hospital infusion services.
Do you have questions about iron deficiency or iron deficiency anemia? Email Mainline Wellness at info@mainlinewellness.ca
Do you think you might be iron deficient?
Here are some symptoms to look for:
Low energy
Chronic napping
Pale skin
Heavy or irregular periods
Cold hands and/or feet
Restless legs
If you experience any of these symptoms, you may have low iron or be anemic. Make an appointment with your health care provider to get your iron checked. Taking steps to treat iron deficiency and anemia is simple. If you have questions or wish to find out more about how an iron infusion may help to address iron deficiency and anemia, the team at Mainline Wellness is happy to help and can be reached by phone at 604-876-2344 or email at info@mainlinewellness.ca.
How Does Mainline Wellness Fit In?
At Mainline Wellness, we are focused on improving the awareness and understanding of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia in Canada to help more patients get the help they need – preoperative or otherwise.
We are committed to offering safe, timely, and accessible ER physician and nurse supervised iron infusions. Speak to your healthcare provider to see if iron infusions may be helpful for you. Treatment can begin within one week.
I don't have a doctor but suspect I'm low iron, what do I do?
If you think you may be a candidate for IV iron but don't have a GP or your care provider is not comfortable referring for IV iron, request a consult with an independent specialist from Well Health. Our new referral system will help you with the access you need.
Our Locations
Vancouver
672 Leg in Boot Square
Vancouver, BC V5Z 4B4
by Appointment Only
Phone: 604-876-2344
Mainline Vancouver is accessible by pedestrian traffic only. Street parking is available nearby, and parking lots are accessible from these streets:
- Cambie Street (7 minute walk)
- 2nd Ave (3 minute walk)
- Moberly Road (1 minute walk)
Surrey - Now Open!
Suite 301, 9639 137A Street
City Center 2 Surrey, BC V3T 0M1
by Appointment Only
Phone: 604-900-7007 Ext. 100
Mainline Surrey is located in City Centre 2, immediately adjacent to City Centre 1 at the heart of the Health and Technology District in Surrey, British Columbia. We are on the 3rd floor, Suite 301, within iScope.
Patient Safety
Our clinic is run according to the BC College of Physicians and Surgeons Class 3 Facility Safety and Equipment guidelines.
All clinical staff have active Advanced Cardiac Life Support certification and years of experience working in urban emergency departments.