Cayenne Wellness Center and Children’s Foundation was first established in the year 2000 and, in the beginning, held a broad vision of general public health and wellness. But as time went on, the organization was drawn toward the specific needs and challenges faced by individuals with sickle cell disease. Today, our mission is: 1) To increase the quality of life for individuals diagnosed with sickle cell disease in California by ensuring expert, unbiased, and comprehensive care.”This mission is part of a broader vision of (a) a medical system which effectively addresses the unique needs of individuals with sickle cell disease and (b) patients who are empowered and equipped to advocate for themselves. 2) To reach this vision, our programs focus on education and awareness for providers, patients, and the general public. The members of the sickle cell community are given access to a grassroots network of individuals and institutions dedicated to improving patient quality of life and patient empowerment. Official website

Steps to Help Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 if you are Sick Stay home: Most people with COVID-19 have mild illness and are able to recover at home without medical care. Do not leave your home, except to get medical care. Do not visit public areas. Stay in touch with your doctor: Call before you get medical care. Be sure to get care if you have trouble breathing, or have any other emergency warning signs, or if you think it is an emergency. Avoid public transportation: Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis. Stay away from others: As much as possible, you stay away from others. You should stay in a specific “sick room” if possible and away from other people in your home. Use a separate bathroom, if available.   Abstract source

The Sickle Cell Podcast is an effort by the Sickle Cell 101, a nonprofit organization. In this Podcast, we are featuring sickle cell clinical psychologist, Marsha Treadwell. We are talking about mental health, COVID-19 and tips and tricks to stay level headed and positive during these challenging times. To listen to the audio podcast, mouse over the title and click Play. Related story

What is transition? Transition is when a person moves from their childhood doctor, to an adult doctor. This happens from the ages of 18-30. Transitioning from childhood to adult care can be a hard time for people living with sickle cell disease. People transitioning have the highest number of hospital visits and repeat hospital visits compared to older people with sickle cell disease. When people with sickle cell disease do not have the proper information to transition, there is a greater chance of having a shorter life. The Sickle Cell Disease Coalition has put together important information that will help those going through transition.   Abstract source

[3/19/2020] FDA is aware of news reports stating the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, could worsen coronavirus disease (COVID-19). These news reports followed a March 11, 2020 letter in The Lancet medical journal, which hypothesized that an enzyme (a molecule that aids a biochemical reaction in the body) is increased by NSAIDs and could aggravate COVID-19 symptoms. At this time, FDA is not aware of scientific evidence connecting the use of NSAIDs, like ibuprofen, with worsening COVID-19 symptoms. The agency is investigating this issue further and will communicate publicly when more information is available. However, all prescription NSAID labels warn that “the pharmacological activity of NSAIDs in reducing inflammation, and possibly fever, may diminish the utility of diagnostic signs in detecting infections.” For those who wish to use treatment options other than NSAIDs, there are multiple over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications approved for pain relief and fever reduction. FDA suggests speaking to your health care professional if you are concerned about taking NSAIDs and rely on these medications to treat chronic diseases. FDA advises the public to read the full Drug Facts Label on OTC medications prior to use. OTC medications are safe and effective when you follow the directions on the label and/or as directed by your health care professional. Patients who use prescription drugs should take these medications as directed by your health care professional and in accordance with instructions on the label. Abstract source

Here is what you can do to prepare your family in case COVID-19 spreads in your community. Find Local Information Know where to find local information on COVID-19 and local trends of COVID-19 cases. Know the Signs & Symptoms Know the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and what to do if symptomatic: • Stay home when you are sick • Call your health care provider’s office in advance of a visit • Limit movement in the community • Limit visitors Take Steps for Those at Higher Risk Know what additional measures those at higher risk and who are vulnerable should take. Protect Yourself & Family Implement steps to prevent illness (e.g., stay home when sick, handwashing, respiratory etiquette, clean frequently touched surfaces daily).   Abstract source

Earlier this week, I overheard my kids engaged in a round of “I heard” and “Did you know?” while they were getting ready for bed. “I heard that Margaret’s dad has it,” said my six-year-old. “Did you know that it’s the worst sickness ever?” added my eight-year-old. Neither statement is accurate, but they were revealing: I had thought my initial conversations with my kids about COVID-19 had been good enough. But with adults, kids at school and the news all hyper-focused on this coronavirus outbreak, my reassuring voice needed to be a little louder. A favorite Mister Rogers’ quote ran through my mind: “Anything that's human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable can be more manageable. When we can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting and less scary.”   Abstract source

Many of us are facing challenges that can be stressful and overwhelming. Learning to cope with stress in a healthy way will help you, the people you care about, and those around you become more resilient. Stress can cause the following: • Feelings of fear, anger, sadness, worry, numbness, or frustration • Changes in appetite, energy, desires, and interests • Difficulty concentrating and making decisions • Difficulty sleeping or nightmares • Physical reactions, such as headaches, body pains, stomach problems, and skin rashes • Worsening of chronic health problems • Worsening of mental health conditions • Increased use of tobacco, alcohol, and other substances   Abstract source

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjDuwc9KBps

A million and a half people in England who are at very high risk of severe illness and admission to hospital because of COVID-19 will receive a letter this week asking them to stay at home for at least 12 weeks. Other people in the household will not have to remain inside but should adhere to Public Health England’s advice to leave a distance of at least 2 m when interacting with other people. People falling into this extremely vulnerable group include those who have undergone an organ transplantation, those having certain treatments for cancer, those with certain respiratory conditions, and pregnant women with significant heart disease. They have been identified through general practice records, clinical reference groups, hospital trusts, and medical royal colleges. Robert Jenrick, secretary of state for housing, communities, and local government, who announced the new measures at a briefing on Sunday 22 March, admitted that what people were being asked to do to “will be tough” but that it was necessary to protect the NHS and to save lives. Abstract source