chicken ? Anemia occurs when there is too little hemoglobin in the blood. Hemoglobin is the substance that carries oxygen in the blood and gives the blood its red color. Normally, hemoglobin is contained within the red blood cells (RBCs). A child can be anemic because there are too few RBCs. because each RBC contains too little hemoglobin, or as a result of both conditions. There are more than 30 types of anemia, each with its own cause and treatment. The most common is iron deficiency anemia. Anemia can occur at any age. Some forms run in families; others are acquired. Vegetablefruit group Among the most common causes of anemia are a poor diet that does not include enough of the nutrients needed to manufacture hemoglobin (iron, protein, folic acid, vitamin B12, and copper); the loss of blood by internal or external bleeding; failure to absorb nutrients, even though they are ingested: the formation of abnormal (shortlived) RBCs: inability of the bone marrow to produce RBCs fast enough: and the toorapid destruction of normal RBCs within the body. In addition to the many diseases that are forms of anemia, many other illnesses can produce anemia. Protein group-meat, eggs, beans, and nuts Breadcereals group ied deC with foods from each of the Jour food groups can prevent e J°rms oj anemia.? SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS Most cases of anemia produce no symptoms. However, tiredness, shortness of breath, rapid pulse, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes) may be clues. If a child looks pale, check the nail beds, the insides of the eyelids, and the membranes inside the mouth for additional colorlessness. Also watch for these possible causes of anemia: vomiting of blood, blood in the stools (red or tarn black bowel movements), excessive menstruation, a grossly inadequate diet, chronic diarrhea, and exposure to poisonous substances. If you think your child might have anemia, see your doctor. The presence and type of anemia can be determined only by laboratory tests. Periodic examinations and a medical history taken by a doctor can help detect anemia early, an important factor in treatment. If one family member has anemia, watch for symptoms in other family members. HOME CARE Never attempt to treat anemia yourself. The wrong treatment can be harmful and will make a proper medical diagnosis difficult. All children should receive a balanced diet to prevent anemia caused by lack of proper nutrition. PRECAUTION • Iron overdosing is a common cause of poisoning among children in this country. If iron supplements are prescribed by your doctor, keep them out of the reach of children. Some iron medicines are sweet, and children might mistake them for candy. MEDICAL TREATMENT To evaluate your child for anemia, the doctor will conduct a physical examination, take a medical history, and perform a complete blood cell count. Your doctor may also need to take a reticulocyte (young RBC) count, a platelet (a blood element that aids in clotting) count, and measurements of iron and of the ironbinding capacity in the blood. cough