AIRE Resources

Understanding Anemia

Anemia affects tens of thousands of Canadians. Symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and difficulty concentrating can be subtle or extreme, dimishing a person's ability to work, perform daily tasks, or participate in family or social activities. Anemia is a serious medical risk for:

  • People with chronic illnesses, like cancer, kidney disease, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, and rheumatoid arthritis
  • Those under going surgery who may experience blood loss
  • Infants and adolescents who have higher needs for iron and other vitamins and minerals
  • Pregnant women or women with heavy menstrual flow
  • Vegetarians or those with food allergies
  • Those with inherited or chronic anemia: aplastic anemia, Fanconi anemia, myelodysplasia, sickle cell disease, and thalassemia

 

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