With all the awareness ribbons out there, you’d think there’d be one for pernicious anemia awareness. Especially considering that vitamin B12 deficiency from pernicious anemia is one of the most widespread forms of vitamin malabsorption that occurs in developed countries around the globe, with symptoms ranging from neurological disorders to (ahem) death. Here are some ways you can help spread pernicious anemia awareness.
Chat it up
The single, most efficient way of spreading pernicious anemia awareness is by making your voice heard across the Internet.
There are numerous web sites, blogs, forums, news agencies, and advocacy groups that provide opportunities for pernicious anemia patients to engage in conversation, offer support, or research the latest in pernicious anemia therapies.
Here are some great sites for pernicious anemia. Check them out on Facebook or Twitter.
- Pernicious Anaemia Society
- B12d.org
- Vitamin B12 Deficiency Stories of Misdiagnosis (Facebook)
- Pernicious Anaemia- what do you know?…And what they don’t tell you! (Facebook)
(Also read: 100 Best Sites for Fibromyalgia or Chronic Fatigue Information)
Give
Once you find a charitable organization that sponsors pernicious anemia funding, it’s a good idea to donate even a small sum of money every now and then.
Your tax-deductible donation will help raise pernicious anemia awareness and provide help for millions of other people suffering from chronic vitamin B12 deficiency.
(Also read: Pernicious Anemia: Your 13 Most Frequently Asked Questions, Answered!)
Have a bake sale
Fundraising is another great tool for spreading pernicious anemia awareness. Not only does it give you a chance to give a generous donation to your favorite charitable organization, but it provides a venue for people to find out more information about symptoms of early vitamin B12 deficiency and risk factors involved.
Where’s my color?
It may seem trivial, but why isn’t there an awareness ribbon or color for pernicious anemia? Awareness ribbons are not just another opportunity to purchase (or proliferate) merchandise; every time you don an awareness pin on your lapel, you invite others to ask you about it.
Wearing your color says, “Ask me about (fill in the blanks)…”
…which is a lot easier than stopping people on the streets and asking,
“Did you know that pernicious anemia used to fatal, and is still a significant health risk for millions of US citizens?”
Aplastic anemia has an awareness ribbon- it’s white and red. Sickle cell anemia is represented by burgundy, and many chronic pain and autoimmune disorders such as fibromyalgia, Crohn’s disease, and lupus are represented by the purple ribbon.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is often misdiagnosed in patients who really have pernicious anemia. The color of MS is orange.
Perhaps, until the powers that be assign an official color for pernicious anemia, patients of vitamin B12 deficiency could borrow orange, for the time being.
Please tell us…
What are your thoughts? Can you think of an appropriate color for a pernicious anemia awareness ribbon?
Do you have any questions or suggestions? Please leave your comments below.
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Like this? Read more:
The Spoon Theory and Pernicious Anemia: Are you a Spoonie?
9 Conditions that Mimic Fibromyalgia and Vitamin B12 Deficiency
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