American journal of preventive medicine
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Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a collection of inherited blood disorders that affect a substantial number of people in the U. S., particularly African Americans. People with SCD have an abnormal type of hemoglobin, Hb S, which polymerizes when deoxygenated, causing the red blood cells to become misshapen and rigid. ⋯ Such activities include establishing newborn screening (NBS) for SCD with all states currently having universal NBS programs. However, additional areas needing focus include strengthening surveillance and monitoring of disease occurrence and health outcomes, enhancing adherence to health maintenance guidelines, increasing knowledge and awareness among those affected, and improving healthcare access and utilization. These and other activities discussed in this paper can help strengthen public health efforts to address SCD.
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Insufficient sleep among adolescents is common and has adverse health and behavior consequences. Understanding associations of physical activity and sedentary behaviors with sleep duration could shed light on ways to promote sufficient sleep. ⋯ Daily physical activity for ≥60 minutes and limited computer use are associated with sufficient sleep among adolescents.