Sickle Cell DiseaseSickle cell disease is a disease that affects people all over the world. This article will give a description of the disease through discussion of causes, symptoms and possible cures. Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a "group of inherited red blood cell disorders."(1) These disorders can lead to a variety of conditions, such as pain, damage, and low blood counts - sickle cell anemia. The overall incidence of sickle cell disease is eight in 100,000 people. However, it is much more common in some people. “One in 600 African-Americans and one in 1,000 to 1,400 Hispanic-Americans” are affected. (2). However, other populations are also particularly affected. These include, but are not limited to, "Arabs, Greeks, Italians, and Indians."(1) As is evident, the disease can affect many different types of people. Now that we know who this disease should concern, we need to discuss what exactly the disease is. “The genetic defect that causes sickle cell disease affects hemoglobin.” (3). Hemoglobin is a constituent of red blood cells. Its role is to provide oxygen to all the cells and tissues of the body. "Red blood cells that contain normal hemoglobin are soft and round. Their soft texture allows them to squeeze through the body's small blood vessels."(3) People with sickle cell disease, however, have an irregular type of hemoglobin . "A genetic error causes hemoglobin molecules to stick together into long, stiff rods after releasing oxygen. These rods make red blood cells hard and sickle-shaped, unable to squeeze through the tiny blood vessels. Distorted cells can get stuck in small blood vessels, causing a blockage that robs the body's cells and tissues of healthy, fulfilling lives. People affected by the disease can help themselves by leading. healthy living, which involves healthy eating, adequate physical activity and stress reduction. As people who are not affected by the disease, we can do something to help. We can donate blood and bones. . bone marrow in hopes of matching a suffering patient. This disease does not only affect the African American community, as we know, it affects us all Internet sources: 1) Sickle cell anemia http://www. pediatrics.emory. edu/SICKLE/sicklept.htm2) Sickle cell anemia http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000527.htm3) New hope for people with sickle cell anemia, http://www.fda .gov /fdac/features/496_sick.html4)Sickle cell disease, http://www.mamashealth.com/Sickle_Cell.asp