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Yosmely

Period 5
2/29/16
Disease
Our bodies are highly efficient in protecting us from outside pathogens that would be
detrimental to our health. The immunological system is a vital mechanism that protects us daily
from potential harmful diseases. Often, illness may stem internally and silently due to a time of
habits that are not beneficial in aiding our body in its responsibility of protecting us from internal
and external disease. A disease is a disruption of our bodys physiological homeostasis. Negative
and positive feedback loops control secretions and other cellular mechanisms (Boundless). Our
red blood cells circulate oxygen rich blood to different parts of our body (Boundless). Together,
the immune and cardiovascular system aid in sustaining the healthy internal cellular functions
that lead to healthy processing and nutrient providing systems such as the digestive and
circulatory systems (Boundless). Homeostasis is defined as the condition in which there exists an
equilibrium between intercellular functions and the systems that aid in their continuation
(Boundless). It consists of efficient red and white blood cells, a protective integumentary layer,
and internal organs that carry out their functions whether it be the breakdown of food into
nutrient rich molecules or the packaging of unnecessary content within the large intestines that is
to be released through bowl movements. Theses mechanisms all build an efficient internal
structure that may be disrupted by various diseases by the means of pathogens or internal
deficiencies (Boundless). Wellness is important because it is a defense against diseases
(Boundless). By sustaining healthy lives filled with little stress and adequate dietary as well as
physical activity we may divert the potential risk of adopting maladies that would be detrimental
to our physiological systems. The adaptation of positive thinking and sustaining habits of healthy
eating and practices of moderation will lead to the construction of a beneficial wellness that will
allow us to lead healthy lives. Though often times many illnesses are genetic and are not solely
dependent on our daily habits, such as sickle cell anemia, Hemophilia, and Obesity. These
cardiovascular and physical diseases are hereditary and habit based, yet due to developing
medical technology may be treated if diagnosed in time and within their early stages. Others such
as diabetes may stem from our daily choices and often times influenced by cultural dietary
practices stemming from our environments.
Within the Blood Detectives documentary, doctors specialized in treating cardiovascular
diseases such as hemophilia and sickle cell anemia described the struggles and triumphs involved
within the treatment of hereditary, yet treatable diseases. Though patients who have these
maladies must live lives in which treatments prescribed by doctors must be followed accordingly,
we find that though they may not be preventable yet in a physiological aspect, their detrimental
impacts may be reduced and preventable due to modern medical biochemical technology. Within
our cardiovascular system, our heart is the vital organ that pumps the blood throughout our body
(YouTube). Red blood cells deliver oxygen to different organs to facilitate and sustain life within
our bodies (Youtube). Their function is vital in sustaining homeostasis (YouTube). Without red
blood cells circulating our bodies to deliver oxygen and dispose of carbon dioxide, our systems
would be helpless and tissue cells would lack the ability to produce the energy that fuels the
intercellular process for the production of ATP that is essential in fueling our different biological
systems (YouTube). Individuals with sickle cell anemia have sickle shaped red blood cells that
lack the flexibility and biconcave shape that allows for transportation through blood vessels
(Mayo Clinic). Individuals who inherit sickle cell anemia possess abnormal hemoglobin S, which

is a dysfunctional version of the hemoglobin protein found in normal red blood cells that holds
the oxygen (Mayo Clinic). The gene for sickle cell anemia is inherited from both parents who
were either carriers or have the disease themselves (Mayo Clinic). The result of the abnormal red
blood cells and hemoglobin S results in a lack of oxygen distribution throughout the body
leading to sever pain attacks that may occur without warning as was the case for the young girl
within the documentary (Mayo Clinic). Sickle cell anemia is highly prominent within the African
American community and those of African descent. Approximately 1 in 12 carries a sickle cell
gene (American Society of Hematology). The disease is also common within HispanicAmericans from Central and South America (American Society of Hematology). Being
Salvadoran American myself, it is not highly improbable that somewhere within my family line
there may be carriers of the gene for sickle cell anemia. In terms of treatment for sickle cell
anemia, many individuals may receive bone marrow transplants in order to have a means by
which functional and normal efficient red blood cells may be produced for the body in order to
provide a mechanism for cells and other parts of the body to receive oxygen supplies (NHLBI).
Others may have blood transfusions that provide a supply of normal and healthy red blood cells
with the correct hemoglobin protein (NHLBI). Overall, treatment improvements have aided
tremendously in the treatment of hereditary diseases.
The documentary, Blood Detectives, featured cardiologist physicians, which are doctors
who have specialized in treating diseases stemming from cardiovascular abnormalities. A disease
such as Hemophilia was mentioned as well. This hereditary disease is most common among men,
but is also possible within women. In the documentary, a young woman was pregnant and she
also dealt with hemophilia. Her greatest worry was that her children would inherit the disease.
The fortunate news is that their treatment would be immediate and allow them to avoid future
physiological complications. Within a homeostatic state, our blood has a clotting mechanism that
allows the prevention of a large amount of blood loss when we cut the surface of our
integumentary layer or if our cuts stem deeper than the superficial surface of our skin (Blood
Clots). Platelets, a type of blood cell, along with proteins within our blood plasma work together
to stop the bleeding by forming a clot over an injury (Blood Clots). Individuals with hemophilia
do not have normal clotting mechanisms (Blood Clots). They lack the proteins that are vital in
clotting and may have deep internal bleeding that cannot be addressed due to inefficient blood
clotting (Blood clots). This internal bleeding may lead to damaged organs and tissues (Blood
Clots). Though there is no cure, it is treatable. Many patients receive injections containing
necessary clotting factors (proteins) or plasma rich in fibrinogen, vitamins, and electrolytes
(Mayo Clinic). Hemophilia is a sex linked genetic disease that is most common among males
than it is in females (IHTC). Within my family there is no trace of any individual who suffered
from this disease. This further minimized by chances of potentially having the condition even
further. Diseases that are hereditary cannot be controlled by the individual they harm, yet there
exist many others that may be influenced by our lifestyles and that may have been preventable
with dietary changes.
Supersize Me highlights a mans quest to expose the toxic impacts that fast foods such as
those served within fast food chains similar to McDonalds may have on our health (SuperSize
Me). By eating only McDonalds for all three meals each day for a total of thirty days (Super
Size Me). He mimics the lifestyle of those who eat fast food from McDonalds and lowers his
exercise time as well (Super Size Me). Throughout the video we find that obesity within America
has increased not only among adults, but in children as well (Super Size Me). The growth of fast
food chains and busy lifestyles of many American families has increased the amount of times

that we eat fast food throughout the week (Super Size Me). Furthermore, American schools do
not support the health of children and lack to take action to decrease obesity and serve highly
unhealthy foods that are filled with sugars and lack of necessary nutrients (Super Size Me).
Issues such as obesity may be controlled by teaching children and families that daily exercise
and activity is important (Super Size Me). Moderation is key when it comes to establishing a
good diet filled with vegetables and limited amounts of sweets. These lifestyle changes may be
taught, yet it is up to families and individuals to take the initiative to take the time to follow
them. Obesity from overconsumption of fast food and sweets such as ice cream, hamburgers, and
chocolate leads to health deficiencies such as diabetes and heart attacks (Super Size Me). These
foods are high in fat content that overwhelm our bodies and clot the vessels that are necessary for
blood to use as a means of transporting oxygen throughout our body. Within my family, obesity
is not a common illness, yet there are members who have surpassed a healthy weight for their
size. I have to make the right dietary decisions in order to prevent myself from one day having
illnesses such as diabetes or high blood pressure that would add stress and anxiety to my life.
Overall, we find many Americans with diseases that have not received proper medical
treatment. Often times, these individuals cultural diets and practices have led to their current
maladies. For instance, my family is Salvadoran American and a large part of our cultural dietary
intake is a love for pupusas. We have to establish moderation for this food because it is made
from a corn tortilla and may be high in fat content that would lead to many harmful health
impacts. Culture is not the only factor that impacts prevention of disease, many Americans lead
highly busy lifestyles and do not have the time and do not place the effort to make healthy
homemade meals. Instead they eat from fast food places such as Chipotle, McDonalds, Jack in
the Box, or El Pollo Loco. Others who have diabetes or obesity do not have the money to afford
the treatments they need to improve and treat their diseases. Many lack someone to motivate
them to be healthy and who can push them to continue making healthy changes and choices.

Works Cited

How is Sickle Cell Disease Treated?-NHLBI, NIH. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Feb. 2016
Sickle Cell Anemia.-Mayo Clinic. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Feb. 2016
American Society of Hematology. Sickle Cell Anemia. N.p., n.d. Web.28 Feb. 2016
Sickle Cell Anemia: A Patients Journey. Youtube. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Feb. 2016
American Society of Hematology. Blood Clots.N.p., n.d. Web 28 Feb. 2016
Hemophilia.-Mayo Clinic. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Feb. 2016
Hemophilia FAQs.<<IHTC. N.p., n.d. Web 28 Feb. 2016.
Super Size Me (2004). IMDb. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Feb. 2016
Disease as Homeostatic Imbalance-Boundless Open Textbook. Boundless. N.p., n.d.
Web. 28 Feb. 2016

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