Women's Health magazine recently posted a great short article on the breakdown of frozen yogurt toppings at self-serve frozen yogurt shops, one of the current trends across America.

Frozen yogurt can be a great alternative to traditional ice cream treats, but like all things, PORTION is KEY!

Character

Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there.
-John Wooden

Amenorrhea and Dysmenorrhea

Amenorrhea can be either primary or secondary. Primary amenorrhea is a condition in which a female has not had a menstrual cycle by age sixteen. Secondary occurs when a female that previously had normal menstrual cycles suddenly stops. Both of these conditions should be addressed and discussed with a medical professional. Often times it is a condition treated with hormone therapy and responds well to it, but if left alone can lead to many other complications  In addition, amenorrhea is sometimes one part of a bigger problem, such as Female Athlete Triad and is a way for the body to provide signs that other issues may be occurring as well.

Dysmenorrhea is painful menstruation, not to be confused with Mittelschmerz. Moderate to severe dysmenorrhea may be due to further pathological conditions and needs to be discussed with a physician. However, less severe pain may often times be resolved with over the counter (OTC) non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Ibuprofen and treatments such as a heat pack. It could be associated with a heavy flow (menorrhagia) and this should be addressed as well.

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is one of the more common types of cancer in women. It can occur at any age, though risk increases with age, and can occur in anyone, although family history poses a higher risk.

Signs and Symptoms

• usually begins with no obvious signs and is not painful in anyway
• breast discharge
• nipple inversion
• redness and/or puckering of surrounding skin 

Management

• as with all cancers, the sooner it is caught the better
• it cannot be fought alone and detailed medical care will be needed

Prevention

• there is no self-prevention of breast cancer, although those that are at high risk may discuss getting a mastectomy (removal of breast tissue) with their doctors 
• getting regular gynecological exams is vital
• doing regular at home self exams can be beneficial as well

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is considered by many to be the most common STI (sexually transmitted infection) in the United States. Because initial signs and symptoms may not be as severe as other STDs/STIs it can often times go untreated for too long. Complications could include infertility, ectopic (embryo implants outside the uterus) pregnancy, severe infections, chronic pelvic pain.

Signs and Symptoms

• Males
• visible inflammation may occur
• discharge 
• painful urination 
• blood in the urine 
• Females
• tend to be asymptomatic 
• discharge
• pelvic pain

Management

• consult a medical professional
• a bacterial examination is performed to determine the appropriate medication for the strand
• cease all sexual contact until a diagnosis is confirmed, treatment is complete, and an OK is given by the diagnosing physician 
• relapses may occur 

Prevention

• use protection when having sexual intercourse or related activities
• use discretion when picking sexual partners
• discuss past medical history or STIs before having intercourse or doing related activities with a partner

Genital Warts

See Human papillomavirus, as HPV is the virus which causes genital warts.

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is an sexually transmitted infection cause by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It can affect the urethra, cervix, rectum, pharynx (throat), and conjunctiva (eye). It is commonly called the "clap"

Signs and Symptoms

• dysuria (painful urination)
• discharge
• women's symptoms tend to not be present as quickly or as intensely as men and therefore go untreated for longer 
• long term and untreated could cause hydrocele in males, and salpingitis (inflammation of the fallopian tube) in females 

Management

• consult a medical professional 
• cease all sexual contact until treatment is complete and approval is given by the diagnosing physician 
• multiple medications are sometimes needed as it is often associated with accompanying STDs/STIs 

Prevention

• use protection when having sexual intercourse or related activities
• use discretion when picking sexual partners
• discuss past medical history or STIs before having intercourse or doing related activities with a partner

Herpes Simplex

Herpes simplex, or HSV, comes in two types. Typically, HSV-1 is also known as "cold sores" or fever blisters. HSV-1 is considered "above the waist", where as HSV-2, "below the waist" is genital herpes. However, both types can be found in both areas. It is spread by oral-oral, genital-genital, and oral-genital contact. Knowing which type is present may only be needed in treatment plans and prediction of future outbreaks. Simply put, herpes comes in threes: 1/3 of the people that get it have outbreaks all the time are in need of constant medication to help control these outbreaks. 1/3 of people with herpes will get the occasional outbreak when triggered by things such as stress and may or may not need drug therapy to help control the outbreaks from getting out of hand. The last 1/3 of people rarely have outbreaks out all. These people will have an initial outbreak that would lead to diagnosis, and will never be cured of herpes, as it never truly goes away, but they very rarely would ever need medication. In anyone, the herpes virus never goes away. It recedes and lies dormant at the spinal cord and will follow the nerves back through the dermatological path (oral or genital) and periodically produce symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms

• visible sores
• the sore may burst and become painful to the touch 
• first outbreak is generally the most pronounced
• possible fever and swollen glands

Management

• consult a medical professional
• cease all sexual contact until diagnosed and proper education on not infecting a partner has occurred by a medical professional
• there is no cure, but certain medications can help control outbreaks 

Prevention

• use protection when having sexual intercourse or related activities
• use discretion when picking sexual partners
• discuss past medical history or STIs before having intercourse or doing related activities with a partner

HIV/AIDS

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) are two commonly publicized medical conditions which people are still surprisingly ignorant about in regards to true meanings of what each is. HIV is an infection, sexually transmitted, or transmitted by infected blood such as from medical waste or drug paraphernalia. HIV, which was once thought to be a homosexual disease, we now know does not discriminate against race, gender, ethnicity, or sexual preference, in addition, we know sexual contact does not have to even be a factor when the virus is transmitted. HIV is a precursor to AIDS. AIDS is a syndrome which is a collection of HIV symptoms. It is characterized by a breakdown of the immune system, which leaves a person at very high risk of developing many deadly diseases, some of which would not be deadly to a otherwise healthy human. Below is a very brief breakdown of the difference between the two.

Signs and Symptoms - HIV

• fatigue
• weight loss
• muscle or joint pain
• painful or swollen glands
• night sweats
• fever 
• diarrhea
• anemia 
• rash
• pharyngitis 
• mouth sores

Management - HIV

• regular testing, HIV may go undetected for up to 8-10 years
• there is no vaccine 
• seek medical attention immediately if there was even a possibility of a contraction occurring  

Prevention - HIV

• abstinence, or lack of sexual contact is the most sure way to eliminate risk of infection
• use of protection when having sexual intercourse or related activities
• discretion in sexual partners as well as the number of partners
• personal protective equipment (ie. gloves) when dealing with medical waste such as blood soaked material
• never share things such as needles in drug use, tatooing, and piercing 
• avoid contact with others' bodily fluids, feces, and semen
• avoid drugs (and alcohol) that impair judgement 

Signs and Symptoms - AIDS

• any or all listed in HIV section above
• known associated illnesses include:
• encephalitis
• meningitis
• TB (tuberculosis) 
• vascular and digestive complications
• renal (kidney) pathologies
• central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) infections
• vascular (blood) and digestive complications 

Management - AIDS

• currently a known drug cocktail seems to be helping with the management of AIDS
• constant and direct care from a physician will be needed 

Prevention - AIDS

• it is the long term effect of HIV, therefore there is no prevention of AIDS alone, only HIV as listed above

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Human papillomavirus, also known as HPV, is a sexually transmitted disease that causes genital warts. HPV is a group of viruses, of more than 100 strands, that can infect the genital region. Also, in the past few years, HPV has been a known link to cervical cancers. All types of HPV can lead to abnormal Pap smears, not all of which are cancerous, but in some cases cervical HPV infection may go unnoticed and lead to persistent, untreated infections.

Signs and Symptoms

• some have no indication of being infected and can naturally clear the infection on their own
• visible warts in the genital region including: cervix, vulva, anus, penis
• soft, flesh-colored
• raised or flat
• small or large
• may appear within weeks or months after contact 

Management

• consult a medical professional
• cease sexual contact until diagnosis is confirmed, symptoms are treated, and cleared by your diagnosing physician 
• there is a vaccine for HPV which can be discussed with you physician: Gardisil and Cervarix 

Prevention

• absitnence, or lack of sexual contact is the most sure way to eliminate risk of infection
• use of protection when having sexual intercourse or related activities
• discretion in sexual partners as well as the number of partners
• get regular gynecological exams

Hydrocele

A hydrocele is a condition in which there is a build up of fluid within the scrotal sac, specifically the tunica vaginalis. This can range from very minor to quite severe.

Signs and Symptoms

• asymptomatic 
• increased fluid collection 
• scrotal aching
• palpable just anterior to (in front of) the testicle 

Management

• consult a medical professional for any scrotal swelling 
• it is usually not an emergency, but should be examined medically for accurate diagnosis

Prevention 

• no known preventative techniques 

Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are caused by too much salt in the urine, which causes it to form a crystal solid in the kidneys. They are made up of calcium, struvite, uric acid, and cystine.

Signs and Symptoms

• location and quality of pain are related to the location of the stones: ranging from acute, excruciating pain to a more chronic, dull pain 
• inability to lie still
• nausea/vomiting
• during passage, some burning or blood in the urine may be present

Management

• consult a medical professional 
• most of the time the stones will pass spontaneously on their own, but sometimes further medical attention is needed due to dehydration, urinary tract infections associated with kidney stones, or inability to pass the stones 

Prevention 

• avoid dehydration 
• lower consumption of salt
• prevention may vary based on the make-up of recurrent stones - your doctor will advise you of other preventative measures

Mittelschmerz

Mittelschmerz refers to pelvic pain associated with ovulation in females. Around mid-menstrual-cycle, when ovulation occurs, the ovum will sometimes get released along with a fluid. This fluid rides along the Fallopian tube with the ovum and can be very irritating to intraabdominal tissues. This is not the same thing as normal "menstrual cramping", as that occurs later in the cycle as the uterine walls are shedding and therefore the resulting bleeding occurs.

Signs and Symptoms

• lower abdominal pain
• unilateral (one side)
• affected side may change month to month
• pain will occur between, not during, menstruation 

Management

• over-the-counter NSAIDs (non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, ie. Ibuprofen)
• heating packs
• seek medical advice from a physician, oral contraceptives may be beneficial

Prevention

• only true prevention is to prevent ovulation, this may be done with oral contraceptives 

Ovarian and Cervical Cancer

Cancer is a condition in which cellular behavior becomes abnormal, typically altering the way a particular cell functions. It is dangerous and often times can be deadly if not caught early enough. Here, cancer is discussed in relation to part of female anatomy: the ovaries and cervix. Ovarian and cervical cancers are malignant cell growths originating from the ovaries and cervix, respectively. There are many risk factors for developing all types of cancers that include family history, lifestyle choices, nutrition, and many more. These should be discussed with your physician. However, here is a very brief overview of some general information.

Signs and Symptoms

• very likely not present in first stage
• gastrointestinal complications such as nausea and diarrhea might occur if a tumor has metastasized to corresponding GI organs 
• urinary complications

Management

• must seek medical attention as soon as any cancer related problems are thought to occur

Prevention

• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) awareness 
• increased risk with sexual activity at a young age
• increased risk with many sexual partners
• increased risk with history of STDs
• do no smoke or use tobacco products 

Ovarian Cyst

Ovaries grow cysts each month in correlation with ovulation. The cysts contain eggs that are maturing and will eventually break open and travel down the Fallopian tubes. If these cysts do not break open, they will retain the fluid and remain in the ovaries. This will cause an ovarian cyst, which are mostly benign but can be very painful.

Signs and Symptoms

• many are asymptomatic 
• dull ache in low back
• pain with urination or not being able to pass urine completely
• pressure
• breast tenderness
• nausea/vomiting
• fullness or pain in the abdomen
• weight gain
• painful menstruation 
• abnormal bleeding
• pain with intercourse 

Management

• consult a medical professional
• pain relievers, such as NSAID OTCs (ex. Ibuprofen)
• oral contraceptives may be needed and helpful
• possibly surgical removal may be warranted 

Prevention

• no specific preventative measures 
• knowledgeable of medical history is helpful in diagnosing 

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

PID is a bacterial infection of the upper genital tract that originates from the lower. Usually it is a result of a sexually transmitted infection such as chlamydia and gonorrhea.

Signs and Symptoms

• can range from very mild to very severe
• lower abdominal tenderness
• fever
• painful intercourse 
• abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge 
• amenorrhea 

Management

• consult a medical professional
• cease sexual contact until treatment is complete
• usually requires hospitalization 
• antibacterial medication is needed

Prevention

• normal STD prevention such as condoms, discretion with partner selection, and abstinence 
• IUDs and douching may increase risk

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is an abnormal growth of cells within the prostate gland, which is responsible for production of seminal fluid.

Signs and Symptoms

• no reliable early signs and symptoms
• risk factors include family history, tobacco use, ethnicity, and poor diets 
• hematuria
• weight loss 
• incontinence 
• back pain

Management

• consult a medical profession if any change or abnormal pain or swelling is seen or felt in the penile region

Prevention

• frequent self-exams as shown in testicular cancer post should be done 
• look for scrotal swelling
• examine each testicle individually with both hands
• roll the testicle gently with the thumb
• palpate the entire area
• regular physician exams 

Sports Hematuria

Hematuria (blood in the urine) when related to sports and physical activity is benign and self-limiting. This is typically such a small amount that it is only detected when doing a urinalysis. In relation to sports, an increase in blood in the urine might be present from activity or from a physical blow, such as to the kidney region. A gross hematuria is when there is a visible presence of blood in the urine.

Signs and Symptoms

• asymptomatic usually
• dysuria (painful urination) 
• in contact sports, a direct blow to the kidney to the kidney region 

Management

• if asymptomatic and found during routine testing, it needs to be reviewed by a physician
• rest for 1-3 days and re-test for resolution
• if symptomatic, further evaluation should be done

Prevention

• no preventative techniques

Syphilis

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that is on the rise. It is caused by Treponema pallidum. Syphilis is sometimes caused the "great imitator" because its symptoms so frequently mirror that of many other STI's.

Signs and Symptoms

• comes in 4 different stages: primary, secondary, latent, and late or tertiary stage
• Primary
• the incubation period can range anywhere from 1-13 weeks
• a chancre will develop and heal
• highly contagious ulcerations occur 
• Secondary
• dermatological conditions, including rash
• body aches
• mild flu-like symptoms 
• Latent
• reappearance of infections lesions (contagious when active)
• little to no other symptoms
• Late, or Tertiary, Stage
• cardiovascular and neurological complications 
• damage to skin and bone

Management

• consult a medical professional
• cease all sexual contact until treatment is complete
• penicillin, or other medications if allergic, is appropriate for syphilis 
• it is a report-able disease, and past sexual partners need to be notified and treated 

Prevention

• use protection when having sexual intercourse or related activities
• use discretion when picking sexual partners
• discuss past medical history or STIs before having intercourse or doing related activities with a partner 

Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer, like all cancers, is an abnormal growth of cells, in this case in the testicles.

Signs and Symptoms

• new or unexpected changes in the testicles
• painless swelling or growth
• heaviness or prolonged aching

Management

• consult a medical professional 
• cease sexual contact until diagnosis is confirmed and permission is given by a physician 

Prevention

• While there may not be an obvious way to prevent cancer, it is more beneficial to catch it as soon as possible. Getting an annual physical exam and doing at home self-exam can help. 

Testicular Torsion

Testicular torsion is a twisting of the testicle within the scrotum. If this happens, there is a venous occlusion, causing a lack of blood flow to the affected testicle. This constitutes an emergency due to infarction of the testicle. Males predominately have one testicle that sits slightly higher than the other, most of the time it is the left. Bell clapper deformity is an inappropriately higher attachment, making those who have it at an even higher risk of torsion.

Signs and Symptoms

• sudden onset of severe unilateral pain
• swelling
• abdominal pain
• nausea and vomiting 
• tender to the touch 
• palpation reveals a higher, possibly horizontal positioning of the testicle 

Management

• immediate urological evaluation 
• slower diagnosis rapidly decreases change of salvaging the testicle 
• a manual adjustment is possible, or surgical options are needed 

Prevention

• no real prevention 
• appropriate athletic supporter may help 
• knowledge of bell clapper deformity may lead to awareness of higher possibility 

Urethritis

Urethritis is inflammation of the urethra. It is caused by an infection and usually use to describe a symptom of a sexually transmitted infection, such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, herpes virus, and other bacterial and viral infections. Other irritants such as soaps, douching, lotions, and condoms can cause the same inflammation as well.

Signs and Symptoms

• dysuria (painful urination)
• increased urge to urinate 
• itching
• tenderness
• swelling of the penis in males 
• pain with intercourse
• ulcers
• discharge
• blood in urine or semen

Management

• consult a medical professional
• cease sexual contact until treatment is complete
• often times prescription antibiotics are used

Prevention 

• drink lots of fluids, especially water, to dilute your system 
• use protection during sexual intercourse or related activities 

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

UTIs occur in the upper or lower urinary tract. Most commonly, it will involve the bladder, but may also include the kidneys, urethra, and ureters. There are several strands of bacteria which may cause UTIs.

Signs and Symptoms

• dysuria (painful urination, like burning sensation)
• increased frequency of urination
• only urinating small amounts at a time compared to normal volume
• strong smelling urine 
• cramping may be involved as well 

Management

• consult a medical professional
• cease sexually contact until treatment is complete
• most commonly, prescription antibiotic treatment is used 

Prevention 

• anyone may develop, but sexually active women are at highest risk 
• drinking lots of fluid, especially water, to help dilute and flush your system

Vaginitis

Vaginitis is inflammation, usually from some sort of bacteria, of the vagina. It occurs when the normal pH balance of the vagina is disrupted. This could be from a sexually transmitted infection, or not. (see also Yeast Infection).

Signs and Symptoms

• discharge (varies from thin, white/gray to thick, cottage cheese-like) 
• itching
• burning
• strong odor
• frequent and painful urination 

Management

• consult a medical professional
• cease all sexual contact until treatment is complete
• diagnosing usually involves a pelvic exam and prescription medication 

Prevention

• keep vaginal area clean and dry
• think about underwear types and materials as well
• wipe from front to back, to avoid spreading bacteria from the anus to vagina
• avoid tight fitting clothes, such as spandex, jeans, and tights
• dry off after swimming right away
• change pads and tampons often
• don't douche or use sprays, powders, or perfumes in the genital region
• use protection during intercourse or any sexual activity  

Varicocele

A varicocele is a dilation of the pampiniform venous plexus and the internal spermatic vein in the scrotum, much like a varicose vein in the leg.

Signs and Symptoms

• generally asymptomatic 
• occasional aching or heaviness 
• described as a "bag of worms" feeling

Management

• consult a medical professional 
• no treatment if asymptomatic
• surgical options if needed

Prevention 

• unclear how they are formed or ways to prevent 

Yeast Infection

Candida albicans is a yeast-like fungus that is present naturally in the mouth, skin, intestinal tract, and vagina. This fungus is one of the most common causes of vaginitis in women. An infection involving Candida albicans may be sexually transmitted, but also may not.

Signs and Symptoms

• vaginal irritation
• redness
• pain
• vaginal discharge
• males are typically asymptomatic, but may present some soreness and slight discharge 

Management

• consult a medical professional 
• cease sexual contact until treatment is complete
• antifungal cream 

Prevention

• keep vaginal area clean and dry 
• think about underwear types and materials as well
• wipe from front to back, to avoid spreading bacteria from the anus to vagina
• avoid tight fitting clothes, such as spandex, jeans, and tights
• dry off after swimming right away
• change pads and tampons often 
• don't douche or use sprays, powders or perfumes in the genital region 

Staph Infections

What is it?
Staph, or staphylococcus aureus, is a bacteria found on the skin's surface. Everyone has staph on their skin at any given time. However, when it penetrates through open wounds, cuts, or even ingrown hairs, it can become infectious. One of the aspects that makes it so dangerous compared to some other bacterial infections is its ability to grow inwards instead of out. Therefore often times a person does not truly know how severe the subcutaneous infection may be, as is appears fairly small. As it continues to grow it can get into the bloodstream, bones, and joints causing severe and even life threatening problems.

MRSA, methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, is a type of bacterial infection that is resistant to drugs in the penicillin family, which are most commonly used to treat bacterial infections.

Symptoms

• Start as small bumps that resemble an ingrown hair, spider bite, or boil
• Reddish
• Swollen
• Tender
• Quickly turn into deep, painful abscesses
• May drain pus or develop a crusty covering 

Prevention

• Hand washing, thoroughly and properly
• Clean and bandage open wounds
• Avoid contact with other people's open wounds
• Do not share razors, towels, stick deodorant, or other personal hygiene items 

Treatment

• Several antibiotics can be used to treat staph, including MRSA
• Bactrim and Rifampin are two common ones
• Always take medication properly and until it is complete
• Sometimes draining the area may be required, which will be done by a physician 
• Extreme cases will involve surgical removal 

Tobacco

Facts about Tobacco

• Tobacco use causes cancers in the oral cavity, throat, voice box, esophagus, cervix, bladder, kidneys, lungs, pancreas, and stomach
• Smoking causes coronary heart disease
• Smoking doubles a person's chance of stroke
• Smoking effects the reproductive system, such as increased risk of infertility, preterm delivery, stillbirth, low birth weight, sudden infant death syndrome

Addiction

• Nicotine is an addictive substance for many people. Quitting smoking is different for everyone. Some people are able to stop "cold turkey" and then never go back. More frequently, it may take several attempts before quitting for good. In fact, most smokers make an average of three or four quit attempts before becoming long-term non-smokers. 
• Brain Chemistry. Nicotine is a very powerful drug that affects mood, focus, and thinking. In seven seconds, a puff of nicotine begins to calm a smoker's brain. the brain gets used to hundreds of nicotine "hits" each day.
• Behavioral Conditioning. Smoking is driven by stimulus-response behavior; for example, the smell of a cigarette automatically produces a strong urge to smoke. Smoking then becomes an unconscious habit. 
• Psychology. Smokers often feel they need a cigarette to feel right or to think clearly. People with a family history of depression, schizophrenia, ADD or other conditions may have a harder time stopping smoking. 
• Social Aspects. Smoking is a social ritual for many people, shared with family, friends, or co-workers. When other people light up, it is often natural for another smoker to join them.

Cigarettes

• There are about 600 ingredients in a cigarette and over 4000 chemical compounds are created by burning one cigarette. Including, but not limited to:
• Acetone: active in fingernail polish remover
• Ammonia: also found in fertilizers
• Arsenic: main ingredient in rat poison
• Ethyl Alcohol: a cleaning solvent
• Magnesium Carbonate: found in pen inks
• Rhodinol: flowery smell used in cosmetics
• Valeric Acid: found in perfumes

• Menthol vs. Regular: menthol cigarettes have a non-tobacco additive that make them minty tasting
• Filter vs. Non-Filter: the non-filter cigarettes can be lit at either end and allow the user to get much more smoke. The filtered cigarettes force smoke to go through a filter before entering your mouth. 
• Lights vs. Ultra vs. Regular: lights have 50-70% of the nicotine level compared to regular; ultras have 30% of regular. 
• Smoking during pregnancy or around a child following birth is a major risk factor in sudden infant death syndrome.
• Secondhand smoke is a complex mixture of gases and particles that includes smoke from burning cigarettes, cigars, or pipes. Secondhand smoke exposure causes heart disease and lung cancer. Breathing it has a harmful, immediate, effect to the cardiovascular system. 

Smokeless Tobacco

• One pinch of smokeless tobacco delivers the same amount of known carcinogens as 5 cigarettes 
• The amount of nicotine absorbed from smokeless tobacco is 3-4 times the amount delivered by a cigarette
• Health problems include: recession of gums, tooth decay and tooth loss, white patches (leukoplakia) that turn into cancer, increased blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, multiple cancers

NCAA and Tobacco

Bylaw 11.1.5: The use of tobacco products is prohibited by all game personnel (coaches, athletic trainers, managers, and game officials) in all sports during practice and competition. Uniform penalties shall e established for each use.

Bylaw 17.1.8: The use of tobacco products by a student-athlete is prohibited during practice and competition. A student-athlete who uses tobacco products during practice or competition shall e disqualified for the remainder of the practice or competition. 

Sickle Cell

Sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disorder which effects red blood cell formation. It causes a sickle, or crescent, shape instead of a round. These sickled cells do not carry out the proper functions of healthy red blood cells. This causes decreased oxygen transport, shorter red blood cell lifespan, increased risk of clogged vessels, and increased risk of rhabdomyolysis (rapid breakdown of muscle tissues).

Sickle cell trait is when a person is only the carrier of the gene, but does not have the disease. This is passed down from parents that either have the disease or trait. Everyone is screened for sickle cell at birth, but many do not know the results. It is a simple blood test to find out.

Sickle Cell and Athletes/Active Population

Knowing whether or not you have sickle cell trait is important when exercising. A person who does a more exhaustive workout and has the trait is more prone to a sickle cell crisis. A sickle cell crisis is when a normal, healthy red blood cells rapidly sickle and immediately decrease oxygen transportation to the heart. Symptoms may mimic those of heat cramping, but the response should be much different. A person with heat cramps needs to be cooled down and replenished with electrolytes. A person in sickle cell crisis needs oxygen. It would constitute as a medical emergency and therefore knowing the history and difference between the two is key...

Female Athlete Triad

The female athlete triad is an overall syndrome made up of three separate, but related, disorders: amenorrhea, osteoporosis, and disordered eating.

Amenorrhea
It is defined as a lack of normal menstrual cycle. It can be primary or secondary. Primary is a lack of onset by the age of 16, in other words...you have never had a period at all. Secondary is described as the lack of menstruation for more than 3-6 cycles, in other words...you have had a period before, but not in the last 3-6 months and yo
u are not pregnant. Amenorrhea can be caused by an unbalanced diet or low caloric intake related to caloric expenditure. It is dangerous because it causes a decreased flow of estrogen to the bones, which helps keep the bones strong.

Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is having low bone mass or excessive bone loss. It can cause a fragile skeleton and therefore higher risk of fracture. As a result of disordered eating and amenorrhea, the body will not absorb the vitamins and minerals needed to produce strong bone mass, such as calcium and vitamin D. Many times stress fractures are an early indicator of bone density abnormalities. While the process can be helped, many times it is irreversible.

Disordered Eating
The term disordered eating is very broad and can include a variety of eating habits. Commonly anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are the most widely known. However, disordered eating can include a range of habits not clinically diagnosed as anorexic or bulimic. For example...restricted food intake, self-induced vomiting, use of appetite suppressants, diet pills, laxatives, and/or diuretics. It can be done unintentionally, such as skipping a meal, or intentionally. Possible signs include amenorrhea, dehydration, anxiety, depression, stress fractures, significant weight loss, dental or gum problems, gastrointestinal symptoms, excessive use of restroom, excessive exercise, preoccupation with weight and eating habits, and hypothermia (cold intolerance).

Prevention...
If you suspect any of these disorders may be an issue with you, you should consult a medical professional. By striving for proper caloric intake, eating a well balanced diet, monitoring your menstrual cycle, and avoiding unrealistic weight goals you can prevent many of these problems.