Sickle Cell Dictionary: Hematologist

Hematologist are those people who we visit every 1- 6 months who we either love or hate ,no in between. Well technically they're doctors who specialize in Hematology which is the study, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of blood diseases. I have been with the same pediatric hematologists at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia(CHOP) since I was born! I loved some at my speciality center and the main hospital others were complete JERKS and acted like they I didn't even exist. I wont say any names though(but my family and friends DEFINITELY know who they are). As you all know I recently transitioned to adult care and have my second appointment on Friday.

All jokes aside, there are some really great Hematologist who really care about us and our well being. They fill your scripts promptly with now questions, they ask about your personal life, and they don't judge or label you, they are open and understanding. I know now from being involved in support groups that it isn't easy finding a hematologist that does all of the above. I hope that if I EVER have to be admitted to the hospital that I can be treated with respect and like a human being! If not I will definitly leave and find another hospital t treat my right (: 

Hematologist are our partners in our sickle cell journey, it is a blessing to find a GREAT one who is also dedicated to their Sickle Cell Strong!

Stay Strong
Morgan

Bills, Bills, Bills...

So today I sat down budgeting my money and trying to figure out payment plans. I wont put all my of my debts out there but I recently had to get my own heath insurance, its through my school and it has its ups and downs. I don't have to pay a dime for my monthly pills which is a MAJOR plus! I do have to pay a co-pay for any specialty practices (hematologist, unfortunately) But not primary. A major downfall is that it doesn't cover ALL of my hospital stays, recently I started to get bills in from my hospital stay in October. It isn't a crazy amount but it is when you only make a certain amount a month, and have other things to pay for. I/ My Parents never had to pay out of pocket, The insurance i had was GREAT and covered my hospital stays. I guess this is part of growing up but also is whats wrong with our insurance system. No one should have to struggle to pay a bill or be scared to go to the hospital because of that thought. I'm not going off on a tangent right now lol, but just know that I am going to be making big changes for the #sicklecellstrong and chronically ill people of this country!Anyway, I set up a payment plan cause i am not trying to have this debt on my mind. CHOP wins again *side eye*

oh on a side note I tried calling my doctor this morning and called like 5 times to NO ANSWER! Where is the recpetionist?!  Then its my fault if I don't show up at my appointment -_- I guess I'll keep trying...

Stay Strong,
Morgan

Goji Berry

Goji berry also know as wolfberry, and "happy" is a mild, tangy fruit that comes from a shrub that is native to China. They are said to boost immune function, protect the liver, treat eye problems, and promote longevity. I personally heard of goji berries from my boyfriend, one of his co-workers has children with sickle cell disease, they drink a combination of goji berries and alkaline water and haven't had a crisis in years. I am all for trying any herbal supplement that people suggest to help me stay out of pain! I'd be a fool to not try them.

I bought the berries from Whole Foods by a brand called Himalana Organic. Its was $8 for 4 oz. I am going to look around at a local health food store to try to find them for cheaper. I have just started to use them, and to be honest i was not a fan of the taste when I tried them dry and fresh out of the bag. They have a sweet and sour taste, sort of like a cranberry but it was just too dry for me! I searched to find some new ways to use them and still get all the benefits and i found this list below:

1. Raw: First and foremost, eat them raw! A small handful a day will do.
2. Juice: Goji berries are also available in juice form.
3. Tea: Goji berries can be used to brew in a tea. You can add a handful of goji berries to a big glass of hot or cold water (or herb tea) and let sit and hydrate for 5 to 10 minutes. They become plump and juicy. You can drink the tea and eat the hydrated berries which are loaded with antioxidants.
4. Smoothies: Soak a handful of goji berries in water for 10 minutes. Once they are plump and juicy, add them to your favorite smoothie. It won’t make much of a change to the taste or consistency of your smoothie.
5. Trail Mix: You can also add goji berries to your favorite trail mix. Or, make your own by mixing your favorite nuts and dried fruit with some goji berries. Kids like it when you add some chocolate or peanut butter chips to the goji trail mix.
6. Cereal: Just like raisins, add some goji berries to your hot or cold cereals in the morning.
7. Muffins and Scones: Add goji berries to muffins or scones just as you would raisins.
8. Goji Energy Bars: Blend a handful of goji berries together with cup of walnuts, ½ cup almonds, and 5-6 dates in a food processor. Roll the mix into balls or spread in a deep pan to make bars.
9. Add to Soups: This has been a common use of goji berries in Chinese cuisine for thousands of years. 
   

I have been using them by making a Tea that I drink in the morning, they are 10 times better after  hydrating them! Let me know if you all try it out, and any new recipes (and if you find them for cheaper lol)
(list of use credit to downtoearth.org)

Stay Strong,
Morgan

Happy Tuesday

Celebrate each day SC Strong! I am celebrating with this big cup of hot chocolate 

The Power of Teas

Tea is a delicious drink that comes in so many varieties but can also have so many health benefits. We use teas to wake us up, to keep us warm, during social hours, to satisfy a craving, but how about to lose weight, cure an upset stomach, or a headache? I use sleepy time tea by Celestial to go to bed, I prefer to use this method as I can wake up refreshed compared to taking a pill or conventional medicine that makes you drowsy. I am a firm believer in using supplemental/herbal remedies to aid conventional drugs. So try out some teas and learn all of the great things they can do for you!

• Green Tea: Boosts metabolism, contains antioxidants, energy boost, and burns fast.
• Black Tea: Reduces the risk of stroke(we NEED this), improves cardiovascular health, stress relief, better immune system
• White Tea: is unfermented making it the most potent tea in preventing cancer. 
• Oolong Tea: lowers bad cholesterol, aids weight loss

Herbal Teas such as ginger, gingko biloba, ginseng, hibiscus, jasmine, rosehip, mint, rooibos, chamomile, and echinacea are made from herbs, roots, seeds or fruits, and benefits are mostly the same but are backed by limited research. They claim to shed pounds, strengthen immune systems, and help you sleep.

Celestial is my favorite brand of teas, and can be found at most grocery and major retail stores! But, try out some different brands and see what you like, there is so many great flavors to try. Tea makes your soul feel good so brew a cup and let it do its magic. 

Be Strong,

Morgan