HOUSTON, Texas – Since she was a week old, Ms. Esmeralda’s daughter had been diagnosed with sickle cell anemia, an inherited blood disorder that affects hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen throughout the body.
Esmeralda says that it was very difficult for her daughter Briana, 7 years old, and that she actually had several surgeries, blood transfusions and crisis episodes at her young age.
This condition is inherited when a child receives two genes, one from each parent, that code for abnormal hemoglobin, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Brianna’s mother and grandmother also suffer from the disease, Univision 45 learned: “It was very difficult, but she is strong here,” says Ms. Esmeralda.
About the diagnosis of this disease and its timely treatment
“It can be diagnosed with a simple blood test,” says Cecile Karsenty, a pediatrician at Texas Children’s Hospital. “This blood test is performed on all babies born in the United States as part of a newborn screening program.”
There are also diagnostic tests that are performed in the United States before the baby is born.
Both this and timely treatment are important because people with this disease are at higher risk of serious health problems.
“Severe pain or crisis can occur. Over time, organ damage can also occur,” warns Karsenty.
1 in 16,300 Hispanic children has sickle cell disease
Symptoms begin in the first year of life, usually around five months of age.
According to the CDC, one in 16,300 Hispanic children is diagnosed with sickle cell anemia.
Ms. Esmeralda recommends parents check their children occasionally because not much is known about this disease in the Hispanic community.
However, this disease is very common in the community: “There are 1,000 children with this disease at Texas Children’s Hospital.”
How is sickle cell anemia treated?
A bone marrow or stem cell transplant is the only treatment approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that could cure this disease.
“The patient needs a donor who is genetically compatible,” explains Karsenty. “Researchers are looking for other treatments.”
If you are planning to start buying a home in Houston in 2023, you are certainly hoping that the property is in a safe area, with good schools for your children and that they have good roads to get around.
Niche, a data and valuation company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has released a report identifying the best neighborhoods to buy a home in Houston in 2023.
To define which are the best neighborhoods, Niche relied on the following: – Public school ratings. – Crime and security levels. – Residential care. – The nightlife offering. – The quality of life to start families. – Diversity. – Employment. – Climate. – Cost of living. – Zones activated to improve health and physical fitness. – Outdoor activities. – Travel time. And he gave everyone the grade: A, A+, A-, B-, C+, B+ and C.
First up is the Clear Lake neighborhood in Houston, Texas. It had an A+ rating with over 143 reviews. “Living in Clear Lake gives residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their own homes,” Niche mentions. Clear Lake is home to numerous restaurants, cafes and parks. Additionally, Clear Lake public schools enjoy high ratings. The only thing that has a grade of C+ is: crime and safety.
In second place is the Meyerland Area in Houston, Texas. It had an A+ rating with over 50 reviews. “Meyerland Area is a neighborhood with a population of 13,675,” Niche says. The Meyerland region has a large number of bars, restaurants, cafés and parks. In addition, the public schools in Meyerland Area are above average. The only thing that gets a grade of C is: traveling.
In third place is Addicks Park Ten in Houston, Texas. It had an A rating with over 23 reviews. “Addicks Park Ten is a neighborhood of 3,001 residents,” Niche mentions. There are a large number of parks in Addicks Park Ten. In addition, residents tend to have a liberal ideology. Addicks Park Ten Public Schools is highly rated. The only thing that has a grade of C is: crime and safety.
In fourth place is Carverdale in Houston, Texas. It had an A rating with more than 7 reviews. “Carverdale is a neighborhood of 2,944 residents,” Niche explains. There are many parks in Carverdale. In addition, residents tend to have a liberal ideology. Carverdale public schools are highly rated. The only thing that has a grade of C is: crime and safety.
Fifth place goes to Braeswood in Houston, Texas. It had an A rating with over 16 reviews. “Braeswood is a neighborhood with a population of 17,330,” Niche mentions. Braeswood is home to numerous bars, restaurants, cafes and parks. In addition, residents tend to have a liberal ideology. Braeswood public schools are highly rated. The only things that have a grade of C are: crime and safety and cost of living.
