Hemochromatosis Awareness Month July

On the National Health Observances Calendar (healthfinder.gov) hemochromatosis (HHC) is among the daily, weekly and monthly national health observances. Hemochromatosis is an inherited disorder; people with this condition absorb extra iron from the diet. The body has no efficient way to excrete iron, so over time, excesses build in vital organs of the liver, heart, pancreas, pituitary and joints. Iron burdened organs eventually fail to function and disease or premature death occurs. Excess iron levels can be reduced with blood donation (phlebotomy). Simple tests can define body iron levels. Is your iron elevated? Find out by requesting an iron panel: fasting serum iron, TIBC and serum ferritin. If your iron is elevated, you may want to get a DNA test, but knowing your iron levels is most important!