Understanding and Combating Sickle Cell Disease with Dr. Lametra Scott, PharmD

Are you aware of your sickle cell status? Many people aren’t, yet understanding this crucial aspect of your health could make a life-saving difference. Sickle cell disease is a genetic condition that affects hemoglobin, the molecule in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen. It is a serious, lifelong illness that can cause pain, anemia, infections, and other health problems. 

However, early detection and knowledge of your sickle cell status can significantly impact your health outcomes. People with sickle cell disease who are aware of their condition can take proactive steps to manage their health. Having this awareness would enable us to make informed decisions about family planning and seek specialized medical care when needed. By understanding our sickle cell status, we empower ourselves to navigate potential health challenges with greater resilience and informed support from healthcare professionals and community resources. As National Sickle Cell Day approaches, let's advocate for awareness, education, and support systems that empower individuals affected by sickle cell disease to live healthier and more fulfilled lives.

Dr. Lametra Scott, PharmD, specializes in managing pharmacy operations and creating/executing programs for cost-effective pharmaceutical care. With a background in analyzing medication usage and operations, she conducts reviews of drug usage and evaluates patient medication histories for optimal treatment results. Her leadership involves collaborating with healthcare providers to recognize and address prescription trends, improve performance, and influence changes in prescribing practices. Dedicated to meeting objectives through efficient resource management, she also promotes health and wellness by supporting natural integrative medicine treatments. Showing a keen interest in education, she established a nonprofit organization focused on raising awareness and preventing sickle cell disease within the community.

In this episode with Dr. Lametra Scott, PharmD, we will learn about the critical topic of sickle cell disease and trait, focusing on their implications, the importance of awareness, and the ongoing efforts to educate the masses about this genetic condition. The discussion centers on sickle cell disease and the importance of knowing one's genetic status, particularly in the context of family planning, athletic participation, and overall health. Dr. Scott brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the discussion, emphasizing the broader impact of sickle cell disease on individuals and communities, especially within minority populations.

"Because of my own personal experiences in life and how God just threw me a curveball and I just decided to play with it, that is how Breaking the Sickle Cell Cycle was formed." – Dr. Lametra Scott, PharmD

Topics Covered:

(00:00:49) Introducing our special guest, Dr. Lametra Scott, PharmD.

(00:03:21) Sickle hemoglobin cell vs. Regular hemoglobin

(00:05:07) Why is it important to know if you have sickle cell?

(00:07:28) Know your physical health

(00:08:09) Early Screening for Sickle Cell Trait

(00:09:39) Symptoms of Sickle Cell Disease

(00:11:15) How sickle cell came to be

(00:13:52) Different treatments for sickle cell disease

(00:18:16) What is Gene therapy?

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(00:23:43) Sickle cells are fragile

(00:25:50) Can you discuss sickle cell disease in relation to surgery?

(00:27:25) Why are you passionate about fighting sickle cell disease and creating a foundation as a pharmacist?

(00:31:34) What educational work are you doing on college campuses for students and faculty?

(00:34:31) Final TimeOut with Dr. Scott: How important is it to have early testing and know your sickle cell trait status?

(00:35:37) Listen to your body

(00:36:48) How does altitude affect a person with sickle cell trait?

(00:38:12) Where to connect with Dr. Lametra Scott, PharmD

Key Takeaways: 

"Even as a physician who deals with athletes that have sickle cell trait, my knowledge was limited." – Dr. Derrick Burgess

"If you are a sickle trait carrier and you participate in sports, you need to know the signs and symptoms of what to look out for, when to take a break, when to rehydrate, and when not to push it."– Dr. Lametra Scott, PharmD

"Sickle cell trait was actually looked at as a protective mechanism against malaria."– Dr. Lametra Scott, PharmD

"Even when trying to pursue the cure for sickle cell disease, death is a real risk factor." – Dr. Lametra Scott, PharmD

"We have a huge educational deficit in the health care community about what sickle cell disease is versus sickle cell trait. In addition to the community at large, not knowing and being aware of what sickle cell disease is." – Dr. Lametra Scott, PharmD

"If you don't listen to your body and you continue to push beyond that maximum capacity, you could definitely be doing yourself a huge detriment." – Dr. Lametra Scott, PharmD

Connect with Dr. Lametra Scott, PharmD:

Website: https://www.btsscycle.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brkthesscycle/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brkthesscycle/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-lametra-scott-pharmd-cchp-8201a242/

Connect with Dr. Derrick Burgess:

Website: https://www.drderrickthesportsdr.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drderrickthesportsdr/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TimeOut.SportsDr

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrick-burgess-72047b246/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHGDu1zT4K_X6PnYELu8weg

Email: thesportsdoctr@gmail.com

This episode of TimeOut with the SportsDr. is produced by Podcast VAs Philippines - the team that helps podcasters effectively launch and manage their podcasts, so we don't have to. Record, share, and repeat! Podcast VAs PH gives me back my time so I can focus on the core functions of my business. Need expert help with your podcast? Go to www.podcastvasph.com.