Hemoglobin Checkup Camps

Hemoglobin is involved in the transport of other gases in the human body. Hemoglobin (Hb or Hgb) is the protein in your red blood cells that carries oxygen. A low hemoglobin count is a below-average concentration of the oxygen-carrying hemoglobin proteins in your blood. A low hemoglobin count is generally defined as less than 13.5 grams of hemoglobin per deciliter (135 grams per liter) of blood for men and less than 12 grams per deciliter (120 grams per liter) for women. In children, the definition varies with age and sex. The threshold differs slightly between medical practices.

A low hemoglobin count is a commonly seen blood test result. In many cases, a low hemoglobin count is only slightly lower than normal, isn’t considered significant and causes no symptoms. A low hemoglobin count can also be caused by an abnormality or disease. In these situations, a low hemoglobin count is referred to as anemia. Not surprisingly, the villagers are not aware of this illness and do not pay attention to their hemoglobin levels.

Symptoms of anemia include generalized body aches and pain, chest pain, bone pain, shortness of breath, ulceration of skin, fatigue, strokes, blindness, and delayed growth and puberty. Check ups in villages mean that the villagers are made aware of their deficiencies and are empowered to take the necessary steps. This is the reason for which MES conducts hemoglobin check up camps in villages.