Health & Wellness| BROs KEEPER BLEEDING DISORDER AWARENESS

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, there are about 3 million people nationwide who are affected by bleeding disorders. These disorders share the inability to form a proper blood clot. The body produces 13 clotting factors. If any of them are defective or deficient, blood clotting is affected; a mild, moderate, or severe bleeding disorder can result. Between 30,000 and 33,000 people in the U.S. are thought to live with hemophilia. The most common bleeding disorder is von Willebrand disease (VWD), which affects about 1 in every 100 people. Both hemophilia and VWD are classified as rare diseases.

Symptoms of a disorder may include:

• Frequent or prolonged bleeding

• Excessive bruising

• Prolonged, heavy menstrual periods (menorrhagia)

• Unexplained nosebleeds

• Extended bleeding after minor cuts, blood draws or vaccinations, minor surgery, or dental procedures