Blessed with Red: The Redhead's Guide to Thrive: Albinism

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Albinism

On Friday, October 2nd, ABC's 20/20 aired a broadcast entitled Albinism: Caught Between Light and Dark. I found this broadcast to be very heartwarming. Whatever ridicule or self-consciousness I experienced as an extremely pale redheaded child is mild in comparison to what a child with albinism may experience. I was also quite shocked to hear about the brutal murders of albinos in Tanzania and other African countries. Apparently, their body parts sell for a premium as ingredients for wealth potions made by witch doctors. It is barbarism at its worst.

I highly encourage all of us redheads to help out our fellow albino brothers and sisters by signing a petition or making a donation at Under the Same Sun.

Also, if you want to find out more about what genetically causes albinism, please see my blog The Red Hair Factory.

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Redheads: The Counter-Curse

Since the discovery of the red hair gene by the Department of Dermatology at Edinburgh University in 1995, various health studies have been conducted about redheads and the Melanocortin 1 Receptor gene (MC1R). MC1R is not only responsible for regulating skin and hair pigmentation, but it also plays a role in inflammatory and immune response. Since MC1R essentially does not function in redheads (the cause of red hair), there are possible health consequences for a redhead. In addition, Dr. John Gray at the Oxford Hair Foundation has speculated whether redheads face extinction by the year 2100.

As a redhead who has faced and overcome health challenges and who studied nutrition at Bauman College of Holistic Nutrition and Culinary Arts, I feel it is important for me to start this blog entitled, Blessed with Red: The Redhead’s Guide to Thrive. Why call it Blessed with Red? Well, since childhood, I always felt that my red hair was a curse, and Dr. John Gray's impending prediction of doom certainly does not help matters. So I consider this blog to be my counter-curse! In spite of our dwindling numbers (approximately 2% of the world’s population) and possible health issues, I see no reason why redheadkind can’t survive and thrive for centuries to come. I mean, let’s face it. Someone always wants to have sex with us, which passes the gene onto future generations, and a little self-love and self-nurturing go a long way!

This blog intends to serve as a redhead community health resource and forum for redhead health research including published studies, articles, and anecdotal observations. Together, we will explore the redhead health "myths" and tease out their scientific merit. I will also suggest how to support redhead wellness through dietary and lifestyle recommendations, sometimes in relation to a specific topic or theme. I may also include editorial comments which include my personal experiences or outstanding questions I may have on the topic. Click here to read more about this blog's purpose.

I welcome you to share your experiences, feelings, and redheaded knowledge. I look forward to your comments!

Notice - Let's Talk Nutrition

This blog is intended to provide nutritional information or give information concerning proper nutrition -- the role of food and food ingredients, including dietary supplements. This blog does NOT provide medical advice in relation to the diagnosis, prevention, treatment, or cure of any disease, pain, deformity, injury or mental or physical condition. Please consult your physician if you are experiencing a health condition and before embarking on any new dietary, nutritional supplement, or exercise regimen.