The Saturday Share #6

Did you know that health topics are the number one internet search item, outstripping even porn? Uh… pardon the Freudian slip there...

So to do my part in trying to keep internet health information correct I’ve been two-timing my blog by writing over at Sharecare were I am one of their “Experts” answering diabetes questions posted by readers.

I’m having a blast, and I’ve decided that every week I’m going to share one of my favorite questions with you here.


Sharecare Question: What is a white blood cell (WBC)?


My “Expert” answer: White blood cells (WBC) are like an army. They patrol your body constantly, on the lookout for attacks from viruses, bacteria, and other infections. If the scouts find a problem, they sound the alarm and the troops swarm to the site of the attack.

And just like a military is made up of Army, Navy, Marines, and Air Forces, the WBC army also has specialists with names like Neutrophil, Esoniophil, Basophil, Lymphocyte, and Macrophage.

Each "branch" of the WBC military specializes in fighting different kinds of invaders.

One cool thing about blood cells in general is that, unlike most cells that reproduce by dividing, blood cells are manufactured in the bone marrow.

A WBC count is part of a blood test called a Complete Blood Count. An elevated WBC would serve as a marker of infection, as an unusual number of "troops" shows an invasion has taken place.

You can check out other Expert’s answers to this question, and my answers to many more questions by going here:

http://www.sharecare.com/user/william-lee-dubois

Then select the “Answers” tab near the top left.