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People with sickle cell disease can live full lives and
enjoy most of the activities that other people do. The
following tips will help you, or someone you know with
sickle cell disease, stay as healthy as possible.
Find good medical care.
Sickle cell disease is a complex disease. Good
quality medical care from doctors and nurses who
know a lot about the disease can help prevent some
serious problems. Often the best choice is a
hematologist (a doctor who specializes in blood
diseases) working with a team of specialists.
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Get regular checkups.
Regular health checkups with a primary care doctor can
help prevent some serious problems.
- Babies from birth to 1 year of age should see a
doctor every 2 to 3 months.
- Children from 1 to 2 years of age should see a
doctor at least every 3 months.
- Children and adults from 2 years of age or older
should see a doctor at least once every year.
Prevent infections.
Common illnesses, like the flu, can quickly become
dangerous for a child with sickle cell disease. The best
defense is to take simple steps to help prevent
infections. Click here to see
tips to help prevent getting an infection.
Learn healthy habits.
People with sickle cell disease should drink 8 to 10
glasses of water every day and eat healthy food. Try not
to get too hot, too cold, or too tired.
- Children can, and should, participate in
physical activity to help stay healthy. However,
it’s important that they don’t overdo it, rest when
tired, and drink plenty of water.
Look for clinical
studies. New clinical research studies are
happening all the time to find better treatments and,
hopefully, a cure for sickle cell disease. People who
participate in these studies might have access to new
medicines and treatment options.
Click here to find
out more.
Get support.
Find a patient support group or community-based
organization that can provide information, assistance,
and support.
To see more tip sheets, click on one of the links
below:
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