Preventing Sickle Cell Anemia Effectively

By Tanisha Berg


There has been no reliable prevention for sickle cell anemia. It has been very challenging to come up with an effective way of reducing the effects of this ailment. This however does not mean that the disease cannot be dealt with. With proper care and attention, the complications associated with the illness can be reduced. The disease is part of the common sickle cell disease through which the red blood cells are changed to sickle shapes. Medical practitioners have been active in the bid to come up with ways of preventing sickle cell anemia.

Individuals who have a high chance of bearing a child with sickle cell anemia and in some point want to have kids should consider genetic counseling. Counselors explain likelihood of having a kid who bears the ailment. The importance of consulting a counselor specialist is that he or she explains the choices available and the way forward.

Information regarding genetic counseling should be attained from health departments, medical centers, nearby health centers and clinics offering services to people with this particular disorder. With adequate health care people with this disease have been able to live productive lives. Nowadays, victims are reasonably in good health much of the time and living a longer life compared to the past.

The diagnosed persons are advised to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Adapting to healthy lives is vital and the victims should base their living to that. To attain the best lifestyle habit, one need to check on his or her diet, it should be healthy. Taking of vegetables and fruits should be regular. The daily products having low fat, proteins and whole grains are ideal.

Folic ought to be taken because it helps in making of new red-blood cells. The making of red blood cells will ease the effects of the disease, doctors and practitioners recommend it. People living in quite warm areas should take at least eight glasses of water on a daily basis. This is due to dehydration coming due to lack of sufficient fluids in the body. One should also keep fit by undertaking physical activities. Fatigue however should not be entertained.

Enough sleep is important as it helps the diagnosed individuals get adequate rest. There are certain problems experienced which relates to sleep. Such include apnea which is a disorder where a person experiences stops in breathing or shallow breaths while asleep. Some experience snoring and these should not be ignored. A doctor should be contacted.

In some stages, the disease can be very painful. In such crisis there are other steps which ought to be adopted apart from living a healthy lifestyle. The steps help in preventing as well as controlling such dreadful occurrences. When you get to know how to manage these factors, controlling the pain is no longer a problem. One should know that much heat or cold is dangerous and must be avoided. If the situation is inevitable, warm clothes should be worn. In addition, air conditioners must be used especially in enclosed rooms.

In conclusion, try your best to avoid tasks that require much of physical labor. Such would either expose you too much cold or heat. Always travel in airplanes where the cabins are pressurized. If you lack any option, but to use them, ensure you consult with your doctor on how to protect yourself.




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