Lifestyle Tips for Healthy Living with Hemophilia
Hemophilia, the rare condition in which the blood does not clot normally, does not have a cure. Having said that, there are effective ways to help manage the symptoms of the condition and even prevent bleeding episodes. So, here we have listed down some lifestyle tips for hemophilia patients that can help them live a healthy life:
- Exercise regularly
When one works out regularly, it helps maintain the correct bodyweight and even strengthens their muscles and bones. Bit hemophilia patients should avoid taking part in any kind of sports activity that can cause injuries. Some safe workouts for hemophilia patients are cycling, walking, and swimming. - Let close ones know
All hemophilia patients should tell their close ones about their condition so that they always have help during an episode of bleeding or an injury. One should ensure that all their close friends, colleagues, family members, gym staff, or sports coaches are aware of their condition. - Avoid medications that can cause harm
Certain medications are strict no-nos for hemophilia patients, like heparin and warfarin, as they can cause blood thinning. Besides, some over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen and aspirin should also be avoided by hemophilia patients. For pain relief, hemophilia patients can take acetaminophen instead. - Maintain dental hygiene
Maintaining good oral hygiene can be one of the most effective lifestyle tips for hemophilia patients. For this, one must make regular visits to a dentist for regular checkups. One should also make sure that their dentist is aware of their condition so that the course of treatment can be decided accordingly. When one makes regular visits to a dentist, it helps them keep their teeth and mouth clean and also helps prevent the necessity of any dental work that can lead to excessive bleeding. A dentist will also help one with some necessary tips to maintain good dental hygiene. - Take extra precautions with children
If a child is suffering from hemophilia, parents must be extra careful with them. For instance, parents need to make sure that the kid wears elbow and knee pads whenever they step out for cycling or playing. When traveling in a car, always make sure that they are wearing a seatbelt. One should also ask them to avoid indulging in rough games that can cause injury and result in bleeding. The house should also be safe for the child, so it’s advisable to cover all sharp corners or eliminate anything that can cause them to trip over. - Yearly checkups should not be skipped
Yearly visits to the hemophilia centers are important for patients, whether kids or adults. One must get tested for blood infections regularly and consult a doctor to understand the treatment methods or lifestyle tips for hemophilia patients.