Day 259 of 365
How to support care givers
Being a family caregiver is a challenging role and likely one that no one has training for. Many family members never anticipated for it hence the need to receive the right support and help in the journey including;
1. Adequate education and training – access to correct information regarding sickle cell.
2. Psycho-social support – Caregiving can be mentally draining; caregivers need mental health support even as they offer that to people living with sickle cell.
3. Financial support – some care givers will need to abandon their job in order to take care of a loved one living with sickle cell, hence the need for financial support.
4. Caregiver support groups where they can receive support and understand they are not alone.
Day 260 of 365
Interesting facts about sickle cell
SCD can be cured for certain patients.
A bone marrow transplant, which involves collecting healthy cells from a donor’s bone marrow and transferring them into a patient, can cure SCD. However, a bone marrow transplant may not be the best choice for all patients because it comes with serious risk. A bone marrow transplant expert can advise patients about whether or not it is a good choice for them.
A person with SCD can live a long and high quality life.
People with SCD can lower their chances of difficulties from the disease and enjoy many normal activities by
-Getting regular checkups with their doctor.
-Following treatments prescribed by their doctor, such as taking medication called hydroxyurea.
-Preventing infections by taking simple steps including washing their hands.
-Practicing healthy habits like drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water per day and eating healthy food.
Day 261 of 365
*_Interesting facts about sickle cell p2_*
Sickle cell disease causes red blood cells to “sickle” or become banana shaped when they are stressed and this can make it difficult for them to flow through blood vessels. Normal red blood cells are round and flexible and can move easily through blood vessels, but some of the cells in patients with sickle cell disease become crescent moon shaped and stick to blood vessels. This slows or can stop blood flow through blood vessels, which can cause pain, damage to organs and tissues, or even lead to a stroke.
Some people with sickle cell disease need blood transfusions. Doctors can transfuse red blood cells from a matched blood donor without sickle cell disease or sickle cell trait to treat a patient with sickle cell disease.
Breathing problems are very common in children with sickle cell disease.Breathing issues are under-recognized in children with sickle cell disease but very common. These can include such things as asthma, sleep problems, and recurrent pneumonia. Nationwide Children’s Hospital has a special pulmonary sickle cell clinic to help evaluate and treat these problems.
There is currently only one drug can reduce painful sickle cell-related episodes. Hydroxyurea is a safe, disease modifying medication that has been proven in many trials to reduce complications and reduce mortality in patients with sickle cell disease.
Day 262 of 365
*_Sickle Cell healthy tip I_*
Plenty of fluids – People living with sickle cell disease need to take plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Fluids should be taken regularly at all-time both in cold and hot season.
• Keep warm and dry – Sickle Cell Anemia may get worse in cold and wet situations. Always make sure you are warm and dry.
Avoid strenuous activities – Cross country, running, competitive swimming and any strenuous outdoor activities should be avoided.
Day 263 of 365
Sickle Cell Healthy Tips II
• Exercise – Encourage light exercises like walking, helping with house chores, swimming, jumping, and riding bikes and any activity that does not strain the body, but when feeling tired or dizzy, one should stop immediately and take rest.
• Regular visits to doctor or hospital clinics – It is encouraged that persons living with sickle cell disease should get regular checkups. One does not have to wait till when they are sick to visit the doctor or clinic.
• Questions – It is important to read and ask questions about sickle cell disease to understand one self.
Day 264 of 365
*_Sickle Cell Healthy Tip III_*
• Regular Medication – People living with SCD should take their regular medication as prescribed by the doctor. One should never miss to take their daily medication.
• Malaria Prevention – Ensure anti-malarial protection is given when living in or visiting a malaria zone. (Allow plenty of time to obtain a prescription and to start the treatment prior to the holiday, about two whole weeks.)
the movement is on.
Stowelink Inc 