Prevention

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Swimming and Hemophilia

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By Kristina R. Anderson | 09.28.2010 Wouldn’t it be great if you could stay strong, flexible and fit with a low-risk exercise program and have some fun at the same time? You can! Swimming is a great exercise for people with hemophilia and other bleeding disorders.


Do the 5! Five strategies for living a longer and healthier life:

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  • Get an annual comprehensive checkup at a hemophilia treatment center.
  • Get vaccinated—Hepatitis A and B are preventable.
  • Treat bleeds early and adequately.
  • Exercise and maintain a healthy weight to protect your joints.
  • Get tested regularly for blood-borne infections.

Basic tips for parents of newborns and toddlers with Hemophilia

  • Tape or glue foam pads to the sharp edges of counters and coffee tables. Or better yet, remove coffee tables while your child is learning to walk. Foam padding on walkers will help protect elbows.
  • Use baby gates to block stairs­—a good way to prevent falls.
  • Use netted crib covers to prevent falls out of bed.
  • Place nonskid strips on the floor of the shower or bathtub. Help your child in and out of the tub until the child is old enough to manage without falling.
  • Sew padding into the knees and seat of your toddler’s pants and overalls to reduce bruising.
  • Make sure your toddler wears shoes to protect his feet. High-top sneakers provide good ankle support.
  • Buy athletic elbow pads and kneepads to help protect against joint bleeds caused by falls.
  • Consider getting your child a Big Wheel tricycle. They are generally more stable and closer to the ground than regular tricycles.
  • Make sure your child wears a helmet when skating, bicycling, etc.
  • Discourage physical activity that involves rough body contact, such as football, hockey and wrestling.
  • Enroll your child in the Medic-Alert system.
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