Sickle cell awareness month highlights those with sickle cell disease, how to stay healthy

LOWCOUNTRY, S.C. (WCIV) — In observance of Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month, which runs all September, the South Carolina Department of Public Health is encouraging people living with sickle cell disease to adopt healthy daily habits that can strengthen their overall wellbeing. 'A proactive lifestyle can significantly reduce complications and improve quality of life for those with SCD,' said Anna Gibbons, Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN) Nurse Coordinator. According to the SCDPH, sickle cell disease is a group of inherited red blood cell disorders that are present at birth. Normal red blood cells are round and move easily through blood vessels while in someone with sickle cell disease, red blood cells become hard, sticky, and C-shaped, resembling a farmer's sickle. These sickle shaped cells can block blood flow, causing pain, organ damage and anemia. Additionally, because sickled cells can die early, people with the disease experience a constant shortage of red blood cells. Symptoms of that shortage of red blood cells and other complications related to sickle cell disease can include blood clots, stroke, kidney problems, and chronic pain. Complications can worsen when combined with other health conditions, which is why maintaining daily healthy habits is critical to managing sickle cell disease, according to the SCDPH. Some of those healthy habits include: Staying hydrated: Hydration keeps blood thinner and flowing smoothly, which reduces the chance of sickled cells clumping together and blocking blood vessels. Following a balanced and healthy diet: People with Sickle Cell Disease can have higher nutritional needs due to ongoing red blood cell turnover, the SCDPH states. Eating a balanced diet can maintain energy levels, promote red blood cell production , reduce inflammation and support organ function. Getting plenty of sleep: Quality sleep gives the body time to repair, helps reduce fatigue, strengthens the immune system and decreases the likelihood of crises triggered by physical stress or exhaustion. Engaging in low impact physical activity: Gentle exercises such as walking, swimming or yoga can improve circulation and cardiovascular health without placing excessive strain on the body. Practice stress management: The SCDPH states that stress can work toward worsening pain and contribute to sickle cell disease complications. Relaxing techniques can go a long way toward calming the nervous system and reduce the frequency and intensity of pain episodes. Avoid smoking: Smoke can be very harmful to people with sickle cell disease, causing inflammation in the body and lowering the amount of oxygen in the blood. The last point of advice that the South Carolina Department of Public Health gives is to visit a doctor regularly, where they can monitor symptoms, prevent complications, and adjust treatments as needed.