This is a paid public announcement from Pfizer and does not constitute an endorsement of products or services. When you click on the links in this blog entry, you will be directed to a Pfizer website. LA Kelley Communications always advises you to be a savvy consumer when contacting any company; do not reveal identifying information against your will.
This is a paid public announcement from Takeda and does not constitute an endorsement of products or services. When you click on the links in this blog entry, you will be directed to the Takeda website. LA Kelley Communications always advises you to be a savvy consumer when contacting any company; do not reveal identifying information against your will.
With everything that life throws at you, it’s not always easy to make healthy habits stick. But for people with a bleeding disorder, diet and exercise are two important ways you can help keep your body—and especially your joints—healthy.1,2
Here are a few quick tips from BleedingDisorders.com that could help you maintain a healthy weight and prevent joint damage.
Eating right and staying strong
An apple a day might not actually keep the doctor away, but eating right is a key element of living a healthy lifestyle. And that might be even more true for people living with bleeding disorders.1
While there isn’t a special diet recommendation for people with bleeding disorders, many of the same guidelines from the USDA apply: more fruits and veggies, less solid fat and sugar.3 But that doesn’t mean you can’t eat the foods you love. Try looking up new recipes that include more healthy ingredients. Cauliflower pizza crust might be your new weeknight favorite!
You can get more info about healthy eating habits at BleedingDisorders.com. And before starting any diet, remember to check with your healthcare provider (HCP) or Hemophilia Treatment Center (HTC).
To keep your body healthy, keep it moving
Exercise is another key aspect of maintaining joint health and staying at a healthy weight.2 While people with bleeding disorders used to be discouraged from participating in sports, modern treatment means that many people can continue to be physically active. In fact, it’s encouraged.2,4
Keep in mind that not all physical activities may be safe for you to do. The National Hemophilia Foundation’s Playing It Safe pamphlet includes a helpful list of physical activities and the level of risk associated with them.4 Here are some examples of low- and high-risk activities.
This is another area where it’s important to talk with your HCP or get in touch with a Hemophilia Treatment Center before getting started. And if you want more info about different types of exercises and how they may help you, check out BleedingDisorders.com.
Stay connected
Feeling inspired to making some healthier life choices? Your first step might be to get in touch with your Hemophilia Treatment Center, where you can get expert advice about managing a bleeding disorder. Your healthcare provider team can also help with any questions about diet and exercise. And of course, connect with the Bleeding Disorders community on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter, and sign up to get the latest news and updates.
References:
Copyright © 2021 Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited. Lexington, MA 02421. 1-800-828-2088. All rights reserved. TAKEDA and the TAKEDA logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited.
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Our publications address the many challenges you face as you reach new milestones in life with hemophilia. For this week’s HemaBlog, we suggest you check out this website to learn more about handling life’s many phases and changes!
Every life has its twists and turns, and that’s even more true for young people with bleeding disorders and their caretakers. BleedingDisorders.com is right there with you through every mile of the journey, with info and resources designed to help you and your family navigate change—whether that means your child’s first day of school or their last day living at home.
As school is getting underway, get the team together
Starting school is a big step—for you and your child! To make it as safe as possible, it’s a good idea to go over some important topics with key members of your school team, including your child’s teacher, the school nurse, the guidance counselor, the gym teacher, and someone from administration.1 You play an important role in educating them about your child’s bleeding disorder and what they should expect with your child under their supervision. And of course, this meeting can be virtual or in-person, depending on your school’s situation.
Wondering what other topics you should cover with your ace team of educators? Bleedingdisorders.com has put together a helpful list.
Growing up and taking control
Young adulthood is another important transitional period for people living with a bleeding disorder. For some, it might be the first time in their life they are responsible for managing their treatment and their symptoms on their own. And whether they are moving into a college dorm or just moving out, you and your child should make sure you’re both prepared for the transition.
Here are a couple key tips for your family that could help make the move go smoother:
Prep for an Emergency
With hemophilia, a bleeding emergency can come at any time. Preparing an Emergency Care Letter and an emergency bag with everything they’ll need can save time and stress.2
Ace Your Storage Quiz
Make sure they know exactly how to store and handle their treatment. Products that have been improperly stored or have expired may not be as effective in preventing or treating bleeding episodes.3
See the full list of helpful tips for young adults at BleedingDisorders.com.
Copyright © 2020 Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited. Lexington, MA 02421. 1-800-828-2088. All rights reserved. TAKEDA and the TAKEDA logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited.
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I’ve spent the last 24 years working in developing countries, helping families and nonprofits gain access to better healthcare for hemophilia. The story below touched my heart as I have been to the Philippines, and we now are partners in progress for better hemophilia care. Read James’s story below to see how his life changed with proper treatment!
Submitted by Takeda
This is James experience, but your experience may be different.
Born and raised in a rural village in the Philippines, James grew up in a careful household. Losing one brother to complications from hemophilia at a young age and living far away from any access to proper healthcare, his parents taught him to be cautious throughout his childhood. “My parents would limit my activities a lot. They loved me, but wanted to make sure I couldn’t hurt myself,” James recalls. When James did have a bleeding episode, the family would have to travel miles and miles to the nearest hospital to get him a blood transfusion.
James and his family moved to Los Angeles when he was 16 for one reason: his hemophilia. For the first time in his life, James learned more about hemophilia and the importance of maintaining factor levels. He began factor replacement therapy after his care team recommended a prophylaxis regimen.*
Learning and connecting with his hematologist, James realized his hemophilia was only a part of him, not who he was. “[He] helped me change my perception of hemophilia, my understanding of hemophilia. It gave me a little bit more confidence.”
*James’ regimen was based on his needs as determined by him and his care team. This was his experience, but your experience may be different.
Through surgeries, physical activities, and personal adventures, James found support in his wife Carla along with his care team. Having gone through surgery twice, he learned that preparedness is key. “Before both procedures there was a lot of discussion around how I’d be kept at a sufficient factor level. And for me, we decided to use factor prophylaxis during both surgeries, so they could continue to track my levels.” James could trust that his care team had his back in the operating room and Carla was there to help during recovery. “I wanted to be active again, to go out with her like we did before the surgeries. She was a big part of my recovery,” James remembers.
Post-surgery, Carla assumed the role of caregiver and ran with it. She partnered with James’ care team, including his physical therapist, planned his recovery, and learned how to help administer factor through a port.
Since recovering from his surgeries, James has been able to maintain an active lifestyle. Once he received the green light from his hematologist, James made a plan to stay fit. Through his preparedness and the support from his care team, James has been able to participate in bike events, including a charity ride with his friends.
“Crossing the finish line was such a great moment… tiring, but also rewarding. I was so proud of myself.” To James, crossing the finish line meant more than just finishing the ride. It was also a testament to the dedication of his care team and of Carla. Having their support, he learned he could trust his body again.
Today, James remains active and continues his adventures with Carla as they travel to many parts of the world. Together, they stay active in their local hemophilia community, sharing their story of recovery and resilience.
Adapted from Hello Factor magazine.
Visit bleedingdisorders.com to read more about patients like James and their stories.
Any factor and physical activity regimens mentioned were developed for James only after consultation with his care team, and may not be appropriate for all patients. Your factor regimen may be individualized after consultation with your care team.
This is a paid public announcement from Takeda and does not constitute an endorsement of products or services. When you click on the links in this blog entry, you will be directed to the bleedingdisorders.com website. LA Kelley Communications always advises you to be a savvy consumer when contacting any company; do not reveal identifying information against your will.
Copyright © 2020 Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited. 300 Shire Way, Lexington, MA 02421. 1-800-828-2088. All rights reserved. TAKEDA and the TAKEDA logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited. US-NON-2025v1.0 08/20
