Sickle Cell Awareness: Guidelines on self-management of sickle cell disorder

Foundation for the management of sickle cell based in Lagos summaries the followings guidelines for self management of the disorder:

1. Face your future or your affected child's future with optimism. Do not despair or self deprecate. With modern treatment, the life spans and quality of lives of people with sickle cell disorder constantly improving. 

2. Join a sickle cell club or association close to you. You will the obtain more information about the condition, meet other affected people and learn about where to obtain expert counseling, proper treatment and other useful services for yourself and or your affected children. 

3. Keep dry especially during the rainy season. Always carry an umbrella, raincoat and rain boots during the wet season. 

4. Limit exposure to sudden changes  in temperature, especially from warm to cold weather. Dress appropriately for cold weather and for cold air conditioned offices. 

5. If beaten by rain change as soon as possible into dry clothes have a warm drink (non alcoholic)  and move around the house. Do not go to bed straight away.

6. Avoid long aeroplane journeys when you are unwell. If you develop a sickle cell crisis on board, report it to the cabin crew and ask for oxygen and pain killers. 

7. Eat what you like provided it is balanced and contains carbohydrates, proteins and vegetables have been shown to be of superior nutritional value to those sold as pills or lotions. 

8. Remember to drink water at least 3 litre of water (plain or sweetened with fruit juices, etc) everyday. If you bed wet at night please do not drink after say 7pm and ensure you urinate just before going to bed. A child should drink about 50ml per kg body weight daily. Manufacture soft drinks with gas should be limited as excessive gas can cause distension, pain or discomfort in the abdomen. 


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Civil War: Sudan's Political Turmoil and It's Solution

The Islamic Republic of Sudan, one of the Northeast African country that has been  experiencing decades of political turmoil, conflict, and civil war. The Sudan's complex history is marked by political instability, ethnic, religious crisis and economic challenges. In history, one of the most significant things in Sudan's conflicts and civil wars were the 2nd Sudanese Civil War, which lasted 22 years from 1983 to 2005. This war was fought between the coaliation of Sudanese government, led by the Arab-dominated National Islamic Front, and various rebel groups, including the Sudan People's Liberation Army/Movement (SPLA/M), the represented marginalised groups in the south of the country, who sought greater political representation and independence. The conflict was characterised by brutal violence, consists widespread human rights abuses, displacement of millions of people mostly women and children and famine. It is estimated that over two million people lost their lives in th
Read more

School problem: School Dropout In Nigerian Secondary Schools & How to Reduce It

School Dropout in Nigeria In Nigeria, the rate of school dropout is a significant problem, particularly in secondary schools. There are a number of factors that contribute to this problem, including poverty, lack of access to education, and cultural and social barriers. Poverty is a major factor contributing to school dropout in Nigeria. Many families cannot afford the cost of education, including fees, uniforms, and other necessary supplies. As a result, children may have to drop out of school in order to contribute to the family income. Lack of access to education is also a significant issue in Nigeria. Many rural areas do not have sufficient schools or other educational facilities, which can make it difficult for children to receive an education. In addition, the quality of education in some areas may be poor, which can also lead to students dropping out. Cultural and social barriers can also contribute to school dropout in Nigeria. For example, some families may place a higher valu
Read more

Conflict: Science, Religion and Culture

One of the special characteristics of science is that it is an agent of social or cultural changes because of its tremendous impact on human society. From the industrial revolution after the renaissance of Europe, to the present, the world has developed a technological culture as a matter of necessity.  Consequently, any country or nation which does not aspire to scientific and technological development will undoubtedly be doomed to absolete. Developments, advances & progress are associated with the products of science and technology and so are all aspects of human existence. They have often led to reinforcing the dynamism of culture, the way of life of a people, their norms, customs, beliefs and conducts.  As for religion, the relationship with science is one of conflicts and disputes, in history especially with the church since Christianity was the main religion among the first industrialised nations. The dispute between Galileo Galilei (1564-1942) and the Roman Catholic Church a
Read more