Judy Doyle talks about gratitude during the Round Table - Stop Waiting to Thrive: 6 Priniciples of Empowerment session Friday.
By Deb Burrows, BS, MA, EMTP
Exercising regularly is right next to prioritizing your mental and emotional health, said Tami Singleton, MD, as she opened the session, Industry Symposium – Let’s Get Moving! Fitness, Factor, and Other Foundations of Hemophilia Management – Sponsored by Novo Nordisk on August 27. “Staying connected to the community is so important,†she said. “If you didn’t bring a friend, bring one next time.†Sometimes following a healthy diet is tough; aim to do things with purpose, decrease calories and increase hydration.
To be in optimal health, Singleton also suggested:
· Have a medical alert ID.
· Practice good dental hygiene. That is so important, she said: “Your mouth is a window to your cardiovascular system. Brushing at least twice a day, along with flossing, goes a long way. Just like having an oil change.â€
· Make sure your medications are right for you and don’t cause bleeding.
· Wear your seatbelt. It will save your life!
· Stay current on your vaccines.
Singleton asked the audience, by interactive poll, whether they have gained weight. “If you have, it is important to have a conversation with your health care provider,†she said. Excess weight can lead to severe illness such as stroke, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and many types of cancer. Obesity can also have consequences for the bleeding disorders community. Joint disease, hemophilic arthropathy, decreased joint range of motion and factor dosage may be affected by weight gain.
Singleton noted that, until the mid-1970s, people with hemophilia were advised to refrain from exercise. “These recommendations may have led to physical dysfunction and obesity in the community,†she said. “You can have an individualized plan that fits with your disease and lifestyle by working with your provider.â€
Citing a six-week, individualized, supervised study, Singleton said that people with severe joint damage and other comorbidities showed the most improvement in their health. “Talk with your provider or pediatrician [if a parent] to determine what will be safe for you.†Try new things and get moving! â–
There are so many ways to get involved at this year’s NHF Bleeding Disorders Conference—and beyond.
First, follow and connect through #NHF2021 on social channels. (Don’t forget to post your BDC selfies using the #NHF2021 hashtag!)
Consumer sessions will be available on NHF's YouTube channel about 24 hours after the scheduled presentation, and will be up until Sept. 25, 2021.
Follow your favorite speakers. Find their social media handles here!
In addition, make a lasting impact with a gift. Would you consider a donation today, in honor of your BDC experience? Thank you!
Yes! I’d like to donate! â–
