Staying Safe While Getting Active

Everyone knows that exercise has great benefits. It helps to build self-esteem and strong bodies. But did you know that being active and staying fit may have special benefits for children with bleeding disorders? Exercise helps to make stronger muscles, which can provide more stability to the joints. Joints can then move more easily, making normal, everyday activities easier to withstand. Moreover, stronger muscles may help reduce the number of joint bleeds.

Every sport or exercise program carries some risk of injury. But if you and your child are fully prepared and know what to do in case of an injury, the benefits can outweigh the risks. Whether your child wants to get involved in motocross racing or join the high school track team, here are a few tips for keeping him safe:

• Start with your Hemophilia Treatment Center (HTC)
  
  Before starting a sport or exercise program, talk with your child’s HTC. They can offer advice on fitness, and what to do to prevent and treat bleeds or injuries.
• Get the gear
  
  Make sure your child uses appropriate protective gear. It’s the simplest way to protect him from injury.
• Check equipment and playing surfaces
  
  Make sure sports fields and playgrounds are free of hazards, such as potholes, rocks, or movable soccer goals that are not secured.
• Talk with your child’s coach/trainer
  
  Let him or her know about your child’s bleeding disorder. An informed coach or trainer will be able to help your child get the best medical care if needed.
• Have your child wear a Medic-Alert^® tag
  
  This tag can help him get the kind of care he needs as quickly as possible.
• Warm up
  
  Warming up prepares the body for more intense exercise by increasing blood flow, loosening up the muscles, and increasing the heart rate.
• Drink lots of water
  
  Drinking water before, during, and after exercising helps keep up endurance, which will help prevent injuries and muscle soreness later.