Living with Hemophilia

Rhonda, a mother of two children with hemophilia and one of the featured moms for HemophiliaMoms.com, suggests, “Don't put your kids in a bubble...they're not handicapped.” It’s true: children with hemophilia do not need to attend special schools, have a restricted diet, or shun sports and exercise.

In fact, children with hemophilia should be encouraged to exercise. (Read Staying Safe While Getting Active.)They should be able to participate in most sports, though participation in some contact sports should be managed or avoided. Weight management is important for all children, but particularly so for children with hemophilia. Extra weight means extra stress on the joints, so maintaining a healthy weight is essential.

Your child’s healthcare team at your hemophilia treatment center (HTC) can provide you with tips for keeping younger children safe. They can also help to provide teachers, coaches, and healthcare professionals at your child’s school with vital information and educational materials about hemophilia. (Find an HTC near you.)