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.)