With the right precautions given by doctors, teens with sickle cell disease can do most of their stuff other teens do. To stay as healthy as possible, a person suffering from sickle cell anemia must take these steps: Eat a balanced and healthy diet, take medications, including folic acid supplements, as prescribed, drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, avoid extreme cold or heat, exercise regularly, but in moderation.

Exercise is very important for staying healthy, but overdoing it can trigger a crisis in some people, particularly if they become dehydrated, overheated, or exhausted. A person suffering from sickle cell anemia must get plenty of rest; avoid alcohol, drugs, and smoking, which can aggravate sickle cell disease and its symptoms.

Some people with sickle cell anemia disease are prone to lung problems… so smoking is particularly risky and must be avoided as much as possible. Sickle cell anemia victims are advised to avoid places low in oxygen. They are not advised to go hiking at high altitudes or spend lots of time swimming under water. Prevent serious infections by contacting your doctor as soon as illness symptoms start. Be sure to get any immunizations.

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