Growing older requires lifestyle changes of all kinds, depending on your health. Aging with hemophilia is no different. Historically, the life expectancy of a person affected by hemophilia has been low. With the availability of certain drugs and the increased number of care centers handling hemophilia, life expectancy for hemophiliacs has increased. As with other diseases, there are certain ways to make the aging process easier for you or a loved one with hemophilia.
Self-Understanding
First and foremost, it is important that you understand how the disease affects your body. This education does not require special training but can instead be self-taught. If you are dealing with other diseases such as diabetes or asthma, bleeding can cause further unwanted problems that need to be addressed early on.
Understanding the potential threats you might face is essential for coping with aging. According to recent research studies, five common diseases have been identified that commonly affect hemophiliacs as they age. These conditions include cardiovascular disease (CVD), liver disease, cancer, renal disease and joint disease. Though the onset of these diseases is not definite, it is important to become educated on the effects of each disease you have in addition to hemophilia.
Proper Health Care and Insurance
You should also be aware of your health care and insurance options. As you age, particularly if you have hemophilia, certain problems can arise without warning, and it is important to know where a high-quality health care center is located nearby. Maintain a good relationship with your doctor so you can feel comfortable asking any questions you might have.
Make sure that you have an understanding of your insurance and what it covers. Depending on the severity of your bleeding disorder, you may qualify for Medicare sooner than age 65.
Exercise!
As recommended for everyone, exercise is a great way to combat the effects of aging. This suggestion holds true for those with bleeding disorders as well. Hemophilia is greatly affected by health issues, such as smoking, weight, alcohol and inactivity, so it is important to get your muscles and joints moving through exercise. For more information on what kind of exercise is best for you, consult your HTC.
By following these tips, you can help combat complications as you age. If you have questions about specific ways to deal with hemophilia as you age, contact your HTC.
What do you do to stay healthy as you grow older?
Sources:
Hemaware Magazine: http://www.hemaware.org/life-stages/adults-aging/getting-older
National Hemophilia Foundation: http://www.hemophilia.org/NHFWeb/MainPgs/MainNHF.aspx?menuid=249&contentid=385
Haemophilia: http://www.wiley.com/bw/journal.asp?ref=1351-8216