Do you have sickle cell trait? Let's talk about these 3 things to stay healthy!

Hello! You may have been told by a doctor that you have sickle cell trait. You may have felt a little scared and nervous when you were told that, right? But don't worry. It's not really a serious illness. Most of the time, people with this disease live very healthy, normal lives. So today, let's talk about what sickle cell trait is, and three simple but very important things you can do to live a healthy, happy life with it.

Let's first simply understand what sickle cell trait is.

Simply put, sickle cell trait is a small characteristic that you get from your parents through your genes. Think about it, we have a type of blood called red blood cells in our blood. These are the cells that carry oxygen throughout the body. Normally, these red blood cells are round, like a small donut. However, in a person with sickle cell trait, some of these red blood cells, in certain situations (for example, if the body is dehydrated or if you go to a high altitude), can take on a slightly different shape, like a sickle .

But the most important thing here is that there are two things, having the Sickle Cell Trait and having Sickle Cell Disease or Sickle Cell Anemia. Sickle Cell Disease is a slightly more complex condition with more symptoms. However, many people with the Sickle Cell Trait can live completely healthy lives without showing any symptoms. That's why we say there's nothing to worry about, but it's important to be aware.

3 most important things you can do to stay healthy!

Okay, so if you know you have sickle cell trait, there are three main things you can do to keep yourself healthy. Let's talk about them one by one.

1. Drink plenty of water throughout the day – this is very important!

This is the first and most important thing. Drinking plenty of water helps your blood flow smoothly and without any blockages. Think of the blood vessels in our body as pipes that carry water. If the water is well-maintained, the water flows smoothly without getting clogged, right? That's how it is. When we drink plenty of water, our blood also flows smoothly and without getting clogged throughout the body.

This is especially important for someone with sickle cell trait. Because, if you don't drink enough water, that is, if you get dehydrated , as I mentioned earlier, the red blood cells change shape (become sickle shaped), and they are more likely to get stuck in the small blood vessels. That's why we say drink plenty of water.

Your doctor will tell you exactly.How much water should you drink per day ? But a good rule of thumb is to drink about 8 glasses of water per day.

Remember: Sometimes you need to drink more water than usual.

#### It's definitely a good idea to drink more water during times like these:

• When you feel thirsty: Thirst is your body's signal to you, "I don't have enough water." So drink water as soon as you feel thirsty.
• When you travel on a plane: The air inside planes is very dry, so there is a greater chance of water evaporation from your body.
• When you exercise vigorously: like in competitive sports or military training, your body loses a lot of water through sweat. So drink plenty of water before, during, and after exercising.
• If you are planning to go mountain climbing or scuba diving: When you go to high altitudes or deep seas, your body will be exposed to different pressure levels. It is also important to drink plenty of water during these times.
• If you notice blood in your urine : Sometimes the color of your urine can be pink, red, or brown. If you see something like this, don't ignore it. Along with that, drink plenty of water and see a doctor right away.
• If you have pain anywhere in your body: Sometimes people with sickle cell trait can experience pain due to minor blockages. Try drinking water during these times. But if the pain is severe, see a doctor.

2. If you exercise, you need to do it safely!

Exercise is very good for the body. You don't have to stop exercising just because you have sickle cell trait. But it's important to listen to your body when exercising. It's not good to suddenly push yourself beyond your limits.

#### Be careful of these things when exercising:

• Get used to a new sport slowly: Imagine that you are at home during school holidays and suddenly start practicing sports. It is not good to put a lot of strain on your body all at once. You should start gradually. Just like a car, it starts to accelerate quickly. Similarly, give your body time to get used to it.
• Drink plenty of water before, during, and after exercising: This one goes without saying. We've talked about the importance of water before.
• Rest when you feel tired:Don't beat yourself up thinking, "I could do a little more." If you feel tired, stop and rest.
• Recognize signs of trouble and report them quickly: This is very important. If you are training with a coach or trainer, don't be afraid to tell them if you feel uncomfortable.

#### If you experience any of these symptoms, it could be a sign of trouble. So be on the lookout:

• If you feel muscle pain or cramps.
• If you feel very tired, sweaty, and hot (exhausted or overheated).
• If you have difficulty breathing (get out of breath).

If something like this happens, stop what you are doing immediately. Rest. Drink plenty of water. Cool down. Once you feel better, be sure to see your doctor and tell him/her about the incident. He/she can then give you further advice.

Imagine if you were running with a friend and suddenly your leg hurt, would you ignore it and keep running? No. You would stop and see what happened. That's how it is, listen to the signals your body is giving you.

3. Talk to your doctor regularly.

Your doctor is the best person to advise you about your health. They are there to help you. So if you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to talk to them. It's especially important to have a good relationship with your doctor, especially as someone with Sickle Cell Trait.

#### In cases like these, you should definitely see a doctor, or at least make a phone call:

• If you develop any new symptoms: Don't ignore them, even if they're minor. For example, frequent body aches, extreme fatigue, difficulty breathing , or blood in your urine. Call your doctor right away.
• If you are being tested for Diabetes Mellitus: The main blood test to check for diabetes is the `(Hemoglobin A1c)` or `(HbA1c)` test. However, the results of this `(HbA1c)` test may not be very accurate in people with sickle cell trait. Therefore, if you are going to be tested for diabetes, be sure to tell your doctor that you have sickle cell trait. Then your doctor can do another appropriate test (for example, a `Fasting Plasma Glucose` test).
• If you are curious about new discoveries about Sickle Cell Trait:Medical science is advancing day by day. New information and new treatments are coming out. So if you are interested in learning more about this, ask your doctor about it.
• If you are planning to start a family and have children: This is also very important. If you have the Sickle Cell Trait, it is important to know whether your future partner also has the Sickle Cell Trait or Sickle Cell Disease. Because if both of you have this genetic trait, there is a chance that your child will have Sickle Cell Disease. There is no need to worry about this. Your doctor can explain this risk to you and also inform you about ways to reduce that risk (for example, genetic counseling).

Remember, your doctor is like a friend. Share your problems and fears with them.

Take-Home Message

Okay, we've talked a lot now, haven't we? Let's recap the most important things you can do to stay healthy as a person with sickle cell trait:

1. Drink plenty of water: At least 8 glasses of water a day. More on special occasions.

2. Exercise safely: Listen to your body. Rest if you feel tired. Stop immediately and tell your doctor if you experience any signs of trouble.

3. Stay in touch with your doctor: Talk to your doctor about all your questions and concerns, especially about new symptoms, diabetes tests, and family planning .

Having sickle cell trait doesn't mean you can't live a normal, happy life. With awareness and following these simple steps, you can maintain your health. Your health is in your hands! So it's worth taking care of it.

sickle cell trait, sickle cell, healthy life, drinking water, exercise, medical advice, health, red blood cells