Tips from the Sickle Cell Family Advisory Council: Avoiding sickle cell crisis in cooler weather
The Farmer's Almanac is predicting an unusually cold, wet and stormy winter in North Texas this year. For many living with sickle cell disease cold temperatures often trigger pain crises. Here are some tips for avoiding sickle cell crisis in cooler weather:
Stay warm.
Dress in layers and keep extra blankets nearby to help your Warrior easily adjust to temperature differences between indoors and outdoors. If clothes get wet, be sure to change out them as soon as possible.
Hand warmers and rice bags are great for on-the-go discrete heat. Keep them in the car, in mom’s purse and with the school nurse.
A warm bath and Epsom salts can go a long way in soothing pain. Pop their towel in the dryer for a few minutes to keep them cozy and warm when they get out of the tub.
Don’t forget to hydrate. People tend to cut back on drinking water during colder months because they are not sweating as much, but our Warriors need to keep on top of their hydration. Make sure they take a water bottle with them everywhere they go to help them remember to drink water.
Eat healthy. We know that it’s tempting to turn to comfort food when the weather is bad, or it’s the holidays, but it’s still important to eat a well-balanced diet for overall wellness. See tips for encouraging healthy eating during the holidays.
Request accommodations at school. If your child rides the bus, ask for door-to-door service. If your child is a car rider, work with the school on a plan so they are not waiting outside in the cold. Other accommodations to consider alternative to outdoor recess, modified athletics uniform and seating away from air vents and windows.
Think of creative solutions for enjoying the season. For example, bring a bowl of snow inside and let your Warrior play with it in the sink or plan rainy-day activities like movie marathons and special craft kits.
We hope these tips help you avoid sickle cell pain despite the cold and wet winter weather ahead. For more winter wellness tips visit our Health & Wellness Library.
Pauline Allen Gill Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders FAN
The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders (CCBD) Family Advisory Network (FAN) is a great way for patients, families and team members to use their experiences with Children’s Health℠ to provide guidance on improving the patient experience. We partner with patient families to ensure the patient experience is at the center of everything we do. Learn more >
