HEALTH TIPS :: SCHAF

SIGNS TO WATCH OUT FOR
Handfoot Syndrome (swollen hands and feet)
Yellow eyes – from jaundice & break of red blood cells
Fever!!! (Temperature of 38.3oc)
Pains – General all over the body
Enlargement of Stomach (enlarged spleen)
Tiredness/ paleness
Dark urine
Anaemia – low blood level
Priapism

REMEDIES TO STAY HEALTHY
Drink plenty of fluid
See your doctor promptly
Take your pain relief medicine as prescribed by your doctor
Rest as appropriate
Take Folic acid daily
Keep warm in cold weather

REDUCING THE BURDEN OF SCD IN NIGERIA
INFORMED DECISION FOR YOUTHS (unmarried)
Listen to educative and awareness programs on SCD
Know your GENOTYPE TODAY!!!
Know the GENOTYPE OF YOUR PARTNER to be
Make INFORMED DECISIONS on who to marry
WHEN MARRIED WITH CHILDREN
Know the genotype of your children at very early ages (before/at 1yr of age)
If SS see the Doctor for appropriate care
Immunize your children as at when due
Keep him/her clean
Keep your surroundings clean
Purchase mosquitoes nets or net your windows at home
Purchase thermometers to identify fevers as soon as it starts in each of your children
Call the Doctor for temperature above 37.4C (at the armpit)
Always give your children plenty of fluids (water and orange)

THE PART OF MY BODY TO TELL MY PARENT ABOUT IF IT HURTS
Some parts of the body show early signs of problems that can easily be solved by early treatment which will save the life of a child with sickle cell disease.
PART OF THE BODY DANGER SIGNS !!!
Head/ Neck Headache or dizziness or stiff neck
Chest Coughs, without fever or chest pain or trouble in breathing
Stomach Severe pain or swelling
Skin and eyes Eyes or skin look yellow, loss of normal skin colour ( very pale or gray)
Arms, legs, and back Pain with no other symptoms
Nose Runny or stuffed nose

Body If there is fever and the TEMPERATURE is 38oC or higher and it lasts for more than 24hrs

EASING PAIN AT HOME
Your child may have pains at times from sickle cell disease. Usually, the pain is mild enough to treat at home. Infants and toddlers may show pain by crying, refusing to walk or pointing to the place that hurt. Pay attention to these signs. Try different ways to ease pain to see which ones help the most.

HOME REMEDIES
Drinking lots of fluids
Rest or play quietly
Take a warm bath
Put a heating pad or warm moist towel on sore places
Massage the place that hurts
Take acetaminophen (Paracetamol, Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (Ibupain, Bufen, Advil or Nuprin)
If Pain becomes severe, Consult your Doctor

KEEP YOUR CHILD BUSY
Keeping your child busy is an important way to deal with the pain.
The child can talk to people
The child can watch TV
The child can play games or listen to music

HELP YOUR CHILD LEARN TO RELAX
Your child may hurt less if she is able to relax. You can help your child learn to relax when he/ she is in pain. With practice, your child may be able to stay calm and relaxed.
SCHAF CARES ABOUT US!!!
SCHAF: Passionately Caring and Educating for a Better Tomorrow”