Sickle cell disease is a red blood cell disorder that affects hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen through the body. Sickle cell disease is inherited. People who have sickle cell anemia inherit a faulty (hemoglobin S) gene from each parent.
Normally, red blood cells are disc-shaped and flexible enough to move easily through the blood vessels. When a person has sickle cell disease, the red blood cells become crescent or “sickle” shaped due to a genetic mutation. These sickled red blood cells do not bend or move easily and can block blood flow to the rest of the body.
The blocked blood flow through the body can lead to serious problems, including stroke, eye problems, infections, and episodes of pain called pain crises. Sickle cell disease is a lifelong illness.
Until recently, a bone marrow transplant was the only cure for sickle cell disease. Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved two new therapies to treat the disease.
People with sickle cell disease can adopt a healthy lifestyle by doing the following:
n Managing stress.
n Getting proper sleep.
n Staying hydrated.
n Getting regular physical activity.
n Eating heart-healthy meals.
n Quitting smoking.
n Working with a health care provider to develop a care plan unique to sickle cell disease.
To learn more about sickle cell disease, see nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sickle-cell-disease.
— Benefits and Wellness,
Human Resources, 9-5-24
