SCDPH encourages people impacted by sickle to choose healthy habits

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month.

This electron microscope image provided by the National Institutes of Health in 2016 shows a blood cell altered by sickle cell disease, top. (National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), National Institutes of Health via AP)

In observance, the South Carolina Department of Public Health is urging people to make healthy choices.

Health experts say a healthy lifestyle can lessen the effects of the disease.

“A proactive lifestyle can significantly reduce complications and improve quality of life for those with SCD,” says Anna Gibbons, Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN) Nurse Coordinator.

Those habits include, staying hydrated, follow a balanced healthy diet, and get plenty of sleep.

For more on Sickle Cell Disease, click the link here.