Discussion Forums > Thalassemia Major
The Goal For Thalassemia Patients Today...
Andy Battaglia:
The only limit is what the Hb level puts on a patient. Contact sports should be at a minimum to avoid accidents that could cause broken bones. If he has the energy, let him get as much exercise as he can. Exercise helps to optimize the oxygen available, so it is a huge positive for thals.
MikeD:
I am curious to know how closely most thals follow the reccommendation of no contact sports or similar. I had some discussions with a mother to a young lady- alyssa that was featured on Cooley's anemia foundations website. She mentioned that her daughter lives a completely normal life outside of her monthly transfusions and at age 25- earlier in life she regularly participated in cheerleading, her daugter being one of the girls thrown up in the air. I know that was slightly inspiring to me as I have aspirations of getting my son on a snowboard as soon as he learns to walk. Thoughts?
Pratik:
--- Quote from: MikeD on February 10, 2013, 02:11:09 AM ---I am curious to know how closely most thals follow the reccommendation of no contact sports or similar. I had some discussions with a mother to a young lady- alyssa that was featured on Cooley's anemia foundations website. She mentioned that her daughter lives a completely normal life outside of her monthly transfusions and at age 25- earlier in life she regularly participated in cheerleading, her daugter being one of the girls thrown up in the air. I know that was slightly inspiring to me as I have aspirations of getting my son on a snowboard as soon as he learns to walk. Thoughts?
--- End quote ---
I too saw that article. She also goes to Gym if I'm not wrong and shes beautiful!
Modern definition of thals has changed. I'll be now starting gymming as well and I lift weights at home since past 2 months or so, and it has only made me stronger and slightly bigger. CAF also stresses the point to let your child indulge in physical activities, and after he grows up enough old (like 16 or so), he/she should also try to lift light weights or do anti-gravity exercises like pushups, pullups which exerts resistance. Doing so, the bone mass will increase and will only make your child grow stronger.
I myself was a badminton player and represented school until my 9th grade.
So don't let your child hold back, let him fly!
-P.
MikeD:
So good to hear Pratik.... As you can imagine, as father there is so much that i am looking forward to sharing with my son and i do not intend to hold back any more than i have to. I plan to give him the best and most memorable life there ever was. At nine months we already share so much together I can only imagine what the future holds for us!
Sharmin:
Dear Mike,
If a thal major is properly transfused he will not have an enlarged spleen and contact sports should be fine. My 14 year old son plays ice hockey, soccer and basketball - and we have never limited him from anything. He skiis and will begin snowboarding soon as well. He has always been an excellent athlete - his coaches are not aware of his thalassemia.
I hope that this addresses your concern,
Sharmin
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