In the modern management of many medical conditions, it is recognized that both prevention and treatment play central roles in promoting long-term health and preserving function—and hemophilia is no exception. A healthy lifestyle is the cornerstone of prevention. That means integrating good nutrition, regular exercise, and appropriate protective measures with everyday life.

Why practice prevention?
Preventing bleeds may help to avoid or minimize the potential for joint damage. A prevention regimen, including preventive infusions, can help people play, move, and compete in appropriate activities.²⁴

Think of the many activities you participate in—or would like to participate in—and contact your health care provider to discuss whether preventive treatment might be right for you.

What is prevention?
Prevention means thinking ahead and infusing factor before engaging in a particular activity that might cause a bleed. These extra preventive infusions—in addition to the usual treatment—may allow you or your child to participate more fully in activities. You should discuss any changes to your treatment regimen with your doctor.^23,26

Can prevention help me?
Prevention may help you avoid a bleed, associated pain, swelling, and the lengthy on-demand therapy that may be required after a bleed has progressed. Prevention may help you participate more actively in life—and in the lives of friends and family around you.^23,26

What if I already have joint damage?
Although joint damage is irreversible, prevention may provide an important benefit by helping you avoid further damage.²⁵

When should I consider using prevention?
There are many common activities—not just sports—that may cause a bleed. Your health care provider can tell you about how prevention can help you avoid some of these bleeds—and the joint damage, pain, and life disruption they can cause.

If you know in advance that a certain activity could cause a bleed, consider an infusion beforehand. Should you have a bleed, it's important to work with your health care provider to treat it early and aggressively. Early treatment can help resolve bleeding faster, as well as preserve joint function. It can also mean that you won't need to infuse as many doses.²⁷

Can using prevention help me participate in activities?
When it comes to sports and physical activities, are you able to fully participate and give them your all? A treatment regimen that includes preventive infusions may allow participation in certain activities. This may help contribute to a healthy, active lifestyle—a major part of what prevention is all about.²⁶

Does prevention include more than treatment?
Prevention includes many good habits that may enhance health and protection. There are many ways to help you avoid bleeding episodes and participate more fully in activities. Ask your health care provider about:

• Regular exercise and good nutrition
• Regular use of protective gear, such as seat belts and bicycle helmets
• Utilizing protective padding to help avoid injury at home or in the office
• Infusing factor before activities that might cause a bleed²³

What specific activities or sports can I participate in?
Most people with hemophilia can safely take part in the following sports and activities²⁸:

• Archery
• Bicycling
• Elliptical machine
• Fishing
• Frisbee^®
• Golf
• Hiking
• Snorkeling
• Swimming
• Tai chi
• Walking

Keep in mind that it is always a good idea to consult with your health care provider about the kinds of activities you're interested in.

How can I practice prevention in my life?

• Discuss your own treatment plan and the addition of preventive infusions with your treater or health care professional
• Consider what additional activities you or your child might enjoy if an infusion beforehand might protect you from a bleed and help you maintain an active life
• Think ahead: What can you do in your own life to avoid bleeds and the pain, damage, and disruption they can cause?

Is prevention right for me?
Many patients of all ages and walks of life may benefit by adding prevention to their lives.

Find out if prevention can help you live a more active life by completing the Prevention Questionnaire. Then call or visit your health care professional to discuss adding prevention to your regimen.

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The health information contained herein is provided for educational purposes only and is not meant to replace personal discussions between health care providers and patients. All decisions about patient care must be made with a health care provider who can assess the special needs of each individual patient.