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Community Activities/Sports

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Participating in sports, clubs, and community service can be a lot of fun. You get to explore your creative, social, physical, and career interests with others. You'll make new friends and try something different.

What Kind of Activities Are Right for You?

Community Service

Feeding the hungry, collecting presents for the needy during the holidays, and visiting the elderly are all ways people can donate time to the community. Community service is a great way to contribute and give back. You can learn about different local concerns and help people at the same time!

There are several ways you can give back to the bleeding disorders community. Contact your local chapter for information. Your family can travel to Washington, DC during the National Hemophilia Foundation Washington Days and talk to legislators or start a team for a local walk.

Extracurricular Activities

Middle and high schools offer great extracurricular activities, that is, activities that are not part of the regular school day. You can choose activities that let you explore your artistic or intellectual side. You can have the chance to compete with others if you join clubs such as the chess club or debate team. Getting involved in extracurricular activities allows you to explore all of your interests and to make friends with people who share them.

Sports

Sports are an important part of life. Besides, participating in sports helps you make new friends and feel good about yourself. Moreover, physical activity is important for maintaining health.

Over the years, your parents have probably talked with your school’s coaches and PE teachers about your bleeding disorder. This is particularly important in middle and high school because they may not be attending every one of your practices or games.

The increased use of prophylaxis means that children with bleeding disorders are participating in sports more than ever before. As you grow older, the sports you play may become more competitive, and certain precautions must be taken.

To learn more about safety in sports, go to Sports and Fitness.

Your ability to play certain sports in PE and on teams is based on the type and severity of your bleeding disorder and bleeding episodes. You can talk to your parents and Hemophilia Treatment Center (HTC) about the pros and cons of various types of sports and exercises. You may be disappointed that you cannot participate in football, wrestling, and other contact sports. Instead, focus on what you can do rather than what you can’t do. While it may be tempting to join in a game of football with your friends, take time to think things through and consider the bleeding risks. Always talk through consequences with a close friend or your parents. Research online or discuss with the HTC the consequences for someone with your bleeding disorder. That way, you can learn to appreciate the impact of a serious head bleed from a football or a bike-racing injury, or the long-term consequences of untreated joint bleeds.

Whatever the sport, exercise or physical activity, learn about proper safety measures and equipment.