During Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month, DPH Urges Those Impacted to Choose Healthy Habits

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Sept. 8, 2026

COLUMBIA, SC – In observance of Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month, which is September, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) encourages people living with sickle cell disease (SCD) to adopt healthy daily habits that complement medical care and strengthen overall well-being.

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

Sickle cell disease is a group of inherited red blood cell disorders present at birth. Normal red blood cells are round and move easily through blood vessels. In someone with SCD, red blood cells become hard, sticky, and C-shaped, resembling a farmer’s sickle. 

These sickle-shaped cells can block blood flow, causing pain, organ damage and anemia. Because sickled cells die early, people with SCD experience a constant shortage of red blood cells. Symptoms and complications can range from mild to severe and may include blood clots, stroke, kidney problems, and chronic pain. These complications may worsen when combined with other health conditions such as hypertension or diabetes.

Healthy daily habits play an important role in managing SCD, reducing crises, and promoting long-term well-being. Below are key habits and why they matter:

• Stay hydrated – Hydration helps keep blood thinner and flowing more smoothly, reducing the chance of sickled cells clumping together and blocking blood vessels. Carrying a water bottle, setting phone reminders and eating hydrating foods like fruits can help people meet daily hydration needs and lower the risk of painful crises.
• Follow a balanced, healthy diet – People with SCD often have higher nutritional needs due to ongoing red blood cell turnover. Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains and dairy supports immune health, maintains energy levels and promotes red blood cell production. Adequate nutrition may also help reduce inflammation and support organ function.
• Get plenty of sleep – Quality sleep gives the body time to repair and helps reduce fatigue, a common symptom of SCD. Consistent rest can also strengthen the immune system and decrease the likelihood of crises triggered by physical stress or exhaustion.
• Engage in low-impact physical activity – Gentle exercises such as walking, swimming, stretching, or yoga improve circulation and cardiovascular health without placing excessive strain on the body. Regular movement supports joint function, reduces stiffness and boosts mood, all of which can help people manage chronic pain and maintain mobility.
• Practice stress management – Stress can worsen pain and contribute to SCD complications. Relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises, meditation, mindfulness practices, and guided imagery can help calm the nervous system and reduce the frequency and intensity of pain episodes. Building routines that promote emotional well-being is an essential complement to medical care.
• See your doctor regularly – Routine medical visits allow healthcare providers to monitor symptoms, prevent complications, and adjust treatments as needed. Regular check-ins make it easier to identify changes early, manage chronic issues proactively and ensure people remain up to date on vaccines, medications and screenings that support long-term health.
• Avoid smoking, e cigarettes and secondhand smoke – Tobacco smoke is very harmful for people with sickle cell disease. Smoking or breathing in secondhand smoke can cause more inflammation in the body and lower the amount of oxygen in the blood. People with sickle cell disease already have a risk of lower oxygen levels, so this can make problems worse and lead to pain crises, lung issues and other serious health complications. Staying away from tobacco smoke can help protect your health. If you are ready to try quitting, get free 24/7 quit support from the SC Tobacco Quitline. Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW, text 'READY' to 34191, or visit quitnowsc.org for more information.

Visit the DPH website to learn more about sickle cell disease and the South Carolina Sickle Cell Disease Voluntary Patient Registry.

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