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Do The 5!¹

You’ve probably heard the expression – "Do the 5!" And you may know that it’s about preventing or reducing complications of hemophilia. But do you know about the important role each of the "5" plays in helping you stay healthy?

What is "Do the 5!"?

"Do the 5!" — the theme of the National Prevention Program (NPP) — is a simple, helpful way to remember some of the most important things you can do to take care of yourself.

"Do the 5!" is a collaborative effort by the National Hemophilia Foundation (NHF), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), treatment centers and members of the bleeding disorders community.

What are the "5"?

1. Get an annual, comprehensive checkup at a treatment center.
   There, you will have access to a team of healthcare professionals specializing in hemophilia, including hematologists, orthopedists, nurses, social workers, and physical therapists, all working together to help you live well with hemophilia.
2. Get vaccinated.
   Hepatitis A and B are preventable. Both are viral infections of the liver which can have serious complications for patients with hemophilia. Fortunately, hepatitis A and B can be prevented through vaccination. The CDC and the Medical and Scientific Advisory Council (MASAC) of NHF recommend vaccination for hepatitis A for all children with hemophilia 2 years of age and older, and vaccination for hepatitis B for any patient with hemophilia as early as at birth.²
3. Treat bleeds early and adequately.
   There are several ways to be prepared for managing bleeds. First, learn to recognize the early signs of a bleed, and learn to recognize which bleeds may be serious (see Managing Bleeds). Second, be prepared by having factor readily available at all times. Whether you infuse it yourself or take it with you to the Emergency Room, you can save valuable time.
4. Exercise and maintain a healthy weight to protect your joints.
   Exercise strengthens bones and muscles, and strong muscles protect joints. Talk to your physician or treatment center about the type of exercise program that would be right for you.
5. Get tested regularly for blood-borne infections.
   While blood products are safer than ever, it’s still important to be tested regularly for blood-borne infections. Regular testing not only protects you, but also could help the medical community identify and address any issues that may occur. Free testing is now available through the CDC’s Universal Data Collection (UDC) program, offered through your treatment center.

Help with Making It Happen

As you read about "Do the 5!" you probably noticed references to two resources – Treatment Centers and the Universal Data Collection program. Both of these resources can make doing the "5" easier.

• Treatment Centers – For over 25 years, treatment centers have been helping patients and families with every aspect of living with hemophilia. Treatment centers are staffed by physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals who specialize in helping hemophilia patients and families. Learn more about treatment centers or locate the treatment center nearest you.
• Universal Data Collection (UDC) – UDC is a voluntary program, conducted by treatment centers, that improves the health of people with bleeding disorders by monitoring and developing prevention strategies for two major health complications of bleeding disorders — bloodborne diseases and joint disease. During annual visits to your treatment center, you will be asked to provide a blood sample, have joint measurements taken, and provide basic information about your health. The sample and information will be sent to CDC without your name or other identifying information. Through your treatment center, you will receive results of tests conducted on the blood sample. To learn more about UDC, visit the CDC Web site or talk to your treatment center.

Only you can "Do the 5!" for yourself. Tapping into the many available medical, educational, and support resources can help you get started. Doing the "5" takes some work, but there are great benefits for you, your family and the entire hemophilia community.

To learn more about the NHF National Prevention Program, visit the NHF Web site at http://www.hemophilia.org.

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References

1. National Hemophilia Foundation website. Available at http://www.hemophilia.org. Accessed August 5, 2008.
2. MASAC Recommendation #182. www.hemophilia.org. Accessed August 5, 2008.