disease, which primarily affects blacks. Around 55 Bermudians suffer from the disease, which is an inherited blood condition caused by the presence of an abnormal haemoglobin in red blood cells. This week, the Ministry of Health and Social Services discusses how hobbies can help children with the disease.

Helping your child find ways to use his or her spare time can be very important. A child with sickle cell disease is sometimes excluded from activities through which most children learn to compete with others and develop physical skills. The reasons for the exclusion may be the child's size, his low level of strength and durability, frequent periods of illness and hospitalisation, or some severe complications of the illness.

Regardless of the child's physical capabilities, there are hobbies and activities that he can find and become interested in. If a child has something that he can be really good at doing, he will be recognised as someone special by others and himself, thus helping him lead a more well-rounded, happy life.

Some hobbies might be such that could hold his interest even when he is sick at home or in the hospital which could help him take his mind off his illness.

Also, some interests that are developed when a child is young can lead toward a future occupation as a adult.

Should Physical Activities be Limited? During symptom-free periods, your child should be able to participate in normal activities. In general, the child is the best judge of what and how much he can do. However, it may be advisable to avoid such sports as football, wrestling and others which may involve physical contact.

School Activities: Your child may participate in physical education class as recommended by your doctor. He may suggest that the activities be modified but rarely would they be eliminated completely. Encourage your child to take part in school sponsored clubs and special interest groups. At times, classroom teachers assign projects for your child to do. Take an interest in his project and help him. The project may turn into a hobby! What is the "Right Hobby or Activity? Your child can decide what he is interested in and can determine what he is physically able to do. Your encouragement, support and expression of confidence in his ability to do various things is needed. Your doctor should be consulted if you have any questions regarding the activities of your child.

Parents of children with sickle cell anaemia are urged to participate in the Sickle Cell Support Group. In this organisation, parents exchange ideas which are useful in planning hobbies and activities for their children.

Remember, it is important for your child to have as close to a normal life as possible. This means avoiding overprotective measures, encouraging a variety of things he may do, allowing him to make decisions, and, in general giving him the same chances as other children to grow and develop.

For more information, contact Health Promotion at the Ministry of Health, Social Services and Housing. Telephone 236-0224 Ext. 355.