There are several ways in which you can help a child with Sickle cell anaemia.

Give Support. Like any chronic illness, Sickle cell anaemia is sometimes difficult to come to terms with. A sufferer may sometimes feel unable to cope with the inconvenient and painful effects of the condition. You can help by being aware of the child's feelings and by making allowances for them when necessary.

Talk to the child's parents. If a child has Sickle cell anaemia talk to the parents to find out how it is affecting him or her. You may be able to help if the child has some difficulties at school.

Help with schoolwork. Although Sickle cell anaemia has no effect on the intelligence, children with Sickle cell anaemia may find it difficult to concentrate when they are in pain or get easily tired and lethargic if they are badly anaemic. Regular visits to their doctor are essential and they may also have to miss lessons or take days off school when they have Sickle cell crisis.

All these interruptions may make them behind with their school work. If this is the case, you can help by showing that you understand why they are behind and by helping them to keep up with their lessons. If a child is often away for one or two days at a time try to make sure he or she has some work to do at home. For longer stays away from school, home or hospital tuition may be necessary. You can help by keeping an eye on the child's progress.

Give practical help. There are several practical steps you can take to help reduce the frequency and severity of Sickle cell crises: Make sure the child is always warm or dry. The condition may get worse in the cold or wet. Never let a child with Sickle cell anaemia get chilled after PE or swimming. Cross country running and outdoor games should be avoided in cold or wet weather. However, you should encourage the child to join in with as much exercise as possible.

Make sure a child with Sickle cell anaemia does not become dehydrated. This means allowing them to drink much more than normal and more often. Because of this extra fluid intake and the fact that the kidneys are sometimes affected by Sickle cell anaemia, the child may have to go to the toilet more often than usual. This problem may also cause bed-wetting until the child reaches his or her teens. Never restrict the amount the child drinks because of this -- discuss the problem with the child's parents and advise them to talk to the child's doctor about it.

Make sure the child is fully immunised against infectious illnesses and that they take any vitamins (folic acid) and antibiotics prescribed to them. If a child has Sickle cell crisis: A child having a crisis will suddenly become unwell or complain of severe abdominal or chest pain, headache, neck stiffness or drowsiness. He or she needs urgent hospital treatment. Get in touch with the child's parents without delay. If the parents are not available contact the child's doctor.

Remember, as a teacher you can work with parents and doctors to help children with Sickle cell anaemia to lead a full and normal life.

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