With good health care, many people who have sickle cell anemia can live productive lives. They also can have reasonably good health much of the time and live longer today than in the past. Many people who have sickle cell anemia now live into their forties or fifties, or longer.
If you have sickle cell anemia, it is important to:
- Adopt or maintain a healthy lifestyle
- Take steps to prevent and control complications
- Learn ways to cope with pain
If you have a family member/friend who has sickle cell anemia, you can take steps to learn about the disease and help your loved one manage it. The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences has developed an Adult Sickle Cell Clinical Program to reduce the suffering and improve the medical care provided to Arkansans with sickle cell disease. Please see links to resources and support services listed on this page to learn more about the program services and other available resources.