Article: This is of great importance in patients with sickle cell anemia. They are highly susceptible to viral and bacterial infections due to the loss of spleen function that often occurs in early childhood; therefore, in addition to prophylactic antibiotics in childhood, immunization against some diseases are also key. These include the standard childhood vaccinations, as well as immunizations against influenza, bacterial meningitis and certain types of pneumonia. There is less oxygen at higher altitudes, which can quickly trigger a sickle cell crisis if your body isn't used to such conditions. As such, be cautious if traveling to high-altitude areas (mountainous regions) and consider using supplemental oxygen if you do go. Consult with your doctor before any trips to high-altitude areas and balance the benefits against the health risks. Only fly on airplanes with pressurized cabins (which includes all commercial flights on larger planes) and avoid flying in smaller, unpressurized aircrafts at high altitudes. It's important to keep your blood volume up, especially if you have sickle cell anemia. Low blood volume (common with dehydration) makes the blood thicker and more likely to stick or clump together and can trigger a sickle cell crisis. Prevent dehydration by drinking at least eight 8-ounce glasses (about 2 liters) of purified water per day. Avoid drinking liquids with caffeine, which acts as a diuretic (makes you urinate more frequently) and can reduce blood volume. Caffeine is found in coffee, black tea, chocolate, most soda pop, and virtually all energy drinks. Increase the amount of fluids you drink per day if you exercise a fair bit or spend time in a hotter climate. Another possible trigger for a sickle cell crisis is temperature extremes either getting too hot or too cold. Getting too hot increases sweating and can lead to dehydration and low blood volume. Getting too cold causes blood vessels to constrict (get smaller), which hampers blood circulation. Stick to places and vehicles with air conditioning if you find yourself in a hot and/or humid environment. Wear clothes made of natural fibers (cotton) that can breath. Keep yourself warm in cold climates by wearing layers of insulated clothing, such as wool. Keeping your hands warm by wearing gloves is especially important for people with sickle cell anemia. Heavy-duty physical demands on your body increase its need for oxygen, which can trigger a sickle cell crisis because there's not enough hemoglobin to carry the oxygen to needy cells. Wile some regular exercise is good for health and circulation, avoid the strenuous stuff, such as long-distance jogging, cycling and swimming. Instead, focus on low-impact exercises such as walking, light aerobics, yoga and non-strenuous yard work. Lifting light-to-medium weights is okay to build and maintain muscle, but heavy lifting is not recommended for people with sickle cell anemia.

What is a summary?
Focus on infection prevention. Avoid high altitudes if your body isn't used to it. Keep well-hydrated. Don't get too hot or too cold. Avoid excessive exercise.