Keeping your weight in a proper range is especially important for anyone with a blood condition. Extra weight puts stress on joints, which can increase pain and frequency of local bleeds. When you’re overweight, it’s harder to find a vein for infusion, and you’ll need more factor, since doses are based on weight.

Genetics play a role, but personal choices also affect one’s weight. Activity combined with healthy eating can help you keep your weight on target.

Some tips:

• Eat as a family.
• Eat small meals and healthy snacks.
• Don’t skip meals.
• Don’t eat in front of the TV.
• Pay attention to nutritional labels.
• Eat from all the required food groups every day.
• Avoid food with lots of sugar, fat, sodium, or cholesterol.
• Avoid fried foods.
• Bake or grill meat, and steam or grill vegetables.
• Replace vegetable oil with olive oil.
• Choose milk, juice, or a calorie-free beverage instead of soft drinks.
• Drink plenty of water.