Page 9 - HFA Dateline 2013 Q4 Winter

finally, swimming is a sport that can be enjoyed for nearly the entire length of an indi- vidual’s life Long after swimmers return from college, they can be found competing in Masters Competitions all over the country It is not uncommon to see such swimmers at the ages of 60s, 70s, and 80s Those with bleeding disorders can live almost their entire lives without further bleeding episodes by following this path open to them This is not to say that swimming cannot lead to bleeding episodes It is important to be careful with slippery decks It is also important to master proper stroke and turn techniques to minimize injury fortunately, our sons have gone another year without joint bleeds and have no joint damage In their annual checkups with their doctor, their range of motion is absolutely unimpeded They suffer no arthritic problems Thus, the forbes family is thankful Ultimately, their success has everything to do with the oasis in our neighborhood Michael and Jane Forbes have six chil- doctors cannot prescribe buoyancy, environmental viscosity, or reduction in momen- dren, the four sons all having severe He- tum sports But doctors can prescribe aquatics therapy Younger parents may be able mophilia A. Michael earned a Doctor- to embrace the recommendations of hematologists, find the swimming pools, and ate in Education from the University of manage the time of their children in this process Knowledge and commitment are San Francisco. For several years, he ran essential for parents considering competitive swimming in marathons and is currently a sports families nationwide have been encouraging their children affected with a bleeding enthusiast. Jane earned her Registered disorder to swim in clubs and on high school teams, with incredible levels of com- Nursing degree from Seneca College in petitive success our hope is that this appreciation for swimming for individuals with Toronto, Canada. For several years, she bleeding disorders will continue to increase, and that there will be many more families trained in Judo and was a Junior Olym- in the years ahead that will turn to swimming as a perfect complement to the regular pian in this sport. prophylactic factor therapy that they now embrace n n Healthier Bodies, Bleed Less Winter 2013 | Dateline Federation 9