For many people, drinking water is something done without much thought. But for those living with sickle cell disease, water is more than a daily habit. It is a critical component of health management. Hydration affects everything, from how your blood flows to how often you experience crises. In fact, for people with SCD, staying hydrated could be the difference between stability and a medical emergency. Understanding sickle cell disease and the healing power of water Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that affects the shape and function of red blood cells. In people without the condition, red blood cells are soft, round, and flexible, allowing them to move freely through blood vessels to deliver oxygen to every part of the body. In someone with SCD, however, many of these red blood cells become sickle-shaped, hard, and sticky. These misshapen cells don’t flow smoothly through blood vessels. Instead, they tend to clump together, block circulation, and cause pain, organ damage, fatigue, and other complications. This painful blockage is known as a vaso-occlusive crisis, a hallmark of the disease. Why water matters in SCD Sickle Cell Disease causes red blood cells to become rigid, sticky, and crescent-shaped. These abnormal cells can clump together and block blood flow in small vessels. This blockage, known as vaso-occlusion, is what causes the intense pain known as a sickle cell crisis. Drinking water helps keep the blood thinner and more fluid. Proper hydration makes it easier for red blood cells to move freely through the bloodstream, reducing the risk of them sticking together and causing a blockage. Simply put, hydration helps reduce sickling. Hydration and the kidneys People with SCD are more prone to kidney complications because their kidneys struggle to concentrate urine properly. Over time, this can lead to chronic kidney disease. Drinking water helps flush waste products from the kidneys and reduces the strain on these already vulnerable organs. Temperature regulation Individuals with SCD can have trouble regulating body temperature, especially during fevers, hot weather, or physical exertion. Dehydration only worsens this issue. Drinking enough water keeps the body cool and helps maintain a stable internal environment. Avoiding dehydration-triggered crises Even mild dehydration can thicken the blood, making it harder for red blood cells to travel smoothly. This increases the risk of a sickle cell crisis. Many people with SCD notice a pattern: when they forget to drink enough water, pain episodes often follow. Transporting nutrients and oxygen Hydration aids in the circulation of nutrients and oxygen, two essentials for anyone, but especially for people with SCD, whose red blood cells already have a reduced capacity to carry oxygen. Water supports energy levels, organ function, and overall vitality. How much water is enough? Adults with SCD should aim for at least 2 to 3 litres of water daily (8–12 cups), increasing intake during hot weather or physical activity. Children should drink around 1.5 to 2 litres, depending on age, size, and activity levels. It’s important to sip water consistently throughout the day. Gulping large amounts all at once is less effective than steady hydration. Practical tips for staying hydrated Keep a water bottle nearby at all times. Infuse your water with lemon, cucumber, mint, or berries if you find plain water boring. Set hourly phone reminders to take a few sips. Eat water-rich foods like watermelon, cucumber, oranges, and strawberries. Be cautious with caffeinated drinks, as they can have a dehydrating effect. Many people with Sickle Cell Disease say water feels bland or unappealing, especially when drinking large amounts daily. Here are gentle, effective ways to encourage hydration, which you could include in your book as tips or a sidebar: When water feels bland: Making hydration enjoyable Infuse water naturally Add fresh flavour with slices of: Lemon (refreshing and cleansing) Cucumber (cooling and light) Mint leaves (invigorating) Ginger (warming and soothing) Strawberries, oranges, or berries for a subtle sweetness Keep a jug in the fridge overnight to let the flavours infuse. Use a fancy cup or straw Sometimes the experience matters. A colourful bottle, reusable straw, or chilled glass can make drinking water feel more special. Track progress creatively Use a hydration app, a water bottle with measurements, or a checklist. Each glass becomes a small, celebrated victory. Eat your water Incorporate water-rich foods into your meals: Watermelon Cucumber Oranges Celery Tomatoes Homemade soups, broths, or smoothies made with coconut water or plain water Set a sip schedule Instead of forcing large amounts at once, encourage small, regular sips: 1 glass upon waking 1 before each meal 1 with medication 1 before bed That’s already 4–5 glasses—without effort. Try warm water or herbal teas If cold water feels hard to take, try warm water with lemon, or herbal teas like peppermint, rooibos, or ginger. Educate with empathy Sometimes, understanding why it matters helps. Remind readers that each glass: Keeps their blood flowing Lowers the chance of pain crises Protects organs Boosts energy Not all drinks are equal While water is best, other fluids like herbal teas or natural fruit juices can also contribute to hydration. However, avoid sugary sodas and energy drinks, which can do more harm than good. A daily commitment For someone living with SCD, hydration is not just a wellness tip; it is a lifeline. It’s a simple act that holds extraordinary power. Each glass of water is an act of self-care, protection, and prevention. In a body that is constantly working hard just to stay balanced, water offers support, relief, and healing. Let water be your companion. Let it flow through your day with intention and consistency. In every sip lies strength. Encouraging Affirmation: “I may not crave water, but I honour my body with every sip. I drink because I deserve to feel better.” Until next time. If you would like to get in touch with me about Sickle Cell, do so via my email address: [email protected]. And do check out my blog: https://www.dailylivingwithsicklecell.com My book on Sickle Cell – How to Live With Sickle Cell – and my other books are available for purchase on www.amazon.com.

Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo scored twice as the Bees dealt a blow to Brighton's hopes of qualifying for next season's European competitions. The Cameroon international gave Thomas Frank's side the lead with a powerful right-footed effort following a defence-splitting Keane Lewis-Potter through ball. Striker Danny Welbeck equalised for Brighton with his ninth league goal of the season - equalling his most prolific Premier League campaign - by heading in Mats Wieffer's cross on the stroke of half-time. Mbeumo, 25, scored his second of the day and 18th of the season when his curling effort found the bottom corner after a slight deflection off Lewis Dunk. The Cameroonian turned provider for Brentford's third, teeing up strike partner Yoane Wissa, who saw his effort deflect in after cannoning off defender Jan Paul van Hecke. It went from bad to worse for Brighton as Brazilian striker Joao Pedro was shown a straight red card for lashing out at Brentford defender Nathan Collins in an off-the-ball incident. The Seagulls set up a tense finish when substitute Kaoru Mitoma scored their second, beating Mark Flekken with a deft left-footed finish following Jack Hinshelwood's through ball. But Brentford captain Christian Norgaard put the result beyond doubt in the sixth minute of stoppage time when he headed in Mathias Jensen's free-kick. A clash of heads between Brighton defender Van Hecke and Brentford's Yunus Konak in the final minute of injury time led to a delay of 10 minutes, with the Dutchman eventually being carried off on a stretcher after receiving oxygen. Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler was unable to offer an update on Van Hecke's condition after the match but said "hopefully he's back on the pitch soon". The defeat means Brighton have earned just one point from their past four matches, leaving them 10th in the table, six points behind sixth-placed Chelsea and two points ahead of 11th-placed Brentford. Brentford are the only club in the Premier League to have more than one player in the top-10 scorers this season. Those players are, of course, Mbeumo and Wissa. Only three players - Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak and Erling Haaland - have scored more than the 18 goals Mbeumo has managed this season, while Wissa is fifth in the standings with 16. But the pair are so much more than just goals. Mbeumo, in particular, had an afternoon to remember against Brighton. He ran the channels expertly, giving his side a constant threat on the break. His first goal of the afternoon came via a rapid counter-attack, which Frank had prepared his side for. "We knew we could hit them in behind on the transition and this is what we did," said Mbeumo. "We respected the gameplan very well." Mbuemo and Wissa have scored in the same game seven times this season - more than any other pairing in the Premier League. Brighton's European hopes are sinking fast. Since losing to Nottingham Forest in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup on 29 March, the Seagulls have collected just one point from a possible 12. The anger of travelling supporters spilled over 15 minutes from time, with fans chanting: "You don't know what you're doing" at manager Fabian Hurzeler. It came after the German took off Welbeck and Carlos Baleba for Yasin Ayari and Diego Gomez, with the Seagulls losing 3-1. It was a public showing of growing fan discontent but Hurzeler will argue that his side improved following the changes. But striker Welbeck alluded to a disconnect in his post-match interview, accusing his team-mates of not playing for one another. "We made our bed and we have to lie in it. It's not good enough," said Welbeck. "There have been so many of these performances throughout the season. "We need to play far more collectively. Fight for each other more. It was evident that we weren't doing that."

For many women, the path to motherhood is paved with dreams, anticipation, and sometimes, a few unexpected detours. One of the most common, but frequently misunderstood, challenges along that journey is uterine fibroid. These are non-cancerous growths that form in or around the uterus. If this is something you’re currently navigating, you’re not alone, by age 50, nearly 70 percent of women will have experienced fibroid in some form.
Fibroid comes in different sizes, shapes, and locations. Some are so tiny you’d never know they’re there, while others can grow large enough to physically alter the shape of the uterus. They may grow on the outer wall, within the muscular wall, or inside the uterine cavity. The submucosal type is especially known for affecting fertility as they can interfere with implantation, or increase the risk of miscarriage. What’s particularly important to understand is that the location of fibroid often has more impact on fertility than their size alone.
While the exact cause of fibroid remains a medical mystery, they could run in the family; it’s not just one thing, it’s a mix of influences. Even though fibroids sprout from the muscular tissue of your uterus, they’re not your average cells. The growths have a genetic profile that sets them apart from normal uterine muscle, and are loaded with estrogen and progesterone receptors, the very hormones that prep your uterus for a possible pregnancy every month.
One of the most emotionally charged questions many women ask is, “Can I get pregnant with fibroid?” And the answer is encouraging: yes, many women with fibroid conceive and have healthy babies. But it depends on the size, number, and location. Submucosal fibroids are more likely to interfere with pregnancy, intramural ones may distort the uterine cavity, and subserosal types usually have minimal impact unless unusually large. These variations mean that what works for one woman may not be suitable for another, making personalized care essential.
During pregnancy, fibroid can increase the risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, and abnormal baby positioning. Occasionally, they outgrow their blood supply and cause severe pain, most commonly in the first trimester when hormonal changes cause rapid growth. This can be alarming, but not every fibroid leads to complications. Many women go through pregnancy with fibroid without any major issues.
When it comes to growth, fibroids doesn’t follow a predictable script; some hang out quietly for years, never changing size or causing trouble, others might show up during pregnancy, respond to hormonal fluctuations, and then vanish like they were never there. Menopause usually slows them down, new fibroids are less likely to form, and existing ones may shrink. Fibroids used to be a leading reason women had hysterectomies, which meant sacrificing fertility and enduring longer recoveries. Thanks to advances in medical technology and treatment methods, such drastic measures are no longer necessary.
Treatments vary based on goals, symptoms, and fibroid characteristics. Surgical options like myomectomy are often chosen to preserve fertility, especially when submucosal or large intramural fibroids are present.
Non-invasive techniques like High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound or uterine artery embolisation might be appropriate depending on individual circumstances, although their impact on future fertility must be carefully considered.
Medications such as GnRH agonists can shrink fibroids temporarily and may be used to prepare for surgery, but they aren’t ideal for women actively trying to conceive, as their effects are reversible and not long-term.
Most women with fibroids will not be infertile; therefore, such women and their partners should be thoroughly evaluated to find other problems possibly causing infertility. A fertility specialist can help assess if a fibroid might be interfering with achieving a pregnancy.
The biggest concern in pregnancy is that a fibroid will increase the chance of preterm birth or miscarriage. In some cases, a fibroid can outgrow the blood supply and cause severe pain.
Also, a fibroid can change the baby’s position in the uterus. This can increase the risk for miscarriage, preterm delivery, and cesarean section. The management of fibroids depends on your unique situation and your doctor’s recommendations. Surgery is rarely necessary or performed during pregnancy.
If a woman conceives after having a fibroid removed, she should discuss this with the obstetrician who will deliver the baby. A cesarean section may be recommended.
If you’re trying to conceive, experiencing symptoms, or simply exploring your options, diagnosis and treatment should be tailored to your unique journey.
Symptoms such as heavy periods, pelvic pain, frequent urination, and constipation might be signs, though many women only learn about their fibroid when facing fertility challenges or pregnancy loss.
Diagnosis may involve pelvic exams, ultrasounds, MRIs, or procedures like hysteroscopy that provide a clearer view. In some cases, saline-infused sonograms may be used to highlight fibroids hidden within the uterine cavity.
There’s also a growing interest in holistic approaches, such as dietary changes, herbal therapies, and acupuncture. While these aren’t replacements for medical intervention, some women find they help manage symptoms or improve overall well-being. Incorporating lifestyle adjustments, such as maintaining a healthy weight, reducing stress, and limiting intake of foods that influence estrogen levels, may also play a role in managing fibroids over time. It’s important to note that fibroid isn’t just a fertility issue; they affect women’s quality of life in deeply personal ways. Chronic pain, excessive bleeding, and emotional distress can take a toll, even when fertility isn’t an immediate concern. That’s why listening to your body and seeking care, whether through a gynaecologist, reproductive expert, or holistic practitioner, is so important. If fibroid is causing excessive bleeding, you might try hormonal medications that can help tone down the bleeding and reduce fibroid size, but they won’t make them disappear completely. Birth control pills also help with managing bleeding, though they don’t help in shrinking the growths. Still, for some women, these methods offer enough relief to reclaim their quality of life. Having fibroid doesn’t mean you won’t get pregnant or have a healthy baby. It’s about knowledge, early diagnosis, and thoughtful care, with support and informed decisions, you can move through these challenges and go on to experience beautiful, healthy pregnancies. Your story is yours alone, and fibroid is not the end of it. Understanding the risks, listening to your body, and having a care team that believes in your possibilities can make all the difference. Because when it comes to your fertility journey, knowing more isn’t just empowering, it’s trans-formative. And while fibroid may complicate the path, it should not define your destination. With the right tools, treatment, and support, you can continue forward, hopeful, informed, and never alone.

Manchester City remain on track to qualify for next season's Champions League after winning at Everton with two late goals. An uninspiring contest looked to be heading for a drab draw before being brought to life with six minutes remaining when young full-back Nico O'Reilly stole in from close range to convert Matheus Nunes' cutback. Substitute Mateo Kovacic added a second in injury time on the stretch as Pep Guardiola's men climbed to fourth in the table, four points clear of sixth-placed Chelsea, who face neighbours Fulham on Sunday. The first half was often flat and made for a poor spectacle, with Everton's best chance going the way of centre-back James Tarkowski, who rose highest to James Garner's corner and flicked a header against the post. On the stroke of half-time, City could have gone ahead with a rapid break forward but Kevin de Bruyne saw his goalbound strike brilliantly cleared off the line by Jake O'Brien's diving header. Savinho's low drive was kept out by Jordan Pickford's sharp save in the second period, before City had the final say. City have competed in Europe's elite club competition for 14 consecutive seasons - but with the clock on 84 minutes at Goodison Park, that sequence was under real threat. Then came the rally for a monumental victory in the context of their season. They host in-form Aston Villa at Etihad Stadium on Tuesday and the result there may well go a long way to ensuring City's status in the top echelon of the European club game next season. Guardiola's side have dominated English football by winning four titles in a row - the only club to achieve that feat - but their long stranglehold on the trophy is about to end, and will do so as early as Sunday if Arsenal lose to Ipswich and Liverpool beat Leicester. City have had a long injury list to contend with this season and there was a real lack of quality on show in the final third at Goodison Park, with youngster O'Reilly and Kovacic needed to bail them out. Ilkay Gundogan made Pickford work with a rasping strike straight at the goalkeeper, but the 34-year-old was on the periphery of the game and has made little impact since returning to the club from Barcelona. De Bruyne was the star man against Crystal Palace last time out but the 33-year-old is into his final few games as a City player before he leaves the club this summer. The Belgian has suffered injuries and his waning influence was often evident against Everton with miskicks and miscued passes in the final third. But they left Goodison Park for the final time having won their last eight Premier League games here against Everton and stretching their top-flight run to five unbeaten games at the right time of the campaign. Everton, in the midst of a run where they face five of the league's top six, looked to be heading for another excellent result but for City's late show. The Toffees picked up an impressive late win at Nottingham Forest last Saturday, but were on the receiving end of two goals in the dying minutes here. David Moyes suffered just his third defeat since returning as boss in January, but has now gone 16 games without winning against City. His team had their chances, having frustrated their opponents for long periods. Jarrad Branthwaite's looped header was clawed out by Stefan Ortega and Abdoulaye Doucoure's strike from the angle was pushed away by the City stand-in goalkeeper. Tarkowski came closest to breaking the deadlock for the hosts when hitting the woodwork, but the defender hobbled off in the opening period with an apparent hamstring injury. The centre-back has started 111 consecutive games for Everton, three short of the outfield record held by Wayne Bridge, and he only has a week to recover before their next game at Chelsea on Saturday.