Blog

The Official Blog of the University Health Network’s Red Blood Cell Disorders Clinic. Stories that matter.

THE RBCD HUB // BLOG

Conquering Anxiety and Depression for a Healthier You: A Free Workshop for Young Adults with Sickle Cell Disease

The University Health Network's Red Blood Cell Disorders Clinic and the Centre for Mental Health are delighted to partner with Unsinkable to provide a free workshop!

This workshop is for young people (ages 18 to 35) with sickle cell disease. It will take place online on Wednesday February 19, 2025 from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM.

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Accommodations, Advocacy, Sickle Cell Disease, Thalassemia, Health Information Vanessa Ferguson and Sinthu Srikanthan Accommodations, Advocacy, Sickle Cell Disease, Thalassemia, Health Information Vanessa Ferguson and Sinthu Srikanthan

The RBCD Hub goes to CanHaem!

In September 2024, the RBCD Hub’s Vanessa Ferguson and Sinthu Srikanthan were invited to speak at the Canadian Hemoglobinopathy Association’s (CanHaem) annual conference in Halifax, Nova Scotia about the intersections of racism and disability with sickle cell disease (SCD) and thalassemia.

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Stroke and Sickle Cell Disease: One Person’s Story

Some people with Sickle Cell Disease may be at increased risk of experiencing stroke – which is when blood flow to the brain is blocked or there is bleeding in the brain. Stroke is life-threatening and scary. While stroke can result in many changes to one’s life, people can lead new and meaningful lives after stroke. This article describes the journey of one person with sickle cell disease who experienced stroke.

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The Trillium Drug Program

We all need an umbrella for rainy days. The “Umbrella for Rainy Days” series describes income support (financial assistance) programs. This article explores the Trillium Drug Program, with a special focus on people with Sickle Cell Disease, Thalassemia, and other Red Blood Cell Disorders.

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Relationships, Lifestyle, Advocacy, Health Information, Sickle Cell Disease, Mental Health, Accommodations RBCD Hub Editorial Team and UHN Patient Education and Engagement Relationships, Lifestyle, Advocacy, Health Information, Sickle Cell Disease, Mental Health, Accommodations RBCD Hub Editorial Team and UHN Patient Education and Engagement

UHN Health Talks: Sickle Cell Disease

To honour Sickle Cell Awareness Month, the RBCD Hub partnered with UHN Patient Education and Engagement to deliver a Health Talk on Sickle Cell Disease.

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Employment Insurance Sickness Benefits

We all need an umbrella for rainy days. The “Umbrella for Rainy Days” series describes income support (financial assistance) programs. This article explores Employment Insurance (EI) Sickness Benefits, with a special focus on people with Sickle Cell Disease, Thalassemia, and other Red Blood Cell Disorders (RBCDs)

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Applying for the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP - Part 2)

We all need an umbrella for rainy days. The “Umbrella for Rainy Days” series describes income support (financial assistance) programs. This article explores applying for the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), with a special focus on people with Sickle Cell Disease, Thalassemia, and other Red Blood Cell Disorders (RBCDs) .

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What is the Ontario Disability Support Program and how can it help me? (ODSP- Part 1)

We all need an umbrella for rainy days. The “Umbrella for Rainy Days” series describes income support (financial assistance) programs. This article explores Ontario Disability Support Program and how it can be helpful for people with Sickle Cell Disease, Thalassemia, and other Red Blood Cell Disorders (RBCDs) in Ontario.

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Helpful College and University Supports for Students with Red Blood Cell Disorders

From supporting your mental health to dealing with grade appeals and discrimination, public colleges and universities in Ontario have a range of services that can help you achieve success and wellbeing. This article summarizes supports at college and university that may be helpful for students with Sickle Cell Disease, Thalassemia, and other Red Blood Cell Disorders.

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Tips for Success and Wellbeing for International Students with Red Blood Cell Disorders in Ontario

Going to college or university abroad is an exciting opportunity for new learning experiences for International Students. This article provides six tips for success for International Students with Sickle Cell Disease, Thalassemia, and other Red Blood Cell Disorders in Ontario.

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Bursaries and Grants for Post-Secondary Students in Ontario with Red Blood Cell Disorders

This article explores bursaries and grants available through the Governments of Ontario and Canada for people with Sickle Cell Disease, Thalassemia, and other Red Blood Cell Disorders. These are supports available at time of publication. Please be aware that they can change at any time. You may qualify for additional grants, bursaries, and scholarships.

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Post-Secondary Accessibility Services for Students with Red Blood Cell Disorders

September is the time of year that many college and university students return to school. This can be a stressful time for people living with a chronic medical condition or disability. Students with Sickle Cell Disease, Thalassemia, and other red blood cell disorders can connect with their school’s Accessibility Office to explore support options.

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Wholistic Health Series - Session #4: Introduction to Mindfulness Meditation

On June 15, 2023, UHN’s RBCD clinic hosted the fourth session of the Wholistic Health Series with Mindfulness Advocate, Reena Ruparelia. This session explored how to mindfulness meditation practices and its benefits for people with Sickle Cell Disease, Thalassemia, and other Red Blood Cell Disorders.

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Lifestyle, Health Information, Sickle Cell Disease Colleen Johnson and Dr. Richard Ward Lifestyle, Health Information, Sickle Cell Disease Colleen Johnson and Dr. Richard Ward

Flying Safely as an Adult with Sickle Cell Disease

Living with sickle cell disease should not stop you from travelling. It’s important to know the risks of air travel and the steps you can take to keep yourself healthy and safe while travelling by airplane!

These guidelines apply to adults only. Speak to your healthcare provider for medical advice on your situation.

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Wholistic Health Series - Session #3: How to Stay in the Green

On June 1, 2023, UHN’s RBCD clinic hosted the third session of the Wholistic Health Series with Certified Health Coach, Aisha Saintiche. This session explored how to take ownership of mental health and wellness, including five steps to take to support mental wellness as well as creating a personal mission to guide our lives.

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