HOC Blog/Vlog

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), also commonly referred to as the “Winter Blues”, is real and affects many people during the long winter months. SAD can negatively impact a person’s mental health and have long-lasting effects even into spring and summer. Symptoms a person feels often replicate and/or are similar to Major Depressive Disorder. These symptoms may include a lack of enjoyment in activities, the urge or need to isolate, increased mood swings (increased irritability) and a general loss of overall […]

Once again, the holidays are upon us and for many, 2021 will mark two years since we’ve gathered with those we love to celebrate the season.  And since we’ve had some time away from it all, this holiday season may just be the perfect time to make it all a little healthier and happier.  Enjoy the genuine happiness that comes from feeling true gratitude this Thanksgiving instead of the stress, obligation, and overindulgence we often experience.  Take some time this […]

Strategies to boost patient confidence and resilience- by Leah Black Living with Hemophilia A can be overwhelming for patients and their families. Not only is it a serious disease that can lead to complications such as bleeding and joint damage, but the treatment itself is burdensome, requiring frequent intravenous infusions of clotting factor concentrates. Patients find their quality of life affected not just physically, but psychologically and socially as well, with work, school and relationships all impacted. Studies show that […]

It’s Fall, Y’all!  Sweater weather has arrived and along with football games and falling leaves, this happens to be a great time of year to reassess our day-to-day nutrition.  Since fresh produce from the garden and supermarket is dwindling, it’s worth taking some time to see if we’re still getting those 5-9 recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables. On chilly days, soups are a great way to serve up vegetables and comfort.   Veggie-centered soups give us the comfort we […]

More Fun Insurance 101! Last time we discussed some of the common terms associated with insurance coverages.  Let’s start Part II looking at the different sources of healthcare coverage or where you can obtain coverage for your healthcare needs.  After that we will look at when you can enroll in the different plans. Group Coverage through an Employer One common way to obtain insurance is through your employer. Many employers offer group coverage to their employees. Usually, you will be […]

The Hemophilia Outreach Center (HOC) is a family-oriented organization committed to providing the highest quality, comprehensive medical care and advocacy for individuals with a bleeding disorder. Our organization prides itself on treating every patient that walks through our doors, like family. HOC is here for you and your family through all seasons of life. We help families navigate their new bleeding disorders diagnosis, regardless of their age. From birth, to preparing for college, family planning, to surgical procedures; HOC is […]

The topic of health insurance causes eyes to glaze over and brains to overload. However, it is an essential piece of the puzzle regarding your health. Health care can be quite costly, especially when living with a bleeding disorder. Having health insurance is vital to lessening that financial burden. The good news is that you don’t have to be an expert. Having basic knowledge and knowing where to go with questions is really all you need. A good place to […]

Are you or your child getting ready to head off to college? It’s an exciting time but as someone with a bleeding disorder, there are things that need to be considered and planned for as you make this new transition. We put together a list of some things to think about as you prepare to start this new adventure! • Establish an infusion logging routine (MicroHealth, calendars, etc) prior to leaving • Know how to contact HOC, be able to […]

Did you know eating a diet high in vegetables is one of the best ways to prevent chronic disease and maintain a healthy weight? High vegetable consumption can lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, prevent some types of cancer, improve blood sugar regulation, and promote that feeling of fullness that keeps us out of the snack pantry. Vegetables are nutritional powerhouses! Yet, only 1 in 10 adults get the recommended 2-3 cups of vegetables per […]

All of us have heard that we should “drink more water”, but why exactly is it so important? For all of us big or small, our bodies are made largely of water. Every cell, tissue and organ need water in order to function and survive. One HUGE component of water is also to help lubricate our joints and this is especially important in people with bleeding disorders as their joints are already susceptible to deterioration with each bleed into the […]