dehydration being contributing factors to sickle cell crisis, Candyce has to be sure to workout within her limits and keep lots of water on deck. She travels with a collection of spare clothing, snacks, and pain medications in the event that she absolutely needs them. In short, she stays ready so she doesn’t have to get ready.
Contrary to what some may believe, exercise is good for those living with sickle cell disease. Exercise can help with maintaining mobility and strength, but it also pumps up endorphins, which can help alleviate stress along with positivity and an empowering mindset. It’s also important to eat for life and not for instant gratification. “Treat and fuel your body like you would a $100,000 car.” One way to approach this is by enrolling in an integrated nutrition course, which is what Candyce did so she could learn how to balance her meals and avoid consuming toxic foods.
Although Candyce has experienced severe crisis on multiple occasions, has been hospitalized while in other countries, and deals with chronic fatigue every day, she’s grateful for her condition. Living with sickle cell has taught her to live a more positive, better quality life. She’s no longer naïve or embarrassed to talk about her illness and makes it a point to raise awareness, educate herself and help other Sickle Cell Warriors thrive.
Jasmine Danielle is a Los Angeles based dancer and fitness trainer. She received her BFA in Dance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and has studied with FiTour, the National Federation of Personal Trainers, and the Equinox Group Fitness Training Institute. Jasmine is currently a Group Fitness Instructor for Equinox, Everybody Los Angeles, and Sandbox Fitness. Her fitness modalities include, ballet, dance cardio, barre fitness, TRX, treadmill interval training, cardio kickboxing, jump rope, indoor cycling, and metabolic conditioning.