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Celiacs disease means that the sufferer has to take care eating even a sandwich. What about a taco with sour cream? You probably weren’t aware of it at the time, but those foods you were eating probably contained gluten. To you that means nothing, but to a person suffering from celiacs disease it means a lot. Gluten attacks the small intestine, which causes the disease. This means those who have it have to go on a gluten free diet, which is a great sacrifice. This article will discuss how to identify gluten or wheat intolerance and how to still enjoy your life, gluten free.

Gluten is something that most people never have to consider. It is found in many foods and most do not realize they are consuming it. It is a protein that’s found in different grains, such as barley and wheat. In general, people consume wheat products every day. The first thing a person must do who has wheat intolerance, is thoroughly research foods that contain gluten. The best thing for celiacs to do is to look for keywords, which will hint to the use of gluten. Some of these words are vegetable protein, malt and vegetable gum.

Once you figure out those keywords, be certain to stay away from gluten that may be hidden in ingredient labels. At first it may seem like there isn’t anything that you can eat. You may not be able to eat pasta or regular cookies but there are plenty of alternatives. So many people are living on a gluten free diet that there are now gluten free foods available specifically for those who are suffering. You can indulge in gluten free cookies and gluten free pizza. The really good news is that most grocery stores now carry these products. You can also still consume fresh cut meat, fresh fruit and milk.

It is important to know what to expect once you start your gluten free diet for celiacs disease. If you are a big eater, especially of bread products, then your body is going to go through a huge transition. You should always speak with your doctor before starting yourself on gluten free foods. Being gluten intolerant is not easy and is hard for most people to understand. Remember that there are celiacs disease and other gluten intolerant disorder support groups out there, so don’t be afraid to join one and make life a little easier.

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Technorati Tags: Food, Gluten, Gluten-free diet, Health, Shopping, Special Diets, Support group, Wheat

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Down Syndrome children, like everyone else, are people first, each with their own unique gifts to contribute to their families, friends and communities. “Down Syndrome Awareness Month provides a forum for dispelling stereotypes, providing accurate information, and raising awareness of the potential of individuals with Down syndrome.” Thanks to Down syndrome research and advocacy, the life expectancy for adults with Down syndrome has more than doubled since 1980, bringing with it improved educational standards, inclusion into regular schools and more jobs for the developmentally disabled, as well as better housing options.

The mission of the National Down Syndrome Society is “to benefit people with Down syndrome and their families through national leadership in education, research and advocacy.” They feel that everyone has the right to reach their potential and that people with Down syndrome should have the opportunity to make choices affecting their lives. Part of Down syndrome knowledge is pushing for better educational programs to help Down Syndrome children achieve their goals. Through the organization, parents can collect valuable resources and connect with local support groups. Down syndrome children can link up with local programs sponsored in part by NDSS, where they can foster a love of art, music or sports and gain the necessary tools to live a relatively independent life.

Each year, the Special Olympics serve as a beacon of light for Down syndrome awareness and instills hope in families of the developmentally disabled. This international nonprofit organization offers year-round sports programs focused on Down Syndrome children and adults. This epic event serves as a source of self esteem, confidence building and pride for 2.5 million people with intellectual disabilities. Their site, www.specialolympics.org, mentions the benefits of their athletic programs, stating: “They grow mentally, socially and spiritually and, through their activities, exhibit boundless courage and enthusiasm, enjoy the rewards of friendship and ultimately discover not only new abilities and talents but ‘their voices’ as well.”

Down Syndrome Awareness can be displayed as a postage stamp, a sweatshirt, a bumper sticker, or one of countless other promotional items. It could also be acted upon through an organization, be it a public speaking engagement, a benefit walk or the start of a new program that helps others. In the US, there are more than 350,000 Down Syndrome children and adults. With the average life span nearing sixty, the need for inclusion and social wellness is now more important than ever.

Technorati Tags: Conditions and Diseases, Down Syndrome, Genetic disorder, Health, Life expectancy, Special Olympics, Support group, United States

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Bullying in school, especially pre-school is something we must watch out for. We would all like to believe that when our toddlers go off to pre-school, visit daycare or have play dates that they are safe. In this day and age, we cannot afford to be so naïve. It is possible that your toddler can be physically and or emotionally harmed. Ask yourself if you would know the signs that would indicate your child is being bullied.

A recent survey reported that an astonishing 63% of children ages four through ten say they are or have been bullied by other children of the same or similar age. The same survey found that only 18% of these children’s parents or carers knew or suspected that their child was being bullied.

Bullying is defined as one person using his or her age, size, and aggressive nature to hurt and control other vulnerable children.

Bullies are people who have a very poor self-esteem and dominate others in a futile attempt to increase their sense of self-worth. Bullies can be any age, gender, or ethnic class. Young bullies, if their behavior is unchecked, become older bullies.

In children, the psychiatric diagnosis of Conduct Disorder is just the beginning of the development of cruel, dominating behavior, refusal to follow social and family rules, substance abuse beginning at a young age, gang affiliation, school suspensions and learning disorders, and a lack of remorse for their actions. As these children reach age 18, they are diagnosed with the Antisocial Personality Disorder; in most cases, this diagnosis results in criminal behavior.

An estimated 89% of prison inmates in this country are ASPD. This personality disorders are not “curable;” it’s indicative of deeply-ingrained personality characteristics.

The following is a checklist of symptoms that your toddler may exhibit if he or she is a victim of bullying in school:

- Depression; apathy, irritability, agitation, insomnia, low frustration tolerance, inability to concentrate, bed-wetting and lack of appetite.

- Fearfulness; reluctant to attend pre-school or play dates, crying, feigning illness.

- Questions about “What would happen if…”, and “If I don’t like Tommy, do I have to play with him?”

- Physical signs that seem suspicious; unexplained cuts, scrapes and bruises. When asked, the child makes up a story that isn’t consistent with the injury.

- Missing personal items; the child comes home without his or her lunch box, loss of small change, missing clothing, games, and favourite toys.

- Regressed behavior; acting younger than his or her age, speaking “baby talk,” clinging to parents, urinating or defecating in clothes, and wanting to eat baby food.

If your toddler exhibits any or all of these systems, the first thing you should do is ask the child if he or she is being bullied.

Make sure the child understands that he or she is not in trouble, and that it’s okay to tell this secret no matter if the bully has threatened further harm if the bullying is revealed. Reassure your child that everybody, including the bully will be safe.

Naturally, if your child is suffering bullying in school or at play dates, you’ll want to know where were the supposedly supervising parents or teachers? Once your child has divulged the secret, you have every right to ask the adults why they failed to supervise what was happening at their home or at pre-school.

Don’t send your child back to a home where adult supervision is so lacking that he or she is being hurt. If your child is being harmed in a pre-school, speak to the owner or top-level manager about the lack of supervision by the teachers. If you get no satisfactory answers, remove your child from the school and report the harm done to your child to your Child Protection Agency or Social Services.

Ages ago, the thought on bullying in school was “Fight it out and get over it”. Not so anymore. There are too many dangers that can’t be solved by the child standing up on his own against the stereotypical schoolyard bully.

You have to stand up for your child and show him that you will support him no matter what. Children need to know they can come to you with anything, no matter how horrible it might seem in their mind. You are their hero; you are the one who is ultimately going to save the day and keep them safe. Don’t let them down.

Technorati Tags: Antisocial personality disorder, Bullying, Child, Conduct Disorder, Health, mental health, Personality disorder, Substance Abuse

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