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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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The problem of obesity is clearly evident in our current society. Research indicates that the rates of obesity have, at best, doubled with some sections of society. But among children, the rate of obesity has tripled. People who suffer from obesity cannot merely slough it off as an appearance issue. They should educate themselves about the possible health consequences of being overweight. This is even more important in children who become obese at an early age. It is a travesty that obese children, if their habits remain the same, will always have to struggle with health problems beginning in childhood.

Unfortunately in some families the trend towards obesity can be hereditary. Even if this is the case, there are still many steps than a parent can take to help prevent their child developing obesity. Of course the primary factor is the child’s nutrition. Steps should be taken where possible to prevent children over consuming fast foods or snack foods that are low in nutritional value.

It can be difficult to encourage children to eat properly. Really it’s up to you. You should start feeding them better quality food at an early age and begin to train them into proper eating behaviour. If you don’t all eat together and spend time at the dinner table eating properly, this will be difficult. If you allow them to eat their dinner quickly and rush away from the table, you’re selling bad habits for the future. Believe it or not the slower a child eats the less food normally they will consume.

Recently across the USA and the UK in particular, a trend has developed where food is used as a reward. You see this happening with school achievements. They are given ice cream or sweets for doing well with school reports, sports, or even homework. Subconsciously this reinforces the pleasure of eating, and in later years can lead to problems of obesity.

Ways that you can counteract unhealthy snack eating are to have convenient healthy foods such as small prepackaged salads handy in your fridge. You could also have for example, small fruit salads which you can keep from browning by adding a touch of lemon juice over the sliced fruit. Carrot sticks are also a tasty idea, and perhaps a few small portions of smoothies with pure yoghurt would be another good nutritional choice to have in the fridge.

Why you may not be able to eliminate every undesirable snack choice, you can certainly cut down on your children’s choices by doing your best to eliminate the less desirable items from your kitchen. When you do this then you’re not having to worry so much about childrens party cakes and possible health risks because their normal diet is usually healthy and nutritious.

Healthy foods are not always a convenient option for the busy parent. In today’s society, foods that are high in fat and other unhealthy components are more readily available than their healthier counterparts. But when possible, parents should strive to fill their child’s diet with as much healthy food possible. The sugary snack should be used only as an occasional enjoyment rather than a daily requirement. Doing this will ensure a healthier diet for your child and relieve you from being distressed over their daily eating habits.

A nutritious diet is a key ingredient for an active child. Healthy foods provide longer-lasting energy rather than the short spurts that sugary foods tend to give. The more playing that a child does, the more calories that child will burn. A healthy diet that is coupled with a sufficient amount of activity is important for a child to maintain a body that is physically fit.

Tags: child obesity, obesity, fast foods



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Technorati Tags: Child, Child Health, Childhood obesity, Conditions and Diseases, Eating, fast foods, Health, Healthy diet, Nutrition, obesity, United Kingdom, United States