As the mark of October World Down Syndrome Awareness Month, This is an opportune time to learn and support those suffering from this condition.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 5,700 babies are born with Down syndrome each year in the U.S. and more than 400,000 people in the country currently live with it.
The life expectancy of people suffering from this condition has increased dramatically over the past few years. In 1983, it was only 25 years old, but now it is 60 years old, according to the Global Down Syndrome Foundation.
Lifelong best friends with Down syndrome go to college together
Below is everything you need to know about Down syndrome and how you can help spread awareness about it.
October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month worldwide. About 5,700 babies are born with Down syndrome each year in the United States. (iStock)
- What is Down syndrome?
- What are the symptoms of Down syndrome?
- Why is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month important?
- Which ribbon represents Down syndrome?
- How do you celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month?
1. What is Down Syndrome?
Down syndrome is a condition in which a baby is born with an extra chromosome.
Chromosomes determine how the body is built and functions. People who are born with an extra chromosome experience changes in the way their body and brain develop.
My little girl has Down syndrome, and she’s absolutely fine
A baby is usually born with 46 chromosomes. child with down syndrome Have a full or partial copy of chromosome 21.
The most common type of Down syndrome is trisomy 21, which accounts for 95% of all cases.
Down syndrome is a condition in which a baby is born with an extra chromosome. The most common type of Down syndrome is trisomy 21, which accounts for 95% of all cases. (iStock)
Less common types of Down syndrome are translocation (due to rearranged chromosome material) and mosaicism (when two types of cells mix).
Experts say there are no known ways to prevent this condition during pregnancy and no underlying cause is known.
Nanny and 5-year-old boy with Down syndrome share daily affirmations together – ‘very emotional’
is a risk factor associated with Down syndrome mother’s age -For a 25-year-old pregnant woman, the chances are about 1 in 1,250. Statistics show that by age 40, they are 1 in 100.
2. What are the symptoms of Down syndrome?
Down syndrome has both physical and developmental symptoms.
Physical symptoms include a flat face; short height; short neck; small ears, arms and legs; And according to the CDC, decreased muscle tone.
Physical symptoms include a flat face; short height; short neck; small ears, arms and legs; And according to the CDC, decreased muscle tone. (BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Developmental symptoms include short attention span, impulsive behavior, slow learning, and delayed speech development.
My sister with Down syndrome taught me 3 main lessons about life
Although these are all common symptoms, not every child with Down syndrome will exhibit every one of these symptoms.
3. Why is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month important?
National Down Syndrome Awareness Month promotes education about the condition. (Anda Chu/Digital First Media/The Mercury News via Getty Images)
National Down Syndrome Awareness Month, according to the National Down Syndrome Society, is “a month to raise awareness and celebrate the many abilities of our loved ones with Down syndrome.” created opportunity in the 1980s.
“Down syndrome is one of the most common types of intellectual disabilities,” the Special Olympics website states.
“Down syndrome is one of the most common types of intellectual disabilities.”
“So, it’s no surprise that each year in October, we recognize Down Syndrome Awareness Month to raise public awareness of the condition and advocate for acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome.”
The statement continued, “People with Down syndrome still face stereotypes and myths, but they have repeatedly shown that the condition is just a part of their personality and that it does not define them or limit their abilities. Doesn’t.”
Click here to sign up for our health newsletter
“That’s why it’s so important that during Down Syndrome Awareness Month and all year long, we help spread the message of love, acceptance, inclusion and respect.”
4. Which ribbon represents Down syndrome?
The Down syndrome awareness ribbon is blue and yellow. People can choose to wear a blue and yellow ribbon throughout the month to spread awareness.
Some people even choose the day to wear blue and yellow to spread the word and support people with Down syndrome throughout the month.
The Down syndrome awareness ribbon is blue and yellow. (iStock)
World Down Syndrome Day is observed each year on March 21 – marking the tripling of the 21st chromosome (3.21) in people with the condition.
5. What can you do to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month?
Educating yourself and others about Down syndrome is one way to honor the occasion throughout the month. You can educate yourself by reading books and articles and watching documentaries.
For more health articles, visit foxnews.com/health
You can pass on your knowledge to others and spread awareness by sharing information on social media.
World Down Syndrome Day is observed each year on March 21 – marking the tripling of the 21st chromosome (3.21) in people with the condition. (iStock)
In the month of October, there are lots of events, fundraisers, and walks across the country dedicated to Down syndrome awareness.
You can also choose to set up your own fundraiser support a local business Founded or inspired by individuals with Down syndrome.
Click here to get the Fox News app
There are also many volunteer opportunities to take advantage of during this time. Gigi’s Playhouse and Special Olympics are two examples of participating organizations.
