Surjit Singh Flora
March 21 marks World Down Syndrome Day, a special occasion to honor the exceptional qualities and talents of individuals with Down syndrome. It is also a time to promote understanding of the obstacles they face and champion their rights.
What exactly is Down syndrome? Down syndrome occurs when the baby has an additional #21 chromosome. Every single cell in the human body contains 46 chromosomes, which house all the genetic information responsible for a person’s growth, health, and unique traits like their sex, hair color, and eye color. When it comes to our physical appearance, such as skin color, it’s fascinating to understand that half of our chromosomes are inherited from our mother’s egg, while the other half come from the father’s sperm that fertilizes the egg. It’s important to note that there are 23 pairs of chromosomes, with each pair consisting of one from the mother and one from the father. Various pairs have control over various aspects. As an expert in health reporting, it’s worth noting that the 23rd pair of chromosomes plays a crucial role in determining the gender of a child. The 21st pair plays a crucial role in the formation of the brain, heart, and facial features.
When the mother’s egg or the father’s sperm develop incorrectly and include two #21 chromosomes instead of one, this is known as Down syndrome. As a result, the fertilized egg has three #21 chromosomes rather than simply two once the sperm fertilizes it. If this happened in other “pairs” of chromosomes, the fertilized egg would usually not survive, and no offspring would develop. However, the egg may implant and develop into a baby with Down syndrome.
People with Down syndrome face some challenges in learning, but with the right help and education, they can go much further in school than people think. Some will have mild-to-severe heart problems. The intervention of that extra set of genetic instructions causes the facial features to be slightly different, with the eyes slightly further apart and an extra fold of skin that gives a slightly droopy appearance.
With love, proper education, and good care, most people with Down syndrome can live normal, happy lives. They are usually very affectionate with family and friends.
In 1866, the British physician John Langdon Down was the first to describe what is now known as Down syndrome, initially referring to it as “mongolism.” The accepted term for Down syndrome didn’t come into use until the early 1970s. In 1959, French pediatrician and geneticist Professor Jerome Lejeune made a significant discovery about the condition. He found that individuals with Down syndrome have an extra chromosome, which was just one year before NADS was founded. Soon after, chromosome studies were developed to confirm the diagnosis of Down syndrome.
In the United States, during the first half of the twentieth century, it was common for children with Down syndrome to be placed in institutions shortly after birth. This led to significant personal sacrifices for these individuals and their families. They were sometimes led to believe that their child was somehow inferior and that their care would be too much for their families by members of the medical community. These children were placed in large state institutions, often in terrible conditions, hidden away from the rest of society to shield them from the horrors of their lives.
This was the atmosphere that the founders of the National Association for Down Syndrome had to navigate when their children were born in 1960.
As we honor this day, it’s important to remember that people with Down syndrome might have distinct dietary requirements and preferences, which can have a substantial influence on their overall health and wellbeing. Nutrition is a topic that many people with Down syndrome and those who support them worry about. There is often a wealth of information available about specific diets or lifestyles that claim to benefit individuals with Down syndrome.
However, it is important to approach these claims with caution and skepticism. Although proper nutrition is undoubtedly important for individuals with Down syndrome, there is limited scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of specific diets or treatments in improving their health outcomes. It is important to focus on providing them with a balanced and nutritious diet. It’s important to have a diverse range of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats in your meals and snacks. By promoting the consumption of minimally processed foods, individuals with Down syndrome can ensure they receive the necessary nutrients to support their overall health and well-being.
Furthermore, it is crucial for individuals with Down syndrome to seek advice from healthcare professionals, like registered dietitians or nutritionists, to receive personalized guidance on nutrition. These professionals offer evidence-based dietary and prevention recommendations that are customized to meet the specific needs of each individual. They consider factors such as age, weight, activity level, and any underlying health conditions.
Therefore, while claims may be made about special diets or treatments for individuals with Down syndrome, it is important to prioritize evidence-based nutrition practices. By focusing on a balanced diet rich in nutrients and consulting with health care professionals, they can enjoy optimal health and wellness. Let’s use World Down Syndrome Day as an opportunity to advocate for inclusive environments and support systems that enable individuals with Down syndrome to thrive in all aspects of life.
(The writer is a veteran journalist and
freelance writer).
