31 for 21 #2

Here are some facts I found from this website: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/down-syndrome-facts.html


Down Syndrome Facts



The incidence of a child being born with Down syndrome increases with maternal age. Even though this is true, almost 80% of children with Down syndrome are born to mothers who are under the age of 35. The reason for this is that most women give birth before the age of 35.






Children born with Down syndrome must have a thorough medical examination performed. Almost 40% of infants with Down syndrome are born with heart anomalies. Some of these children are born with thyroid, vision, hearing, or gastrointestinal abnormalities. The earlier these problems are detected, the better. Sometimes these abnormalities can be totally cured, if not, proper treatment and care from the beginning will help in minimizing the damage.






Children born with Down syndrome develop more slowly (mentally and physically) than normal children. They may suffer from digestive problems, they get infected more easily; mostly lung infection affecting proper breathing, constipation, eye and ear infections, and in rare cases leukemia. Many kids will not have even one of these symptoms except for different facial features and slow growth.






Any child can be born with Down syndrome irrespective of the parents race, nationality, and socio-economic status.






Someone who does not have Down syndrome at birth can't get it for life. It is not contagious and can't be spread by any means.






Currently there is no cure for Down syndrome. Other major accompanying complications such as heart problems can be cured surgically.






Many with Down syndrome pass out successfully from high school and college, and have full time jobs.






Due to their unusual looks and behavior many think that those with Down syndrome are mentally retarded. Those suffering from Down syndrome are not mentally retarded. The following two points prove this.






Chris Burke who played the role of Charles 'Corky' Thacher for 4 years in the hit TV series 'Life Goes On' is a living example that a person with Down syndrome can lead an almost normal life. Today he is Ambassador of the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS). He not only travels around the US giving inspirational speeches to Down syndrome children and parents, but also writes a column and responds to queries in the NDSS magazine.






Jane Cameron - 1949-2000 (artist whose tapestries hang around the world), Sujeet Desai (musician, married and well settled), and Michael Jurogue Johnson (artist), all suffer/suffered from the Down syndrome. There are many more with Down syndrome who have become famous.