October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month and has been recognized every year since 1980! There are many things you can do to observe this month and spread the word about Down Syndrome.

Actions You Can Take this Month:

  • Educate yourself and others. Reading this blog and continuing your research beyond this blog will help you get a better understanding of what this condition is, how it affects individuals, and what you can do to help.
  • Join a Buddy Walk! The National Down Syndrome Society created the Buddy Walk in 1995 to raise awareness of acceptance and inclusion of individuals with Down Syndrome. Find a Buddy Walk near you to show your support this month!
  • Donate and get involved with the Special Olympics. This is a great organization that supports athletes with Down Syndrome - find out more about what you can do to get involved here!
  • Talk with your kids. This is a great month to take some time to sit down with your own kids at home and explain to them a little bit more about Down Syndrome so that they can understand better. This article has a great video that explains Down Syndrome in a way that children can understand too!

10 Facts About Down Syndrome

  1. The CDC reports that in the U.S. there are about 6,000 babies born each year that have Down Syndrome.
  2. Down Syndrome affects each person differently and the characteristics that are associated with Down Syndrome can vary from person to person.
  3. There are 3 types of Down Syndrome; Trisomy 21, Translocation, and Mosaic.
  4. Prenatal screenings are now available for Down Syndrome.
  5. Individuals with Down Syndrome are at a higher risk for other health conditions. Hearing loss, issues with the eyes, and ear infections are a few common conditions.
  6. The life expectancy and quality of life for individuals with Down Syndrome is continuing to grow and increase as science and medicine continues to evolve!
  7. There is no treatment for Down Syndrome but there is assistance available like different types of therapies and special needs classes.
  8. Experts and researchers still don’t know why Down Syndrome occurs. One factor that they have found is with the age of the mother. Mothers 35+ have an increased risk of having a pregnancy that results in Down Syndrome but that isn’t always the case and mothers of all ages can give birth to a baby that has Down Syndrome.
  9. Individuals with Down Syndrome attend school, work, have meaningful relationships, vote, and participate in many other social and educational activities.
  10. Down Syndrome is the most common chromosomal condition in the United States.

Managing Down Syndrome with a Respiratory Condition

The upper respiratory tract in individuals with Down Syndrome is often narrow and small which can lead to respiratory conditions. Tracheal anomalies are more common in children with Down Syndrome along with Pneumonia and other respiratory conditions. Pneumonia is the leading cause of mortality in adults with Down Syndrome.

When an individual with Down Syndrome is affected by these respiratory conditions, it can be life changing. Some may even need things like a tracheostomy tube, which can help with breathing and keeping the airway open. Sleep apnea is also a common condition in individuals with Down Syndrome and some may need appropriate CPAP therapy – this is where LifeTech can help! Here at LifeTech we are committed to assisting patients and can provide services to individuals with Down Syndrome that are suffering from respiratory conditions like sleep apnea and other conditions. Respiratory conditions can affect a person's entire life and we are here to help! We have CPAP equipment, nebulizer compressors, oxygen equipment, and so much more. If you or someone you know needs respiratory services and equipment contact us today and let our team help you get started!

Down Syndrome is a condition that affects many people around the world. 1 in every 700 babies that are born have Down Syndrome. (CDC) Take time this month to observe Down Syndrome Awareness Month and do what you can to get involved, show support, and spread awareness!