Health Issues And Equality

It is important that people with Down syndrome have access to the same level of health care that all other people have access to. Many times people with Down syndrome are overlooked and not considered for treatments for health problems that are typically related to living a longer life. Since it is considered that people with Down syndrome do not live as long as other people, they do not receiving routine testing and first line treatments for many health and medical issues.

Diabetes is more common is people with Down syndrome than in the general population. Once a person with Down syndrome has diabetes, it is even more dangerous to them than it is to the general population as well. Diabetes causes heart and kidney problems to healthy organs but for someone with Down's those organs are already unhealthy so a disease like diabetes can be extremely dangerous. Interestingly, diabetes is not readily tested for or considered as a risk in the Down syndrome population.

People with Down syndrome typically have problems with hearing and vision – many times since birth. Cataracts are a concern for people with Down syndrome and have a tendency to form earlier in life. Hearing aids are also a necessity for many people as they get older but are needed earlier in a person with Down syndrome. Of course, the parents of the Down's person generally make sure that their child gets routine hearing and vision check ups well into adulthood but for those who are in group home situations it is not as common of a practice.

Constipation is another problem that can signify a bigger problem but tends to be overlooked in the Down syndrome population. Due to a lack of muscle tone, most people with Down syndrome do suffer from chronic constipation. As a person ages they are more likely to develop an under active thyroid. This condition is extremely common in adults with Down syndrome. While the first and major symptom is chronic and painful constipation and the general public goes to have it check out by their doctor, people with Down syndrome are used to it and their families typically dismiss it as well.

It is a virtually unknown fact that people with Down syndrome have a basal metabolic rate that is extremely slower than the general public. The average person with Down syndrome burns 200 to 300 calories a day less than their non-Down's counterparts. Many people know that people with Down syndrome have a tendency to be overweight or even obese but it is not a well-known fact that it can be controlled. It is important for the caregivers of the person with Down syndrome to change their caloric intake and exercise habits. Even doctors have a tendency to look at people with Down syndrome and just think that their propensity to weight gain is normal and nothing can be done about it.

While people with Down syndrome do tend to get better regular medical care, they have a tendency to be overlooked when it comes to medical maintenance. The issues that the general population gets assistance with are also necessary for Down syndrome patients.

Recommended Reading

1. Down Syndrome And The Health Problems That Accompany It
2. What Is Life Like For The Child With Down Syndrome
3. Answers To Your Questions About Down Syndrome
4. The Physical Aspects Of Down Syndrome
5. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder