Having a baby is an exciting time, whether it's your first or your fifth. It is only natural to feel optimistic and assume everything will be fine. However, if you are over 35, if you smoked while taking oral contraceptives or if Down syndrome runs in your family, then you may want to opt for Down syndrome screening so you know what to expect. Down syndrome is the most common genetic birth defect, affecting 1 in 800 babies.
Screening tests are very non-invasive and relatively painless. These Down syndrome screening procedures are primarily done to let parents know whether or not they want further testing done. One screening test for Down syndrome is called Nuchal translucency testing, which is performed between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy. Using ultrasound, doctors can measure the space in the folds of tissue behind a baby's neck where excess fluid typically accumulates for babies with Down syndrome. This procedure accurately predicts Down syndrome 80% of the time. Additionally, a blood test called "the triple screen" or "multiple marker test" is also performed at the 15-20 week mark. Doctors will check the blood for alpha fetoprotein plus, plasma protein-A and the hormone chorionic gondatropin.
The second type of Down syndrome diagnostic tests are about 99% accurate in detecting signs of this chromosomal disorder. However, these procedures are more invasive and sometimes result in a miscarriage or other complications. Typically, doctors only perform these tests on women over 35, if genealogy warrants it or if they've tested positive in the initial screening. Amniocentesis, performed from 16 to 20 weeks, uses a needle to remove a small amount of amniotic fluid from the womb. While it's an out-patient treatment, women may experience cramping, bleeding and infection, not to mention that 2-3% of patients lose their baby. As a result, amniocentesis is not recommended before the 14th week of gestation. Chorionic villus sampling and percutaneous umbilical blood sampling are other alternatives.
With chorionic villus sampling, a small sample of placenta is removed through a needle inserted into the abdomen. This Down syndrome screening can be done between the 10-12th weeks of gestation. Rate of miscarriage following the procedure is 3-5% and the use of CVS before the 10th week of pregnancy resulted in babies with missing or shortened fingers or toes. At the 20-week mark, percutaneous umbilical blood sampling (PUBS) can test for Down syndrome. A small sample of blood is removed from the umbilical cord and the risks are comparable to amniocentesis.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Understanding The Types Of Down Syndrome Screening
Friday, January 2, 2009
Memory Loss 101 - Top 3 Causes
Memory loss can occur to anyone. You can definitely do surgeries and touch ups to make you look 20 years younger. Unfortunately, this is not the case for your memory. If you are unable to take good care of your memory, then chances are you will suffer from memory loss at a very young age. For those folks who are in their golden years, suffering from memory loss is definitely not a surprise. As the matter of fact, everyone will succumb to it no matter how embarrassing or irritating it might be. However, imagine coming across a 30-something year old friend who suffers from acute memory loss; wouldn't you be surprised? So to prevent yourself from causing any shock and horror to anyone and check out these top 3 reasons for memory loss and see how you can avoid them.
#1 Being inactive
If you are not an active person, then chances are that you are going to be mentally weak as well. As you age, both our mental and physical states tend to deteriorate, but being inactive will only quicken the process. As a matter of fact, if you continue with this unhealthy habit, then chances are that you are going to suffer from memory loss at a very young age. Keep mentally active by brainstorming or even indulging in activities which involve greater use of your mind. Taking up new activities or sports can help improve the way your mind works.
#2 Not giving enough room for thinking
Just like when you exercise on a regular basis, you will find that your body gets toned up over time. As your brain does more exercises, it gets healthier and works better. You too can benefit from the concepts used in schools everywhere today, concepts such as brainstorming activities or playing mind-stimulating games.
#3 Unhealthy intake of food and liquid
A healthy diet can go a long way in preserving your physical as well as your mental health, because it promotes better blood circulation throughout your body, which is essential for your mind to process information quickly. However, many people neglect the importance of doing so, at the expense of their mental health. Other than ensuring that you have a healthy diet, remember to get sufficient exercise done on a regular basis. Doing so will rejuvenate your body as well as help keep your memory fresh. Try taking fruits and vegetables that contribute to the improvement of your memory, such as blueberries, spinach and broccoli.
The above 3 reasons are only some of the causes of memory loss. Until today, experts are unable to tell exactly what is the main reason leading to memory loss. This is because there could be tons of reasons leading to it, such as environmental factors. The brain is a complex by itself, as such; it makes it almost impossible to find the true cause of memory loss.
What matters more is that you are able to follow the right set of guide to prevent yourself from suffering from memory loss. Have a memorable day ahead!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Learning About The Down Syndrome Disability
The New York Times recently reported that as many as 90% of all babies with Down syndrome are aborted. Geneticist Dr. Paddy Jim Baggot remarked, "There is a pro-abortion mindset which seeks to eliminate those with this chromosomal disorder rather than cure them. The medical community should expand their horizons, and find treatments for Down syndrome, which is the more intelligent thing to do, and would change the culture of the medical profession." With the expanse of research and greater advocacy, organizations like the National Down Syndrome Society are picking up momentum in their quest for more federal funding, better educational programs, social inclusion and the promotion of diversity.
When learning about Down syndrome, you will discover there is a build-up of additional genetic material on the 21st chromosome. Doctors aren't 100% sure what causes this abnormality, but they do know that parental age increases the risk. Eighty percent of Down syndrome babies are born to parents under 35, which is probably because more people in that age bracket are having children. Statistically speaking, a 25-year-old woman has a 1/3,000 chance of having a baby with Down syndrome, while a 35-year-old-woman has 1/365 odds of having a Down syndrome baby. By 45 years of age, her baby has a 1/30 chance of having downs! It is very rarely passed down genetically and it is estimated that only 3-4% of all downs cases are caused from inherited translocation of genetic material, while the rest appear to be caused by random, abnormal chromosomal activity.
If your child has Down syndrome, then your role at home cannot be overstated. Your love, acceptance and patient guidance is one of the biggest contributors to your child's progression. If a Down syndrome child is encouraged to try new things, taught through repetition and routine, positively rewarded and cared for, then he or she can reach full potential. Early intervention programs have proven very successful in aiding with development for infants to three-year-olds. Once your child has reached three years of age, he or she is eligible for state schooling programs. "Inclusion" is the most effective teaching method for children with this syndrome, as it allows them a better social atmosphere with other children, in addition to fostering a greater feeling of acceptance and normalcy. Tutoring, speech therapy and extracurricular activities are often added to enhance the child's learning potential.
The aim of Down syndrome Awareness advocated by nonprofit organizations, like NDSS, is to encourage widespread acceptance of diversity and inclusion. While individual cases vary greatly, many people with Down syndrome are able to work jobs, get married, rent apartments and lead fulfilling lives. The more you encourage your child to pursue hobbies, the more time you spend with your child at home and the earlier you seek intervention, the better your odds will be at becoming one of the success stories.
Panic Attacks Solutions: What You Can Do
If you are a sufferer of panic attacks, then you are aware when one is on the verge of occurring. In other words, you can feel the signs. There are things that you can do to prevent the panic attack from progressing, otherwise known as Panic Attack Solutions.
When a person begins to have a panic attack, it is possibly a result of some type of thought or situation. For instance, if a person begins thinking too heavily about something that causes him or her anxiety, then a panic attack can occur. In addition, if a person finds himself or herself in a situation that triggers anxiety, a panic attack can also occur.
One of the first Panic Attack Solutions that should be implemented is when anxiety ridden thoughts begin to take over a person's thought process, then the best thing to do is to make sure that the thoughts are rational thoughts. The person experiencing the thoughts needs to stop and think about his or her course of thought and determine if the course of thought is reasonable or not. Occasionally, we can let our thoughts get away from us and spin out of control.
In addition, a person should try, whenever possible, to avoid known situations that will cause him or her anxiety and possibly trigger a panic attack. If this is not possible, then once the anxiety starts to build, Panic Attack Solutions need to be implemented. For instance, when experiencing anxiety, a person needs to remove himself or herself from the situation as quickly as possible and divert his or her attention elsewhere. Perhaps, taking a stroll around the area, calling a friend, or simply going to a quiet place and taking a few deep breaths while collecting one's thoughts will be helpful.
Other Panic Attack Solutions could possibly include hypnosis, acupuncture or natural herb therapy. Hypnosis must be performed by a trained psychotherapist, yet it can be very effective. Acupuncture can work to reduce stress and anxiety which are two potential triggers of panic attacks. Natural herb therapy can be implemented to see if it will have an effect.
Panic Attack Solutions are widely available to anyone who suffers from panic attacks. Once a person discovers the right one, his or her panic attacks should become a thing of the past. It is nice to know that a cure for panic attacks exist.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
3 Effective Photographic Memory Techniques For You
Who says that only mind freaks can have photographic memory? You definitely can hear the amazement of the crowd when the Mind Freak himself was able to draw for you a detailed drawing of the entire city just after a 5 min helicopter ride. The way these people are able to take a mental snapshot of things is really amazing. Now, imagine if you have the exact same power and ability. Wouldn’t that be incredible? Just glimpse through your textbooks the hour before you sit for your exam and you will definitely score a miracle ‘A’. Check out these 3 effective photographic memory techniques for you that you can use and benefit from.
The one thing you should know is that photographic memory requires some kind of practice and technique too. So if you cannot do it after the first try, don't stop trying. Give yourself some time to get used to it too.
First, there is the link system, which aids you with all sorts of memory work. This is highly useful especially when you need to memorize texts in the form of lists or chores. So, lets say if you have a long shopping list to remember, try to get all the words and try to link them all in a mental visualization. Example, if you are given a list of things - pink, shirt, cat, slippers, ironing and flowers, make a picture out of this by thinking of CAT wearing a SHIRT printed with FLOWERS and so on. When you reach the last item, try to link it to the first. This short mental film will help you to remember effectively and quickly.
The second method commonly used is the peg system. The peg system is essentially a system where you need to remember images in a sequence. This number-shape system will help you to remember the sequences of images accurately in a jiffy. For example, you are given pictures of a elephant, giraffe, mouse, antelope, dog, and cat arranged in this sequence. To use the peg system, simply attach a number to each picture Example 1 elephant, 2 giraffes, 3 mice, 4 antelopes et cetera. At the same time, use your visualization techniques to make the peg system work. Remember to link the animals to each other, by using the same technique as mentioned in the link system.
Surely you've heard of mind-mapping. This is the last best effective technique that you can use. Back in the school days, the mind mapping technique is a very popular and highly encouraged technique. However, because of the seemingly complex concepts behind mind-mapping, it has since been disregarded as a technique over time. Well, this of course depends on the kind of area you are planning to use the mind mapping technique for. To use the mind mapping technique effectively, simply take the key central image of the concept and branch out information that is related. It might get messier as you go by, but it is an excellent tool for organizing a busy timetable or storing large quantities of information.
Developing photographic memory is not at all that tough. If you are not born with this gift, then get sneaky and try out these tricks and apply them. Your friends will be shocked by your tremendous improvement in your memory work.
Sudden Memory Loss - 4 Great Tips To Manage Or Even Prevent It
Memory loss is a condition that is often associated with old age. As such, it is definitely not a surprise when your grandmother is suffering from memory lapses due to Alzheimer’s disease. However, what happens if YOU are the one who is suffering from memory loss. Imagine the shock and horror of your friends when they find out that their spritely young friend is suffering from a disease that is usually suffered by their grandmothers. So, if you're looking to prevent that scenario from ever happening, learn these 4 easy ways to manage sudden memory loss.
The fact is, memory loss is a condition that can affect anyone, regardless of his or her age. The only difference is that memory loss that occurred to the older generation are caused by the wear and tear over the decades.
#1 Learn some easy memorizing techniques
If you are having a hard time remembering the list of things in your grocery list, which you left at home, then learn to use easy memorizing techniques. Do not get too worried when you cannot remember the things from the list. This does not necessarily mean that you are suffering from sudden memory loss. Perhaps you've used the wrong techniques to memorize your grocery list. The easiest method to memorize long lists is to associate the items with a visual or imagery cue that you can better relate to than you can with words. For example if you are given a list of items - banana, flowers, and cat, try to imagine a cat dressed in flowers, eating a banana. See, it makes memorizing far easier, and lots more fun.
#2 Healthy diet
Who might have guessed that the key to eliminating sudden memory loss is to eat a healthy and balanced diet? The main thing about this is that you have got to be constant with your dieting efforts. This might sound nothing more like a diet guidebook to you, but in reality, these healthy dieting tips can really help you recover from severe memory loss. Food like blueberries, spinach and broccoli are extremely good for your memory.
#3 Mind games
Contrary to popular belief, mind games can be good for adults as they are for kids. Even mature adults like you and me are entitled to play mind games. If you're looking to give your memory a boost, try playing some fun mind games. Puzzles and such are also ideal as it provides immense amount of thinking and some strategizing too. Anything that can help stimulate the brain and trigger the thinking process is in fact beneficial as it trains the mind and keeps it active.
#4 Organize
Keeping your things neat and tidy will definitely help you tons. Our minds are influenced by the environment around us, but if you're disorganized and live life amidst a mess and clutter, you feel that your mind is not working good enough to retrieve information just as difficult as it is for you to find things amidst the clutter around you. Too much clutter also confuses the brain and hence your memory would not work as well when you see things strewn over the place at all times.
Do try on these tips and see drastic improvement with your memory. Good luck!
Monday, December 29, 2008
4 Common Causes Of Memory Loss
The scary thing about memory loss is that it can happen to anyone, regardless of his or her age. For example you might be at the prime of your life physically, but mentally your memory is like a sieve. Does the thought of losing all your precious memories scare the crap out of you? Then learn these 4 common causes of memory loss and how you can prevent yourself from doing the same mistakes and save yourself from the horror of losing your memory.
1. Diet
Some people just ignore the importance of their diet and base their diet on chips, chips and more chips! An unhealthy and unbalanced diet will just make your mind and body suffer. A good diet will allow good circulation in the body hence, allowing the memory to register past and present information quickly. Additionally, remember to include a good dosage of exercises to complement the dieting. Exercising will help to keep the memory fresh and at the same time rejuvenating the body. Also, do note of some of the healthy foods like blueberries, spinach and broccoli, that can help to save you and your memory.
2. Lack of activity
If you haven't lived life as an active person, then chances are you are going to be mentally weak too. This hence pose as a challenge for you as now you will find it harder to process information fast. As the matter of fact, if this unhealthy lifestyle of little or even no activity continues, then chances are you are going to suffer from memory loss at a very young age. Keeping the mind active is really simple; practice some mind exercises that involves some kind of brainstorming and thinking along the way. Stimulate your brain and put your mind to work by trying out new things for example, learning a new instrument or learning a new language.
3. Lack of thinking
Thinking is not a very hard process. Everyone can think, but perhaps what puts most people off from it is the fact that they lack the ability to do it effectively. Just like when you carry weights consistently, you will find that your body gets toned up over time. The similar analogy applies to the brain. When the brain is able to do some work, it gets worked up and healthy. This is why a lot of schools encourage amongst their students brainstorming sessions so as to make their brain work and hence strengthening their minds and memory capabilities.
4. Old age
Memory loss is a phenomenon associated with old age. The theory behind age related memory loss is inconclusive but some have speculated that the brain cells decrease over time and thus adversely affects the mind's ability to retain memory as we age. Others said that our brain cells are not communicating very well and hence memory and other information cannot be stored effectively. Be it short term memory loss or Alzheimer’s disease, memory loss can be a heartbreaking phenomenon to most.
It is time for you to use this as a guide and don’t let the memory loss stop you; instead it is YOU who should stop the memory loss.
