Epilepsy

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that causes brief disturbances in the electrical functions of the brain.  There are millions of electrical charges that pass from the nerve cells in the brain to all parts of the body.  When one has epilepsy, the electrical activity is disrupted by sudden bursts that are much stronger than the normal electrical flow.  This can cause recurrent seizure’s (or fits), a condition that occurs in about one in two hundred children.  They can cause an alternation in consciousness and at times uncontrollable movement in the limbs or head and sometimes both.

There are other causes of seizures’, so if a child only has a single seizure it is not always considered to be epilepsy.

Causes

Children with epilepsy may show a structural abnormality in the brain.  However, in most cases they show no apparent cause.  Some attacks in children can be triggered by, flashing lights while others show no evidence at all.

Symptoms

There are three different types of seizures, they are:-

Grand Mal Seizure

• Signs of irritability or unusual behaviour for a view minutes just before the seizure.
• Rigid spasm that lasts for up to thirty seconds during which time the child falls unconscious and breathing becomes irregular.
• Irregular movements of the limbs or face that may last from about twenty seconds to several hours.  It is also possible that the child may bite their tongue and lose control bladder or bowl functions.
• When the seizure stops the child may stay unconscious for a few minutes or more unlikely up to ten minutes.
• When the child regains consciousness they will often feel confused and disoriented, have a headache and will want to sleep.

Petit Mal (absence) seizure

• A child with a Petit Mal seizure will stare into space stop normal activities and be unaware of their surroundings, for approximately ten to fifteen seconds but does not fall unconscious.
• The child will have no recollection of the seizure.

 

Benign focal epilepsy (less common)

The child will experience irregular movement on one side of the face or one limb.  The child may also lose consciousness.

*Although most children will only have one type of seizure; some may have more complex forms of epilepsy that combines two or more of the different types of seizures.

Treatment

Children normally need regular anticonvulsant drug therapy.  The drugs are usually given until two to four years have passed, since their last seizure and may be gradually stopped over several months.

If medications do not control the child’s seizures and scans show structural brain abnormality, in extreme cases surgery may be considered to correct the problems.

The Outlook

Depending on the type of epilepsy over seventy-five percent of children with Grand Mal Epilepsy who have not had a seizure in two years are likely not to have a recurrence.

Children with Benign Focal Epilepsy can outgrow the condition and require no medication after puberty.  Even those who do not outgrow their epilepsy have no other disability and can go to normal schools and participate in most sports.

Unfortunately children with Petit Mal Epilepsy the outlook can be less predictable.

 

For more information on epilepsy please go to the following sites.

www.LivingwithEpilepsy.com,

Epilepsy Foundation

Epilepsy Foundation of America® is the national agency dedicated to the welfare of the more than 3 million people with epilepsy in the U.S. epilepsyfoundation.ning.com –

Epilepsy Canada – Épilepsie Canada

Epilepsy Canada’s mission is to enhance the quality of life for persons affected

 

www.epilepsy.ca

 

Written by Sylvia McGrath 2007

**Please note: that this is just to serve as an information resource, this is not to be used for diagnosis.  If you have any medical concerns or questions, please see your doctor for a proper diagnosis.

Diabetes

Diabetes is the most common glandular condition in North America.  Patients with Diabetes are candidates for heart disease.

 

Sugar Diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus) is the most common glandular condition in North America.  Patients with Diabetes are candidates for an above-average risk of developing heart disease and stroke, which is the leading cause of death both in Canada and USA.  There are also another 10 -15 million people that have yet to be diagnosed.

 

Diabetes is an insulin disorder that impairs the body’s sugar metabolism.  The hormone insulin is responsible for absorbing sugar into our cells for energy and stores it in the liver and fat cells until needed.

 

There are two main types of diabetes:

Type 1 – Is where the insulin producing cells in the pancreas are destroyed, but with the help of regular insulin, the patient may lead a normal life, without it the patient may lapse into a coma or die.

 

Type 2 – Is where the pancreatic production of insulin is reduced or the body gradually loses its ability to utilize it.  This is the most common form of diabetes and is usually, thought to be caused by bad eating habits, poor lifestyles and obesity.  80%-90% of diabetics are overweight or obese.

Symptoms of Diabetes

Fatigue, reduction of energy levels, vision problems, constant thirst, muscle weakness, atherosclerosis, kidney failure, frequent urination, cystitis, candidacies (fungus infections), tingling and numbness in hands and feet, foot infections, and high blood pressure are all symptoms of diabetes and should be checked if one or more are present.

 

If sugar levels are not regulated they can cause symptomatic problems and complications with the eyes, muscles, kidneys and bladder and cardiovascular plaque build-up.

 

The Diabetic’s Immune System can be easily compromised and diabetics are prone to many more infections than other people.  Their immune systems can easily be overwhelmed by fungal infections of the skin as well as bloodstream and are also more susceptible to bacterial infections whose consequences can be serious.

 

Most serious illnesses and deaths of diabetics are due to circulatory damage from heart disease, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, stroke, renal failure, neuropathy, blindness and other effects of poor blood circulation.  Major cause of blindness in a diabetic is caused through cataracts and glaucoma.

 

The risks are very real and it is very important to not only listen to your doctors and medical team, but also your own body.  Exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet.

 

For more information

 

www.diabetes.ca

www.diabetes.org

www.heartandstroke.ca

(For Type 1 diabetes) www.insulinefree.org

(For juvenile diabetes.) www.jdf.org & www.jdfcure.org

 

 

Written by Sylvia McGrath, 2007

**Please note: that this article is just to serve as an information resource, this is not to be used for diagnosis.  If you have any medical concerns or questions, please see your doctor for a proper diagnosis.

Eating Disorders

When we think of bulimia or anorexia we usually picture a young female, wanting to look like a model. The fashion industry has long been blamed for causing bulimia and anorexia among teenagers with its use of very thin models. Actually eating disorders returned to the spotlight recently when two models suffering from anorexia died in Brazil and Uruguay.

8% of the population suffers from an eating disorder. Obsessions with food and body weight can sometimes have devastating results. The truth is that these diseases can also strike women between the ages of fifty and sixty, some who even die.

Eating disorders directly or indirectly affect 10% of the population. Victims of eating disorders, share an unhealthy obsession that finally takes control of their lives. Food takes a harmful forbidden aspect that sets off self-disgust and guilt that leads them to all kinds of excesses.

All individuals with eating disorders usually share a psychotherapy profile where they have had some kind of traumatic event that has lead them to low self-esteem.

Researchers believe that a biochemical imbalance in the brain may explain bulimic behaviour.In their research, they are trying to create a link between the levels of serotonin in the brain that trigger the sensation of hunger and pleasure. Treatments can usually consists of re-education and introducing foods to restore both the nutritional and the pleasure in eating, restoring weight with psychotherapy and medication that increases serotonin which can last from a few months to several years.

There is help out there. However, a recent study published by the American Academy of Paediatrics’ – “Found that eating disorder sufferers were also learning few high risk ways to lose weight from each other on the Web sites aimed at helping them recover.” Stanford University School of Medicine and Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital.

Stanford showed a third of the patients who visited pro-recovery sites at least half of them learned new weight loss and purging methods. Studies also showed that patients between 10 and 22 learned these new methods by sharing tips. Such as what drugs induce vomiting and what internet sites sell them.

Parents please make yourself aware of the Web sites promoting eating disorders and discuss these sites with your child. I know it is hard, I was not even aware that my daughter had a problem until she told me years later. I was lucky she somehow realized herself that it was wrong and got help. However it has left her with  a heart condition which is permanent.

National Eating Disorders Information Center (NEDIC)

416-340-4156

www.nedic.ca

http://www.sheenasplace.org/

Written by Sylvia McGrath 2004

**Please note: that this e-book is just to serve as an information resource, this is not to be used for diagnosis. If you have any medical concerns or questions, please see your doctor for a proper diagnosis.

Cerebral Palsy (CP)

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is the term used to describe a neurological condition, which affects the motor functions and muscle coordination. It is neither progressive, contagious, nor hereditary. Initially CP was thought to be the result of an injury to the brain, which occurred before or during birth and can occur during the early years of life.

However, researchers now believe CP is more complex than they had first believed, and are exploring alternative causes. CP can occur in varying degrees and types. Some people show no obvious physical effects, where others may be non-verbal or need mobility devices, and require personal assistance with daily living.

• Injuries to the brain may also lead to secondary conditions such as:
• Difficulty in organizing and selecting language
• Difficulty in learning •
• Sensory deficits such as the inability to determine distance
• Visual impairment
• Hearing impairment

A minor percentage of people with Cerebral Palsy have some sort of intellectual delay. However, appearances can be deceiving; the degree of the physical disability is not an indication of intelligence. CP is classified by Healthcare Professionals in to the following categories.

The types of movements and the number of limbs involved determines the classification used.

Basil Ganglia: (Gross motor functions) Below the cortex in the middle of the brain sits the Basil Ganglia, which helps make movement well organized, graceful.

Athetoid CP- Athetosis leads to difficulty in co-ordinating and controlling movement. People with athetoid cerebral palsy possess many involuntary writhing movements and are constantly in motion. They often have difficulties with speech. Athetoid cerebral palsy results from damage to the basal ganglia in the midbrain. It is now rarely seen, but was once common as a result of blood type incompatibility.

Ataxic CP – is the least common form of cerebral palsy. People with ataxic CP have difficulty in balancing due to the manner of walking forward motion causing an unsteady gait. They usually have poor muscle tone (hypotonic), a staggering walk, and unsteady hands. Ataxia results from damage to the cerebellum, the brains major centre for balance and co-ordination.

The Cerebellum (situated at the base of the brain.) The Cerebellum governs functions of the body such as coordination of movement, posture, and balance.) It is linked to the brain stem, which connects the upper brain with the spinal cord. A combination of the above can be found in most people with CP.

The above terms are useful when interactive with the medical communities as they define a physical condition not a person. Changing attitudes: People with Cerebral Palsy and other physical disabilities are playing a larger part in today’s society. However, many barriers still exist, most of which are attitudes we promote.

Ontario Foundation for Cerebral Palsy

http://www.ofcp.on.ca/

Phone: (416)244-9686

Fax: (416)244-6543 Toll-Free: 1-877-244-9686 (Ontario only)

The Cerebral Palsy Support Foundation of Canada

http://cerebralpalsyfoundation.ca/ Whitby, Ontario, Canada L1N9C3

Phone: (905) 259-3421

American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine(AACPDM

Phone: 414-918-3014

Fax: 414-276-2146

Email: info@aacpdm.org

http://www.aacpdm.org Office Hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm CST

Written by Sylvia McGrath March, 2009

**Please note: that this e-book is just to serve as an information resource, this is not to be used for diagnosis. If you have any medical concerns or questions, please see your doctor for a proper diagnosis.

Dyslexia

 

• **Dyslexia is not limited to the inversion of letters or numbers
• **Dyslexia is not related to a person’s intelligence
• **An estimated one in six Canadians has dyslexia
• **Undiagnosed dyslexia is the major cause of illiteracy

“Trouble with words” – the literal meaning for Dyslexia, it is used to explain troubles with reading, writing and spelling.  These difficulties are not limited to inversion of letters and numbers, a common mis-conception, they can come in many forms.

There are some common traits individuals with Dyslexia share, in addition to the varying talents and challenges they face.  They are very intuitive, aware of their environment, curious and have vivid imaginations.  For a more detailed explanation of how individuals with Dyslexia ‘view’ things, read this: What is Dyslexia?

The following is a link to some downloadable PDF Dyslexia publications: Click here

 

How to Tell

Most individuals will exhibit at least 10 of the 37 characteristics of Dyslexia.  The following is a link for that list:

How To Tell.

Information for Parents

The following link will help parents recognize some common signs of learning disabilities.  It is broken down by grade and gives information on evaluations and how you can support your children at home.

Info for parents

Dyslexia Resources of Canada

http://www.dyslexia.ca/

 

*Positive Dyslexia

http://www.positivedyslexia.com/

 

*International Dyslexia Association Ontario Branch

http://www.idaontario.com/

 

*Canadian Dyslexia Centre

http://www.dyslexiacentre.ca/english/about_dyslexia.htm

 

Dyslexia – The Gift

http://www.dyslexia.com/

 

Sites marked with a ‘*’ are sites we found the most helpful in explanation.

** – From Canadian Dyslexia Centre

 

The above information is meant to help you narrow down your search for information.  There is so much available, finding exactly what you want and if/how it pertains to you/your child can be over-whelming.  This information is meant for resource purposes only.  It is not meant to be used for self-diagnosis, but to perhaps give you a foundation of information from which to pull from and use so you have a basic understanding when you see your Doctor/Specialist for a proper diagnosis.

Written by:  Renee MacLachlan April/09

**Please note: that this is just to serve as an information resource, this is not to be used for diagnosis.  If you have any medical concerns or questions, please see your doctor for a proper diagnosis.

Down’s syndrome

 

Named after John Langdon Down, Down’s syndrome is also known as Trisomy 21.  It occurs when there are 3 rather than 2 copies of the 21^st chromosome.

 

It is the most commonly occurring chromosomal condition and one in every 800 babies is diagnosed with Down’s syndrome.  It occurs in people of all races and economic levels.  Life expectancy for people with Down syndrome has increased dramatically in recent decades – from 25 in 1983 to 60 today.

 

Down’s Syndrome cannot be prevented, but can be detected before birth.  The health problems that go along with DS (Down syndrome) are treatable and there are many resources within communities to help children and their families who live with the condition.

 

There are screening and diagnostic tests to help determine the presence of DS, but the screening tests are not always definitive; therefore the diagnostic tests are better.  There are 3 diagnostic tests that can be performed to determine the presence of Down’s syndrome.  These tests include amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling (CVS), and percutaneous umbilical blood sampling (PUBS).  However, before undergoing any of these diagnostic tests, patients and their families should seek detailed genetic counselling to discuss their family history in relationship to the risks and benefits of performing these diagnostic procedures.

 

The physical effects of Down syndrome can vary widely in individuals.  While some need a lot of medical attention, many can lead healthy lives.

 

Some common physical signs of Down syndrome include:

 

• Flat face with an upward slant to the eye, short neck, and abnormally shaped ears
• Deep crease in the palm of the hand
• White spots on the iris of the eye
• Poor muscle tone, loose ligaments
• Small hands and feet

 

There are other medical conditions that tend to go along with Down’s syndrome, such as heart, hearing, stomach and eye concerns.  Not everyone will have all of the effects; many will have variations of the symptoms.

 

Once the newborn has arrived, the Doctor will perform a blood test to confirm the presence of Down’s syndrome.  Early intervention services soon after birth will have beneficial and tremendous impact on the child and the family.  Learn from professionals and others in similar situations on what to do, how to cope, as well as getting support and as much information as you can to help you and your family live to the fullest.  Quality educational programs, a stimulating home environment, good health care, and positive support from family, friends and the community enable people with Down syndrome to develop to their full potential and lead fulfilling lives.

 

Some resources to look at for more detailed information are:

 

The National Down’s syndrome Society

 

http://www.ndss.org/index.php

 

Downsyndrome.com

 

http://www.downsyndrome.com/how-to-raise-a-child-with-down-syndrome.html

 

Down syndrome Association of Toronto

 

http://dsat.ca/

 

 

Written by Renée MacLachlan: November 2008

**Please note: that this is just to serve as an information resource, this is not to be used for diagnosis.  If you have any medical concerns or questions, please see your doctor for a proper diagnosis.

Crohn’s Disease & Colitis

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are two forms of IBD “inflammatory bowel disease”.

It is estimated that as many as one million Americans and approximately 170,000 Canadians have IBD.  This disease can affect anyone at anytime.  Its symptoms can include abdominal pain, cramping, fatigue and diarrhea.  Severity and flare-ups can occur without warning, sometimes resulting in hospitalization and surgery, other times can stay in remission for years.

People are usually diagnosed between the ages of 15 – 25 and 45 –55, however, it can affect the very young and very old as well.

This disease is known to run in families and studies have shown that about 20 – 25 percent of patients may have a close relative also diagnosed with IBD.

Although symptoms of the disease usually occur in the intestinal tract about one third of patients will have what is called extra-intestinal manifestations of IBD.  This is where any organ can be affected.  The most common areas are large and medium sized joints; causing Arthritic flare-ups involving the spine and lower back.  This usually runs its course even when the bowel disease is under control.

Crohn’s Disease usually affects the end of the small intestine (Ileum) and the beginning of the large intestine (the colon) and may at times affect the gastrointestinal tract.

Ulcerative Colitis affects only the colon.

Both illnesses have one main feature in common.  They are both caused by an abnormal response by the immune system.  Our immune systems are composed of cells and proteins; normally they would protect the body from infection.  The immune system of the Crohn’s patient reacts inappropriately.  Researchers believe the immune system mistakes microbes (for example the bacteria that is usually found in the intestines) as a foreign invading material that launches an attack.  This causes the body to send white blood cells into the lining of the intestine where they cause chronic inflammation.  The cells generate harmful products that eventually lead to ulcerations and bowel injury.  This is when the patient experiences the inflammation of bowel disease.  All areas of the intestine may be affected and there can be healthy normal bowel in between areas of the diseased bowel.

This illness is not life threatening but can cause a lot of discomfort resulting in making life and nutritional changes.

For more information on medications, treatments and diets etc. go to

www.ccfa.org

www.ccfc.ca

a special site for children and youths,

www.ucandcrohns.org

 

Written by: Sylvia: Jan 22, 2007

Written by Sylvia McGrath March, 2009

**Please note: that this is just to serve as an information resource, this is not to be used for diagnosis.  If you have any medical concerns or questions, please see your doctor for a proper diagnosis.

Cancer

Cancer is a word that everyone dreads and is fearful of hearing; yet most of us have been touched by cancer whether it is you or a loved one has been diagnosed.  Over the years research has done wonders. In many cases having cancer would mean that you have been diagnosed with a terminal illness. People today however have endless information that advises them of up-to-date information on treatments and prevention and cancer is no longer a death sentence.

 

Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL):
ALL is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow and can be found in the spongy tissue inside bones where the blood cells are made. This illness got its name from a group of white blood cells that are called lymphocytic.
Lymphocytic cells fight infection. The disease is called acute, because it progresses rapidly and affects immature blood cells rather than the mature ones.

 

ALL is also known as Acute Childhood Leukemia.

As a rule our bone marrow produces immature cells (stem cells) in a controlled way, which mature and specialize into various types of blood cells as required. When people have ALL, a number of immature, abnormal lymphocytics are produced and released into the bloodstream.  This is due to the production process going astray, and when this process does not work correctly these cells multiply quickly and squeeze out the healthy blood cells, leaving the patient open to infection and easy bleeding. Leukemia cells also congregate in other areas of the body such as the central nervous system and spinal cord, causing serious health problems.

ALL is a type of cancer that affects more children than adults. Although the disease does get worse rapidly if not treated, it does respond well to the treatments.

 

Signs and Symptoms

In the early stages of the disease signs and symptoms are very similar to those of the flu or other ordinary illnesses.

Other signs are due to a shortage of properly functioning blood cells. This is due to the overcrowding of the leukemia cells. When this happens a group of different problems occur, depending on the type of blood cell affected.

Red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body. When there is shortage of these cells (anemia) it can cause fatigue, pale skin and shortness of breath.
White blood cells are infection fighters; they help the body to ward off germs. When there is a shortage of these cells (leucopenia) or another type of white blood cells called neutrophils (neutropenia) it can result in frequent infections.
Blood platelets are cells that control and prevent bleeding by inducing the blood to clot. A shortage of blood platelets (thrombocytopenia) results in easy bleeding and bruising. Other symptoms are severe nosebleeds, bleeding of the gums and small red marks that indicate bleeding into the skin (petechiae).
ALL has been known to cause painless lumps in the lymph nodes around the neck, underarm, stomach or groin. It can also cause joint pain, bone pain and pain on the left side of the ribs due to the swelling of the spleen. It can spread outside the blood in to your central nervous system and other organs causing weakness, dizziness, vomiting, headaches, seizures and blurred vision.

T-Cell is a type of ALL that often causes swelling in an organ called a thymus which is situated in the chest near the heart. When the thymus swells it can press on the windpipe, causing shortness of breath and coughing or press on a large vein that carries blood from the arms and head to the heart causing swelling of the head or arms. This would cause a medical emergency that does respond to treatment.
Possible risk factors are:
• Children and adults who have undergone some kind or cancer therapy.

• People who have been exposed to high levels of radiation
• Certain genetic disorders, for example Down syndrome, have been known to be a high risk.
• People with siblings with ALL are slightly more likely to develop the disease also.
Screening
If any of the symptoms of leukemia are present, blood and bone marrow tests will be ordered.  These tests will help identify which kind of leukemia is present since there are four main types and several subtypes.

 

Diagnosis & Tests
Blood tests are done to check the red and white cell count. People with ALL usually have too many white cells and not enough red cells and platelets. Another indicator of ALL is the presence of “blast cells” these are immature cells usually found in the bone marrow but not circulating in the blood. These tests can only suggest there could be ALL present but the test below is also required.
Bone marrow test is done to confirm the findings of the blood tests. The bone marrow test, is usually performed by either a nurse or doctor, who removes a sample of the bone marrow from the hip (posterior iliac crest) with a needle to check for leukemia cells.
If leukemia is suspected then the patient may be referred to a doctor who specializes in cancer (oncologist) or one who specializes in blood and blood forming tissues (hematologist) for this procedure. If a child is the patient then they could be referred to a pediatric doctor and a pediatric cancer center.
When a child is diagnosed with Leukemia, the first thing the doctors will want to do, is investigate whether or not the cancer has spread.
To obtain that information they may consider the following tests.

• Chest X-ray
• Ultra Sound
• Spinal Tap
• Additional blood tests.

The next step is to determine at what stage the cancer is; however ALL has no established staging system.

Adults with ALL: are classified as “untreated,” “remission” or “recurrent”

Children with ALL: the following risk groups are used instead of stages.

Age: Infants and children under 10 years of age are placed in a high-risk category.

White blood cell count: the higher the white blood cell counts the higher the risk.

Immunophendype: refers to where the cancer began, the B-cell of ALL or the T-Cell of ALL

• Children with B-Cell or T-cell. B-Cell is a lower risk and T-Cell a high risk.
• Cytogenetics refers to the changes in the chromosomes in the lymphocytes

Children with a particular kind of cancer that is hard to treat or who have sudden changes to their health are also placed in a high-risk category.
Treatments
Children with ALL have an eighty percent cure rate when they undergo treatments. Some of the newer treatments have been known to increase the child cure rate to as high as ninety percent.
Adults with ALL have about a forty percent cure rate.
Knowing the risk rate helps the doctors to determine the type of treatment required.
ALL treatments fall into three stages:
1. Induction therapy: This first stage will destroy most of the leukemia cells in both blood and bone marrow.
2. Consolidation therapy: The second stage is a post – remission therapy and is aimed at destroying the remaining leukemia cells in the brain or spinal cord.
3. Maintenance therapy: in this third stage of treatment a lower dose of medication is given and prevents leukemia cells from re-growing.

Children with ALL usually receive treatments to destroy leukemia cells in the central nervous system during each stage of the therapy.
This type of therapy is called:
1. Central Nervous System Sanctuary Therapy or
2. Central Nervous System Preventative Therapy
3. Intrathecal chemotherapy – this type of chemotherapy is injected directly into the fluid that covers the spinal cord. This treatment kills cancer cells that cannot be reached by chemotherapy drugs given through an intravenous line.

The three stages of treatments above usually take from two to three and a half years to complete.

Chemotherapy is the main form of “Remission Treatment Induction Therapy” given to children and adults with ALL. Each session lasts for approximately four weeks or more.
During the induction cycle treatments it is usual for the patient to remain in hospital, due to the chemotherapy destroying a number of the normal blood cells while in the process of killing the leukemia cells; since this is known to cause anemia, infections and bleeding.
Medications
Children with low risk: usually receive the following three drugs during the first month of treatment – vincristine, L-asparaginase and a corticosteroid (prednisone or dexamethasone)
Children with high risk: may also in addition to the above receive an anthracycline drug such as daunorubici.
Melanoma
One of the most deadly forms of skin cancer is called Melanoma, which develops in the cells that produce melanin (the pigment that gives the skin color.)
The number of cases of melanoma is on the rise; although it makes up the lowest percentage of skin cancer, it does cause the largest number of deaths. This is due to the fact that it can spread to different areas of the body.
Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight, tanning lamps and tanning beds increases the risk of developing melanoma although the precise cause is unclear.  Knowing the warning signs of skin cancer and avoiding sun exposure can help to prevent melanomas making sure that cancerous changes are discovered and treated before they have a chance to spread. If caught early it can be treated successfully.
Signs and Symptoms
Although melanomas can grow anywhere on the body, they do usually grow in areas that have been exposed to the sun, for example the arms, legs, back, and face. However, melanoma has been known to grow in areas that do not receive much sun exposure such as the palms, hands, fingernail beds and soles of the feet.
The changing of an existing mole or the growth of a new unusual looking growth on the skin is usually the first sign of melanoma.

 

Moles
Most people have from ten to forty moles, which are usually developed before the age of twenty. Some moles may change over time, while some have been known to disappear with age.
• Moles that are likely to become cancerous are those that are more than twelve millimetres or half an inch in diameter.
• Look for flat moles with uneven borders and a mixture of color.
• The medical name for these moles is “dysphasic nevi” and they are more likely to be malignant.

The American Academy of Dermatology has developed an ABCD guide for listing the characteristic of unusual moles that may indicate melanoma or other skin cancers.
A – Asymmetrical shapes (moles of irregular shape ones with different looking halves)
B – Irregular border (moles that have irregular, scalloped or notched borders)
C – Changes in colour (moles that consist of many colours or uneven distribution of colour)
D – Diameter (a mole that is larger than six millimetres or quarter of an inch)

 

Other changes to have checked include:
• Itching
• Change in texture
• Scaling
• Spreading of pigment
• Bleeding.

 

Risk Factors
Fair skin people usually have less pigment in the skin, which means they have less protection from UV rays.  Blond or red haired, light-eyed people who burn easily in the sun are more likely to develop
melanoma than those with darker complexions.

It is however important for those with dark complexions including black and Hispanic to be aware and to take precaution against UV rays since they usually have melanoma diagnosed in the later stage when lesions are deeper and more advanced.

Other cautionary signs:
• History of sunburns – people who burn easily
• Excessive sun exposure – to UV rays
• Weakened immune system
• Exposure to the following substances – wood preservative, creosote, coal, tar, arsenic compounds found in pesticides and radium.
• Rare genetic disorder – xeroderma pigmentosum Skin Cancer Screening
• Ask the doctor to make a skin examination part of the yearly physical check-up.
• Monthly self-exams to become familiar with the moles, freckles and skin marks so that changes are noticed quickly.

 

For more information: Please visit the websites of the following organizations:
The Canadian Cancer Society – http://www.cancer.ca
The American Cancer Organization – http://www.cancer.org
The Mayo Clinic – http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/childrens-health/MY00383

 

 

Written by Sylvia McGrath April, 2009

**Please note: that this e-book is just to serve as an information resource, this is not to be used for diagnosis. If you have any medical concerns or questions, please see your doctor for a proper diagnosis.

Autism Spectrum Disorder [ASD]

Autism is the most common neurological disorder affecting children; and also is one of the
most common developmental disability affecting American and Canadian Children.
ASD changes the way the brain processes information which affects all areas of a person’s
development.

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurological disorder resulting in developmental disability;
this affects a person’s communication, social understanding and behaviour including interests
and activities.

Autism usually appears around the first three years of a child’s life and boys are more prone to
autism than girls. No one person with ASD behave or responds exactly the same way as
others with the same diagnosis everyone is quite unique.

There are actually five different Autism Spectrum Disorders described under a diagnostic
category of Pervasive Developmental Disorders [PDD].

Childhood Disintegrative Disorder [CDD]:

This is a rare condition that affects 0.2 in 10,000, symptoms are significant losses in social
behaviour, language, and play. These symptoms usually appear after at least three years of a
normal developmental period. This disorder results in severe defects in cognitive ability.

Rett Syndrome:

This too is a rare condition that affects 1 in 10,000 and affects girls inclusively. Again,
significant regression after a period of normal development. Severe impaired language and
psychotic motor skills and difficulty cognitive ability.

Autistic Disorder [AD]:

This condition is diagnosed more often and affects 20 in 10,000 cognitive impairments, deficits
in non-verbal and verbal communications and social understanding, unusual behaviour and
restrictive activities.

Pervasive Developmental Disorder – not already specified [PDD.NOS]:

This condition is often used in 15 in 10,000 diagnosed; this is also named a typical Autism.
This condition is severe and pervasive impairment that can be found in some interaction or
restrictive activities and interests.

Asperger Disorder – also called Asperger’s Syndrome, and Asperger Syndrome, AS.
This is a common disorder and is diagnosed 5 in 10,000. This condition can have mild to
severe impairments along with social understanding, interactions, and repetitive, restricted
interests and activates. Cognitive and language development is not delayed; however, there
are deficits in communications.

Early Signs of Autism: (12 to 24 Months) – children may demonstrate only a few of these
symptoms
• May appear deaf because they respond unevenly or not at all to sounds.
• “Failure to Bond” (i.e. child is indifferent to parents’ presence)
• Does not “Point and Look
• Chronic gastrointestinal problems
• Self restricted/selected diet
• repeated infections
• Reaction to vaccines
• Difficulty consoling during transitions (tantrums)
• Often begins to develop language then loses it or doesn’t acquire language.
• Difficulty sleeping / wakes at night.
• Limited imaginative play
• Not interested in playing with other children

Many paediatricians and other physicians are not experienced in diagnosing Autism Spectrum
Disorder (ASD) and the physicians fear making the diagnosis because they were trained to
believe that ASD is incurable. Do not accept your doctor’s advice if he or she proposes a “wait
and see” approach or promises that your child will “catch up”. If your child has normal
development and then regresses, you should seek help immediately. As a child’s brain
develops it is pliable and there is a window of opportunity for recovery at a young age that
however does diminish as the child gets older.

 

Links:
Autism Society of America
7910 Woodmont Avenue, Suite 300
Bethesda, Maryland 20814-3067
U.S.A.
Telephone
Phone: 301.657.0881 or 1.800.3AUTISM (1.800.328.8476)
http://www.autism-society.org,

 

Autism Society Canada
Box 22017, 1670 Heron Road
Ottawa, Ontario
K1V 0C2
Tel: (613) 789-8943
Toll free: 1-866-476-8440
mailto:info@autismsocietycanada.ca
http://www.autismsocietycanada.ca

 

Written by Sylvia McGrath, 2008
**Please note: that this e-book is just to serve as an information resource, this is not to be used for diagnosis. If you have any medical concerns or questions, please see your doctor for a proper diagnosis.

Augmentative Communication

*Did you know….

• that 1 in 10 Canadians has a speech, language or hearing problem
• an estimated 4% of the preschool population has a significant speech or language disorder
• 8% to 12% of school children have some form of speech or language impairment
• communication disorders in school-aged children are often misdiagnosed as learning disabilities or behavioural problems, and can be very difficult to treat in later years.  Children with behavioural problems are ten times more likely than other children to have language disorders
• a child should use 200 or more words by the time they are 2-3 years old and by the age of 4 1/2 their vocabulary should consist of approximately 2000 words
• speech and language disorders are strongly related to failure in reading and writing
• drop our rates in students with communication disorders is 43% compared to 23% in non-impaired students
  
  *The Ontario Association for Families of Children with Communication Disorders: http://www.oafccd.com/

What is Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and who uses it?

Augmentative, sometimes referred to as alternative communication (AAC) is a method of communication used by individuals with severe speech and language disabilities, those who have cerebral palsy, autism, ALS, suffered from a stroke, etc.

Some people have complex communication needs associated with a wide range of physical, sensory and environmental causes which restrict/limit their ability to participate independently in society. They and their communication partners may benefit from using AAC methods.

Having a severe speech problem affects many aspects of a person’s life. It may affect one’s ability to live in the community, direct one’s care, find employment, discuss sexual matters and report or prevent abuse

AAC is for those individuals who are unable to use verbal speech yet are cognitively able or when speech is extremely difficult to understand. These individuals will use gestures, communications boards, pictures, symbols, drawings or a combination of all of these. An individual would point to a single meaning picture – for instance if the individual was hungry, the picture may look like somebody eating. If the individual is also physically impaired, a head pointer may be worn to indicate the picture, which would relay the feeling.

The methods of AAC will vary and be personalized to meet the needs of the individual. Many forms of AAC will have an Assistive technology component, which will come in both high-tech and low-tech strategies. You don’t need special skills for understanding an individual who is using ACC, as the processes are self-explanatory.

AAC refers to ways other than speech that are used to communicate. Most people who use AAC have a variety of communication systems. Depending on their needs and skills they usually include a number of aided and unaided communication systems.

Unaided AAC systems might include:
Voice; nodding and shaking one’s head; facial expression; pointing or looking at desired objects; gestures; sign languages.

Aided AAC systems might include:
Communication displays (comprised of written words, letters or phrases, pictures or symbols); devices which speak or print out messages; call bells etc.

There are specialized AAC Services available to assist people in determining the AAC systems which best meet their needs and skills.

Here is a list of centres in Ontario for Augmentative Communication, http://www.accpc.ca/aboutaac-ontarioservices.htm