October Medical Observances that Honor Children Affected by Conditions Like Down Syndrome, Spina Bifida, and More.
There are many medical awareness campaigns taking place in October. At Optimum Pediatrics, many families and caregivers will band together this month to honor children affected by life-changing medical conditions. Listed below are the health observances that Optimum Pediatrics will be celebrating in October.
Down Syndrome Awareness Month
Helping children with Down syndrome to thrive is one of our specialties.
According to the CDC, Down syndrome is “the most common chromosomal condition diagnosed in the United States.” Children with Down syndrome experience unique physical and cognitive development.
Our nurses and caregivers are inspired by our Down syndrome patients every day, and we curate custom caregiving and therapy plans to help our patients thrive. Some common caregiving goals that we set for children with Down syndrome are:
Improvement of motor, social, and speech skills
Ability to perform self-care tasks
Enhance communication and expressive skills
Develop feeding and hygiene routines
To learn more about Down Syndrome Awareness Month, visit National Down Syndrome Society. Another great organization to check out this month is Special Olympics and Special Olympics Georgia.
If you’re celebrating Down Syndrome Awareness Month through social media, use the hashtags: #downsyndromeawarenessmonth, #downsyndromelove, and #downsyndromerocks
National Spina Bifida Awareness Month
Children with Spina Bifida need custom care that encourages maximum mobilization and neurological development.
Spina Bifida is a birth defect that impacts the spinal cord development of a fetus. Treatment for Spina Bifida usually means surgery, either before birth while the child is still in the womb or immediately after birth. Though the condition affects children’s neurological and physical abilities differently, National Spina Bifida Awareness Month aims to celebrate all Spina Bifida warriors, no matter how mild or severe the condition is.
Optimum Pediatrics offers specialized care for children suffering from spinal cord injuries and related conditions. Our main goals are to help children with Spina Bifida increase physical mobility, improve neurological functions, and help children to tackle everyday routines. To learn more about our spinal care services, read our Pediatric Medical Care for Spinal Injuries blog.
During National Spina Bifida Awareness Month, celebrate children with Spina Bifida by using the hashtags #spinabifidaawarenessmonth, #spinabifidaawareness, and #spinabifidastrong
Some organizations that we want to recognize during this awareness month are Spina Bifida Association and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s Multispecialty Clinic, specializing in Spina Bifida treatment.
Rett Syndrome Awareness Month
Rett syndrome is a rare genetic, neurological disorder that largely affects girls and can lead to difficulties eating, breathing, speaking, and walking.
The neurodevelopmental disorder is generally divided into four stages, and the first stage usually occurs between 6-18 months of age. Because symptoms of Rett syndrome gradually increase over time, it is important that families and caregivers for children with Rett syndrome develop care routines that adapt to the child’s condition.
Our nurses at Optimum Pediatrics can help children with Rett syndrome to manage their symptoms and live life comfortably. Help us celebrate our Rett syndrome warriors this month by using the hashtags #rettsyndromeawareness, #rettsyndromeawarenessmonth, and #rettsyndromestrong
To learn more about Rett syndrome, check out International Rett Syndrome Foundation and Rett Syndrome Research Trust.
SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) Awareness Month
SIDS awareness month aims to bring awareness to the unexplained deaths of infants less than a year old.
According to Boston Children’s Hospital, SIDS is the leading cause of post neonatal death of babies in the U.S.
At Optimum Pediatrics, we encourage parents to take these steps with their babies to reduce the likelihood of SIDS.
Place babies on their backs to sleep rather than stomachs or sides
Monitor premature and low birth weight babies closely
Make sure babies are not overheated during sleep.
Create firm cribs without loose blankets, toys, or bumper pads
To learn more about SIDS and how to prevent it, check out Safe Infant Sleep.
National Audiology Awareness Month
We help children with hearing loss to develop strong communication skills and teach them to use hearing technologies to their advantage.
National Audiology Awareness Month aims to bring attention to hearing loss and hearing disorders, while promoting best practices to maintain and protect ear health.
At Optimum Pediatrics, we frequently care for children that need hearing technologies. We also provide parents with resources to encourage and strengthen their child’s communication abilities.
Our nurses live for the moments when your child can hear new sounds with hearing aids or communicate effectively despite hearing loss. We celebrate the victories in your child’s life.
To learn more about National Audiology Awareness Month, visit American Academy of Audiology, or share on social media using the hashtags #audiology and #audiologyawarenessmonth.
Need Support? We’ve Got Your Back.
It’s important to our Optimum Pediatrics family to celebrate medical awareness observances because it’s one of the many ways that we show our love and support for our rockstar patients and parents. The month of October honors many medical conditions that you, your child, or a loved one may be challenged with. We want you to know that Optimum Pediatrics has your back and is ready to support your child and your family with expert-level knowledge, helpful resources, and quality care.
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