The Guide to Good Health for Teens Adults With Down Syndrome

As the founding directors of the Adult Down Syndrome Center at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital outside of Chicago, Drs. Chicoine and McGuire have accrued more than 50 years of combined experience treating teens and adults with Down syndrome. They shared their extensive mental health expertise in their previous book, the bestselling MENTAL WELLNESS IN ADULTS WITH DOWN SYNDROME, and now turn their attention to the physical health of teens and adults with Down syndrome The authors provide invaluable insight into what health problems are more common in their patients, and how medical issues can “present” differently in people with Down syndrome. In a clear, empathetic style, they discuss how to promote a healthy lifestyle to prevent problems, and how to recognize health problems early on to ensure appropriate care and an optimum outcome. THE GUIDE TO GOOD HEALTH is a resource families and caregivers can refer to over and over again, whether it’s to find strategies to get a teen or adult to cooperate with treatment, or to consider if a symptom is being misdiagnosed or misunderstood. Key topics include: • Characteristics of Down syndrome that can Affect Health Care • Promoting Health at Home and at the Doctor’s Office • More Commonly Occurring Medical Issues • The Connection between Mental & Physical Health • Dealing with Inpatient Care (Hospitalizations) • Long Term Health and Well Being throughout the Lifespan • Advance Directives and End of Life Issues • Specific Medical Conditions (ranging from skin and nail problems, eye, nose and throat issues, and cardiac concerns, to thyroid disorder, diabetes, Alzheimer, and sleep problems) For each condition, the authors discuss symptoms, the diagnostic process, and treatment options. Real-life examples from the authors’ practice help to illustrate how some medical problems can mistakenly be attributed to characteristics of Down syndrome. As the average person with Down syndrome lives considerably longer than in previous generations, THE GUIDE TO GOOD HEALTH can also help families know what to expect during the aging process. This outstanding resource makes it possible for families who can’t visit the Adult Down Syndrome Center personally to receive some of the same authoritative advice and knowledge. It’s also a wonderful companion to MENTAL WELLNESS IN ADULTS WITH DOWN SYNDROME and TEACHING CHILDREN WITH DOWN SYNDROME ABOUT THEIR BODIES, BOUNDARIES, AND SEXUALITY.

About the authors: Brian Chicoine, M.D., is the Medical Director of the Adult Down Syndrome Center of Lutheran General Hospital in suburban Chicago. Dennis McGuire, Ph.D., is the Director of Psychosocial Service for the Adult Down Syndrome Center. Together they founded The Center in 1992 and have served more than 4,000 adults with Down syndrome since its inception.