SEARCH SITE MENU Submit An Article Bulk Article Submission Search Syndicate Articles Privacy Policy Terms of Use Link To Us Contact Us Site Map Home CATEGORIES Auto & Trucks Business & Finance Computers & Internet Education Environment and Going Green Family Food & Drink Gadgets and Gizmos Health Hobbies Home Improvement Humor Kids & Teens Legal Marketing Men Music and Movies Online Business Parenting Pets and Animals Politics and Government Recreation & Sports Relationships Religion and Faith Self Improvement Site Promotion Travel & Leisure Web Development Women Writing Keyword Search Article Title Author's Name

Looking At Metabolism in Children with Down Syndrome  by: Jane Orville Research suggests children with Down syndrome have a lowered Basal Metabolic Rate, which is the rate a person burns calories for fuel when completely at rest - or sleeping. This means that children with Down syndrome use less energy when they are resting or sleeping. Let’s look at an example. If you child is with a “normal” peer and eats the same amount of food and does the same activities, he will burn up to 15% fewer calories than his buddy. This means that his body has calories left over. Even 50 calories extra a day, a simple apple, will add up to 5 pounds a year. Take that over 5 years and you have an extra 25 pounds. There are three ways to adapt for this difference in metabolism: • Increase activity • Limit calories • Increase activity and limit calories. Beginning with a focus on physical activity has many more positives. A person can choose from a variety of aerobic activities that are enjoyable. Additionally, regular aerobic activity has many health benefits: increased muscle tone, decreased resting heart rate, decreased blood pressure, a sense of well-being , better sleep, and an increase in metabolism. Ideas for adding aerobic activity: • Park farther away from where you are going • Take the stairs instead of the elevator. My son and I are often seen taking the stairs up and the elevator down -- many times. • Walk or bike to activities that are in your community. • When you go to the park, play "tag" for 10 minutes with the kids. Don't catch them, just chase them around. Parents think of swinging and climbing the play structure as being active. It's not aerobic activity, except when running between structures. It is important that the person with Down syndrome makes the choice of activity and is involved in setting the goals. The important part is to keep moving and have fun! About The Author Jane Orville is the mother of a 17 year old Daughter with Down Syndrome and has spent years researching and compiling all the wisdom she has gained into a simple guide to assist parents deal with the concerns of raising a child with Down Syndrome. For more information see… http://www.down-syndrome-help.com This article was posted on March 05, 2006   View More Videos from the "Parenting" category: How to Develop Good Sleeping Habits in Children When to Call a Doctor Between Regular Prenatal Visits What to Do about Sore Nipples While Breastfeeding Visiting Your Ob/Gyn for Multiple Pregnancy   Read More Articles from the "Parenting" Category: Are You Raising Bratty Kids? by Margaret Paul, Ph.D. How To Photograph Children by Alanna Jurden What Can We Do To Reduce Bullying? by News Canada Car Seat Safety Guide by Michelle Vish Seeds: An Essay on the Importance of Little Things by Susie Michelle Baby Clothes by Robin Darch Who is Your Boss? by Kimberly Chastain Accepting the Diagnosis of Autism by Paula Mossie Why Should Kids Get Allowances - The Top 7 Reasons by Rachel Incoll Emotional Development and the Self Esteem in Children by Debbie Cluff << Back to "Parenting" Index

Disclaimer: The information presented and opinions expressed herein are those of the authors
and do not necessarily represent the views of ArticleCity.com and/or its partners.