The Guide to Good Health for Teens & Adults With Down Syndrome
*Chicoine and McGuire founded Chicago's Adult Down Syndrome Clinic in 1992 to meet the health needs of adolescent and adult Down Syndrome (DS) people. While care for DS children can be very good, quality appears to drop as they age and move out of pediatric practices. This excellent book provides a wealth of information for DS caregivers, including how to find a physician who will provide a comprehensive medical home. Health problems may be difficult to diagnose and treat because of communication and mental challenges; guidelines for teaching health-promoting behaviors and correctly 'reading' health distress signals are clear and well written. Diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of common health conditions impacting DS people are described. Mental and emotional issues that can affect physical health are covered. Sexuality and birth control are discussed, as is abuse prevention. Information on residential option as well as end of life issues is provided. VERDICT This is an extremely informational volume that should have a place in all consumer health libraries serving patrons with DS. --Library Journal (*starred review), August 17, 2010[A] must-have for parents and caretakers of adolescents and adults with Down syndrome. In twenty-three exhaustive chapters on everything from thyroid problems to cancer to sleep issues, the authors explain in plain English the common medical problems the Down syndrome population can experience. --Mile High Down Syndrome Association'sDown's Update, January/February 2011Chicoine and McGuire have more experience caring for the physical and mental health of teens and adults with Down syndrome than anyone. Their experience has produced THE GUIDE TO GOOD HEALTH FOR TEENS & ADULTS WITH DOWN SYNDROME which is filled with thoughtful, practical advice and written in a straight forward style making their recommendations accessible for families and healthcare professionals. They have simplified the complex and interrelated physical and mental health issues found in Down syndrome and produced an incredible guide. - Nancy J. Roizen, M.D. Director, Division of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics, Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, Cincinnati, Ohio