March 21, World Down Syndrome Day Joan Guthrie Medlen, M.Ed, RD the Down Syndrome Nutrition Handbook

March 21, 2013 marks the 8th anniversary of World Down Syndrome Day and was officially observed by the United Nations since 2012. Down Syndrome International encourages people all over the World to help raise awareness of what Down syndrome is, what it means to have Down syndrome, and how people with Down syndrome play a vital role in our lives and communities.

This year's World Down Syndrome Day Conference is entitled: "Right To Work".

Article 27 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD) recognises the right of persons with disabilities to work, on an equal basis with others; this includes the right to the opportunity to gain a living by work freely chosen or accepted in a labour market and work environment that is open, inclusive and accessible to persons with disabilities.

Joan Guthrie Medlen, M.Ed, RD and

the Down Syndrome Nutrition Handbook

Joan E. Guthrie Medlen, a mother of a child with Down syndrome, a registered dietitian, and the author of “The Down Syndrome Nutrition Handbook: A Guide to Promoting Healthy Lifestyles,” encourages parents to start teaching healthy habits early but stresses that it's never too late to start, no matter what age.

Joan became involved in issues related to people with Down syndrome after the birth of her son. “As we all know, parents of kids with disabilities are involved in the big picture immediately – like it or not! I chose to work in the field of nutrition/health promotion for people with Down syndrome over 16 years ago. It’s a choice I've not regretted.”

Introducing Cooking By Color: Recipes for Independence by Joan E. Guthrie Medlen, RD

Nutrition Notes. From Helping a child with Down syndrome learn self-feeding skills, WebMD.

Down syndrome often affects the muscles in the mouth, causing the tongue to stick out. This may interfere with feeding, including breast-feeding, bottle-feeding, and eating solid food. Most children overcome these types of problems, although they will likely master eating skills at a later age than other children.

Resources

About Buddy Walk

The Buddy Walk® was established in 1995 by the National Down Syndrome Society to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October and to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. Today, the Buddy Walk program is supported nationally by NDSS and organized at the local level by parent support groups, schools and other organizations and individuals.

International Down Syndrome Coalition 

Meet a family who shares their
amazing story of love and living.

 



Visit the following link to learn more about  World Down Syndrome Day.