Mazel tov! A simcha! On January 6th 2012 our Chesky was born. The family was overjoyed. Our youngest at the time was almost four years old and both my husband and I, and our kids, were thanking Hashem for this additional gift.

Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects the way the body uses food for energy. Food is mostly converted to sugar that is carried in the blood stream and delivered to the body’s cells.

With improvements in medical care, we now celebrate a life expectancy of nearly 60 years for individuals with Down syndrome.  With improved survival, healthcare providers need to learn how to address common chronic health concerns in adults with Down syndrome, such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

Thyroid dysfunction is the most common of endocrine abnormalities in children with Down syndrome. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck, just below the voice box (larynx).

The current publication focuses on Endocrine Disorders in children and young adults with Down Syndrome. Parents often ask: what is an endocrinologist, and why would any child be referred to a pediatric endocrinologist?

Dearest Past Self, You were so innocent and young, How could you have known, With the years come maturity, Oh, how you have grown.

A number of months ago, I was encouraged to begin searching for long-term placement for my 23-year-old son, Yehudah.

It was Marathon Sunday in New York City. The runners were cutting through our neighborhood of Williamsburg, wreaking havoc on traffic conditions. Moishey’s yeshiva van couldn’t get to our housing development for the Sunday morning pickup.

A hundred thousand stars winked at me through the window glass. I closed my eyes and inhaled the unfamiliar smell that permeated the air as of late—the sweet smell of babies. Ahh. 

I walk on the street, And people stare.  I smile and wave, But people don’t care.