31 for 21 Blog Challenge: DAY SEVENTEEN: Flexibility

It is clear to me that my recent cold has consumed the better part of a week.  I opened up the blog to write and saw that day sixteen was the last entry.  After briefly assuming something had gone radically wrong, erasing numerous entries, I had to take a step back and realize that I simply lost track of time.  The site was not hacked.  Nobody erased my entries.  I simply got side tracked.  I shall now attempt to catch up....

FACT or MYTH: Children with Down Syndrome are extremely flexible!!!

This is true!  Children with that extra chromosome have increased flexibility in their joints, called "hyper-flexibility."  Research indicates that the ligaments that hold the bones together in the joints of children with Down Syndrome are longer than usual.  It is very noticeable in a child with DS's hips, feet, and shoulders.  As children with DS grow older, and gains strength and motor control in specific muscle groups, the risks of joint injury lessens.