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Vol 1 Issue:
3
November 2000
MITA Permit No.: 123/12/99 Tea Talk on Table and Social Etiquette A talk organised for our TSG members on Social and Table Etiquette was held on 15 July 2000, at the Hotel Grand Plaza. This was our first gathering away from our usual venue at the National University Hospital. Our invited speaker Ms. Denyse Tessensohn delighted our participants with a lively session and a fair share of hilarious moments. All attendees agreed that the session was educational, with enlightening tips to refine our social skills and adopt the appropriate and proper behaviour when attending social events and formal dinners. Getting it right By Gloria Chan The last get-together for the Turner Support Group was held at the Hotel Grand Plaza on 15 July. It was an enjoyable and lively session with invited guest Ms. Denyse Tessensohn sharing with us the do's and don'ts of table etiquette. For those of us who used to agonise when faced with the different forks and spoons during a western meal, Ms. Tessensohn enlightened us on which to use and for what purpose. As for our parents drumming into us about not talking with food in our mouth, according to our etiquette expert, you can talk and still eat at the same time provided you take small mouthfuls at a time so that you won't have food spilling out! Earlier before the talk, games master A/Prof. Loke Kah Yin led the group in a game of Pictionary. It was great fun with participants striving to illustrate the best they can for their team members to guess the correct answers. A tea reception, courtesy of Hotel Grand Plaza, was held to round up the session. We are grateful to Ms. Tessensohn for her humorous and enlightening talk.
Feedback from TSG Members The organising committee has sought for feedback from TSG members to help us plan future activities. Most members have requested for activities related to social and lifestyle issues, as well as medical updates. We are happy to know that the TSG members value the activities organised, and recognise the social and emotional support offered by the group. TSG activities also served as avenues for social interaction, forging friendships and comradeship. Some TSG members have volunteered to join the organising committee to plan activities for our fellow members. Their active participation is a welcome boost to our efforts in organising relevant, informative and interesting programmes for our members. The Letter Box Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Turner Syndrome (TS) The TSG newsletter will have a new column "The Letter Box" which aims to answer any queries by TSG members about health-related matters which may not necessarily be confined to Turner Syndrome. In this issue, we will present some FAQs about Turnerr Syndrome which are compiled from the Turner Support Society News Group (the National TS Society) and TS individuals. What is Turner Syndrome? Turner Syndrome is a chromosomal condition causing short stature and infertility in females. What causes Turner Syndrome? Turner Syndrome is caused by the complete or partial absence of one of the two X sex chromosomes normally found in women. Are there other problems associated with having Turner Syndrome? Problems with the heart, kidney or thyroid are frequent health issues. However, these are usually not too serious but require good, consistent medical care and management by a qualified doctor. Also, not everyone has all the problems associated with this condition. Are there possible complications later in life and what are the preventive measures that can be taken? After clinical examination, your doctor will be able to tell whether further testing to check your heart is required. Coarctation (narrowing) of the heart's major blood vessel and heart valve problems occur in 16%-23% of TS patients. You can be born with or without these problems and you do not 'catch it' later. If you have a heart problem, you have to undergo regular medical check-ups, especially before pregnancy. Females with TS have a high chance of developing thyroid problems and diabetes if they become severely overweight. Thyroid problems can be checked for by having an annual blood test and healthy eating is advised. Another option is female hormone replacement therapy for the strengthening of bones. Your doctor will only start this upon completion of puberty. How often does Turner Syndrome occur? The frequency of Turner Syndrome is estimated at 1 in 2,500 liveborn females. There is no known difference in frequency based on race, geographical location or socio-economic factors. What can be done? As it is a chromosomal condition, there is no "cure" for Turner Syndrome. However, there are other treatment alternatives available. Growth hormone can improve growth velocity and probably final adult height. Estrogen replacement therapy has been used to promote development of secondary sexual characteristics. They are also important for maintaining good tissue and bone integrity. Modern reproductive technologies have also been used to help women with Turner Syndrome conceive. Are there any differences between a female with Turner Syndrome and one who is normal, in terms of activities, relationships and character? The full TS exists when there is only one X chromosome instead of two in the cells. Sometimes, only a percentage of cells have one X chromosome. This is called a mosaic TS. A female with mosaic TS may look completely normal due to the fact that not all the cells in her body are 'Turner cells'. Unfortunately, she is still at risk from all the associated problems discussed above. Unless a TS female is limited physically by a heart condition, there are no restrictions in activity like any normal child. TS females have normal intelligence. Mathematics and organisation skills may be a problem but they can be overcome. Low self-esteem is a problem in the majority of TS females thus parents and friends need to be sensitive to the emotional needs of a TS patient without being too over-protective. What is the life expectancy of a female with Turner Syndrome? There is not much information on this question. However, all things being equal, there is no reason why a woman with Turner Syndrome should not lead a full, productive life. It is important, though, to have competent medical care regularly. Are females with Turner Syndrome mentally retarded? There is no connection between Turner Syndrome and mental retardation. There may be some differences in learning behaviour, and some children with Turner Syndrome find mathematics and spatial problems a little more difficult to comprehend. However with determination and patience, these problems can easily be surmounted. Positive reinforcement and encouragement enable patients with Turner Syndrome to lead productive and successful lives in the career path of their choice. What types of jobs can my daughter with TS do? Most females with TS can be successful at any job which interests them and for which they have trained. Women with TS have jobs as varied as any other group of people and there are TS patients who are social workers, lawyers, secretaries and accountants. Is short stature an issue? Short stature can be an issue as it may lead to low self-esteem for women with TS. This may be most common during the teenage years, especially if teasing is encountered. Awareness of this issue and appropriate parental support and encouragement can help in developing self-confidence and an ability to cope with any teasing. Should I tell my child's teacher that my daughter has TS? If the child needs special assistance, it would be better to request for help. It is sometimes suggested that Math can be more difficult for women with TS. If difficulty is encountered in a particular subject, tutoring is an option. DISCLAIMER: The information and recommendation in these articles are for reference and guidance; it is not intended as a substitute for a doctor's care. If you have any questions for The Letter Box, please post your queries to: The
Letter Box
Or e-mail: Webmaster The TSG Bukit Timah Nature Reserve Hike TSG will be organising a morning nature hike at the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve on 9 December 2000 (Saturday) for all TSG members and their families. We are privileged to have two experts from the Nature Society (Singapore) to guide us and increase our appreciation for mother nature. The hike is free and lunch will be provided. We strongly encourage you and your family to come and join us in this educational and fun excursion. It's too good to miss!!! Please refer to the two attached registration forms and return to us by 3rd December 2000. Time and Date: 8 am, 9
December 2000 (Saturday)
We look forward to seeing you and your family at the excursion. Please contact us if you need any other
information. Tel: 772 4112
Published by: The Turner Support Group
Supported by: Serono Singapore Pte. Ltd. |
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