15 Nov 7th September is World Duchenne Awareness Day
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common fatal genetic disorder diagnosed in childhood, affecting approximately 1 in every 3,500 live male births (about 20,000 new cases each year worldwide). Because the Duchenne gene is found on the X-chromosome, it primarily affects boys;
however, it occurs across all races and cultures. Over the past decades, life expectancy of individuals affected by Duchenne MD has increased significantly, and adults with Duchenne are not an exception anymore. Adult life with Duchenne comes with new challenges and opportunities as well as with new medical issues. The theme for Duchenne Awareness Day 2021 is Adult Life & Duchenne.
DMD results in progressive loss of strength and is caused by a mutation in the gene that encodes for dystrophin. Because dystrophin is absent, the muscle cells are easily damaged. 
The progressive muscle weakness leads to serious medical problems, particularly issues relating to the heart and lungs. There is currently no cure for DMD.
Physiotherapy can help increase and prolong the ability to walk for a boy with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. 
Physiotherapists play an important role in monitoring and maintaining overall physical health for a boy with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
Signs of Duchenne:
Listed below are the common signs of Duchenne.
•Has a hard time lifting his head or has a weak neck
•Is not walking by 15 months
•Has a hard time walking, running or climbing stairs
•Is not speaking as well as other kids his age
•Needs help getting up from the floor or walks his hands up his legs in order to stand up
•Has calves that look bigger than normal
•Walks on his toes and waddles
•Walks with his legs apart
•Walks with his chest pointed out and back concave in.
If your son has a combination of these above traits, and you are concerned about your child, ring My Favourite Physio 
on (02) 9790 4233 to speak to one of our Paediatric Physiotherapists to find out how we can help your son today.
For more information, please visit https://www.worldduchenneday.org/online-event-on-adult…/