Celebrating in a different way: National Down Syndrome Consciousness Month
Even though we might belong to the same family and share genetic material, we are all very different. Everyone is made up of a combination of genes, some from our mother, and some from our father, and this combination makes us the unique people we are. Genes carry information that determines what characteristics are inherited from our parents, such as the colour of your hair, how tall you are, and the colour of your eyes.
Genes are the basic units of heredity. They consist of DNA, which is part of a larger structure called a chromosome. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes. Sometimes, the things that make us different from everyone else are caused by a genetic anomaly. For reasons unknown to us, an error occurs at the cell division stage when a child is conceived. If the chromosomes do not split into equal halves, the new cells can have an extra chromosome (47 total) or have a missing chromosome (45 total), resulting in a genetic condition.
Down Syndrome is the most common of the 6000 genetic disorders found worldwide, and it is probably the most recognized. Named after Dr. John Langdon Down, the first physician to identify the condition in 1862, Down Syndrome occurs when an extra chromosome 21 is present in the DNA structure and can occur in people from all races, cultures, and social backgrounds.
February is National Down Syndrome Consciousness Month, aimed to raise awareness about the needs and abilities of people with Down Syndrome. We are all unique individuals, with differing looks, health needs, and intellectual abilities, the same can be applied to a person with Down Syndrome. In the Philippines, Down Syndrome is quite prevalent, with 1 in every 800 babies born with the condition. Many people are unaware that most young people with Down Syndrome enjoy a very typical life, with a range of support needs that can be minimal or more complex, depending on the individual.
As Down Syndrome is a genetic condition, there is a screening test available for expectant parents who are interested in discovering if their unborn child may have the condition. The test also screens for 17 other genetic conditions and provides accurate results in a timely manner.
The Prenatal Peace genetic screening test from EasyDNA Philippines is non-invasive, requiring no amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling. A standard blood draw is all that is required to undertake the DNA test, but it should be mentioned that this does not replace a diagnostic test. If you are in any way concerned that your unborn baby might have a genetic condition such as Down Syndrome, then a screening test can provide much-needed peace of mind for parents to be.
National Down Syndrome Consciousness Month focuses on busting the common myths surrounding people with this condition. Did you know that people with Down Syndrome often lead very fulfilling lives? They attend schools, have a wide range of talents, are emotional like anyone else, and participate in many regular social activities.
Of course, the COVID-19 virus has made celebrating and socializing near impossible for many Filipinos, with many areas still in lockdown. The Philippines has had more than 470,000 confirmed cases and more than 9000 deaths. During the awareness month, people are encouraged to keep in touch with their friends via electronic channels, using live video calls and various messaging apps. Friends can still be social and keep in touch, it’s just a different way of having fun. How about a live cooking competition, or doing an art activity with friends?
This February, let’s focus on the ability of the people in our community, and the gifts that they bring to everyone they meet. It’s time to celebrate individuality, and Down Syndrome is no exception.

Given the current health climate around the world, it’s only natural to feel increasingly worried about your susceptibility to various illnesses and conditions. From this, many Filipinos want to educate themselves about what diseases they may be genetically more predisposed to, and what measures they can take to help prevent these sometimes deadly diseases.
Knowing your level of genetic predisposition toward developing any of the above conditions can help both you live a longer, healthier life. If you have a family history of a particular disease, the Genetic Predisposition DNA Health test will tell you if you have inherited the same tendencies, and enable you to take the necessary steps to prevent its onset.
In November the Philippines is celebrating National Children’s Month, and this year, the theme is ‘Together promoting the rights of every child during the pandemic period!’
The NOVA test screens for disorders that are in a prevalence rate of occurring in 1 in every 400 births. Doing a test at the newborn stage can mean an early diagnosis, early intervention, and prompt treatment, all of which are vital in helping you provide the best life possible for your child. The test consists of a simple blood test, which is performed by a pathologist. After analysis in our state of the art laboratories, your results will be returned to you in a timely manner.
So what exactly is breast cancer, and how can we detect and help to prevent it? Breast cancer occurs when the cells within the breast begin to grow abnormally, and have the potential to spread to other parts of the body, generally via the lymph nodes.
Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. Between 50 and 60% of all dementia cases can be attributed to Alzheimer’s. It is predicted more than 1.5 million people in the Philippines will have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease within the next 30 years, and worldwide, an estimated 46 million people live with dementia. The exact cause of Alzheimer’s disease is unknown, however, scientists believe that it is triggered as a result of a combination of genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors. The risk of developing Alzheimer’s increases with age, but there are other factors that can contribute to the onset of this disease.
In the Philippines, Alzheimer’s disease Awareness Week is in the 3rd week in September and aims to highlight the issues that need to be addressed in regards to this disease.
You definitely used them when you were running into work 10 minutes late, and they were mighty handy on that bushwalk last weekend.
So, it’s obvious that the lungs are one of our most vital organs, and without them, our breath would be literally taken away! From this, it is important that we do everything we can to look after our lungs. In 2018, lung disease claimed the lives of more than 25,000 Filipinos, making it the 4th highest cause of death per capita.
Some people have an existing predisposition to many conditions, and lung disease is no exception. Easy DNA Philippines is on board with National Lung Month, and suggests the
July is National Nutrition Month in the Philippines. Now in its 46th year, it has long been a time to focus on ourselves, looking at our wellness, fitness and wellbeing, and seeing what we can do to improve our overall health.
The Philippine Plan of Action on Nutrition (PPAN) plays an important role alongside Nutrition Month. As the country’s framework for the improvement of nutrition, it aims to focus on the first 1000 days of a child’s life, from birth until they are two years old. This is a crucial time for proper nutrition and learning development, and studies have shown that early intervention can decrease the levels of stunting found in young children.
Prostate cancer only affects males, because, quite simply, only males have a prostate. The prostate is a small gland around the size of a walnut, located between the bladder and the penis. The prostate releases a fluid that protects and nourishes sperm on its journey to outside the male body.
Did you know that up to 10% of prostate cancer may be attributed to an inherited gene tendency? This is known as HPC1 (Hereditary Prostate Cancer Gene 1). For men wanting to see if they have an inherited tendency to developing prostate cancer, Easy DNA Philippines offers the
