Every child under the age of seven should be cajoled, persuaded, and encouraged to start developing a hobby or skill, which potentially will have a huge positive impact in their life, this is according to Seán Connaughton who was a guest speaker at the annual conference of the Turner Contact Group Ireland recently.
Mr Connaughton was speaking in his capacity of battling with shyness over many years which he explained was stifling, disheartening, and frustrating. Shyness is an undesirable experience which can be overcome with patience, understanding, and focus. It is estimated that just under five per cent of the population suffer from chronic shyness. He explained that most shyness cases stem from early life experience which can have a serious impact on your attitude, approach, and potential throughout your life. Developing a skill or hobby at an early age loosens the impact of shyness and actually helps to avoid it becoming a habit.
Mr Connaughton told the audience that by developing a hobby or skill at a young age we allow others to see our identity through our interests, work, or hobby which ultimately helps to break down barriers. He said that it is important for people to understand that a positive sense of self can be embraced at any stage in your life. It can be overcome by focusing on your positives, breathing techniques, altering your focus by living in the moment, being less judgmental on yourself, listening to encouragement, and believing that you want to move forward.
Turner Syndrome (TS ) is a chromosomal condition that describes girls and women with common features. The syndrome is named after Dr Henry Turner, who was among the first to describe its features in the 1930s. TS occurs in approximately one of every 2,000 females born and in as many as 10 per cent of all miscarriages. Diagnosis is made through a test called a karyotype, which is usually performed on cells in the amniotic fluid before birth and on cells in the blood after birth. A trained specialist counts the chromosomes in the white blood cells and looks for abnormalities. Turner syndrome may be diagnosed throughout the life span, including adulthood, if signs are subtle. Signs that indicate a karyotype is needed can include foetal abnormalities such as cystic hygroma (fluid around the neck ). Webbed neck (excess skin ) or lymphedema (swelling of hands and feet ) in newborns, specific heart problems in infants, slow growth and/or short stature, delayed puberty or amenorrhea (lack of menstrual cycles ), infertility or menstrual irregularities are also features of Turner Syndrome. People with TS go on to live normal and healthy lives.
For further information on Turner Syndrome and for support and resources log onto on www.tcgi.ie, email [email protected], or phone 085-704-2627.
