Tip of the Week: Slowing down fast eaters

Many children and adults with PWS have an uncoordinated swallow, placing them at risk for choking. Fast eating can make the risk even higher. Here are some things that can help reduce the risks of choking by slowing down and pacing while eating: Bite, sip, hands in lap. This is an easy way to remind…

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Tip of the Week: In his words

Dylan asked to be featured in this week’s tip so he could help other students living with PWS who may be struggling. Dylan is a student who has grown more than I had ever hoped in the past few years. He is compassionate, loving, full of life, and always willing to help out a friend.…

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Tip of the Week: Need consultation?

Many of our “Tip of the Week” followers know that Latham Centers’ residential program has the largest population of children and adults diagnosed with Prader-Willi syndrome in the country. But what you may not know is that we also offer consultation services for those who may not need, be ready for, or have funding for…

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Tip of the Week: More about gastroparesis

Last week’s tip on gastroparesis touched upon a particularly important topic for the PWS community. Gastroparesis causes your stomach to empty much more slowly than it should. Once diagnosed, it is important to stay vigilant so that it does not reoccur. Some ways to help your child’s GI system stay on track include: 1. Eat…

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Tip of the Week: Gastroparesis

People with Prader-Willi syndrome have different GI systems than a typical person. Where food that we eat is processed and moved through our stomach in a matter of a few hours, sometimes in the person with PWS this process takes far longer. This is called slow gastric motility. When someone has slow gastric motility, it can cause…

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Tip of the Week: Emergency preparedness

With the devastation happening in Texas this week, it is a good time to evaluate your emergency preparedness.  It is never easy to prepare for emergency, and adding a family member with Prader-Willi syndrome to the mix makes it that much harder.  Here are four tips:  Medications – It is best to have an extra month…

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Tip of the Week: Effective communication

Miscommunication is responsible for many, many behavioral outbursts in people living with Prader-Willi syndrome. Often times we say something that is either misinterpreted, misheard, or not understood at all. People with PWS typically have slower processing speed than their typical peers and therefore cannot fully understand complex instructions.  If you give a child or adult…

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Tip of the Week: Turn off the news

This week has been difficult for many people in our country.  You cannot escape the news, video clips, and sound bites that have taken over our televisions and social media. Individuals with PWS pay close attention to what we say, what we listen to, and are keenly tuned in to the feelings and stress levels…

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Tip of the Week: Don’t tell me no

Andy is a 16-year-old boy in our Children’s Services program.  When he was asked what advice he would give to people working with him, he said,“Don’t tell me no.”  There are so many restrictions placed on people with Prader-Willi syndrome in the name of safety that sometimes we forget how often we say – either…

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Tip of the Week: Hospital Stays

If your child is hospitalized for any reason, the transition back to home life can be challenging.  It is likely that their hospital routine, food, companions and expectations were quite different from what your child is used to at home. Here are some ideas to make the transition easier: Bring food from home.  Hospitals will…

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