Mission Statement
Our vision for Quantum is to provide a forum for young people (all ages welcome) to share their stories and create a community of support and inspiration for those dealing with chronic health conditions. In our case, we could not find a support group for kids suffering with Lyme Disease and the many chronic complications that follow. Where do kids go to share their feelings in a safe place and know that they are not alone? Quantum is a safe and private forum, monitored by a qualified medical professional to screen and post blogs that are appropriate and positively supportive. Posts are anonymous, initials and names are optional if requested to add.
About the name
QUANTUM - Unit of Energy and Matter
In 1907, Albert Einstein created the Law of Conservation of Mass-Energy: E = MC2
It means that the total amount of ENERGY and MASS in the universe is CONSTANT,
it cannot be created or destroyed,
but energy and mass can change form, interconvert and transform…..we chose this name because
Energy creates Voices,
Voices create Words, and
Words are Matter, and they do Matter...
Young Voices, Words can Transform Lives and They Need to be Heard
Approximately 27% of children in the U.S. live with chronic health conditions...
What is a chronic condition?
Many children will likely have many different health conditions during infancy and childhood, but for most, these conditions are mild, like a cold or flu, they resolve and do not interfere with daily life and development. For some children, however, chronic health conditions affect everyday life throughout childhood and sometimes into adulthood.
A common definition for a chronic health condition as a health problem that lasts over three months, affects your child’s normal activities, and requires lots of hospitalizations and/or home health care and/or extensive medical care.
Children with chronic illnesses may be ill or well at any given time, but they are always living with their condition. Some of the most common chronic conditions in young people include (but are not limited to) [2] :
Asthma
Asthma is one of the most common, if not top chronic conditions in children. This condition causes airways to narrow, swell and produce mucus which can make breathing really tough on a young person - it can also trigger coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Some kids can handle ok and deal with it - but for others it can be a major problem that interferes with daily activities and even lead to a life-threatening asthma attack.
Asthma in some cases can't be cured, but its symptoms can be controlled. Some people have been able to overcome Asthma through time and growing out of it as an adult. It’s always important to talk with your doctor to track your signs and symptoms and and any changes needed for treatment.
Some Asthma signs and symptoms:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness or pain
- Trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing
- A whistling or wheezing sound when exhaling (wheezing is a common sign of asthma in children)
- Coughing or wheezing attacks that are worsened by a respiratory virus, such as a cold or the flu [3]
Lyme disease
Lyme disease is transmitted by a tick bite and is in epidemic prevalence in the Northeast and Central states even though found all over the country and world. The disease is caused by a spiral-shaped bacteria (spirochete) called Borrelia Burgdorferi. The Lyme spirochete can cause infection of multiple organs and produce a wide range of symptoms. The CDC even now reports that over 333,000 people per year get Lyme and at least 25% - 40% are children, that’s at least 205 kids per day - 4 Bus Loads Full of Kids get Lyme and most don’t even know. Only 30% of the bitten get a bulls eye rash - some don’t get any symptoms at all until it’s already too late. If caught early & treated aggressively with antibiotics it could be cured, but otherwise there isn’t a cure.
Some Lyme signs and symptoms:
- Extreme Fatigue
- Difficulty Processing Information
- Lower School Grades
- Difficulty Maintaining Relationships
- Behavior Outbursts or Mood Swings
- Risk of Depression
Prevention is key so wear white clothes when out hiking or camp, spray DEET 30% on yourself and Permethrin on your clothes - tick check every night. Call your doctor right away if you find a tick attached and find a Lyme Literate MD to help treat you no matter what even if the blood tests come back negative - most tests are highly inaccurate. [4]
Cystic fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis is a progressive disease that causes persistent lung infections and limits the ability to breathe over time. Children with this condition have a defective gene which causes a thick, buildup of mucus in the lungs, pancreas, and other organs. In the lungs, the mucus clogs the airways and traps bacteria leading to infections, extensive lung damage, and eventually, respiratory failure. In the pancreas, the mucus prevents the release of digestive enzymes that allow the body to break down food and absorb vital nutrients.
Some signs and symptoms:
- Very salty-tasting skin
- Persistent coughing
- Frequent lung infections including pneumonia or bronchitis
- Wheezing or shortness of breath
- Poor growth or weight gain even with good appetite
- Frequent greasy, bulky stools, difficult bowel movements [5]
diabetes type 1
Type 1 diabetes in children is a condition in when the body no longer produces an important hormone called insulin. You need insulin to survive, so it will have to be replaced somehow. The diagnosis of type 1 diabetes in children can be overwhelming at first. Suddenly a parent and child, depending on age must learn how to give injections, count carbohydrates and monitor blood sugar. Type 1 diabetes in children requires consistent care. But advances in blood sugar monitoring and insulin delivery have improved the daily management of the condition.
Some signs and symptoms:
- Increased thirst and frequent urination
- Extreme hunger
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Irritability or behavior changes, decline in school
- Fruity-smelling breath [6]
DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS
The developmental disorders are a group of conditions than can occur during a child’s developing years. The disorders typically manifest early in development, often before the child enters grade school, and are noted with developmental deficiencies in personal, social, academic, or occupational function. The range of disorders can widely vary from autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other specific learning disabilities. Early detection and intervention are most important for better outcome later in life. [8]
obesity
Obesity is one of the most common and growing chronic diseases in need of new strategies for medical treatment and prevention, especially for children. In the U.S. it’s a leading cause of death, disability, healthcare utilization and healthcare costs. Obesity is defined as excess adipose tissue. There are several different methods for determining excess fat tissue - the most common being the Body Mass Index (BMI). Obesity is increasing around the world. High body mass index now ranks with major global health problems such as childhood and maternal under-nutrition, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, unsafe sex, iron deficiency, smoking, alcohol and unsafe water. [7]
“Tell Us Your Story - it will Inspire Others.”
INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES
“Never accept the world as it appears to be. Dare to see it for what it could be.”