By Kiara Broadnax

Effecting mostly children and teenagers, Muscular Dystrophy (MD) has changed lives of many families. Muscular Dystrophy varies from Duchenne, Becker, Emery- Dreifuss, Limb -gridle, Facioscapulohumeral, Myotonic and Congenital Muscular Dystrophy. The most common in children is Duchenne, it breaks down the muscles and may affect the heart and other organs. Most children with MD have limited mobility and assistance of a wheelchair is required.

There is no cure for MD therefore affecting a person for their entire life. The life spanned of an MD patient depends on the severity and type. Diagnosing MD requires medical history and a sample of muscle tissue to be examined by your doctor. Finding out the type of MD gives your doctor an ideal treatment plan. Medication maybe prescribed or physical therapy to keep limbs flexible and prevent stiff joints. Without proper care it will be painful for a child as they try to move proper limbs.

MD can make it hard to cope with daily life. Teens diagnosed with MD deal with the hardship of gradually needing assistance to do things they could normally do for themselves. For some parents the transition of watching your children struggling to walk or worry what other muscles are being affected can be difficult. However parents should not feel helpless, there are organizations available that focus on varies disorders.

The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) focuses on people with all types of MD. They provided information on MD, services, research and ways to help the association. Their websites provides information allowing parents to learn more about their child’s type of MD and becoming more involved. They sponsor a “Muscle Walk” allowing the public and volunteers to be involved as they walk for those who cannot do to MD. Hopefully one day you will consider walking for someone.