By Matthew Bailey 3 Blue e-tasc 2010

Muscles Muscles are very important parts of the human body. They make up about half our body weight.

Muscle Diseases Many diseases of the muscle are actually diseases of the nerves that connect the muscles. These diseases cause the muscle to waste away. This is called ‘atrophy’ of the muscle. Polio was a common disease many years ago which affected many children. It affected the nerves.

Muscle Diseases Some diseases affect the muscle itself... not the nerve. One of these diseases with no cure as yet is called Muscular Dystrophy.

Muscular Diseases in Children There are many different types of Muscular Diseases in children. These : Cause weakness of the muscles. May prevent many children from walking or running or using their arms easily. May prevent many children from playing sport. Cause many children to be hospitalised for long periods of time.

Muscular Dystrophy Is a muscle disease causing weakness. It is caused by missing proteins needed to build healthy muscles. It is a genetic disease. It can be passed from one family member to another. But it is not contagious. Many children with MD have very big calves because as muscle tissue is destroyed, it is replaced by fat.

Muscular Dystrophy There is no cure for MD but doctors are learning how to prevent and treat it. When children have MD it can also prevent them from being able to sit up and breathe easily.

Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy The most common and severe form of MD is called Duchenne’s. It only occurs in boys. The first signs usually appear around 5 years of age. By 12 years of age, most kids need a wheelchair. Most kids with Duchenne’s only live until about 20 years of age. There is no cure.

Organisations that help. Muscular Dystrophy Foundation Muscular Dystrophy Association Jett Foundation Cure Duchenne’s organisation

How they can help Provide information to families and sufferers. Vital resources, like DVD’s, books etc. Raise money for research. They do research into cures and treatments. Run camps for kids and their families. Provide someone to talk to.

BY MATT BAILEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THE END!!!!!!!!!!!!