Final answer:
Exercise preparticipation health screening is crucial for individuals with Down syndrome because they frequently have congenital heart disease and other conditions that physical activity could exacerbate. They should have their exercise programs closely monitored by a physician. Down syndrome is a result of an extra copy of chromosome 21, and the risk of having a child with Down syndrome increases with maternal age.
Step-by-step explanation:
Exercise preparticipation health screening is very important in individuals with Down syndrome because they often have associated medical conditions that could be aggravated by physical activity. Specifically, they have a higher prevalence of congenital heart disease, which can increase the risk of complications during exercise. Additionally, aspects of their physical and cognitive development may influence the types of activities that are safe and beneficial for them. Therefore, to ensure safety and maximize the benefits of exercise, these individuals should be monitored by a physician before participating in an exercise program.
The condition of Down syndrome arises due to an extra copy of chromosome 21, known as trisomy 21, usually caused by nondisjunction during meiotic cell division. This additional genetic material affects physical and mental development, which can include a range of health issues like vision problems, susceptibility to infections, and a greater risk of developing certain forms of cancer.
Age is a notable risk factor for having a child with Down syndrome, especially for women age 35 and older. With increasing maternal age, the likelihood of chromosomal nondisjunction during meiosis grows, raising the risk that a child will be born with the additional chromosome characteristic of this syndrome.