1. Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine curves from side-to-side in an S- or C-shape.
2. About three out of every 100 people have scoliosis, a condition which causes the spine to curve from side to side. Someone with scoliosis may have an S- or C-shaped curve in their back.
3. Sometimes scoliosis is easy to see because it causes the body to tilt, or one shoulder blade is higher than the other, or the waist may be uneven.
4. For many, scoliosis is not a problem, but severe scoliosis can affect breathing and heart function and can lead to joint damage and pain.
5. Scoliosis can run in families.
6. Scoliosis can develop very gradually and is typically diagnosed between the ages of 10 and 14.
7. Most types of scoliosis are more common in girls than boys, and girls with scoliosis are more likely to need treatment.
8. Approximately one in five teenagers with scoliosis needs to wear a back brace that keeps the spine from developing more of a curve.
9. If surgery is needed to correct the curve, an orthopedic surgeon will perform a spinal fusion and use metal rods, hooks, screws and wires to correct the curve until the bones heal.
10. People with scoliosis live normal active lives. There aren’t any activities or sports that make scoliosis worse.

Visit the She Knows Message Boards for more on scoliosis.

Surgery for anyone is scary. Surgery for a child can be terrifying. Luckily, HealthDay News recently published tips provided by the Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital for parents who are preparing their children for an upcoming surgery. According to the hospital, the following suggestions can ease the process and calm some fears-for both the child and parent-as they prepare for a procedure.

• Find out as much as you can about the surgery, so you can answer the child’s questions and reply with the right information.
• Be honest when answering questions, but make sure your responses are appropriate for the child’s age.
• Read books with your child about preparing for a trip to the hospital.
• Take a tour of the hospital, including areas where the child will be.
• If your child is old enough and mature enough to make a choice, let the child make it.

An 18-year-old from Boca Raton died at the end of March during corrective breast surgery. At this point, it appears that she had an adverse reaction to the anesthesia. They’re thinking it might have been due to a genetic condition known as malignant hyperthermia.

It was considered to be a routine procedure. Her family and friends assumed she’d walk out of the surgical suite without any complications. But unfortunately, there were more than complications. There were life-ending consequences.

While the surgery was to correct a birth defect, it still begs the question of parents: should you let your children undergo elective surgery? Who bears the brunt of the decision and the final outcome? It seems that the news reports of more and more teen girls getting cosmetic surgery as gifts, which is a whole other topic. But tragedies like this one should make parents at least stop and think and hopefully make the best decision for their children.