GAME DAY
Saturday, June 22nd, 2019
10:30AM – 1:30PM
Valor Christian High School
3775 E Grace Blvd, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126

Sen. Roy Blunt, Rep.Cheri Bustos, and Global Ambassador CC Mullen honored at the AcceptAbility Gala in D.C. with a special performance by Multi-Platinum pop artist Andy Grammer

Press Contacts:
Rejena Carmichael | rcarmichael@globaldownsyndrome.org | C: (240) 603-5494
Anca Call | acall@globaldownsyndrome.org | C: (720) 320-3832

May 29, Denver, CO – It was standing-room-only at the sold-out annual AcceptAbility Gala, benefitting the Global Down Syndrome Foundation (Global) at the Hilton Washington DC National Mall last week. The evening highlighted the National Institutes of Health (NIH) reversing a twenty-year trend and tripling the research budget benefitting people with Down syndrome. The event raised nearly $350,000 for life-saving and life-changing medical care and research.

“We were thrilled when the director of the NIH, Dr. Francis Collins, recently presented an estimate of nearly $80 million for Down syndrome research in FY2019 to the Senate Labor Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Sub-Appropriations Committee,” said Michelle Sie Whitten, Global Down Syndrome Foundation President and CEO. “Dr. Collins is one of our many heroes at the NIH who believes in our science and that the 400,000 American citizens who happen to have Down syndrome are equal under our laws and deserving of so much better. But we still have a long way to go to rebuild the pipeline of Down syndrome research and achieve parity.”

The gala honored Global Ambassador CC Mullen, and recognized Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO) and Representative Cheri Bustos (D-IL) with Global’s Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award (Q-Award).

Three previous Q-Award winners helped ring in the evening. Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) provided moving, opening remarks with her 12-year old son who happens to have Down syndrome, Global Ambassador Cole Rodgers, by her side. Congressman Tom Cole (R-OK) and Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) introduced the 2019 honorees, underscoring the great contributions that Sen. Blunt and Rep. Bustos have made to the Down syndrome community and all those who are differently-abled.

Global Ambassador CC Mullen is currently battling leukemia and was unable to attend. CC was represented by her parents, Ed and Erin Mullen. Erin’s speech received two standing ovations. “I am a mom of a child who is ten times more likely to get childhood leukemia, among many other diseases and health challenges. This is just one reason why medical research for individuals with Down syndrome is important,” Erin shared. “To work with Global, our congressional champions, and self-advocates on the first-ever Congressional hearing on Down syndrome research was one of the best experiences of our lives. I got to hold CC in my lap, witness a standing ovation for Frank Stephen’s testimony, and later see the results be the first significant increase in Down syndrome research funding in nearly 20 years. My experience with Michelle and the Global team makes me believe without a doubt that things can change and that we can all make a difference.”

Rep. McMorris Rodgers agreed, “Michelle and I have been on this journey for 12 years now for Cole, Sophia, and millions of people with Down syndrome. Research about Down syndrome has so much to offer not just those with Down syndrome, but the world. Global and Dr. Espinosa at the Crnic Institute are making sure that everyone understands that we can help cure Alzheimer’s, cancer and so many life-threatening diseases if we invest properly in Down syndrome research.”

Reps. DeLauro and Cole emphasized the successful, bi-partisan effort around Down syndrome research and medical care. Global’s Q Awardees Blunt and Bustos provided an insight into the greater framework within which people with Down syndrome can succeed.

“Global and the Crnic Institute, the Mullen family and all those with Down syndrome, everyone in this room tonight, is taking on a worthy cause and battling for what is right. This battle is truly bipartisan. And only by working together can we make sure that every person with Down syndrome has the resources they need to live a happy, productive, and dignified life. That’s our goal,” said Rep. DeLauro.

“Every American has a special and unique role to play in our communities, and those who face challenges deserve an extra dose of support from their communities. Republican or Democrat, this is something we can all agree on,” said Rep. Cole. “During this year’s AcceptAbility Gala, I am proud that my colleagues Senator Roy Blunt and Congresswoman Cheri Bustos were honored for their advocacy on behalf of those Americans in the Down syndrome community. Certainly, this is bipartisan work we can all be proud of.”

“It was a tremendous honor to be a part of this year’s AcceptAbility Gala. In the subcommittee I chair, we have worked together in a bipartisan, bicameral way to boost federal funding for medical research by $9 billion over the past four years,” said Senator Blunt. “I appreciate all that the Global Down Syndrome Foundation does to bring together families, advocates and supporters who are working hard to make sure Down syndrome remains a research priority. An event like this doesn’t just bring awareness, it inspires all of us to make sure differently-abled people are recognized for their achievements and given the opportunity to continue accomplishing great things in their lives.”

“I know a young girl with Down syndrome who was diagnosed with Lyme disease. Clinicians were at a loss as to how to treat her and Dr. Espinosa jumped in to help,” said Rep. Bustos. “We obviously need to understand more about what appropriate care is for people with Down syndrome. We also need to keep pushing important financials vehicles such as the ABLE act. There is so much more we can and should be doing for people with Down syndrome.”

The AcceptAbility Gala was capped off with an inspirational set by The Ransom Notes musical trio from Nashville, and an intimate and heart-felt performance by multi- platinum pop artist, Andy Grammer. The award-winning musician related to the cause immediately and even helped organize two unified dance troupes, RhythmXpress and Devenio, to choreograph dances to his first two certified Gold songs – Good to be Alive and Keep Your Head Up.

Grammer was truly touched by the event, “There are a lot of emotions around this topic, but the real work is getting to DC and getting into the true mechanics of how to create real change. And the Global Down Syndrome foundation is creating real change.”

Chief White House correspondent at Fox News, John Roberts was the gala’s emcee. Honorary Committee members included Representatives Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Pete Stauber (R-MN), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Cory Gardner (R-CO), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Tom Cole (R-OK), Diana DeGette (D-CO), Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Barbara Lee (D-CA), and Senators Steve Daines (R- MT) and Roy Blunt (R-MO). Key sponsors include Kroger, American Express, JMA Solutions, MasterCard, PhRMA, US Travel Association, Visa, Wells Fargo, and the Mullen Family.

To learn more about Global’s AcceptAbility Gala and the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award, visit: https://www.globaldownsyndrome.org/acceptability-gala/

About Global Down Syndrome Foundation

Established in 2009, Global Down Syndrome Foundation (Global) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) dedicated to significantly improving the lives of people with Down syndrome through research, medical care, education and advocacy. Global is part of a network of affiliates who work together to deliver on our mission, supporting hundreds of scientists and medical care professionals. Our affiliates include the Sie Center for Down Syndrome, the Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, Rocky Mountain Alzheimer’s Disease Center and a new pilot Adult Clinic. For more information, visit globaldownsyndrome.org and follow us on social media (Facebook, Twitter @GDSFoundation, Instagram @globaldownsyndrome).

Left to Right: Michael A. Clemens (President, CU Anschutz Student Senate); Linda Shoemaker (CU Regent, District 2 – Boulder); Michelle Sie Whitten (President & CEO of Global Down Syndrome Foundation); Donald M. Elliman, Jr. (Chancellor, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus); Bruce D. Benson (President of the University of Colorado)

Global President & CEO, Michelle Sie Whitten, was honored to accept the CU Regents Distinguished Service Award at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Spring Commencement. Linda Shoemaker presented her award, stating that “Whitten’s tireless pursuit of excellence in care, research, and advocacy has yielded better lives for all, and her commitment to the University of Colorado is today honored by the CU Board of Regents and the CU community with the Distinguished Service Award.”

View the Photos | View the Program

(L-R) Megan Bomgaars, Dr. Diana Bianchi, Michelle Sie Whitten

PROGRAM FOR FAMILIES: ADVOCACY, AWARENESS, & FUNDRAISING

Through a series of short presentations and Q&A, this session will address important issues for self-advocates, family members, and Down syndrome organizations regarding three areas that are intricately related – advocacy, awareness & fundraising for Down syndrome research. This year Global will be hosting a full morning program featuring 5 expert speakers (including Megan Bomgaars from the Emmy Award-winning series Born This Way), and cover the following topics: The Importance of Down syndrome Research & How Down Syndrome Organizations and Families Can Advocate for Government Funding, Self-Advocates with Down Syndrome Make it Happen!, Scientists with Family Members with Down Syndrome – Things to Consider Before Participating in Research and Engaging the Press, Self-Advocates & Celebrities to Raise Awareness & Funds.

Order your pizza at papajohns.com from your closest participating store using promo code “GLOBAL” to get 20% off and support Global!

A potential pathway to normalizing the larger problem of immune system dysregulation

Oliver has had alopecia areata since early childhood. (Left Photo Credit: DigPicPhoto)

Press Contacts:
Rejena Carmichael | rcarmichael@globaldownsyndrome.org | C: (240) 603-5494
Anca Call | acall@globaldownsyndrome.org | C: (720) 320-3832

May 14, Denver, CO – Researchers and doctors at the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome (Crnic Institute), the University of Colorado Department of Dermatology, and the Palo Alto Medical Foundation in California have just published the first report of safe and efficacious use of an immune modulatory strategy to treat alopecia areata in individuals with Down syndrome. The drug featured in the publication is called Xeljanz, also known as Tofacitinib, which belongs to a class of drugs known as ‘JAK inhibitors.’

The results in this publication hold promise not only for the treatment of alopecia areata but could possibly hold the key for other autoimmune disorders and ailments found in people with Down syndrome. This research builds upon the Crnic Institute’s groundbreaking discovery that people with Down syndrome have profound immune system dysregulation and autoimmunity associated with chronic activation of a branch of the immune system known as the interferon response.

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, causing hair loss. People with Down syndrome have up to a ten-fold higher risk of developing alopecia areata than the typical population, as well as increased risk of developing many other immune disorders.

The research team studied how the drug Xeljanz impacted two individuals with Down syndrome who have alopecia areata. The scientists discovered a remarkable recovery of hair growth within weeks of beginning treatment, and with no measurable side effects. The study results were published on April 5, 2019 in the Journal of the American Association of Dermatology Case Reports.

“For the past four years, we have been hypothesizing that partially inhibiting the interferon response with specific drugs would have therapeutic benefits for people with Down syndrome, and these two cases clearly support our hypothesis,” said Dr. Espinosa, Executive Director of the Crnic Institute, an affiliate of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation (Global).

Dr. Espinosa and several expert scientists at the Crnic Institute believe that Xeljanz is a drug that could have a wide range of positive effects on a variety of health issues and the overall well-being of people with Down syndrome. Xeljanz is manufactured by Pfizer, Inc. and approved in the United States for use in other immune disorders including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ulcerative colitis. Xeljanz has not yet been approved to treat alopecia areata.

“Clearly, Global and the Crnic Institute are interested in science that will benefit people with Down syndrome today, or at least as soon as possible,” said Michelle Sie Whitten, President and CEO of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation. “The work on interferon and the potential benefit is astounding. However, there is still much research to be done before people start prescribing JAK inhibitors. We need organized clinical trials starting specifically for people with Down syndrome and now our job is to raise that initial investment of $3 million.”

Numerous JAK inhibitors are currently being tested in clinical trials for alopecia areata and other immune diseases in typical people. Despite the fact that people with Down syndrome have a
higher risk of developing alopecia areata, exclusion criteria of these clinical trials typically make
it near impossible for a person with Down syndrome to participate.

“The next step is to design and launch a proper clinical trial for JAK inhibitors specifically for people with Down syndrome. This will take a significant amount of resources and effort, as well
as strong participation from self-advocates and their families, but it is clearly the right thing to do
at this time. The fact that people with Down syndrome have been excluded from previous
clinical trials is unacceptable,” Dr. Espinosa said.

Much of the science supported by Global and the Crnic Institute focuses on why people with Down syndrome have a radically different disease spectrum and therefore are highly predisposed to diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and autoimmune disorders but are also highly protected from diseases such as solid tumor cancers. To learn more about the discovery accelerator for this important research, visit the Crnic Institute Human Trisome Project at www.trisome.org.

About the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome

The Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome is one of the only academic research centers fully devoted to improving the lives of people with Down syndrome through advanced biomedical research, spanning from basic science to translational and clinical investigations. Founded through the generous support and partnership of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, theAnna and John J. Sie Foundation, and the University of Colorado, the Crnic Institute supports a thriving research program involving over 50 research teams across four campuses on the Colorado Front Range. To learn more, visit www.crnicinstitute.org.

About Global Down Syndrome Foundation

Established in 2009, Global Down Syndrome Foundation (Global) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) dedicated to significantly improving the lives of people with Down syndrome through research, medical care, education and advocacy. Global is part of a network of affiliates who work together to deliver on our mission, supporting hundreds of scientists and medical care professionals. Our affiliates include the Sie Center for Down Syndrome, the Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, Rocky Mountain Alzheimer’s Disease Center and a new pilot Adult Clinic. For more information, visit globaldownsyndrome.org and follow us on social media (Facebook, Twitter @GDSFoundation, Instagram @globaldownsyndrome).

SPRING 2019

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Overview & Speakers:

This webinar discusses the connection between lung infection and cognition in Down syndrome. Find out what families need to know and important new research that can benefit your loved ones with Down syndrome. Key takeaways from this presentation:

• How Trisomy 21 leads to respiratory and autoimmune diseases
• How infectious lung disease likely impacts cognition
• New research on lung disease, autoimmunity, and Down syndrome that could greatly impact quality of life and help people with and without Down syndrome that face these conditions

Michael Yeager, PhD.

Michael Yeager, PhD. is an Associate Professor in Pediatrics and Bioengineering at the University of Colorado. He earned his Ph.D. at CU in Experimental Pathology and completed post-doctoral fellowships at Johns Hopkins Medical Institutes and National Jewish Hospital. His primary research interests have focused on inflammation and fibrosis of the lung vasculature and the right ventricle in children and adults with pulmonary hypertension and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Recently, he has been investigating why persons with Down syndrome are more susceptible to infectious lung disease. He is grateful to be funded to do this work by the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, the American Heart Association, and the Jerome Lejeune Foundation.

Important Notice

The Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s employees and/or volunteers are NOT acting as your medical professional or attorney. Responses you receive via electronic mail, phone, or in any other manner DO NOT create or constitute a doctor-patient or attorney-client relationship between you  and the Global Down Syndrome Foundation (Global), or any employee of, or other person associated with, Global.

Information received from Global’s employees or volunteers, or from this website, should NOT be considered a substitute for the advice of a medical professional or lawyer. Globaldownsyndrome.org DOES NOT provide any medical or legal advice. You should consult with your own doctor or lawyer for medical or legal advice. This website is a general service that provides information over the internet. The information contained on this website is general information and should not be construed as medical advice to be applied to any specific factual situations.

Global Down Syndrome Foundation Charts Future on World Down Syndrome Day

Press Contacts:
Rejena Carmichael | rcarmichael@globaldownsyndrome.org | C: (240) 603-5494
Anca Call | acall@globaldownsyndrome.org | C: (720) 320-3832

KAMPALA, NYC, DENVER, CO March 21, 2019 – Today, on World Down Syndrome Day, the Global Down Syndrome Foundation (Global) pays tribute to the largest Down syndrome awareness event on the continent of Africa, which they helped co-organize. Global also celebrates the important day at Colorado’s State Capitol with self-advocates, scientists, clinicians, and Governor Jared Polis, while simultaneously providing an important keynote presentation at the Holy See Mission at the United Nations (UN) in New York City.

At each event, self-advocates with Down syndrome take center stage. In Uganda, there are music and festivities and also an important announcement of a new employment program linking corporations with adults with Down syndrome. Self-advocates and family members are excited to communicate the importance of this program.

In Denver, over 200 people gather at the Capitol to hear the latest research and medical care updates from the Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome and the Sie Center for Down Syndrome. Four-time Emmy-winning Born this Way actress, Megan Bomgaars, encourages people not to limit her or limit themselves.

And at the United Nations in New York City, Global’s President & CEO, Michelle Sie Whitten, gives a keynote speech that charters a brighter future for people with Down syndrome. Whitten emphasizes that the increased federal research and medical care funding for people with Down syndrome is already helping to elongate life and improve quality of life for a population that is still plagued by discrimination. The Holy See Mission organized this UN conference called “Social Protections for Women, Girls, and all those with Down Syndrome.” Other keynote presenters include world-renowned swimmer and activist, Karen Gaffney, and parent/activists, Deanna Smith and Rick Smith.

“People with Down Syndrome have a right to their fair share of research and medical care dollars,” says Whitten. “We are done with this idea that ‘earlier, better detection will solve the problem.’ What will solve the problem is increased funding from the National Institutes of Health, ensuring good health, equity, and opportunity. What will solve the problem is people advocating for the lives of our children and adults.”

Down syndrome organizations are working together to deliver on this important mission. “Global’s leadership in research, medical care, and advocacy is essential to our community,” says Debbie Revels, Executive Director of the Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville. “We are excited to present Global with our inaugural ‘Making a Difference Award’ at our 30th Anniversary Gala, which also commemorates World Down Syndrome Day. We are happy to continue working with Global and charting a brighter future for people with Down syndrome.”

World Down Syndrome Day falls on March 21st or “3-21” signifying the fact that people with Down syndrome are born with 3 (three) copies of chromosome 21 instead of 2 (two). World Down Syndrome Day was promulgated by the United Nations in 2012 and is celebrated in 190 countries. To learn more about the Global Down Syndrome Foundation and World Down Syndrome Day, visit www.globaldownsyndrome.org.

About Global Down Syndrome Foundation

Established in 2009, Global Down Syndrome Foundation (Global) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) dedicated to significantly improving the lives of people with Down syndrome through research, medical care, education and advocacy. Global is part of a network of affiliates who work together to deliver on our mission, supporting hundreds of scientists and medical care professionals. Our affiliates include the Sie Center for Down Syndrome, the Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, Rocky Mountain Alzheimer’s Disease Center and a new pilot Adult Clinic. For more information, visit globaldownsyndrome.org and follow us on social media (Facebook, Twitter @GDSFoundation, Instagram @globaldownsyndrome).

The Global Member Employment Initiative Grants have provided nearly $65,000 to programs for 33 local Down syndrome organizations across the country and supported a total of 75 employees with Down syndrome

Press Contacts:
Rejena Carmichael | rcarmichael@globaldownsyndrome.org | C: (240) 603-5494
Anca Call | acall@globaldownsyndrome.org | C: (720) 320-3832

DENVER, CO March 12, 2019 – In celebration of International Down Syndrome Awareness Month, Global Down Syndrome Foundation (Global) awarded its Employment Initiatives grants to eight member organizations in Kentucky, New Jersey, Virginia, Florida, Arizona and Ohio which will employ 27 self-advocates with Down syndrome.

The Global Member Employment Initiative Grants were started in 2016 and have provided nearly $65,000 to programs for 33 local Down syndrome organizations across the country and supported a total of 75 employees with Down syndrome.

“Global’s transformative Employment Grants allow our organization to employ artisans with Down syndrome and to sell their art at our Artful 21 store. We’re happy to say that 90% of the sales go back to the artisans,” says Toni Mullee, executive director of The Up Side Of Downs organization in North East Ohio. “Our goal is to increase the number of retail artisans from 23 to 35 by the end of 2019. We are so grateful for Global’s continuous support of our mission and our motivated self-advocates.”

“We are really proud of what our Global Members are doing with our employment grants,” said Michelle Sie Whitten, president and CEO of Global Down Syndrome Foundation. “By hiring and empowering individuals with Down syndrome with a job, our local Down syndrome organizational members can show firsthand the positive impact of employing people who are differently-abled.”

Global’s 2019 Self-Advocate Employment Initiative Grant Awardees and Hires:

1. Down Syndrome Association of Central Kentucky will underwrite an administrative position who will also speak on behalf of the organization at public events.

2. Down Syndrome Association of Central New Jersey will underwrite a part-time employee and extend both the hours and the responsibilities of the position.

3. Down Syndrome Association of Northern Virginia will employ two part-time paid interns. The internship program responsibilities will include program development and membership database management.

4. Gigi’s Playhouse will coordinate a 12-week training program for dozens of their current self-advocate employees. The Global grant will also help the Illinois-based organization hire a part-time career development manager to oversee self-advocate employees.

5. Gold Coast Down Syndrome Organization will contract a groundskeeping business owner who takes care of the grounds and outdoor space at the Gold Coast, Florida offices.

6. Mi Work Matters will hire and train 4 Ambassadors for annual Mi Work Matters presentations. As a representative of the Michigan-based organization, the Ambassadors will discuss the importance of inclusive employment to potential employers and local media. Representator of Mi Work Matters and an integral part of presentations to potential employers and local media.

7. Sharing Down Syndrome Arizona will hire a new paid position focused on outreach support. Some of the job responsibilities will include assisting with New Parent Support Packets and attending meetings with new parents to babies with Down syndrome.

8. Up Side of Downs of Northeast Ohio will underwrite current, new, and potential retail artisans for their Artful21 store. In addition, this year they will implement a new six-week entrepreneur boot camp to help educate and prepare self-advocates for their entrepreneurial endeavors.

Global’s Self-Advocate Employment Initiative Grants are just one of many benefits of Global membership. To become a Global Down Syndrome Foundation member or to learn more about member benefits, visit: https://www.globaldownsyndrome.org/become-a-member/

About Global Down Syndrome Foundation

Established in 2009, Global Down Syndrome Foundation (Global) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) dedicated to significantly improving the lives of people with Down syndrome through research, medical care, education and advocacy. Global is part of a network of affiliates who work together to deliver on our mission, supporting hundreds of scientists and medical care professionals. Our affiliates include the Sie Center for Down Syndrome, the Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, Rocky Mountain Alzheimer’s Disease Center and a new pilot Adult Clinic. For more information, visit globaldownsyndrome.org and follow us on social media (Facebook, Twitter @GDSFoundation, Instagram @globaldownsyndrome).

SPRING 2019

---

Overview & Speakers:

This webinar discusses the connection between lung infection and cognition in Down syndrome. Find out what families need to know and important new research that can benefit your loved ones with Down syndrome. Key takeaways from this presentation:

• How Trisomy 21 leads to respiratory and autoimmune diseases
• How infectious lung disease likely impacts cognition
• New research on lung disease, autoimmunity, and Down syndrome that could greatly impact quality of life and help people with and without Down syndrome that face these conditions

Michael Yeager, PhD.

Michael Yeager, PhD. is an Associate Professor in Pediatrics and Bioengineering at the University of Colorado. He earned his Ph.D. at CU in Experimental Pathology and completed post-doctoral fellowships at Johns Hopkins Medical Institutes and National Jewish Hospital. His primary research interests have focused on inflammation and fibrosis of the lung vasculature and the right ventricle in children and adults with pulmonary hypertension and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Recently, he has been investigating why persons with Down syndrome are more susceptible to infectious lung disease. He is grateful to be funded to do this work by the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, the American Heart Association, and the Jerome Lejeune Foundation.

Important Notice

The Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s employees and/or volunteers are NOT acting as your medical professional or attorney. Responses you receive via electronic mail, phone, or in any other manner DO NOT create or constitute a doctor-patient or attorney-client relationship between you  and the Global Down Syndrome Foundation (Global), or any employee of, or other person associated with, Global.

Information received from Global’s employees or volunteers, or from this website, should NOT be considered a substitute for the advice of a medical professional or lawyer. Globaldownsyndrome.org DOES NOT provide any medical or legal advice. You should consult with your own doctor or lawyer for medical or legal advice. This website is a general service that provides information over the internet. The information contained on this website is general information and should not be construed as medical advice to be applied to any specific factual situations.