Let the angel smile from the "heart": scientific publicity for caring for patients with Vanderwood syndrome

Let the angel smile from the "heart": scientific publicity for caring for patients with Vanderwood syndrome

Completed by: He Zhenru Instructor: Song Yaling

Unit: Wuhan University School of Stomatology

In this fast-paced life, we often overlook the innocent smile deep in our hearts. However, for patients with Vanderwood syndrome, smile is a precious power, a way of expression beyond the body. Their smile is not easy to come by, but after countless struggles and efforts. Every smile contains their inner tenacity and courage, and is an expression of cherishing and optimism for life.

Vanderwood syndrome, this name may not be common in most people's lives, but it has left a deep mark on a special group of people. Vanderwood syndrome is a rare disease, mainly manifested by lip fistula or depression of the lower lip, cleft lip or cleft palate, etc. However, despite facing the dual challenges of physical and psychological, Vanderwood syndrome patients still keep smiling, showing their inner strength and beauty with the smile of the heart.

1. The smile of a person with Vanderwood syndrome

Van Der Woude syndrome (VWS) is a rare autosomal dominant genetic disease. The syndrome is named after Cornelius VanderWoude, a Dutch doctor who first described the disease in 1973. It is usually observed at birth. Its main features involve oral and craniofacial deformities, the most common of which are lower lip fistula or depression, cleft lip or cleft palate, and 1/4 of patients are accompanied by missing teeth. These deformities have a significant impact on the patient's appearance and may also cause a series of physical and mental health problems. In patients with Van Der Woude syndrome, cleft lip and cleft palate may cause various oral function disorders. For example: 1. Because of the abnormal oral structure, it is impossible to swallow food normally, affecting nutrient absorption; 2. The connection between the oral cavity and the nasal cavity makes it easy for the airflow to enter the mouth instead of the nose during breathing, which may cause breathing difficulties and sleep disorders; 3. There are often difficulties in pronunciation, especially when making clear, voiced and nasal sounds. Surgical repair is a common treatment method, but it requires several complex and difficult operations, which is not only a test of the body, but also a test of inner tenacity. The recovery period after surgery may be long and arduous, but patients with Vanderwood syndrome persist in the pain and are full of hope for life. The smile of patients with Vanderwood syndrome is not easily obtained, but is accompanied by countless struggles and efforts. Every smile is a victory in their lives and a conquest of difficulties, like a vivid and touching storybook, recording their persistence and struggle in the journey of life.

In addition to physical problems, patients with Vanderwood syndrome may also face challenges in mental health. Due to their unusual appearance, patients with Vanderwood syndrome often face misunderstanding and discrimination from others in social situations. Sometimes, this discrimination may stem from a lack of understanding of appearance, which makes them feel isolated. Despite these psychological challenges, many patients with Vanderwood syndrome have not lost the courage to smile. They have demonstrated admirable courage and optimism. In the face of challenges, they not only find the inner strength to cope with difficulties, but also influence and inspire those around them with their smiles and positive attitudes. Their smiles not only warm themselves, but also warm those around them. It is this kind of inner strength and optimism that makes their smiles more precious and unique.

2. Smiling requires the support of the heart

Patients with Vanderwood syndrome need psychosocial support from family, friends and society to cope with the dual challenges of physical and psychological. This support can help them better cope with the stress of the treatment process, while providing emotional support in social situations and reducing the psychological burden. The support of family and friends can give patients emotional comfort and understanding, making them feel accepted and supported. Social support is also very important, which can help patients better integrate into society and reduce isolation and discrimination. This psychosocial support has a positive impact on the rehabilitation and mental health of patients with Vanderwood syndrome. Psychosocial support also includes professional psychotherapy. Through communication with mental health professionals, patients with Vanderwood syndrome can better understand and cope with their emotions, improve their cognition of themselves, cultivate a positive attitude towards life, and better adapt to the social environment, improve their self-esteem, and reduce anxiety and tension in social interactions. Through interaction with professional psychologists, patients with Vanderwood syndrome can find ways to release their emotions and better face the challenges in life.

Participating in group activities is another way for patients with Vanderwood syndrome to heal their souls. By participating in social activities, patients can build a support system and find understanding and resonance with each other. This not only helps them build self-confidence, but also allows them to share experiences and grow together in the group. Social support, through group activities, can not only promote interaction between patients and others, but also cultivate their sense of belonging to society. This psychosocial support network has a positive impact on the recovery and mental health of patients with Vanderwood syndrome.

Psychosocial support and participation in group activities are important ways for Vanderwood syndrome patients to heal their souls. They can help them deal with emotional problems, improve self-cognition, develop a positive attitude towards life, build a support system, share experiences, enhance self-confidence, reduce anxiety and tension, and cultivate a sense of belonging. By providing comprehensive psychological and social support, we can help Vanderwood syndrome patients better adapt to life, develop a positive attitude, and show a more beautiful smile. Let us use love and care to make their smiles start from the "heart" and radiate more warmth and love.

3. Summary

Through this popular science campaign, we can help people understand Vanderwood syndrome and eliminate misunderstandings and prejudices about it. At the same time, we hope to arouse more people's love and support for Vanderwood syndrome patients, prompt society to pay more attention to and care about this special group, and provide more "heart" support for patients and their families. May every Vanderwood syndrome patient thrive in an inclusive and warm environment, spread their wings like an angel, and pursue their dreams. Their smiles and efforts will become a valuable asset to society and bring more hope and beauty to our world. Let us work together to create a more inclusive and supportive society for Vanderwood syndrome patients.