INTRODUCTION TO AROMATIC WATERS

Aromatic waters are clear aqueous solution saturated with volatile Oils (e.g. rose oil, Peppermint oil, orother aromatic or volatile substances eg. camphor. Their odours and taste are of those of the drugs or
volatile substances from which they are prepared.
Aromatic waters may be used for perfuming, . avoring or for special purposes for eg.
1. Camphor water has been used as the vehicle in ophthalmic solutions owning to its ability to contribute
refreshing, stimulating effect to the preparation.
2. Hamamelis water known as witch hazel is employed as a rub, perfume and as an astringent in
various cosmetic preparations, particularly in after-shave lotions.

1.Distillation Method:

The distillation method involves the placing of the coarsely ground odoriferous portion of the plant
or drug from which the aromatic water is to be prepared in a suitable still, with suf. cient puri. ed
water. Most of the volume of water is then distilled. The excess oils collected with the distillate rises
to the top of the aqueous product and are removed. The remaining aqueous solutions, saturated
with volatile material require clari. cation by . ltration.

2. Solution Method:

Aromatic water is prepared by intermittently shaking 2ml (if liquid) or 2gm (if solid) of the volatile
substance with 1000ml of puri. ed water in suitable container for period of 15 minutes. After the
period of agitation the mixture is set aside for 12 hours or longer to permit the excess oil and the
solid substance to settle. Without further agitation the mixture is passed through a wetted . lter
paper and puri. ed water added as needed to bring the volume of the . ltrate upto the prescribed
quantity.

3.Alternative solution Method:

By this method the volatile oil or suitably comminuted aromatic solid is thoroughly incorporated
with 15gms of talc and to this mixture is added 1000ml of puri. ed water. The resulting slurry is
thoroughly agitated several times for the period of 30 minutes and then . ltered.
Preparation of concentrated Aromatic water:
These products are alcoholic non aqueous preparations containing 2% of volatile oils They are forty
times stronger than the ordinary aromatic waters. Many volatile oils contain aromatic part and non-aromatic
part. The aromatic portion is much more soluble in a weak alcohol than the non-aromatic portion.
Hence when a solution of the oil in 90% alcohol is diluted with a limited amount of water the aromatic portion
of the oil remains in solution while the non-aromatic portion is precipitated off, separating as an oily
layer. Therefore 50gms of talc is added for 1000ml of preparation which acts as a distributing agent, and
will absorbs the non-aromatic part. The solution is agitated and set aside for a few hours and . ltered.
Storage: Aromatic water deteoriate with time and it should be made in small quantities and protected
from intense light and excessive heat and stored in airtight, light resistance container.
Note for teacher: Any other of. cial aromatic water can be done beside the preparation given in the
manual for these experiments

1 Title: To prepare, evaluate and submit 100ml of Chloroform Water I.P. by Simple Solution Method.
(Read the Introduction of Aromatic Waters.)

2.purpose Different types of solutions, volumetric measurement

3.New concepts: Proposition 1: Pharmaceutical Aid

Preparation used as an excipient or base or vehicle for formulation of other pharmaceutical
preparations.


Proposition 3: Storage: Aromatic waters are stored in air tight, light resistant container.

4 Apparatus: Glass Beaker (250 ml), Volumetric Cylinder (100 ml), Volumetric Pipette (1ml).
5 Step wise procedure:

It is saturated solution of chloroform in puri. ed water .The solubility of chloroform is 1 in 800 parts
of water.
1. Measure the required quantity of chloroform.
Pharmaceutics - I Experiment No. 3
2. Add suf. cient quantity of puri. ed water to make the required volume with constant stirring
so that chloroform gets uniformly mixed.
Dose: 15 to 30 ml
Category: Pharmaceutical Aid.
Storage: store in airtight container in cool place away from light.

7 Labeling of formulation:

(Students shall write all aspects of labeling in the space provided below.)

8 Observation and evaluation:

9 Result:

…………ml of ………………………………………………………………………….. preparation is
submitted in ……………………………………………. container with neat label.

CALAMINE LOTION USP

FORMULA

CALAMINE :80g
Zinc oxide 80g
Glycerin 20ml
Bentonite magma 250mL
Calcium hydroxide q.s. 1000mlTopical solution

PROCEDURE:

Dilute the bentonite magma with an equal volume of calcium hydroxide topical solution mix the power intimately with the glycerin and about 100ml of the diluted magma .triturating until a smooth ,uniform paste is formed .gradually in corporate the remainder of the diluted magma .finally add enough calcium hydroxide topical solution to make 1000ml and shake well .if a more viscous consistency in the lotion to not more than 400ml
Many investigator have studied calamine lotion ,and this has led to the satisfying the collective needs of all dermatologists

THEORY:

A lotion is a low- to medium-viscosity, topical preparation intended for application to unbroken skin; creams and gels have a higher viscosity. Most lotions are oil-in-water emulsions, but water-in-oil lotions are also formulated. Lotions are usually applied to external skin with bare hands, a clean cloth, cotton wool or gauze; creams and gels usually only with one's fingers or palms. Many lotions, especially Hand Creams and Face cream are formulated not as a medicine delivery system, but simply to smooth and soften the skin— these are particularly popular with the aging and aged demographic groups, and in the case of face usage, can also be classified as a cosmetic in many cases.The key components of a skin care lotion, cream or gel emulsion (that is mixtures of oil and water) are the aquous and oily phases, an emulgent to prevent separation of these two phases, and, if used, the drug substance or substances. A wide variety of other ingredients such as fragnances, glycerol, petrolium jelly, dyes, preservatives proteins and stabilizing agents are commonly added to lotions.

USES:

Calamine is a mixture of ZINC OXIDE (ZnO) with about 0.5% IRON OXIDE(Fe2O3).
CALAMINE is the main ingredient in calamine lotion and is used as an ANTIPRURITIC (anti-itching agent) to treat mild pruritic conditions such as SUNBURN , ECZEMA , RASHES, POISON IVY , CHICKEN POX ,
 INSECT bites and stings.It is also used as a mild ANTISEPTIC to prevent infections that can be caused by scratching the affected area, and an ASTRINGENT to dry weeping or oozing BLISTERS and ACNE ABSCESSES.

 IT ALSO ACT AS SOOTHING,SMOOTHING AND MOISTURING AGENT AND GIVES PROTECTION FROM SUNBURN



Remington sciences & practice page no 772-773

CALAMINE LOTION IP

FORMULA
CALAMINE : 15.0 GRAMS.
ZINC OXIDE : 5.0 GRAMS.
BENTUNITE : 3.0 GRAMS.
SODIUM CITRATE : 0.5 GRAMS.
LIQUIFIED PHENOL : 0.5 ML.
GLYCERINE : 5.0 ML.
ROSE WATER : 0.02 ML.
DISTILLED WATER : UPTO 100.0 ML.

PROCEDURE:

FIRST TAKE THE CALAMINE ABOUT 15 GMS IN A MORTAR AND THEN TAKE ZINC OXIDE AND MIX WELL IN A MORTAR, THIRDLY,TAKE BENTUNITE AND MIX IT WELL. TAKE SODIUM CITRATE IN A SMALL BEAKER AND MIX IT WITH 30 ML OF DISTILLED WATER AND POUR THE SOLUTION IN A MORTAR GENTLY AND MIX IT WILL TILL ALL INGERDIENTS WILL BE SEEN IN A FINE POWEDERY AND SMOOTH PASTE. AFTRE THAT, POUR GLYCERINE DROP BY DROP AND ALSO POUR ROSE WATER GENTLY. LASTLY, TAKE A DISTILLED OR PURIFIED WATER IN A MEASURING CYLINDER ABOUT UPTO 100 ML AND POUR 100 ML OF DISTILLED WATER IN A MORTAR AND KEEP IN A CLOSED BOTTLE. SO YOUR CALAMINE LOTION WILL BE READY. SHAKE WELL BEFORE USE.

THEORY:

A lotion is a low- to medium-viscosity, topical preparation intended for application to unbroken skin; creams and gels have a higher viscosity. Most lotions are oil-in-water emulsions, but water-in-oil lotions are also formulated. Lotions are usually applied to external skin with bare hands, a clean cloth, cotton wool or gauze; creams and gels usually only with one's fingers or palms. Many lotions, especially Hand Creams and Face cream are formulated not as a medicine delivery system, but simply to smooth and soften the skin— these are particularly popular with the aging and aged demographic groups, and in the case of face usage, can also be classified as a cosmetic in many cases.The key components of a skin care lotion, cream or gel emulsion (that is mixtures of oil and water) are the aquous and oily phases, an emulgent to prevent separation of these two phases, and, if used, the drug substance or substances. A wide variety of other ingredients such as fragnances, glycerol, petrolium jelly, dyes, preservatives proteins and stabilizing agents are commonly added to lotions.

USES:

Calamine is a mixture of ZINC OXIDE (ZnO) with about 0.5% IRON OXIDE(Fe2O3). CALAMINE is the main ingredient in calamine lotion and is used as an ANTIPRURITIC (anti-itching agent) to treat mild pruritic conditions such as SUNBURN , ECZEMA , RASHES, POISON IVY , CHICKEN POX , INSECT bites and stings.It is also used as a mild ANTISEPTIC to prevent infections that can be caused by scratching the affected area, and an ASTRINGENT to dry weeping or oozing BLISTERS and ACNE ABSCESSES. IT ALSO ACT AS SOOTHING,SMOOTHING AND MOISTURING AGENT AND GIVES PROTECTION FROM SUNBURN

STDs/AIDS

STDs/AIDS

INTRODUCTION:

"It is estimated that by the end of 20th century there were 40 million people infected with HIV all over the world and India has been leading with highest number of cases (ranging from 10-20 million). We may not be infected but will definitely be affected indirectly by it. Hence it is a duty of every citizen of India to have detailed knowledge about this disease".
Due to lack of knowledge about AIDS people have fear in their mind against the victims of this disease. Because of fear of social boycott, AIDS patients and their relatives hide their HIV status. Many doctors (due to fear of getting infection) also refuse to treat these patients. There is danger of AIDS for everybody and only thing that can save us is to be completely informed.

AIDS is

Acquired – must do something to contract
Immune – ability to fight off infectious agents
Deficiency – lack of
Syndrome – cluster of symptoms that are Characteristic for a disease

HIV is:

Human – isolated to the human species
Immuno-Deficiency – Lacking the ability to fight off infectious agents
Virus – a disease causing agent

How Hiv infect

AIDS is caused by HIV, a very fragile RNA type of retrovirus, which like any other microorganism lives inside the living cells of the body. Outside body it doesn’t survive for more than half and hour.
There are two types of HIV virus, i.e. HIV-1 and HIV-2. HIV-1 is present all over the world and in India more than 80% people are affected by it. HIV-2 is mainly found in Africa and also presents in India. Some people are infected with both the viruses. People only infected with HIV-2 live longer than those infected with HIV-1 and chances of transmission of HIV-2 from mother to child are very rare.
Once in body, HIV attacks CD4 type of White Blood Cells (WBCs) in blood and gradually kills them.

These CD4 type of WBC helps us to fight against various infections.

Once they are destroyed our body’s resistance to fight infections goes down and person suffers from lots of infections.
This end stage of HIV infection is called AIDS. It takes many years for AIDS to develop and till that time infected person usually remains healthy.

HOW DOES HIV SPREAD

Infected person’s blood, semen, vaginal fluid are rich in HIV. However tears, saliva, sweat or urine do not pose any danger?
HIV is transmitted by:
· Unprotected sexual intercourse with infected person (either heterosexual or homosexual)
· Transfusion of infected blood or blood products
· Infected mother to her baby during pregnancy, birth process and through breast – feeding
· Use of infected needles and instruments without sterilization or sharing of needles and syringes by HIV drug addicts

HOW HIV IS NOT TRANSMITTED

There is no risk of contracting HIV infection in daily routine activities and by casual contact with HIV positive person.
AIDS virus is not transmitted through:
· Embarrassing or kissing (social)
· Touching hand shaking or hugging
· Sharing bathroom or toilet
· Coughing, saliva or sneezing
· Eating together or sharing utensils
· Swimming pools
· Sharing clothes
· Mosquito bite, Insect bite or houseflies
· Patient caring

WHAT ARE SYMPTOMS OF AIDS

An HIV infected person initially looks normal and perfectly healthy. The symptoms of AIDS develop after few years and include: -
· Long standing, unexplained fever ( > 1 month)
· Unexplained diarrhoea (> 1 month)
· Persistent cough (> 1 month)
· Persistent unexplained fatigue and weight loss of more than 5 kg within short period
· White blotches in the mouth or on tongue
·

HOW HIV CAN BE DETECTED

You can not tell by looking at person’s face whether he or she is infected with HIV. The infected person looks perfectly healthy and feel well for years. The infection can only be detected by doing a blood test i.e. ELISA HIV antibody test. If someone is found to be positive by ELISA and confirmed by second test (done on different blood sample and by different method) the person is said to be seropositive.

SPOT TEST:

This is simple rapid test for finding out the HIV status of a person in which the result can be given to the patient within half an hour. Rarely there are chances of a false positive report and hence a positive report should be confirmed by doing ELISA test.

WESTERN BLOT (WB) TEST:

Specialized and costly confirmatory test for HIV. Done only to confirm a positive ELISA or SPOT test report. Ever since the standard of ELISA and SPOT test has improved the role of this test seems to be very little in diagnosis of HIV infection.

CD4 AND VIRAL LOAD TESTING:

Very costly tests and done only in those affording patients who are willing to start anti-HIV (antiretroviral) drugs.
It is mandatory to do pre-test and post-test counselling of all the patients before and after the test respectively.

CARE OF HIV / AIDS PATIENT

GENERAL CARE:

· Sympathetic attitude, family and public support
· Patient should be advised to take adequate rest and diet rich in proteins and vitamins
· Patient should be advised not to donate blood or organs
· Patient should be advised to use condom with any sexual partner
· As far as possible patient should avoid eating outside food
· Patient should be encouraged to give up all habits i.e. smoking, alcohol or chewing pan or tobacco
· Patient should drink boiled water
· Patient should be advised to do regular exercise or yoga
If patients follow above general care tips they can live 1-2 year longer.

SYMPTOMATIC TREATMENT:

· Early treatment of common problems like fever, cough, diarrhea etc. from family doctor
· Early detection and treatment of opportunistic infections like TB etc.

SPECIFIC ANTI-HIV TREATMENT:

Many new anti-HIV drugs which prevent the spread of the virus and can postphone various complications are now available at selected places in market and few of them are also manufactured in India e.g. AZT, 3TC, D4T, Saquinavir, ddc, nevirapine etc. But these medicines are very costly and in India 90% of HIV patients cannot even think of them. One year expenses of good comminations of these drugs and blood testing comes to around 1.5 to 2.5 lacs. These medicines can prolong the life of the patient but not cure him.

HOW CAN HIV BE PREVENTED
PRVENTION IS THE ONLY CURE FOR HIV / AIDS

Prevention is simple easy and the only answer we have got today unless we find some cure. HIV can be easily prevented by adopting simple measures such as:

SAFE SEX:

The only safe sex is ‘no sex’; all other practices like masturbation, cuddling, hugging, rubbing, sticking to one partner or using condom if one cannot avoid multiple partners are safer sex practices.

SAFE BLOOD:

Judicious use of blood and use only pretested HIV free blood or blood product.

SAFE NEEDLES:

Insist your doctors and nurses to use sterile or disposable needles and instruments.

SAFE MOTHERHOOD:

Before taking any major step in life like marriage or having child ascertain that you are HIV free.

SAFE RAZOR AND BLADE:

Never share your shaving blades with anyone and also ask your barber to use properly cleansed razor and new blade during shaving or hair cut. (Although the risk of getting infection from a saloon is minimal)

CARE OF HIV / AIDS PATIENT
GENERAL CARE:

· Sympathetic attitude, family and public support
· Patient should be advised to take adequate rest and diet rich in proteins and vitamins
· Patient should be advised not to donate blood or organs
· Patient should be advised to use condom with any sexual partner
· As far as possible patient should avoid eating outside food
· Patient should be encouraged to give up all habits i.e. smoking, alcohol or chewing pan or tobacco
· Patient should drink boiled water
· Patient should be advised to do regular exercise or yoga
If patients follow above general care tips they can live 1-2 year longer.

SYMPTOMATIC TREATMENT:

· Early treatment of common problems like fever, cough, diarrhea etc. from family doctor
· Early detection and treatment of opportunistic infections like TB etc.

SPECIFIC ANTI-HIV TREATMENT:

Many new anti-HIV drugs which prevent the spread of the virus and can postphone various complications are now available at selected places in market and few of them are also manufactured in India e.g. AZT, 3TC, D4T, Saquinavir, ddc, nevirapine etc. But these medicines are very costly and in India 90% of HIV patients cannot even think of them. One year expenses of good comminations of these drugs and blood testing comes to around 1.5 to 2.5 lacs. These medicines can prolong the life of the patient but no

CONCLUSION

Remember AIDS does not discriminate caste, creed, race, religion, educational or social status. Prevention of AIDS is our joint responsibility. Education and awareness is the only weapon in our hand. Let us accept the challenge to fight against AIDS. We must support and care for the people with HIV / AIDS with compassion and understanding.
t cure him.

Education in India: Pharmacy

Education in India: Pharmacy

Looking for a Career Option as pharmacists?
This section features Pharmacy as a career option, elaborated with reference to the job profile, personality traits required, the courses and training involved, premier institutions and future prospects.
In our day-to-day life pharmacists play an important role, as they are very much into research and manufacture of drugs. As a pharmacist.Thus, pharmacy is closely associated with scientific study.
Pharmacy as a career option has always been in demand. India being a huge nation of about a billion populations, diseases both minor and major has been a curse upon the weak and the poor. In the previous centuries and almost till the middle of the 20th century killer diseases such as acute respiratory infections, diarrhoea, depression, tuberculosis, measles, anaemia etc have been affecting thousands every year. With the advancements in medical science most of these diseases have been brought under control, with the help of high powerful antibiotics and other life saving drugs. This is where pharmacy steps in to fill the void.
Pharmacists study the chemistry of drugs, their origin, procedures for drug development, their preparation, dispensing, their effects and eventual use for prevention and treatment of disease. The complexity of drug therapy and the dangers of drug abuse has brought into focus the need of pharmacists' special skills to maintain a rational approach in the realm of drug treatments.

AMRIT SINGH
Pharmacy Student
'I decided on pharmacy because I had a keen interest in chemistry and biology. Working part-time in a community pharmacy allowed me to view at first hand how rewarding pharmacy is, as it means we can help people from all walks of life using the chemical and drug expertise where there is plenty of contact with the general public.'
In future pharmacists will have more responsibility and more duties to perform, meaning we will have a bigger role to play, like doctors.










Personality Traits
Pharmacists must have a scientific bent of mind and should have interest in medicine. The academic acumen of pharmacists can range from average to superior. Pharmacists in research and industries should have excellent academic potential. An ability to work methodically, carefully and accurately is needed for work in hospitals, stores, laboratories and shop floors. Sympathetic attitude, caring mannerisms and a friendly disposition are required for dealing with patients.
Excellent communication skills are required by pharmacists engaged in marketing and in the production units of industries. Pharmacists in management positions must have effective management skills. In the retail sector, additional skills in merchandising, selling and financial management are required.
Pharmacists work in research, processing and manufacture of drugs. Biotechnological research has added a dynamic potential to the work of pharmacists. The investment in research and development is envisaged to expand the sphere of business activity, both in the country and abroad. Multinational joint venture partnerships have given a thrust to this growth, which has targeted business of almost 40,000 crores, approximately 3.8% of the market share by the turn of the century.

Courses/Training

After Class XII (PCM/B), the study of pharmacy is at the following levels – Diploma courses are of 2 years' duration, degree courses of 4 years' duration.
After graduate degree in pharmacy, M Pharma course of 2 years' duration can b undertaken.
Graduates in pharmacy can opt to do postgraduate study in biotechnology, particularly if they aspire to become research scientists.

Diploma holders can find work work as technicians.
Graduate pharmacists can opt for retail and hospital jobs.
Postgraduates and doctorates are selected for research, production, quality control and management positions.
Those with B. Pharm and above can work in production section in pharmaceutical companies, product marketing, quality control, research, etc. They are also employed by large hospitals and research centres. There is a demand for pharmacists in western countries also, and many Indians have fared well in this field abroad.

Placements And Prospects

Those opting for D. Pharm. are employed in the above organizations at a lower level, and they also find vast avenues of employment in pharmacies and medical shops, for whom it is compulsory by law to employ a pharmacist.

Pharmacists work in four areas:

Hospital pharmacist – The tasks:Procure, stock, prepare and dispense medicines, drugs and other medical accessories. Undertake responsibility for stock control, storage, placing orders, labelling and financial budgeting and account-keeping for the dispensary. The pharmacists are expected to meet patients, doctors and nurses to discuss the supply of medicines and the appropriate form of drugs for administration.
Retail pharmacists – The tasks:In medical retail stores, the pharmacist prepares and dispenses drugs on prescription to the general consumer With the growing availability of pre-packaged doses, the pharmacist monitors the drug sale on the basis of prescriptions and dosages, and gives over the counter advice on how to use prescribed drugs

In the retail sector, pharmacists run chemist's shops As medical representatives, they inform and educate the medical practitioners of the potential uses of the drug or health product and its administration along with side effects or precautions for its use. The job entails regular visits to medical practitioners, hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, health centres. There is usually a lot of touring to be done.
Industrial pharmacists – While most firms are involved in the production of preformulated preparations, a growing number of firms are developing new formulations through autonomous research work. Industrial pharmacists carry out clinical trials, where drugs are tested for safety and effectiveness work in research and development to develop new formulations the production job entails management and supervision of the production process, packaging, storage and delivery work in marketing, sales and quality control.
Research pharmacists - Research pharmacists are engaged in research activities in pharmaceutical firms, research organisations and laboratories.


For Diploma in Pharmacy
As a Pharmacist in Govt/Semi Govt/Private Hospitals.
They can start their own Medical Store.
For Bachelor in Pharmacy
As a Medical representative or a medical detailing man.
Marketing Managers or a Sales Manager.
Drug Inspectors.
Drug Controllers.
Graduate Pharmacist
Chief Pharmacist.
As Lecturers for D.Pharm and B.Pharm Colleges etc.
For Masters in Pharmacy:
As Lecturers for B.Pharm Colleges.
Basic degree for Ph.D.,
Research Assistant or Research Associate etc.
Pharmacy teachers with B.Pharma having put in 5 years of minimum teaching experience in any institution approved by AICTE are also eligible for M.Pharma course.

The prospects-
Registered pharmacists work in health centres, hospitals and medical dispensing stores, in pharmaceutical industry, in the manufacturing, analytical and research and development divisions. They also work in drug control administration as Drug Inspector, Analytical Chemist, in the Customs office experts on drugs and pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Supplies and Rehabilitation as Assistant Director of Supplies, medical representatives and executives in pharmaceutical sale divisions.

A number of multinational companies like Hoechst, E Merck and Smith Kline Beecham are collaborating with leading Indian companies as well as government labs, thus offering many job options for qualified professionals. Most large pharmaceutical firms have research divisions requiring skilled manpower. Fresh postgraduates and Ph Ds are recruited as analytical research scientists/associates or as product development research associates.

The Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI) Lucknow; National Chemical Laboratory, Pune; the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad also employ researchers.

Drug and pharmaceutical firms employ graduates, postgraduates and doctorates with a background in pharmaceuticals as management trainees for their production units, operations, as well as for quality control and quality certification. With adequate experience, these people rise to senior management positions. More than 20,000 industries manufacturing drugs and pharmaceuticals exist in India, employing almost 1.5 million people.

What is Dyslexia

What is Dyslexia

Dyslexia is a difficulty in learning to read, speak, or write. It is a difference in brain organization that is present at birth & results in a struggle when trying to learn, remember, or express information. It is a learning disability that alters the way the brain processes written material. The effects of the disorder vary from person to person. In fact, the only common trait among people with dyslexia is that they read at levels significantly lower than typical for people of their age and intelligence.
Experts say it occurs in up to 15% of the general population. Although dyslexia continues through life, it is very possible to learn to deal effectively with dyslexia & accomplish high levels of success.
The most universal problems are:
weak recognition of numbers, letters & words
difficulty remembering numbers & letters in sequence
poor manipulation of numbers & letters
poor spelling
To suspect a diagnosis of dyslexia, a cluster of symptoms must be evidenced - not just one symptom. Symptoms may appear different in childhood or in adolescence & adulthood.
Dyslexia can result in a severe loss of self-esteem, limited friendships, & failure in school & career.
These effects can be prevented by:
early diagnosis
special remediation using multisensory techniques
teaching of coping skills
Dyslexia Is ...
not a sign of poor intelligence
not the result of laziness or of not caring
not a disease
cannot be cured with pills or diets
not an eye problem
not outgrown


but... dyslexics can learn how to learnthe good news is that with appropriate education, understanding, & time, many dyslexics learn to read & write & to develop their special abilities & talents. Many successful people: scientists, artists, athletes & world leaders have dyslexia.
Dyslexia is difficulty with language. For people with dyslexia, intelligence is not the problem. The problem is language.
People with dyslexia may struggle with reading, spelling, understanding language they hear, or expressing themselves clearly in speaking or in writing.
An unexpected gap exists between their potential for learning and their school achievement.
Typical responses when people find out that they or someone they know is dyslexic include dismay and anxiety – like the feelings people have when they find out they have a serious disease. Dyslexia is not a disease, but it is a lifelong problem that presents challenges that need to be overcome daily. The good news is that with proper diagnosis, appropriate education, hard work and support from family, friends, teachers and others, people who are dyslexic can lead successful and productive lives.
The first step in helping a person with dyslexia is to give emotional support and understanding. That’s one reason why you’re here right now – to find out how you can give that support. And that’s why we have this website – to help you with information and support.