The Polymedic General Hospital, where Nicholas was born, strictly adheres to the New Born Screening procedures in all newly born babies. Though it’s an additional cost for us, I happily submitted Nico to the procedure because I know it’s for his own good.
Newborn screening aims to test every newborn for the presence of specific harmful or potentially fatal disorders that seem to be absent at birth — yup, meaning, it may not be seen during the first weeks, months or even years after birth. These disorders are classified as metabolic disorders, or otherwise known as “inborn errors of metabolism”. These disorders interfere with the body’s nutrient utilization in maintaining healthy tissues and producing energy. Other disorders include problems with hormones and the blood. Some results though could detect mental retardation early and so treatment can be given earlier as well. Mental problems can be fatal to parents as well as it would lead to depression for parents and who knows what?
I remember reading an article about sanity and identity. It’s actually in the Science of Identity lectures provided by Jagad Guru Chris Butler. The lecture was entitled “Some intelligent people don’t have a brain”. I was amazed that scientists have found people who excel in academics and found out that they don’t have brains! I mean, whoa! That’s certainly amazing!
I guess New Born Screenings are provided for this test as well; you know, see if the baby has got real brains and not just a cranium filled with spinal fluid. But if it doesn’t affect the baby’s thinking at all (except that it makes them amazingly intelligent), I don’t think it’s harmful right? But then again, who wouldn’t want to live with no brain or a damaged brain (retarded) for that matter? That is why I really think this New Born Screening is really advantageous.
Speaking of which, I’m yet to get Nico’s results next week. Apparently, the procedure is that complicated that it takes them weeks to produce the results. I fervently hope they find no disorder on my little angel’s body and brain.