| If your child is diagnosed with ADHD what do you do | | | | to numerous studies that suggest the opposite which |
| next? This is the most common diagnosis given to | | | | have been done over the last two decades. Many |
| children in this country today. The AACAP (American | | | | parents have reported that hyperactivity is reduced in |
| Society of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry) estimates | | | | as little as eight weeks when they limit consumption of |
| that among grade school children 5% of girls and 10% | | | | sugar, foods with chemical additives and refined foods |
| of boys suffer from this disorder. The United States | | | | in their children's diets. They claim their child is more |
| has roughly 5 % of the world's population yet we | | | | focused and less disruptive when given a diet high in |
| consume 90% of all the Ritalin produced in it. Even | | | | whole grains and vegetables with a controlled amount |
| more concerning is the age of children being put on | | | | of protein. In light of the current problem with childhood |
| these drugs. In children under the age of 5 prescriptions | | | | obesity this choice of a more healthy diet can help with |
| for these stimulants increased an astonishing 107% for | | | | weight control also. |
| girls and 78% for boys between 1991 and 1995. While | | | | NATURAL HERBS |
| these drugs have been shown to help 60% to 75% of | | | | There are a number of herbs that are known to calm |
| children put on them people are getting very | | | | the nervous system. Some of these include St. Johns |
| concerned about the side effects these drugs have | | | | Wort, skullcap, hops, passion flower and lemon balm to |
| on their children. | | | | name a few. These can be taken safely as long as |
| The most common medications prescribed for ADHD | | | | you remember that a child's dose should be one forth |
| are Ritalin and Adderall. These drugs are known as | | | | to one half of the adult dose that is recommended by |
| psychostimulants. While many children taking these | | | | the manufacturer. |
| drugs experience improved focus better grades in | | | | TAKE A BREAK FROM TECHNOLOGY |
| school and generally feel better about themselves they | | | | We all know how much time our children spend on |
| do come with side effects. These include insomnia, | | | | computers, cell phones, and watching television each |
| weight loss, abdominal pain, headaches and depression. | | | | day. This constant exposure to electronic stimulation |
| In 2007 the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued | | | | does two things. It fragments their attention span and |
| warnings of side effects like stunted growth and | | | | exposes them to unhealthy levels of EMR |
| psychiatric problems. So it is not surprising that parents | | | | (electromagnetic radiation). When a child is sensitive to |
| are looking for alternative therapies. We have listed a | | | | EMR it can cause agitation to the nervous system. |
| few natural ways that you can treat this condition. | | | | Some of the side effects from this are memory and |
| GET YOUR CHILD INTO A ROUTINE | | | | attention problems, sleep disorders, chronic fatigue, |
| Children with ADHD have a natural tendency toward | | | | dizziness and headaches. It is suggested that you limit |
| chaos. They find new activities and adventures | | | | exposure to one hour per day. |
| appealing. The fact is that they are balanced by the | | | | In conclusion, you need to work with your child. They |
| exact opposite. You want to create a nurturing | | | | need to feel loved and part of this new routine. |
| environment for them. Creating a set time to do | | | | Suggest that he or she have a nutritional snack instead |
| homework, eat meals, exercise and go to bed each | | | | of a sugary one. Or playtime includes the new remote |
| day provides them with this. | | | | control car they have instead of a computer game. By |
| MAKE SURE YOUR CHILD HAS A HEALTHY DIET | | | | doing this you and your child will be much happier in the |
| At this time the current medical standing is that there is | | | | long run. |
| no link between food and ADHD. This is stark contrast | | | | |