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Is it ADHD…or Not?
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If you have kids, like me, you've probably heard about ADHD through parents or teachers at your child's school.ADHD is a behavioral disorder that has hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and lack of attention as its main presenting characteristics. It is said that it affects 5-10% of the school-age kids around the world, and is observed more in boys than girls. There has always been controversy about the diagnosis of this condition and the medication used. This recent study may add more fuel to that fire.
A new UCLA study revealed that only about half of the children with ADHD who participated in the study present the cognitive defects generally associated with the condition. There was also an issue about the long term effectiveness of the medications. When they compared children in areas where medication is rarely prescribed to those in areas where it's more common, the study showed that at the time of adolescence there were few differences seen between the disorder's characteristics in both populations.
One thing is for sure, it is important to learn and understand more, as individuals and professionals, about this condition before “diagnosing” a child.
Ivelisse, BS, LD/N
Nutrition Specialist
Take Care, Take Control and Enjoy!
Labels: behavior changes, children, emotions, kids, Teens
My son was diagnosed with ADHD, but there is no way to prove that he has it or doesn't have it. The diagnosis set us on a path that I wish we did not have to travel. He took all kinds of medications and saw counselors and psychiatrists, but none of it did anything except make him feel "less than." His self-esteem took a huge hit and he felt awful about himself. Finally I'd had enough because I didn't think the meds were helping him at all and I was sick of dragging him to doctors all the time. So, I told him we'd made a mistake and he really did not have ADHD. The look of relief on his face was palpable, and he has been a much happier and well-adjusted kid ever since.
My son was diagnosed with ADD (ADHD minus the hyperactivity) when he was in grade 1. Through the ADHD clinic here in Vancouver, BC, he took part in a nutritional study along with a group of kids who are seen in the same clinic. He was one of 1/3 of the children studied who turned out to have a ZINC DEFICIENCY. Supplementing this micronutrient has made a world of difference and we are so thankful for this find. HOWEVER, don't automatically start supplementing with zinc as it can negatively affect copper absorption. Talk to your doctor about a blood test for zinc deficiency.
It is horrible that any medical professional would treat a child (or adult) with ADHD as "less than." In the 80s, my younger brother was diagnosed with ADD, and was made to feel "less than" by most of his grade school teachers and peers. (I have it, too, but was diagnosed much later.)
Most people associate ADHD with the stigma attached to it, and no one draws attention to the POSITIVES of having ADHD. (Yes, there are positives!) People with ADHD are naturally very bright individuals. We are also sensitive and empathetic. We are also very creative.
To anyone who knows someone with ADHD, I'd like to suggest reading a series of books: "Driven to Distraction"; "Answers to Distraction"; and "Delivered from Distraction." These books give real insight by a psychologist (Hallowell) who also has ADHD. It explains a lot about the condition, discusses how it affects lives, marriages, families, and gives ideas of how to "treat" ADHD, both with and without medication.
Healthy Meals for Elite Athletes
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September is here and kids are back to school. What a relief for some parents, no more entertaining, trips to the mall, or whining that they are bored. However, with the new school year comes new challenges, ranges from getting out of the house early to preparing school lunches and snacks.It is the beginning of a rat race for food companies. They want schools to sell their products in the their vending machines. Some companies are going as far as delivering healthy foods to schools. Others are sending samples of cookies, chips and protein bars to the schools, promoting them as healthy, with the hopes of being able to set their own vending machines on school grounds.
According to Jennifer Bain, writer of “Catering to a healthy lunch idea,” Premier Elite Athletes' Collegiate in Toronto, a school for those with athletic aptitude, is providing a catered menu to their students. The students can choose from sandwiches, salads, stews, carrot cake, oatmeal raisin cookies and fresh fruit as part of their school lunch menu. Of course, the next question that comes to mind is, “Are these meals affordable?”
Well, the price tag for the meals delivered at PEAC range from one dollar to six per meal. They are delivered in the morning and kept refrigerated until lunch time. We can all agree that carrot cake, fruit or oatmeal raisin cookies are healthier options then Twinkies, donuts or Churros. It is great to see that schools are starting to pay attention to food items that can help fuel the students better academically and physically.
Wendy, BSc, DTR
Nutrition Specialist
"Thoughts determine what you want...Action determines what you get."
Labels: Teens
Private Teen Gyms Have Now Joined in the Battle to Fight Obesity
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It's great that there are gyms being formed to help our future generations stay healthy and active! On the other hand, it's sad that they are not getting enough physical activity in schools today. However, with programs such as this, teenagers are motivated to improve their health using a number of video game inspired workout sessions. These gyms are paid memberships so cost is a factor, making my main concern that kids from low income families may not be able to benefit from these private gyms due to the expense.
Samantha Goss, RD, LD/N
Nutrition Specialist.
“We are all measured by inches, ages, numbers and all the outside things that don’t add up to who we are on the inside. So let your weight loss journey be one of self-acceptance every step of the way. If you are unhappy with yourself fifty pounds heavier you’ll probably feel the same way when you lose the weight. Happiness is not embedded in outward appearances.”
Academics not the only thing keeping kids away from college
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Apparently girls, who are obese and attend a high school where a large majority of the student body is average weight, are less likely to attend college. Body image is so important to these girls that getting an education is not enough to motivate them to be college-bound, according to a study in the July issue of Sociology of Education. The research shows that overweight youngsters are often teased, ostracized and isolated by their peers and are sometimes treated differently by teachers and even parents. On the other hand, obese boys are not affected in the same way, as their college attendance is the same as boys of normal weight. Will today's weight-obsessed society set women back a few centuries?
Michelle, DTR
Nutrition Specialist
“To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream, not only plan, but also believe.”
Labels: Teens
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