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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.
Do You See Yourself in Your Child?
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I remember when I was in 4th grade my dad came to visit the school. The teacher took me with her to the isle to greet him and they began talking about how good I was doing. I will never forget when she said, “Your daughter is a very good student, but GEEZ it seems she has ants in her pants because she cannot sit still!” Now that I have a kid and can see his “hyperactivity”, I understand where it comes from, at least in part.It has been known by behavioral professionals and experts that certain disorders and behaviors run in families as part of a genetic pattern. Chances of having kids with mood problems are eight times higher in parents with Bipolar Disorder. Also, the risk of having depression increases three times on those with parents who have also had this condition.
Although it is not right to diagnose ourselves through our kids’ conditions, there is no doubt that more parents have to confront their own “demons” of the past when they begin to learn about their son’s or daughter’s situation.
Perhaps this will help us understanding our kids’ life and how to make it better for them.
Ivelisse, BS, LD/N
Nutrition Specialist
Take Care, Take Control and Enjoy!
Labels: children, DNA and genes, emotions, kids, Mental Health, Parenting
What You Can Do to Teach Your Kids to Eat Healthy
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How your kids eat is a reflection on how you eat. After all, kids do not do as we “say”, they do as we “do”. So, let's “do” the best thing! No one says it is an easy task, especially with the influence of TV and friends; although, teenagers may eat junk when they are out with their friends, studies show that they will be much more likely as adults to eat healthy if you practiced healthy habits at home.
We are all born with the a preference for sweets, however, repetitive exposure to foods rejected at first can help to increase the likelihood of later accepting those same foods. So don't stop offering different foods to your kids just because they don't like them! Just try to be wise about when and how you do so. I try to serve a new food, or rejected food, along with their favorite foods, but not when my child is cranky or tired.
Convenience is also something that we all look for, even young kids who are trying to be more independent. So, if you have healthy options readily available to your children, they are more likely to choose them. Cut up veggies and fruits in zip lock bags with healthy, low fat dips within their reach will make great snacks...and having this ready to take and eat is something that is helpful to you too!
Foods we usually refer to as “junk” are exactly the types of food that should not be in the house on a weekly basis. I mean, we are all human, so save those foods for special occasions and go “out” for them...don't bring them home. Make choosing healthy snacks easier for your kids and for yourself. That said, beware of becoming the “food police” causing your children to rebel. As we teach our kids about making healthier choices, it's important to remember that having an occasional indulgence is not only “okay” but healthy because it teaches them how to balance a healthy diet.
Renee, LD/N, NSCA-CPT, ACSM
“If you had one car to get around in your lifetime, how would you treat it?”
Labels: kids
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