-Make realistic goals. Plan ahead, shop and make travel plans early, pace yourself. This will help decreases last minute anxiety.
-Don’t do it on your own. Enlist the family to help you with holiday tasks.
-Scale down your expectations.
-Manage your time and make sure you leave extra time for last minute changes or crises.
-Try to relax. Deep breathing exercises, relaxation tapes and yoga are some techniques that may help.
-Exercise. If you already have a regular exercise routine, maintain it through the holidays.
-Monitor your feelings and share them with a friend. A quick phone call or email can help you feel better.
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Thursday, September 03, 2009
Helping Your Child Through Better Nutrition.
Did you know that almonds provide more vitamin E than any other nut? The vitamin E content works synergistically with flavonoids in the almonds to produce an antioxidant effect beneficial to the digestive tract.
So, much better for your child than a chocolate bar with almonds, is the following muffin recipe made with almonds. This recipe also is protein packed.
Protein Muffins with Almonds.
½ cup ground almonds
1 cup ground flaxseed.
½ teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
¾ cup whey protein powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground cardamom
2 eggs
1 tablespoon coconut oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2/3 c soft tofu
2/3 cup grated carrot
Grated zest of 1 organic lemon
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Mix together dry ingredients - flaxseed, ground nuts, baking soda, baking powder , whey protein powder, spices and salt - in a small bowl. Mix liquid ingredients – eggs, coconut oil, grated carrot, tofu, vanilla and lemon zest – together in a large bowl. Then gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients being careful to only mix until just combined. Overmixing will produce a less than desirable outcome.
Pour the mixture into muffin tins lined with paper cups and bake for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the middle of a muffin comes out clean and dry. Overbaking will produce a dry, unappetizing muffin.
If there are any of these delectable muffins leftover, be sure to store in the refrigerator or freeze.
For more ADD-ADHD healthy recipes, click here.
So, much better for your child than a chocolate bar with almonds, is the following muffin recipe made with almonds. This recipe also is protein packed.
Protein Muffins with Almonds.
½ cup ground almonds
1 cup ground flaxseed.
½ teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
¾ cup whey protein powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground cardamom
2 eggs
1 tablespoon coconut oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2/3 c soft tofu
2/3 cup grated carrot
Grated zest of 1 organic lemon
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Mix together dry ingredients - flaxseed, ground nuts, baking soda, baking powder , whey protein powder, spices and salt - in a small bowl. Mix liquid ingredients – eggs, coconut oil, grated carrot, tofu, vanilla and lemon zest – together in a large bowl. Then gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients being careful to only mix until just combined. Overmixing will produce a less than desirable outcome.
Pour the mixture into muffin tins lined with paper cups and bake for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the middle of a muffin comes out clean and dry. Overbaking will produce a dry, unappetizing muffin.
If there are any of these delectable muffins leftover, be sure to store in the refrigerator or freeze.
For more ADD-ADHD healthy recipes, click here.
Natural Stress Relief.
Dealing with a hyperactive child can be hectic and stressful until behavior is brought under control naturally through the proper supplements, like Attend, and diet, While your natural instinct as a parent is to focus on your child, for your own health’s sake, you need to focus a little on yourself.
Take a few moments for some of these natural stress relievers for a happier, less stressed out life.
Take a hot bubble bath; have one glass of wine; get plenty of sleep; walk away from the stressful situation; try yoga; take time for quiet time every day to relax, read or pray; use aromatherapy; eat healthful meals with plenty of fruits, vegetables and lean proteins; take a walk in nature; drink plenty of water; talk to a friend who is not critical or pessimistic; forgo alcohol, caffeine and tobacco; listen to subliminal tapes with a relaxation theme; exercise three to six times a week.
Take a few moments for some of these natural stress relievers for a happier, less stressed out life.
Take a hot bubble bath; have one glass of wine; get plenty of sleep; walk away from the stressful situation; try yoga; take time for quiet time every day to relax, read or pray; use aromatherapy; eat healthful meals with plenty of fruits, vegetables and lean proteins; take a walk in nature; drink plenty of water; talk to a friend who is not critical or pessimistic; forgo alcohol, caffeine and tobacco; listen to subliminal tapes with a relaxation theme; exercise three to six times a week.
Relieve Stress by Doing Good.
Did you know that you can relieve stress and feel great at the same time just by performing acts of kindness? It is all so very possible according to recent medical studies.
In a National Institutes of Health study, the brain activity of volunteers was measured who donated cash to different charities as part of a computer game. When they "gave" money to philanthropic organizations instead of "pocketing" it, a part of their brains was activated that produces the hormone oxytocin. According to one of the researchers, this is a hormone that leads to relaxation.
You don't have to empty your wallet to gain the effect of this beneficial brain produced hormone. You can get that same effect by simply performing a random act of kindness every day - like smiling at someone passing by. Or, how about volunteering at a library reading to children or serving at a soup kitchen every once in a while.
The benefits far outweigh the effort for a happier, less stressed out life.
In a National Institutes of Health study, the brain activity of volunteers was measured who donated cash to different charities as part of a computer game. When they "gave" money to philanthropic organizations instead of "pocketing" it, a part of their brains was activated that produces the hormone oxytocin. According to one of the researchers, this is a hormone that leads to relaxation.
You don't have to empty your wallet to gain the effect of this beneficial brain produced hormone. You can get that same effect by simply performing a random act of kindness every day - like smiling at someone passing by. Or, how about volunteering at a library reading to children or serving at a soup kitchen every once in a while.
The benefits far outweigh the effort for a happier, less stressed out life.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Get the Lead Out
If your child has learning or behavioral issues, removing heavy metals and other toxins can greatly improve symptoms. EDTA chelation therapy is widely recognized as an effective treatment for people with lead poisoning, mercury poisoning, and other metal toxicities. Health professionals have used EDTA for over 50 years for heavy metal removal. EDTA is completely safe, FDA-approved for treating lead poisoning and toxicity.EDTA (ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid) works by attaching itself to heavy metals and carries the metals from the body. TriCardia, an EDTA oral chelation therapy, is designed to cleanse and detoxify the body of toxic heavy metals and wastes, cleanse the cardiovascular system and cleanse and detoxify the liver, kidneys, gallbladder and lymphatic system. TriCardia uses 1.2 grams of free form EDTA along with 31 other free form amino acids, a series of ascorbate complexes and phytomedicinals to aid the removal of heavy metals such as mercury, lead, cadmium, arsenic, nickel and aluminum while supporting the heart, liver and other organs.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Put Your Brain to Work
The brain is a muscle and like any other muscle, it needs to be stretched, pushed, pulled and flexed to keep it strong and supple. The term “Use it or lose it” definitely applies to the brain.Using the brain often will help you to become a better thinker while also increasing your ability to focus. If you flex your brain muscles often and in the right ways, you will become a more skilled thinker and increase your ability to focus.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Meditation for ADHD
According to two new studies, meditation shows great promise as a new treatment of ADHD for adolescents and adults.
A George Washington University study involving middle school children revealed that regular meditation reduced ADHD by 50 percent. In this study, published this month in the “Current Issues in Education” journal, middle school children with ADHD practiced transcendental meditation twice daily. Teachers reported they were better able to teach and students were better able to learn because the students were less stressed and anxious.
Said study leader Sarina Grosswald, a cognitive learning specialist from George Washington University; "What's significant about these new findings is that among children who have difficulty with focus and attention, we see the same results. TM doesn't require concentration, controlling the mind or disciplined focus. The fact that these children are able to do TM, and do it easily shows us that this technique may be particularly well suited for children with ADHD."
Researchers of a second study, “Mindfulness Meditation Training in Adults and Adolescents with ADHD” found that a whopping 78 percent reported reduced ADHD symptoms. Additionally, adults in the study reported significant reductions in depressive and anxiety symptoms. In this study, published in “Journal of Attention Disorders,” participants attended eight weekly training sessions and also participated in at-home meditation practice.
Meditation, in a sense, helps develop "mental muscles." With meditation, you focus only on breathing in and out. When thoughts arise, label your thoughts as "thinking", gently push the thoughts aside and go back to your breath. The process of noticing thoughts, labeling them and returning attention back to the breath helps you acknowledge that the mind will wander, but that you don't always have to follow those thoughts. You can remain focused.
A George Washington University study involving middle school children revealed that regular meditation reduced ADHD by 50 percent. In this study, published this month in the “Current Issues in Education” journal, middle school children with ADHD practiced transcendental meditation twice daily. Teachers reported they were better able to teach and students were better able to learn because the students were less stressed and anxious.
Said study leader Sarina Grosswald, a cognitive learning specialist from George Washington University; "What's significant about these new findings is that among children who have difficulty with focus and attention, we see the same results. TM doesn't require concentration, controlling the mind or disciplined focus. The fact that these children are able to do TM, and do it easily shows us that this technique may be particularly well suited for children with ADHD."
Researchers of a second study, “Mindfulness Meditation Training in Adults and Adolescents with ADHD” found that a whopping 78 percent reported reduced ADHD symptoms. Additionally, adults in the study reported significant reductions in depressive and anxiety symptoms. In this study, published in “Journal of Attention Disorders,” participants attended eight weekly training sessions and also participated in at-home meditation practice.
Meditation, in a sense, helps develop "mental muscles." With meditation, you focus only on breathing in and out. When thoughts arise, label your thoughts as "thinking", gently push the thoughts aside and go back to your breath. The process of noticing thoughts, labeling them and returning attention back to the breath helps you acknowledge that the mind will wander, but that you don't always have to follow those thoughts. You can remain focused.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Is Strattera Worse for European Kids?
It seems the list of warnings for Strattera purchased in Europe are far greater than when you purchase this ADHD drug in the US.
Strattera's European "Black Box" warning now include psychosis, hallucinations, mania and agitation. However, the US labels are void of these warnings. This does not mean the risk is any less real for Americans who take the drug? Hardly. Yet, the FDA seems to be dragging their feet when it comes to asking Eli Lilly to add yet another warning to their already warning-ridden label.
Strattera was introduced to the marketplace in 2003. Doctors began seeing a trend of mood destabilization shortly after its introduction.
In 2004 the FDA mandated updated labeling with a bolded warning about the potential for severe liver injury. The labeling warns that severe liver injury may progress to liver failure, resulting in death or the need for a liver transplant in a small percentage of patients.
In 2005 the FDA requested that an additional warning be added to the label of Stattera advising it may trigger suicidal thoughts in some children and adolescents.
In 2008 the European Straterra warnings included; “the risk of the onset or exacerbation of serious psychiatric disorders, including psychotic reactions, hallucinations, mania and agitation.” Aggression and hostility are already listed harmful effects of Strattera.
The European medical regulatory agency reviewed 34 cases of homicidal behavior and 2 cases of homicide in connection with Strattera. In 17 of the 34 cases – half - the homicidal behavior disappeared when Strattera was discontinued. In one case When the drug was re-administrated in one case, thoughts of murdering returned.
Murder, suicide, mayhem, aggression, liver failure and heart attacks – and this isn’t even naming all of the Straterra side effects. YIKES!
Do you really want your child on Strattera?
Look, there are many ADHD medications on the market and many effective non-drug treatments for ADHD too. Please exhaust all options before resorting to Strattera.
Strattera's European "Black Box" warning now include psychosis, hallucinations, mania and agitation. However, the US labels are void of these warnings. This does not mean the risk is any less real for Americans who take the drug? Hardly. Yet, the FDA seems to be dragging their feet when it comes to asking Eli Lilly to add yet another warning to their already warning-ridden label.
Strattera was introduced to the marketplace in 2003. Doctors began seeing a trend of mood destabilization shortly after its introduction.
In 2004 the FDA mandated updated labeling with a bolded warning about the potential for severe liver injury. The labeling warns that severe liver injury may progress to liver failure, resulting in death or the need for a liver transplant in a small percentage of patients.
In 2005 the FDA requested that an additional warning be added to the label of Stattera advising it may trigger suicidal thoughts in some children and adolescents.
In 2008 the European Straterra warnings included; “the risk of the onset or exacerbation of serious psychiatric disorders, including psychotic reactions, hallucinations, mania and agitation.” Aggression and hostility are already listed harmful effects of Strattera.
The European medical regulatory agency reviewed 34 cases of homicidal behavior and 2 cases of homicide in connection with Strattera. In 17 of the 34 cases – half - the homicidal behavior disappeared when Strattera was discontinued. In one case When the drug was re-administrated in one case, thoughts of murdering returned.
Murder, suicide, mayhem, aggression, liver failure and heart attacks – and this isn’t even naming all of the Straterra side effects. YIKES!
Do you really want your child on Strattera?
Look, there are many ADHD medications on the market and many effective non-drug treatments for ADHD too. Please exhaust all options before resorting to Strattera.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Heart Tests Urged for Kids Using ADHD Drugs
Stimulant ADHD medications can increase heart rate and blood pressure. This can put some children with underlying heart conditions at a greater risk of sudden cardiac death. To help reduce the heart risks of children with ADHD, the American Heart Association recommends a pre-treatment heart exam, including an electrocardiogram (ECG).
The FDA reported that 19 children died suddenly while taking ADHD medications and another 26 children experienced serious problems, including cardiac arrest, stroke, and heart palpitations between 1999 and 2004.
Even children who don’t show any symptoms might have undiagnosed heart conditions. Furthermore, some heart conditions may not appear until adolescence so children who have had normal results on an ECG in the past may need to be retested again later.
Chances are, your child’s heart is strong, healthy and able to withstand the effects of stimulant medications. Just to be on the safe side though, have your child’s heart tested before starting treatment.
There are a number of pros and cons to using prescription ADHD medications. The best advice I can give is to follow your heart and do what you truly believe is best for your child.
The FDA reported that 19 children died suddenly while taking ADHD medications and another 26 children experienced serious problems, including cardiac arrest, stroke, and heart palpitations between 1999 and 2004.
Even children who don’t show any symptoms might have undiagnosed heart conditions. Furthermore, some heart conditions may not appear until adolescence so children who have had normal results on an ECG in the past may need to be retested again later.
Chances are, your child’s heart is strong, healthy and able to withstand the effects of stimulant medications. Just to be on the safe side though, have your child’s heart tested before starting treatment.
There are a number of pros and cons to using prescription ADHD medications. The best advice I can give is to follow your heart and do what you truly believe is best for your child.
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