-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.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Parenting Tip: Offer Choices
Doing homework, brushing teeth or cleaning the bedroom might be non-negotiable but allowing your child some say in the matter will go a long way in getting the job done.
Instead of laying down the "Do Your Homework" mandate, ask the child if they would rather do their homework before dinner or before their favorite television show.
Ask if they would like the clear gel toothpaste or the mint flavored toothpaste.
Instead of laying down the "Do Your Homework" mandate, ask the child if they would rather do their homework before dinner or before their favorite television show.
Ask if they would like the clear gel toothpaste or the mint flavored toothpaste.
Would your child rather clean his room now or when you return from the grocery store?
Would he like a special treat after cleaning his room or would he rather have an extra 30 minutes past his normal bedtime?
The only caveat with this suggestion is that you don't offer too many choices. Too many choices can overwhelm the ADHD kid.
The only caveat with this suggestion is that you don't offer too many choices. Too many choices can overwhelm the ADHD kid.
Monday, February 09, 2009
ADHD Adults Annually Lose 3 Weeks Worth of Work
A recent Harvard Medical School study found that an inability to concentrate leads to poor-quality output (no surprise) and excess days off work. From the result of this study, researchers stated that ADHD affects work performance even more than depression does."It's more persistent and severe than many mental disorders, and it results in more sick days, more accidents, and more problems interacting with colleagues,” said study co-author Ron Kessler, a professor of health care policy at Harvard Medical School in Boston.
Researchers conducted country-by-country ADHD diagnostic assessments on more than 7,000 adult workers and what they found was that those diagnosed with ADHD spent more than 22 fewer days per year working compared with non-ADHD workers.
This included an average of;
- More than 8 days of which ADHD employees said they could not carry out their routine tasks
- Almost 22 days with reduced productivity
- Nearly 14 days of reduced quality in the work they produced.
Researchers noted that many adult workers with ADHD may not know they have a problem. Kessler further noted that it might be a smart and profitable business move for employers to screen their workers for ADHD.
Do we really want employers to start screening for ADHD? I am not sure that is the best route to better productivity.
If you suspect that you might have Adult ADHD, take this online Adult Attention Deficit quiz.
If you have ADHD, you want to find a safe and effective treatment to help you better function in all areas of your life.
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Children's Suicide Attempts Raise Concerns About Strattera
The safety of Strattera, a drug used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), is in question amid reports that more than 40 Canadian children have attempted suicide after taking Strattera.
Atomoxetine, sold under the name Strattera, hit the market almost four years ago. Since that time, Health Canada said it received 189 reports of adverse reactions associated with the drug. Nearly one-third of the 189 reported adverse reactions were suicide attempts.
Suicidal tendencies are not the only concern that has been raised about Strattera. Just months after the drug was put on the Canadian market, Health Canada warned that the drug may trigger behavioral changes or increase the risk of self-harm. A year later, Health Canada issued a warning that all ADHD drugs, Strattera included, may be associated with agitation, hallucinations and other psychiatric problems among children.
Eli Lilly, the maker of Strattera, provided a written statement saying that Strattera is not the only ADHD drug that has been associated with suicidal behaviors.
If you were the parent of a child who attempted suicide, would Lilly’s statement pointing the finger other ADHD drugs make you feel better? I would think not.
Atomoxetine, sold under the name Strattera, hit the market almost four years ago. Since that time, Health Canada said it received 189 reports of adverse reactions associated with the drug. Nearly one-third of the 189 reported adverse reactions were suicide attempts.
Suicidal tendencies are not the only concern that has been raised about Strattera. Just months after the drug was put on the Canadian market, Health Canada warned that the drug may trigger behavioral changes or increase the risk of self-harm. A year later, Health Canada issued a warning that all ADHD drugs, Strattera included, may be associated with agitation, hallucinations and other psychiatric problems among children.
Eli Lilly, the maker of Strattera, provided a written statement saying that Strattera is not the only ADHD drug that has been associated with suicidal behaviors.
If you were the parent of a child who attempted suicide, would Lilly’s statement pointing the finger other ADHD drugs make you feel better? I would think not.
Monday, February 02, 2009
Adult ADHD Tip: Lost Your Keys Again?
Few things are more stressful than running out the door (late as usual...), only to realize you have misplaced your keys, again. Or worse yet, you are running out the door (late as usual...), only to realize you have locked your keys inside the car (again) and have misplaced the second set.
It is a rare adult ADDer who goes an extended time without playing the "Where are my keys?" game. Most play this game on a regular basis. The best way to stop playing this game is to make duplicates or triplicates of all keys.
Carry a duplicate car key in your wallet, separate from your key ring. Leave another spare car key with someone who is generally available. Bury a house key in a secret spot near the house. Better yet, avoid the house key issue altogether by installing keyless door locks. Keyless entries are reasonable in price and often offer a higher measure of security over keyed entries.
It is a rare adult ADDer who goes an extended time without playing the "Where are my keys?" game. Most play this game on a regular basis. The best way to stop playing this game is to make duplicates or triplicates of all keys.
Carry a duplicate car key in your wallet, separate from your key ring. Leave another spare car key with someone who is generally available. Bury a house key in a secret spot near the house. Better yet, avoid the house key issue altogether by installing keyless door locks. Keyless entries are reasonable in price and often offer a higher measure of security over keyed entries.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Exposing the ADHD Fiasco
The popular family psychologist, speaker, and best-selling author Dr. John Rosemond is known for his no-nonsense; common sense approach to parenting. Rosemond takes that same approach with his new book; "The Diseasing of America's Children: Exposing the ADHD Fiasco and Empowering Parents to Take Back Control."
Rosemond and pediatrician Dr. Bose Ravenel co-authored “The Diseasing of America's Children” to uncover the fiction and fallacy behind ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Early-onset Biopolar Disorder (EOBD), and the drugs commonly prescribed to treat these disorders.
Below is the Amazon Editorial Review for “The Diseasing of America's Children;”
How parents, teachers, and even professionals are being deceived by the "ADHD Establishment" regarding ADHD and other childhood behavior disorders and the drugs used to treat them.
The issue of diagnosing children with behavioral diseases that do not conform to a scientific definition of disease, and then medicating them is a scandal ready to erupt. In The Diseasing of America's Children, popular family psychologist, speaker, and best-selling author John Rosemond joins with pediatrician Dr. Bose Ravenel to uncover the fiction and fallacy behind attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), early-onset biopolar disorder (EOBD), and the drugs prescribed to treat them. Rosemond and Ravenel will:
Reveal the pseudo-science behind these diagnoses
Explain how parents, teachers, and even professionals are deceived
Expose the short- and long-term dangers behavioral drugs pose to children
Discuss how America's schools are unwittingly feeding the diagnostic beast
Reveal the simple, common sense truth behind these behavior problems
Give parents a practical program for curing these problems without drugs or dependence on professionals
This is one book you will want to read if your child or the child of someone you know has been diagnosed as ADHD, ODD or Bipolar. You can find it at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
Rosemond and pediatrician Dr. Bose Ravenel co-authored “The Diseasing of America's Children” to uncover the fiction and fallacy behind ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Early-onset Biopolar Disorder (EOBD), and the drugs commonly prescribed to treat these disorders.
Below is the Amazon Editorial Review for “The Diseasing of America's Children;”
How parents, teachers, and even professionals are being deceived by the "ADHD Establishment" regarding ADHD and other childhood behavior disorders and the drugs used to treat them.
The issue of diagnosing children with behavioral diseases that do not conform to a scientific definition of disease, and then medicating them is a scandal ready to erupt. In The Diseasing of America's Children, popular family psychologist, speaker, and best-selling author John Rosemond joins with pediatrician Dr. Bose Ravenel to uncover the fiction and fallacy behind attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), early-onset biopolar disorder (EOBD), and the drugs prescribed to treat them. Rosemond and Ravenel will:
Reveal the pseudo-science behind these diagnoses
Explain how parents, teachers, and even professionals are deceived
Expose the short- and long-term dangers behavioral drugs pose to children
Discuss how America's schools are unwittingly feeding the diagnostic beast
Reveal the simple, common sense truth behind these behavior problems
Give parents a practical program for curing these problems without drugs or dependence on professionals
This is one book you will want to read if your child or the child of someone you know has been diagnosed as ADHD, ODD or Bipolar. You can find it at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Parenting Tip: Body English
Non-verbal communication speaks volumes, and often speaks louder than your verbal statements. Here are a list of non-verbal cues that tell your child that you appreciate them;
Smile
Wink
"Thumbs Up"
Pat on the back
Nod
Hug
High Five
Eye contact is also a powerful non-verbal cue. Turning your complete attention to your child tells them that they are important and that you are listening to them.
Sprinkle 10 non-verbal "I like You" gestures into the day and watch how your child responds. Come back and share your experience with us. I look forward to hearing the results!
For more ADHD parenting tips, visit http://www.add-adhd-help-center.com/articles_parents_adhd.htm
Smile
Wink
"Thumbs Up"
Pat on the back
Nod
Hug
High Five
Eye contact is also a powerful non-verbal cue. Turning your complete attention to your child tells them that they are important and that you are listening to them.
Sprinkle 10 non-verbal "I like You" gestures into the day and watch how your child responds. Come back and share your experience with us. I look forward to hearing the results!
For more ADHD parenting tips, visit http://www.add-adhd-help-center.com/articles_parents_adhd.htm
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