A study published in "Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences" links emotional trauma to subsequent cardiac conditions. Researchers believe the chance of sudden death brought on by caridac arrest increases with stress, and the areas of the brain responsible for regulating heart function can become unbalanced due to stress.
The University College London and the Brighton and Sussex Medical School studied 10 people with heart conditons. As patients underwent moderate stressful tasks, electrical changes on the surface of the skull were measured. Researchers found the brain's cortex produced a stress response that increased a physical stress response. British researchers also found a close relationship between heart performance of the heart and cortex activity. The cortex is responsible for understanding, awareness and perceptions. The cortex also sends and receives signals from the heart.
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Monday, July 02, 2007
Daytime Stress=Sleepless Nights
Travelodge wanted to know what keeps people awake at night, so the hotel chain polled 1,700. In this survey, a mere 3 percent received the recommended amount of sleep. Stress was cited as the main cause of restless nights for the rest.
This poll suggests that people worry more now than they did five years ago. Social anxieties and long working hours were the reasons cited by more than half polled. Health problems, terrorism, financial issues and identity theft worries also contributed to the tossing and turning at night.
If daytime stress is keeping you up at night, we have a few suggestions guaranteed to have you sleeping like a baby; Extress, the Deep Sleep subliminal CD, Stress Relief CD and Nite-Rest.
This poll suggests that people worry more now than they did five years ago. Social anxieties and long working hours were the reasons cited by more than half polled. Health problems, terrorism, financial issues and identity theft worries also contributed to the tossing and turning at night.
If daytime stress is keeping you up at night, we have a few suggestions guaranteed to have you sleeping like a baby; Extress, the Deep Sleep subliminal CD, Stress Relief CD and Nite-Rest.
Friday, June 29, 2007
Straterra-not better or safer
Although Straterra is a non-stimulant ADHD drug, Straterra is not necessarily better or even safer than stimulants. A recent study conducted by pharmacy benefit manager Prime Therapeutics found that ADHD children who use Strattera are four times more likely to switch drugs compared to children treated with stimulant medications.
Straterra side effects mimic many side effects common in traditional stimulant ADHD medications. Straterra side effects include dizziness, dry mouth, decreased appetite and weight loss. Depression, tics, mood swings and irritability are also side effects shared by Straterra and other ADHD drug medication. Straterra can increase heart rate and blood pressure like other ADHD drug medications. Though rare, some patients have reported hives and allergic reactions to Straterra. The two most common reported side effects of Straterra are nausea, vomiting and tiredness, drowsiness, sleepiness - with sleepiness the most prevalent.
If you are worried about the side effects of stimulant and non-stimulant ADHD medications, use Attend as a safer and healthier alternative. Attend works as effectively as prescription medications without the side effects. And, unlike prescription medications, Attend is backed by a 100% guarantee.
Straterra side effects mimic many side effects common in traditional stimulant ADHD medications. Straterra side effects include dizziness, dry mouth, decreased appetite and weight loss. Depression, tics, mood swings and irritability are also side effects shared by Straterra and other ADHD drug medication. Straterra can increase heart rate and blood pressure like other ADHD drug medications. Though rare, some patients have reported hives and allergic reactions to Straterra. The two most common reported side effects of Straterra are nausea, vomiting and tiredness, drowsiness, sleepiness - with sleepiness the most prevalent.
If you are worried about the side effects of stimulant and non-stimulant ADHD medications, use Attend as a safer and healthier alternative. Attend works as effectively as prescription medications without the side effects. And, unlike prescription medications, Attend is backed by a 100% guarantee.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Asthma and ADD- A Double Whammy
The University of Virginia Children's Hospital researchers believe that until these other conditions are addressed, asthma programs will not be completely affective for young patients. The April 12, 2007 issue of "The Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics" states that asthmatic children report higher incidences of ADHD, depression, anxiety, and learning disabilities. The study also revealed that the more severe a child's asthma, the higher the incidence of these other health conditions.
Researchers believe that physicians can better help asthma sufferers by managing these co-morbidities, and that children with asthma need tailored and precise treatments that address physical, mental, and developmental health.
Researchers believe that physicians can better help asthma sufferers by managing these co-morbidities, and that children with asthma need tailored and precise treatments that address physical, mental, and developmental health.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Divorce and ADD- connection?
Children that come from divorced families are twice as likely to be prescribed attention-deficit disorder medication, than children whose parents are still married. Of the children with married parents, only 3.3% were prescribed Ritalin.
From divorced families, 6% of 633 kids received this treatment, according to a Canadian study. This study began in 1994, with 4,700 families with children, and parents who were not yet divorced. Then, these families were frequently checked up on, to record the status of their marriages, and what their children were being prescribed.
Researchers aren't yet sure why children of single parents are more likely to receive medication like Ritalin, and other mood altering drugs. But, there is definately some connection here, don't you think?
From divorced families, 6% of 633 kids received this treatment, according to a Canadian study. This study began in 1994, with 4,700 families with children, and parents who were not yet divorced. Then, these families were frequently checked up on, to record the status of their marriages, and what their children were being prescribed.
Researchers aren't yet sure why children of single parents are more likely to receive medication like Ritalin, and other mood altering drugs. But, there is definately some connection here, don't you think?
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Is 5 minutes enough time to diagnose ADD?
The reality is this; Most pediatricians are booked for two patients every 15 minutes. With about five of those minutes dedicated to paperwork, doctors have about five minutes to spend on each child.
Can your doctor truly give an adequate ADD diagnosis in 5 minutes? It is the opinion of many that doctors simply cannot provide a diagnosis for an issue as intricate as Attention Deficit Disorder in a short amount of time.
What the pediatricians often do with new mental health problems is guess what the problem is, write a prescription and then see if the medication works. This is time efficient for the doctor - they don't have to ask a lengthy series of questions.
However, a child may have ADHD coupled with other issues like anxiety and depression that can worsen with stimulant medication. Or, the child might not have ADD at all but gets stuck with the label - and the drugs to go with it.
If your doctor has not spent at least 15 to 20 minutes to thoroughly address your child's issue, it's time to either get a new doctor or demand the time an ADD diagnosis truly needs.
Can your doctor truly give an adequate ADD diagnosis in 5 minutes? It is the opinion of many that doctors simply cannot provide a diagnosis for an issue as intricate as Attention Deficit Disorder in a short amount of time.
What the pediatricians often do with new mental health problems is guess what the problem is, write a prescription and then see if the medication works. This is time efficient for the doctor - they don't have to ask a lengthy series of questions.
However, a child may have ADHD coupled with other issues like anxiety and depression that can worsen with stimulant medication. Or, the child might not have ADD at all but gets stuck with the label - and the drugs to go with it.
If your doctor has not spent at least 15 to 20 minutes to thoroughly address your child's issue, it's time to either get a new doctor or demand the time an ADD diagnosis truly needs.
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Feeling Depressed? Go play in the dirt!
This study, published in “Neuroscience” journal, falls under the “Odd but True” heading. British researchers found that a type of friendly bacteria found in soil may provide depression relief.
This “antidepressant” soil bacteria, called Mycobacterium vaccae, is already used as a vaccine against tuberculosis, in asthma sufferers and is now looked at as an effective way to boost the production of serotonin.
Researchers believe these dirty little microbes affect the brain by causing immune cells to release chemicals called cytokines. Cytokines are chemicals known to activate sensory nerves that stimulate the brain.
This “antidepressant” soil bacteria, called Mycobacterium vaccae, is already used as a vaccine against tuberculosis, in asthma sufferers and is now looked at as an effective way to boost the production of serotonin.
Researchers believe these dirty little microbes affect the brain by causing immune cells to release chemicals called cytokines. Cytokines are chemicals known to activate sensory nerves that stimulate the brain.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Stick it to Depression with acupuncture
Although acupuncture shows a great deal of success in the treatment for depression, this traditional Chinese medicine is often scoffed at by Western medicine.
Here’s where the East meets the West;
The National Institutes of Health’s Office of Alternative Medicine funded a scientific study in 1998 to see if acupuncture is effective in relieving depression.
In this 16-week trial, 34 seriously depressed women were divided into three groups. The first group received the depression-specific acupuncture. The second group received a dummy treatment with needles in nonspecific places. The third group went on a wait list for eight weeks before receiving the.
The two groups receiving the real acupuncture treatment experienced a 43 percent reduction in their symptoms compared with a 22 percent reduction for the dummy group. More than half no longer met the criteria for clinical depression.
Five people dropped out of the study. Interestingly, the dropout rate was much lower than for studies using antidepressant medications.
Here’s where the East meets the West;
The National Institutes of Health’s Office of Alternative Medicine funded a scientific study in 1998 to see if acupuncture is effective in relieving depression.
In this 16-week trial, 34 seriously depressed women were divided into three groups. The first group received the depression-specific acupuncture. The second group received a dummy treatment with needles in nonspecific places. The third group went on a wait list for eight weeks before receiving the.
The two groups receiving the real acupuncture treatment experienced a 43 percent reduction in their symptoms compared with a 22 percent reduction for the dummy group. More than half no longer met the criteria for clinical depression.
Five people dropped out of the study. Interestingly, the dropout rate was much lower than for studies using antidepressant medications.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
The 4 A- Disorders
The number of children diagnosed with ADHD, autism, asthma and allergies has skyrocketed in recent years. These seemingly unrelated conditions may share two common threads.
"Healing the New Childhood Epidemics: Autism, ADHD, Asthma, and Allergies: The Groundbreaking Program for the 4-A Disorders" looks at nutritional deficiencies and environmental factors as triggers in kids genetically predisposed to these health conditions.
Dr. Kenneth Bock and writer Cameron Stauth propose detoxifying the body and dietary changes – not prescription drugs – as an effective treatment. In this new book, Dr. Bock describes his natural approach and the impressive results seen. If you have a child that suffers from any of the “4-A” disorders, this is a book you want to read.
"Healing the New Childhood Epidemics: Autism, ADHD, Asthma, and Allergies: The Groundbreaking Program for the 4-A Disorders" looks at nutritional deficiencies and environmental factors as triggers in kids genetically predisposed to these health conditions.
Dr. Kenneth Bock and writer Cameron Stauth propose detoxifying the body and dietary changes – not prescription drugs – as an effective treatment. In this new book, Dr. Bock describes his natural approach and the impressive results seen. If you have a child that suffers from any of the “4-A” disorders, this is a book you want to read.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
The social stigma of having ADHD
The Social Stigma of Having ADHD
Researchers discovered that a social stigma is attached to kids with ADHD. In a first ever, four-part study, sociologists at Indiana University, University of Virginia and Columbia University looked at how the world perceives children with Attention Deficit Disorder.
These researchers found that 66 percent of the almost 1,400 adults interviewed believe ADHD medication only delays solving the real behavior problems, and 86 percent said their doctors overmedicated children that had common behavior problems. Most were concerned about confidentiality and the long term and immediate effects treatments had on their children's futures.
Key findings of this study include:
- 45 percent believed rejection at school is a consequence of getting treatment and 43 percent believe the stigma associated with childhood treatment will also have negative ramifications in adulthood.
- 40 percent believed children with depression would be dangerous to others, compared to 30 percent who believed adults with depression would be dangerous to others. And 31 percent believed that children with ADHD would be dangerous to others.
- 85 percent felt that doctors overmedicated children, 68 percent believed medications have long term negative effects on children's development. 52 percent believed that children turned into "zombies" due to medication, and therefore, 56 percent said that prevented families from working out problems.
- 64 percent claimed they have heard of ADHD, but only 46 percent were able to identify symptoms, medications to treat it and causes of ADHD. Lack of this knowledge makes it difficult for parents, teachers, and others to make well informed decisions about how to help children with this problem.
- 57 percent worried whether confidentiality regarding these matters would be maintained.
Having to deal with the stigma of ADHD creates a reluctance to find help, fears from children and their parents of being excluded, and feelings of lower self esteem among the children, which can make a child's situation even worse.
Researchers discovered that a social stigma is attached to kids with ADHD. In a first ever, four-part study, sociologists at Indiana University, University of Virginia and Columbia University looked at how the world perceives children with Attention Deficit Disorder.
These researchers found that 66 percent of the almost 1,400 adults interviewed believe ADHD medication only delays solving the real behavior problems, and 86 percent said their doctors overmedicated children that had common behavior problems. Most were concerned about confidentiality and the long term and immediate effects treatments had on their children's futures.
Key findings of this study include:
- 45 percent believed rejection at school is a consequence of getting treatment and 43 percent believe the stigma associated with childhood treatment will also have negative ramifications in adulthood.
- 40 percent believed children with depression would be dangerous to others, compared to 30 percent who believed adults with depression would be dangerous to others. And 31 percent believed that children with ADHD would be dangerous to others.
- 85 percent felt that doctors overmedicated children, 68 percent believed medications have long term negative effects on children's development. 52 percent believed that children turned into "zombies" due to medication, and therefore, 56 percent said that prevented families from working out problems.
- 64 percent claimed they have heard of ADHD, but only 46 percent were able to identify symptoms, medications to treat it and causes of ADHD. Lack of this knowledge makes it difficult for parents, teachers, and others to make well informed decisions about how to help children with this problem.
- 57 percent worried whether confidentiality regarding these matters would be maintained.
Having to deal with the stigma of ADHD creates a reluctance to find help, fears from children and their parents of being excluded, and feelings of lower self esteem among the children, which can make a child's situation even worse.
Monday, May 21, 2007
Omega-3 Fatty Acids - Food of the gods!
A new study at Harvard's Massachusetts General Hospital shows that a specially formulated high EPA Omega-3 fatty acid should be the first treatment for children who suffer from ADD, ADHD, bipolar disorder and other behavioral problems. Of the 20 children with bipolar disorder who were tested over an eight week period, half experienced a rapid 30 percent reduction in symptoms without side effects.
This new study on Omega-3 fatty acids adds to the results of a three month double blind study from the University of Oxford. This study of 117 children from five to 12 years of age with ADHD demonstrated improvements in their motor skills, literacy skills and behavioral learning difficulties among those taking high EPA Omega-3s.
This new study on Omega-3 fatty acids adds to the results of a three month double blind study from the University of Oxford. This study of 117 children from five to 12 years of age with ADHD demonstrated improvements in their motor skills, literacy skills and behavioral learning difficulties among those taking high EPA Omega-3s.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Brain Protein Not Correlated to ADHD?
Based on a brain imaging study, scientists conclude that a protein previously thought to be a marker for ADHD is not correlated with the disease. Compared with control subjects, researchers discovered that ADHD patients have lower levels of the dopamine transporter proteins. But ADHD patients had much higher levels of inattention for any level of the dopamine transporter. The results of the study suggest that the severity of inattention in ADHD cannot be accounted for by dopamine transporter levels alone.
U.S. Dept. of Energy's Brookhaven National Laboratory along with Mount Sinai School of Medicine from New York conducted this study. Research results will be published in the journal Neuroimage.
U.S. Dept. of Energy's Brookhaven National Laboratory along with Mount Sinai School of Medicine from New York conducted this study. Research results will be published in the journal Neuroimage.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Enlisting the Help of an ADD Coach
Do you have a difficult time getting out of the door in the morning? Do you have problems with time management or procrastination? Many adults who struggle with these common ADD issues find that an ADD coach can help benefit life's daily tasks.
An ADD coach is goal oriented and will help provide approaches to solving daily problems. An ADD coach helps to identify goals and objectives, the reasons why these goals and objectives currently are not being met and then draw up an action plan to attain the goals.
In addition to developing customized strategies to achieve goals, the ADD coach will also assist their client in staying focused on their goals and help their client face obstacles and address core ADD issues such as organization, time management, and even self-esteem.
Most people with ADD benefit from setting priorities, defining goals, and allocating time on a weekly planner for each goal. Being able to keep in contact with a coach between sessions is crucial for clients who must adhere to a schedule until it becomes an established routine.
An ADD coach differs from life coaches in that an ADD coach knows the unique challenges that an adult with ADD faces both personally and professionally. While many life coaches follow standard methods and procedures, an ADD coach might develop systems that work uniquely for each client, to help the client use ADD to their advantage.
It is also noteworthy that those with accompanying ADD symptoms such as depression, anxiety disorders or addictions may benefit from traditional psychotherapy, despite ADD coaching advantages.
Friday, April 27, 2007
Fish Oil to Cure ADHD
As our regulars already know, we LOVE omega3s. Time and again studies show that these power-packed fatty acids are the best brain-boosters that have the ability to rid children and adults of ADD symptoms just as well as prescription drugs. Here's yet another study to prove that good ole' Mother Nature is one smart cookie;
Researchers at the University of South Australia and an Australian government research body found that omega fish oil can help those suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD. These results, derived from the largest, clinical-based trial of omega fatty acids of its kind, bolstered the views of many that fatty acids do indeed relieve symptoms of ADHD.
Results at the end of a 30-week-long trial, involving 132 children between seven and 12 with ADHD symptoms, showed that almost half who were taking omega supplements had significant reductions in their symptoms. The children's symptoms included inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Free 411 Calls - Thanks Google!
Okay - I'll admit this is not health related. It is pretty cool though. Dial (800) GOOG-411 (That's 800-466-4411) from any phone to get 411 "Directory Assistance" at no charge. Free!
This is an experimental offering from Google at this point and only offers business listings. Hopefully this will expand to residential down the road.
The voice recognition is fantastic. During a test call, I asked for an oddly-named pizzeria in my town and I got the listing - no problem. On my second test call, I simply requested "pizza" after naming my city and state. It provided the top 8 pizza joints in my town.
I don't know about you, but I just hate paying that annoying $1 every time I need to call 411 for a phone number. I avoid it as much as possible but sometimes there's just no way around needing a number. Twice last week I needed to call 411. I made the first 411 call to find our local YMCA's telephone number after my 15-year-old left this voice mail on my cell phone; "Hey Mom. I'm at Y and my tire's flat. Can you pick me up?" Two days later I drove to a store, only to find that the business had moved. There I was dailing 411 again to find that business' phone number to find the new location.
A buck is a buck is a buck -- especially when they add up month after month. I was thrilled to stumble across this very cool little money saver this morning. I just love Google!
This is an experimental offering from Google at this point and only offers business listings. Hopefully this will expand to residential down the road.
The voice recognition is fantastic. During a test call, I asked for an oddly-named pizzeria in my town and I got the listing - no problem. On my second test call, I simply requested "pizza" after naming my city and state. It provided the top 8 pizza joints in my town.
I don't know about you, but I just hate paying that annoying $1 every time I need to call 411 for a phone number. I avoid it as much as possible but sometimes there's just no way around needing a number. Twice last week I needed to call 411. I made the first 411 call to find our local YMCA's telephone number after my 15-year-old left this voice mail on my cell phone; "Hey Mom. I'm at Y and my tire's flat. Can you pick me up?" Two days later I drove to a store, only to find that the business had moved. There I was dailing 411 again to find that business' phone number to find the new location.
A buck is a buck is a buck -- especially when they add up month after month. I was thrilled to stumble across this very cool little money saver this morning. I just love Google!
Friday, April 13, 2007
Stress Kills? Not Cancer Cells
We've all heard that stress kills. There is plenty of research that shows that stress breaks down our bodies immune function and makes us more prone to sickness. Here's the interesting thing; stress not only breaks down our body's ability to fight illness, it actually strengthens cancer cells. Talk about a double whammy.
Researchers at Wake Forest University found that some stress hormones make cancer cells more resistant to cell death.
You can read more about this study here.
If you are under stress, try Extress. Extress is a natural stress reliever.
http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7007028997
Researchers at Wake Forest University found that some stress hormones make cancer cells more resistant to cell death.
You can read more about this study here.
If you are under stress, try Extress. Extress is a natural stress reliever.
http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7007028997
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Fiber Pathways Abnormalities To Blame?
New research shows that anatomical differences in the brain can cause ADHD. ADHD is typically described as a chemical imbalance, but research of brain scans on children with ADHD shows abnormalities in the fiber pathways where brain signals communicate.
Using an imaging technique, researchers found subtle anatomical differences in children diagnosed with ADHD that may affect communication between key areas of the brain involved in regulating attention, impulsive behavior, motor activity, and inhibition.
Using an all natural product like Attend will help smooth the fiber pathways between brain cells and the transmission of brain signals. Attend contains all natural ingredients and homeopathics that will safely aid anyone with ADHD without the dangerous side effects that are possible when using prescription medications.
Using an imaging technique, researchers found subtle anatomical differences in children diagnosed with ADHD that may affect communication between key areas of the brain involved in regulating attention, impulsive behavior, motor activity, and inhibition.
Using an all natural product like Attend will help smooth the fiber pathways between brain cells and the transmission of brain signals. Attend contains all natural ingredients and homeopathics that will safely aid anyone with ADHD without the dangerous side effects that are possible when using prescription medications.
Monday, April 09, 2007
Looking for a Tutor?
By learning to read from ages four and up, children have better success in grades one to three. If their reading skills aren't up to par, a tutor may be needed to see your child succeed.
The same is true with mathmatics. Children can run into problems in middle school as math becomes more complicated and concepts begin to build on each other. If your child hasn't mastered the basics first, middle school math will be a problem. Again, a tutor is a good solution.
While many parents prefer their child have a private tutor, costs are as much as $35 an hour or more. Many parents today lean toward more institutional groups such as Sylvan Learning Center or Kumon to cut down on expenses.
For parents looking for an even more economical approach, the Boys and Girls Club can help with their volunteer mentors and tutors. Many local community centers offer after-school help for students. Many people find that a one-on-one relationship with a mentor or tutor works best for a child.
Schools often have a list of tutors or mentoring programs that are available in the area. You can also find tutors through the Yellow Pages or on CraigsList at craigslist.org. Word-of-mouth is another great way to find a quality tutor.
Whether tutoring is private or offered in a free setting, the main objective is to get your child the necessary help he or she needs to stay ahead of the game.
The same is true with mathmatics. Children can run into problems in middle school as math becomes more complicated and concepts begin to build on each other. If your child hasn't mastered the basics first, middle school math will be a problem. Again, a tutor is a good solution.
While many parents prefer their child have a private tutor, costs are as much as $35 an hour or more. Many parents today lean toward more institutional groups such as Sylvan Learning Center or Kumon to cut down on expenses.
For parents looking for an even more economical approach, the Boys and Girls Club can help with their volunteer mentors and tutors. Many local community centers offer after-school help for students. Many people find that a one-on-one relationship with a mentor or tutor works best for a child.
Schools often have a list of tutors or mentoring programs that are available in the area. You can also find tutors through the Yellow Pages or on CraigsList at craigslist.org. Word-of-mouth is another great way to find a quality tutor.
Whether tutoring is private or offered in a free setting, the main objective is to get your child the necessary help he or she needs to stay ahead of the game.
Thursday, April 05, 2007
25% of Depression is Misdiagnosed
Research suggests that 25% of people diagnosed as clinically depressed might not be. These people, researchers at Columbia University Clinical Psychiatry say, are simply sad or grief stricken. Researchers poured over thousands of depression checklists and found that one in four respondents who would have been labeled depressed were actually dealing with a loss that would make anyone sad.
The standard American Psychiatric Association checklist of depression symptoms does not consider hardships in life like death, divorce, loss of a job, relocation when evaluating a patient for depression. It is normal to experience sadness and grief over such losses.
On the "industry standard" depression screening checklist, questions like these are asked;
- Are you experiencing persistent sad, anxiousness or an "empty" mood?
- Do you have a loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, including sex?
- Do you have decreased energy or fatigue?Do you experience Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping?
- Do you have appetite and/or weight loss, or overeating and weight gain?
- Do you have difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions?
- Are you restless or irritable?
Researchers believe the simple checklist needs to be fixed to better define whether the symptoms are the result of temporary sadness or clinical depression. A depression diagnosis is too important to get wrong - especially given the side effects to antidepressants typically prescribed for depressed patients.
The standard American Psychiatric Association checklist of depression symptoms does not consider hardships in life like death, divorce, loss of a job, relocation when evaluating a patient for depression. It is normal to experience sadness and grief over such losses.
On the "industry standard" depression screening checklist, questions like these are asked;
- Are you experiencing persistent sad, anxiousness or an "empty" mood?
- Do you have a loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, including sex?
- Do you have decreased energy or fatigue?Do you experience Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping?
- Do you have appetite and/or weight loss, or overeating and weight gain?
- Do you have difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions?
- Are you restless or irritable?
Researchers believe the simple checklist needs to be fixed to better define whether the symptoms are the result of temporary sadness or clinical depression. A depression diagnosis is too important to get wrong - especially given the side effects to antidepressants typically prescribed for depressed patients.
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Healthy Habits Ward Off Depression
Healthy habits make for a healthy mind. This is common sense. A recent study once again proves this to be true.
The "American Journal of Public Health" published a study this month that found;
- Study participants who reported excessive alcohol use (three or more drinks daily) were more likely to suffer from depression.
- Overweight participants were also more prone to depression.
- Those who reported exercising for more than 30 minutes daily were less likely to be depressed.
One of the best "cures" for depression is exercise. Physical exercise is shown time and time again to be an effective treatment of depression and regular exercise will also help with the weight issues that can make you more prone to depression.
I started running 8 years ago, when my older brother was diagnosed with cancer. Bill never smoked, did not drink, exercised regularly, ate well and led an extremely healthy lifestyle. We have no family history either. To this day, we still do not understand how cancer was able to grab the healthiest one among us. I was a smoker at the time and figured I had pushed my luck too long.
Have any of you tried to quit smoking? It's a bugger. A BIG FAT BUGGER. After several failed attempts, I became desperate and signed up to run the Chicago Marathon. If that didn't knock the smoking habit out of me, nothing would. My early runs fell somewhere between humorous and pathetic. I would lace up my shoes and jog to a nearby friend's house to have a cigarette. Pretty soon I would make a few extra loops around the neighborhood before stopping in for a smoke. Eventually, I quit altogether.
What I found out quite by accident was that running did wonders for my mood. Running did not completely wipe out the depression and make me a bright and shiny person. It did make a horrible time more tolerable.
The kids caught on to the magic of my running even before I did. "Do you need to go out for a run," one of the boys would invariable ask when Mom was on the edge. They gladly supported the time I spent on the road in exchange for a more calm mom when I returned. I often joke that running is the only thing that saves my sanity.
The "American Journal of Public Health" published a study this month that found;
- Study participants who reported excessive alcohol use (three or more drinks daily) were more likely to suffer from depression.
- Overweight participants were also more prone to depression.
- Those who reported exercising for more than 30 minutes daily were less likely to be depressed.
One of the best "cures" for depression is exercise. Physical exercise is shown time and time again to be an effective treatment of depression and regular exercise will also help with the weight issues that can make you more prone to depression.
I started running 8 years ago, when my older brother was diagnosed with cancer. Bill never smoked, did not drink, exercised regularly, ate well and led an extremely healthy lifestyle. We have no family history either. To this day, we still do not understand how cancer was able to grab the healthiest one among us. I was a smoker at the time and figured I had pushed my luck too long.
Have any of you tried to quit smoking? It's a bugger. A BIG FAT BUGGER. After several failed attempts, I became desperate and signed up to run the Chicago Marathon. If that didn't knock the smoking habit out of me, nothing would. My early runs fell somewhere between humorous and pathetic. I would lace up my shoes and jog to a nearby friend's house to have a cigarette. Pretty soon I would make a few extra loops around the neighborhood before stopping in for a smoke. Eventually, I quit altogether.
What I found out quite by accident was that running did wonders for my mood. Running did not completely wipe out the depression and make me a bright and shiny person. It did make a horrible time more tolerable.
The kids caught on to the magic of my running even before I did. "Do you need to go out for a run," one of the boys would invariable ask when Mom was on the edge. They gladly supported the time I spent on the road in exchange for a more calm mom when I returned. I often joke that running is the only thing that saves my sanity.
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