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If you have ADHD, you will not finish reading this article

So, what’s up with ADHD in kids? Well, it seems like ADHD is on the rise! Did you know that approximately 5-10% of children worldwide are affected by ADHD? Yeah, it’s like a secret club, but not the kind you wanna join voluntarily. And get this, boys are more likely to have ADHD than girls. It’s like the universe decided to make it a boys’ club.

adhd text
Photo by Tara Winstead on Pexels.com

The exact causes of ADHD are still a bit of a mystery, but we’ve got a few ideas.

  • Genetics seem to play a key part. Yeah, it’s like a family affair. If Uncle Babu had it and your cousin Pinky has it, there’s a good chance it’s gonna make an appearance in your family tree too. Blame it on the genes!
  • Brain chemistry is also in the mix. Those kids with ADHD might have some wonky levels of brain chemicals like dopamine and norepinephrine. It’s like their brains are throwing a party and these chemicals are the DJ spinning the tunes. Sometimes they get a little too hyped up.
  • Prenatal and birth complications can also increase the risk of ADHD. So, ladies, put down that cigarette and step away from the alcohol, ’cause exposure to tobacco and alcohol during pregnancy can up the chances of your little one having ADHD. It’s like a game of Russian roulette, but with baby brains.
  • And let’s not forget about the environment. Lead exposure has been linked to a higher risk of ADHD. So, kids, if you see any suspicious-looking paint chips, do yourself a favor and resist the urge to snack on them.

So, how to tackle this ADHD beast? Well, we’ve got a few tricks up our sleeve:

  • First off, we’ve got the power of omega-3 fatty acids. Studies have shown that getting enough omega-3s can help improve those ADHD symptoms. So, grab some fishy friends like salmon or load up on flaxseeds. Your brain will be doing a happy dance in no time!
  • Next up, exercise! Yeah, you heard me right. Get moving and grooving. Exercise is like a superhero for focus and concentration. It’s a natural stress-buster too. So, go play. God knows, you might even get a moment of peace!
  • Oh, and let’s not forget about the importance of sleep. We all know what happens when we don’t get enough shut-eye. Well, for kids with ADHD, it’s like multiplying that chaos by ten. So, set up a bedtime routine, dim the lights, and tuck ’em in. A good night’s sleep can work wonders.
  • Now, here comes the hard part—diet. Yeah, I know, it’s like asking a kid to give up their sugar rush. A healthy diet can make a big difference. Say no to processed junk and sugary foods. especially sodas and fruit juice. . Load ’em up with fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins. It’s like giving their brains a power-up!
  • Caffeine and alcohol are no-no’s for teens with ADHD. I hope you are not giving it to kids. It’s like adding fuel to the fire. So, save the coffee for the adults and keep the booze out of their reach.

Now, I’ve got a secret weapon for you—structure! Yeah, kids with ADHD thrive on routines. It’s like their superpower.

  • Set regular bed times, wake them up at the same time every day, and make sure they have regular meals. It’s like creating a blueprint for success, my friend!
  • Let’s not forget the power of positive reinforcement. Kids with ADHD need some extra love and encouragement. So, when they accomplish something great, shower them with praise or reward them with a little something special. It’s like giving their self-esteem a boost and showing them they’re alright.
  • Now, let’s tackle stress. Stress can really amp up those ADHD symptoms! Get those kids involved in stress-busting activities like yoga, meditation, or even just taking a nature walk.

Now, parents, I’ve got a fun exercise for you. Take a moment to breathe. Yeah, I know, life gets crazy, but you gotta take care of yourselves too. Find a quiet corner, close your eyes, and take a deep breath. Inhale… exhale… Ahh, doesn’t that feel nice? Remember, you’re superheroes too!

So, if you suspect your little one might have ADHD, don’t fret. Talk to your doctor. In the end, ADHD might be a puzzle we’re still trying to solve, but with a little humor, some natural remedies, and a whole lot of love, we can make life a little brighter for those incredible kids with ADHD.

The views expressed in this article should not be considered as a substitute for a physician’s advice. Always make sure to seek a doctor or a professional’s advice before proceeding with the home treatment plan.


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How much alcohol is good for you?

The most comprehensive and unbiased study on our health came out in The Lancet today. They studied data for 30 years in 200+ countries and discovered this:
* People under the age of 40 start risking their health if they consume any more than two teaspoons of wine or two-and-a-half tablespoons of beer per day.
* For young adults between the ages of 15 and 39, there were zero health benefits—only risks—associated with drinking alcohol.
* The recommended amount of alcohol that could be consumed before risking their health is a little more than one-tenth of a standard drink. (~0.3 oz of wine)

Takeaway: Young people should not drink


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SHOCKING CHART ON HOW MUCH AMERICAN DRINK

Do you drink a glass of wine with dinner every night? That puts you in the top 30 percent of American adults in terms of per-capita alcohol consumption. If you drink two glasses, that would put you in the top 20 percent. Americans drink a little less than the French on average, and researchers here have attributed 9.8 percent of all deaths among working-age adults to excessive drinking. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tracks deaths from 54 different alcohol-related causes, including falls, car accidents, acute toxicity, liver disease, stroke, and multiple types of cancer.

Read more: Slate


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AVOID THIS DURING PREGNANCY & BREASTFEEDING

FOOD

Listeriosis and Toxoplasmosis are foodborne illnesses that are more likely to affect pregnant women.

Keep food safe to eat by following these general guidelines to avoid food borne illness.

CLEAN: Wash hands and surfaces often.
SEPARATE: Don’t cross-contaminate. For example, after cutting meat, wash the knife before using it to cut vegetables.
COOK: Cook to proper temperature using a food thermometer.
CHILL: Refrigerate promptly.

ALCOHOL

· Pregnant women and women planning to become pregnant should not drink Alcohol. Alcohol can cross the placenta into the baby’s bloodstream. It causes damage to an unborn baby at all stages of pregnancy. Risks involves

• miscarriage

• the way your baby develops in the womb – in particular, the way your baby’s brain develops

• the way your baby grows in the womb, by causing the placenta not to work as well as it should – this is known as foetal growth restriction

• increased risk of a stillbirth

• increased risk of premature labor

• your baby being more prone to illness in infancy, childhood and as an adult

• learning and behavioral disorders

SMOKING AND DRUGS

· These are potentially just as dangerous as Alcohol, if not more. SO avoid.

CAFFEINE

· You should limit caffeine during pregnancy – avoid having more than 200mg of caffeine a day. High levels of caffeine can cause babies to have a low birth weight. Too much caffeine can also cause a miscarriage. Caffeine is found naturally in some foods and is added to some soft drinks. So avoid Sodas.

HERBS AND SUPPLEMENTS

· Virtually no medicinal herb has been established as safe in pregnancy or breast-feeding, and even herbs that might seem safe because of their wide use in cooking could cause problems when they are taken in the form of highly concentrated extracts.

· Some herbs are definitely known to be toxic in pregnancy, such as blue cohosh and pennyroyal .

· Other herbs that are traditionally regarded with caution during pregnancy include andrographis , boldo , catnip , essential oils , feverfew , juniper , licorice , nettle , red clover , rosemary , shepherd’s purse, and yarrow , along with many others.

· the herb chasteberry has shown a theoretical potential for inhibiting milk supply.

· Some supplements like conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) appears to reduce the fat content of breast milk, with potentially harmful effects on the nursing infant.

· herbs with estrogen-like properties make scientists worry about possible effects on the fetus; these include soy , isoflavones , red clover , flaxseed , lignans , and hops .

· Some un-regulated Chinese herbal medicines and Aryurvedic herbal remedies have been found on occasion to contain toxic heavy metals, poisonous herbs, or unlabelled prescription drugs.

HYGIENE:

· Wash your hands with soap and water after touching soil, sand, raw meat, or unwashed vegetables.

· Cats can spread parasite causing Toxoplasmosis. Have someone else change the litter box if possible. If you have to change it, wear disposable gloves and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water afterwards.

· Wear gloves when gardening or handling sand from a sandbox. Cats may use gardens or sandboxes as litter boxes. Wash hands afterward.

· Avoid drinking untreated water, particularly when traveling in less developed countries.

Sources: EBSCO, NHS, Choosemyplate.org


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ALCOHOL IS MORE DEADLY THAN OTHER ILLEGAL DRUGS

An authoritative 2010 study led by former UK drug czar David Nutt found alcohol to be the most dangerous drug in the country. The research rated 20 drugs based on 16 criteria: nine related to the harms that a drug produces in the individual and seven to the harms to others.

This chart from Nutt’s study showed the overall rankings:

The Lancet

Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/another-look-at-why-alcohol-may-be-more-dangerous-than-heroin-2014-9#ixzz3DOPbdKr9


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SHAME ON TEXAS – DRUNK DRIVERS

Imagine this: Your lovely child has grown up following all the rule and laws, is a shining example and a model student, helpful in every way to the family and society, has great prospects for the future and then SUDDENLY….an erratic and fast moving car plows down your child in front of your home, in front of your eyes.

And guess what the driver is taken to court and all he gets is his wrist slapped by the justices (with involuntary manslaughter that sometimes carries only a probation).

Think this is not possible?

This happens every single day – by DRUNK DRIVERS. In fact there are 1000s of repeat offenders who casually Drink and Drive and all our society and lawmakers do is turn a blind eye. If you are a concerned parent or grandparent you should be enraged that we don’t have strict anti-drinking laws or condemn such behavior.

This doesn’t look like a big problem? Here are the stats on Texas

· Drunk driving deaths per 100,000: 5

· Total DUI arrests: 85,436 (2nd highest)

· Beer consumption per capita: 34.4 gallons (9th highest)

· Percent of minors consuming alcohol: 22.4% (14th lowest)

· Percent of binge drinkers: 18.9% (19th highest)

Nearly 1,300 people in Texas died in drunk driving accidents in 2012, more than in any other state. In 2012, 3,610 young adults under 21 were arrested for violating the state’s underage drinking laws, among the most in America. In 2012, 169 people under the age of 21 died in drunk driving accidents in Texas, more than in any other state. Overall, Texas law enforcement officers arrested 85,436 people for drunk driving that year, more than in any other state except for California.

Should the irreponsible drunk get a free pass from our justice system? Shouldn’t they be punished with the maximum sentence?

If you care, write to your lawmaker.


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ALCOHOL – THE STEALTH LEGAL DRUG

What makes Alcohol legal and Pot illegal?

WHO released a report that shows that Alcohol kills 3.3 million people a year.

Alcohol not only lead to violence and injuries, it also increases the risk of more than 200 diseases, including liver cirrhosis and several types of cancers.

Approximately 25 per cent of deaths among those aged age group 20 to 39 can be attributed to alcohol.

Worldwide about 16 per cent of drinkers engage in heavy episodic drinking – often referred to as ‘binge-drinking’.

Ask a mother that has lost a child due to alcohol related health issue or due to drunk driving.

And yet we accept alcohol as natural and unquestionable.

Really?

See WHO’s chart on consumption.

WHAT CAN WE DO COLLECTIVELY?

· Make alcohol illegal for young people.

· enact very strict laws against drinking and driving

· reduce demand through taxation and pricing

· raise awareness of public health problems caused by harmful use of alcohol

· provide affordable treatment for people with alcohol-use disorders


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IS IT OK TO HAVE JUST A DRINK DURING PREGNANCY?

I hear many parents still ask during pre-natal consult if it is ok to have just one beer occasionally during pregnancy.

I strongly recommend against it.

Everything you drink, your baby also drinks.

No type of alcohol is safe.

If you drink alcohol, you will hurt your baby’s growth.

Ever heard of fetal alcohol syndrome?

Children with fetal alcohol syndrome may have problems eating and sleeping, seeing and hearing, following directions and learning how to do simple things, paying attention and learning in school, have trouble getting along with others. They will need medical care all their lives.

In Short, DON’T.