You are what you eat! There is a large measure of truth in this saying especially in reference to food and child behavior. Ever since Dr. Benjamin Feingold alerted us to the dangers of artificial colorings, flavorings and preservatives, we have become more conscious not only of the fast food industry but the whole process of food manufacturing in the contemporary world.
The problem is that the food we purchase at the supermarket is filled with preservatives, emulsifiers, thickeners and additives all of which can produce different reactions in different people. Most studies on food additives have been done on separate and individual items. The safety of each item does not guarantee the safety of the product in which multiple additives are combined. We are all biochemically unique. Certain combinations can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive children, while others might not be affected at all.
We need to be more conscious of whole foods cooked at home: bread baked with unbleached whole grain flour without additives, soups and salads made with fresh garden tomatoes and greens harvested not weeks, but moments ago. We have traded the immediacy of "live" food for a whole culture of food allergies and sensitivities.
Research also indicates that children with attention deficit disorder have lower concentrations of omega fatty 3 acids. Low concentrations of omega fatty 3 acids, specifically DHA are associated with an increased risk of depression and brain deterioration. Risk for Alzehimer's Disease decreases with the consumption of omega 3 fats.
In AntiCancer: A New Way of Life, Dr. Servan-Schreiber locates the paucity of this essential fat in the dietary changes of our modern cows. The replacement of omega 3 rich grass pastures with battery farming means that the principal feed for cows comes now from corn, soy and wheat which are almost wholly devoid of omega 3 fatty acids.
It is no wonder that between 1970 and 1990, the mass of fatty tissue in children under one in the United States doubled, a statistic attributed by researchers Gerard Ailhaut and Philippe Guesnet to the change in the "character" of milk coming from grain fed cows.
Showing posts with label attention deficit disorder. Show all posts
Showing posts with label attention deficit disorder. Show all posts
Friday, January 2, 2009
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Attention Deficit Disorder and Your Child
Symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder
Attention Deficit Disorder or A.D.D. symptoms include the following:
The child has a hard time focusing on the task at hand.
The child has a very hard time organizing.
The child is very forgetful or at least seems to be.
Examples of Attention Deficit Disorder Scenarios
Your child has homework and seems to have difficulty starting the homework. It seems like a never ending battle night after night to get his or her homework done. Your child may sit at the table, complaining that he or she does not know how to do it.
Help Suggestion
Every night have a routine called “homework time.” Sit down with your child every night at the same time at the kitchen table or desk where homework is done. Go over the directions with your child. Focus on one step at a time as too many directions can easily confuse the A.D.D. child. Let the child do the homework, but if he or she needs more help with the explanation of the directions, make sure you are readily available.
Your child seems messy and/or incapable of organizing his or her school satchel and room. Your child may have a hard time focusing on packing up his/her backpack the evening before school. You feel like a broken record having to tell your child to pack up.
Help Suggestion
You must be organized yourself. Start with your home, perhaps the kitchen, and start organizing the clutter. Clean and remove unwanted or unused items. Move to the living room, bedrooms and bathrooms. You will feel better yourself after this is done. Be an excellent example to teach your A.D.D. child how to be organized. Help your child develop a routine for his/her responsibilities this sense of organization can be carried into adulthood.
Forgetfulness is something that can be reduced with calendars and notes. Teach your child write reminders in a notebook. Have your child carry the notebook in his/her pocket and make a habit of referring to the notebook throughout the day.
Where to Get Help
Speak to your child’s teachers at school. The teachers and school psychologist may get started on testing your child. The teachers will fill out forms required for the evaluation. The next step is to make a doctor appointment so your child can be evaluated for A.D.D.
Summary
If you feel your child has A.D.D. symptoms please speak to your school teachers and family doctor.
Attention Deficit Disorder or A.D.D. symptoms include the following:
The child has a hard time focusing on the task at hand.
The child has a very hard time organizing.
The child is very forgetful or at least seems to be.
Examples of Attention Deficit Disorder Scenarios
Your child has homework and seems to have difficulty starting the homework. It seems like a never ending battle night after night to get his or her homework done. Your child may sit at the table, complaining that he or she does not know how to do it.
Help Suggestion
Every night have a routine called “homework time.” Sit down with your child every night at the same time at the kitchen table or desk where homework is done. Go over the directions with your child. Focus on one step at a time as too many directions can easily confuse the A.D.D. child. Let the child do the homework, but if he or she needs more help with the explanation of the directions, make sure you are readily available.
Your child seems messy and/or incapable of organizing his or her school satchel and room. Your child may have a hard time focusing on packing up his/her backpack the evening before school. You feel like a broken record having to tell your child to pack up.
Help Suggestion
You must be organized yourself. Start with your home, perhaps the kitchen, and start organizing the clutter. Clean and remove unwanted or unused items. Move to the living room, bedrooms and bathrooms. You will feel better yourself after this is done. Be an excellent example to teach your A.D.D. child how to be organized. Help your child develop a routine for his/her responsibilities this sense of organization can be carried into adulthood.
Forgetfulness is something that can be reduced with calendars and notes. Teach your child write reminders in a notebook. Have your child carry the notebook in his/her pocket and make a habit of referring to the notebook throughout the day.
Where to Get Help
Speak to your child’s teachers at school. The teachers and school psychologist may get started on testing your child. The teachers will fill out forms required for the evaluation. The next step is to make a doctor appointment so your child can be evaluated for A.D.D.
Summary
If you feel your child has A.D.D. symptoms please speak to your school teachers and family doctor.
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