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Hormone Disruptors – Are They Lurking In Your Home?

Debra Ferrie — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 11:33:54 +0000

Worried about plastic and chemicals leaching into your skin and body? You’re not alone. There is a lot of controversy surrounding hormone disruptors – those chemicals found in skin products, soaps, make-up, water bottles, and cans lined with BPA. They are suspected to affect or harm our health in several ways, especially when used daily.

Recently Dateline NBC did an investigation into hormone disruptors. As with most stories, there are 2 opinions and 2 valid arguments to whether we can still use these items or should avoid them like the plague.

For the investigation, the reporter conducted urine tests on herself and her children. She alternated days – one day using products with hormone disruptors and chemicals, and one day using only using chemical-free items and whole foods. Of course, on the days she used the products with chemicals, her levels spiked.

But does this mean her health was in danger? One daughter tested over 10 times the average level of toxins. That being said, there are no proven risks of having some of these chemicals in our bodies. The initial tests were done on rats and the effects for humans are speculated. Doctors and researchers say that even when found in small levels in the human body, they are far below the danger zone and we should not be concerned. They say that some of the opposing researchers are alarmists – not by purposely trying to scare the public but by presenting the data in a way that certainly does instill fear into people.

On the flip side, other physicians say that developing bodies in children are particularly susceptible to these chemicals and they should be avoided, as they can cause everything from obesity to infertility to ADHD. Many people, including mothers of young children, want to do all the can to avoid chemicals around their families.

Are you concerned? The items that you may want to avoid are :

Anti-bacterial soaps
BPA lined cans
Any plastic bottle that doesn’t say “BPA free”
Chemicals in skin care and soap (choose organic or chemical-free versions when you can)
Microwaving food in plastic packaging

Having listened to both sides, an argument for moderation may solve the issue, or at least keep us from going overboard with fear. When given a choice of using the chemical-based products or a healthier version, choosing the latter can’t hurt. But there are times it is not feasible, not affordable or not available, so perhaps we shouldn’t stress ourselves too much over it. Stress is not good for our health either.

Dying to Survive: Pharmaceutical Testing On Children Across the Globe

Tara — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 19:27:42 +0000

With profits reaching into the billions, the United States pharmaceutical industry is one that continues to try to grow and expand. Pharmaceutical companies rely on doctors, the medical community, the FDA, and CDC to promote the safety of their drugs as well as encourage the use of their products. How do they do this? The answer is through drug trials.

These drug manufacturers must prove that their solutions are both safe and effective before they can hit the marketplace and reap big profits. To do this they must have human drug trials. But, in the United States, it is very difficult to find parents willing to subject their children to these trials. Because of this, many companies have moved an incredibly high percentage of their drug testing trials overseas. They aren’t just moving them overseas though. They are moving them to impoverished countries where informed consent is subjective and regulations are loose.

Back in 2011, Vanity Fair did a fantastic story on the issue of drug testing impoverished countries and the outcomes of these trials. As outlined in the article:

As recently as 1990, according to the inspector general of the Department of Health and Human Services, a mere 271 trials were being conducted in foreign countries of drugs intended for American use. By 2008, the number had risen to 6,485—an increase of more than 2,000 percent. A database being compiled by the National Institutes of Health has identified 58,788 such trials in 173 countries outside the United States since 2000.

These statistics were from 2008. The story gets much more grim as the years continue. We now have many drug companies solely testing overseas with no American trials being performed. Here are some of the major issues with this procedure of overseas testing:

Human Rights Ignored

When testing is done overseas, companies are released from the ethical and legal constraints of the United States. Though these products are going to be brought to the United States, they are not required to follow all the regulations. One example of how this practice can cause major ethical concerns is by forms of consent. In the summer of 2011, for instance, pharmaceutical giant Pfizer began making payments to families of Nigerian children who died of meningitis following a controversial drug trial marred by allegations of lack of consent, inadequate documentation and medical malpractice. Consent is easier to obtain in impoverished countries.

British drug manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline has recently been fined $230,000 by a court after 14 babies died during a vaccine drug trial. The company has been criticised for its handling of the tests and choice to locate the trial in a largely impoverished community, with many parents alleging that they were not informed of their children’s participation in a drug trial until after the vaccine had been administered.

These are just a few of the many examples of what can happen when loosely regulated drug trials on children take place in foreign countries. Ultimately, regulations in many foreign countries are less stringent, if there are any regulations at all. The risk of litigation is negligible, in some places nonexistent. This means drug companies have free rein and can test as they please. As an added bonus they don’t have to release test results performed abroad if they choose not to. This will be covered in a moment.

Are Findings Abroad Relevant to the United States?

Some health professionals also question if tests performed outside the United States are even relevant to treatment here. People in the areas of testing sometimes have little to no health history or past. It is easy for companies to find patients who have never had a drug in their lives. Therefore, reactions to the drug are less likely. Diets are different, medical interventions are different, and overall healthcare is different. This could cause patients to metabolize drugs differently and react differently to the drugs as a whole. This could deem those trials irrelevant to the American population.

Picking and Choosing

When drug trials are performed overseas the company has no obligation to release that data when applying for the drug to be released. They can pick and choose which trials to include in their application for the drug to come to market. Celebrex is a prime example of a drug tested overseas where clinical trials were narrowed down to only include the trials with best outcomes. In reading the Vanity Fair article you learn that:

The National Institutes of Health maintains a record of most—but by no means all—drug trials inside and outside the United States. The database counts 290 studies involving Celebrex. Companies are not required to report—and do not report—all studies conducted overseas. According to the database, of the 290 trials for Celebrex, 183 took place in the United States, meaning, one would assume, that 107 took place in other countries. But an informal, country-by-country accounting by VANITY FAIRturned up no fewer than 207 Celebrex trials in at least 36 other countries.

So why were all trials not included in the count to the National Institutes of Health? Could it be that studies showed patients taking the drug were more likely to suffer heart attacks and strokes than those who took older and cheaper painkillers? After consumption of this drug in the US, it turns out that this was in fact the case and sales of Celebrex dropped significantly.

Drug testing is a must to ensure safety of products before they reach market, but are we allowing the unethical treatment of children abroad to potentially benefit our own? What are your thoughts? Should there be heavier regulation in the pharmaceutical industry in testing and procedures for drugs to make it to the marketplace?

Children’s Allergies: A Joy Robber of Autumn’s Fun

Jane Bongato — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 18:00:26 +0000

Autumn is a beautiful time of year, and for most kids, it means hours of outdoor fun; frolicking in piles of fallen leaves, gathering acorns and pinecones or playing hide and seek in the forest. For some kids, however, the shifting weather means pesky allergens that cause itchy eyes, runny noses or even hives.

The good news is that with the right precautions, you can spare your child a good deal of unpleasantness and make autumn a memorable season for all the right reasons.

How to prepare for autumn allergens

Statistics show that nearly 10 to 20 percent of people suffer from fall allergies. Being aware of what causes these allergies is the first step towards preventing them.

One of the main culprits of fall allergies in the fall is ragweed, a flowering plant that is also known as bitterweed or bloodweed. Another allergy trigger that is common during this time of year due to the rain and humidity is mold.

Here are a few tips to help you prepare for the season:

Plant a few cover crops in your garden

Ragweed is most common between the months or August and October. It is the pollen from this weed that causes allergic reactions, and because it can travel for up to 400 miles in windy conditions, it may be difficult to avoid it altogether.

Planting cover crops, however, such as clover, rye or field peas, can prevent the weed from taking root in your own garden, thus minimizing the chance of pollen in your immediate area.

Don’t leave piles of dead leaves around the yard

Piles of rotting leaves provide the perfect breeding ground for mold, so it’s important to rake up dead leaves and either burn them or cover them in a far corner of the garden until next spring when they can be used as compost.

Keep filters clean

Pollen can get caught in filters of air conditioners, washing machines, furnaces and other household appliances. If you don’t clean these filters out regularly, the pollen will find its way into your home even if you are keeping your child indoors and away from possible allergens.

Spend time at the beach

If your child suffers from ragweed allergies, most outdoor activities will be off-limits. The beaches, however, are usually ragweed-free, thanks to the humidity levels. While swimming may be difficult at this time of year, kids can still enjoy running and playing without the fear of having an allergic reaction.

Children’s clothing for outdoor activities

Just because your child suffer from allergies doesn’t mean they can’t play outdoors. During certain times of day, such as the morning or late evening, and in certain weather conditions, such as on crisp windless days, there is less chance of pollen in the air, and these would be ideal times to head into the fresh air.

Here are a few tips for outdoor clothing to keep your kids allergy-free:

Wear warm clothing

For kids with sensitive airways, cold air can be quite an irritant. To protect them from the cold temperatures, make sure they are warmly dressed and use a hat to cover their ears, along with a scarf over their mouth and nose to warm the air before it reaches their lungs.

Keep eyes protected

If there is a lot of pollen in the air, it may be a good idea to keep eyes covered with sunglasses or protective goggles. A mask or bandana over the mouth and nose will also prevent allergens from reaching the child’s lungs.

Change clothes immediately when entering the home

To avoid bringing allergens into the home, take off all your child-s outdoor clothes before allowing them to enter the home. Taking a shower before changing into fresh clothes will also wash any residue from the skin.

Natural remedies for allergies

Most parents don-t enjoy the thought of pumping their young child full of allergy medications, so here are a few natural remedies that may ease the symptoms of seasonal allergies:

Butterbur
Stinging nettle tea
Saline rinse and spray
Probiotics (yogurt)
Bromelain
Natural honey

Alternatives to outdoor activities

When the pollen in the air is at its peak, it may be best to avoid all outdoor activities and remain indoors as much as possible. However, keeping kids entertained indoors is easier said than done. Here are a few ideas of indoor activities that will help you keep your child happy for hours.

Bake
Dance
Make paper mache
Paint pine cones and stones
Build an indoor tent
Write your own songs and stories
Have indoor picnics
Make your own play-doh
Write letters

Image Source: Flickr Creative Commons

Milk That is Perfect When You’re On the Go #milkunleashed

Nikki Katz — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 23:11:44 +0000

According to the Journal of Pediatrics, dairy and calcium intakes are inadequate in four- to 18-year-olds. In fact, only 30 percent of the US population two years of age and older get the recommended level of calcium or more. Plus, most kids do not get enough Vitamin D, potassium and protein, either. The good news — all of these important nutrients are found in milk.

Shelf safe milk provides an easy and convenient way for moms to make sure their children are getting the nutrients they need.

What is shelf safe milk?

It’s grab ‘n go wholesome milk for your family, that requires no refrigeration until the package is opened. Shelf safe milk is great in lunch boxes, sport coolers, diaper bags and purses. Try freezing the single serving size cartons, so by mid-day they’re just the right temperature. Just one carton of shelf safe milk has 8 grams of protein and 9 essential nutrients – calcium, Vitamins A, D and B₁₂, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, riboflavin, niacin and zinc – nearly half of the daily recommended vitamins.

So how does it work?

Shelf safe milk is Grade A fluid milk with no additives or preservatives that is pasteurized at an ultra high temperature (UHT) to eliminate bacteria. It’s then packaged it in a special carton that keeps out light, air and harmful contaminants. When opened, the milk should be refrigerated and consumed within 7-10 days. But unopened, shelf safe milk can stay good up to six months. This means you can stock up when the milk is on sale, and keep it stored in your pantry. You’ll never find yourself scrambling for a cereal topping again.

Is this new?

Actually, shelf safe milk has been around for a while, since the 1960s! It represents the majority of milk consumed in Europe. It is hugely popular in there for its convenience and in many other parts of the world that have less than ideal chilled distribution chains, or that are subject to power outages. We are a late adopter of this technology.

Where can I learn more?

Head over to Milk Unleashed for more information and the latest news on shelf safe milk. You can find out where to purchase the products and play fun online games with your family. There’s a great page of tips for children who don’t like milk – including ideas of flavoring the milk with honey or yogurt. And make sure to follow them on Twitter @milkunleashed.

Have you tried shelf safe milk before? When is your family’s favorite time to enjoy it? Share your thoughts below for the chance to win a $100 gift card! (see official rules)

Milk That is Perfect When You’re On the Go #milkunleashed

Nikki Katz — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 18:22:59 +0000

Shelf safe milk provides an easy and convenient way for moms to make sure their children are getting the nutrients they need.

What is shelf safe milk?

So how does it work?

Is this new?

Where can I learn more?

Have you tried shelf safe milk before? When is your family’s favorite time to enjoy it? Share your thoughts below for the chance to win a $100 gift card! (see official rules)

children’s health and happiness is our number one priority. From making sure they’re happy at school – to looking after them when the’re sick in bed – there is nothing we won’t do for our kids.

One aspect you may not have previously considered is your child’s vision. As babies grow, their depth perception and awareness of shapes and colors improve. By around nine months of age their eye color is established and they start to see the entire world around them. By one year old, your baby will see as well as you do.

But with a sense as important as sight, just how can you tell if your child is seeing properly once they reach toddler and early childhood years? If they’re exhibiting one or more of these signs, it may be cause for concern.

Avoiding activities?

The first way to tell if your child has a vision problem is when they won’t take part in fun activities such as coloring, reading or making things with their hands. Although every child has certain activities they dislike due to personal preferences – a child who decides to sit out while their friends play with bricks, coloring books and games may be suffering from poor vision.

Tired eyes?

Being a child can be exhausting; all that running around in the yard, playing with friends and making hideouts out of bedding would cause anyone to be tired. But there is a line between when your child should be rubbing their eyes due to tiredness (around naptime or bedtime) and when they may be feeling discomfort in their eyes. A child who rubs their eyes, or has watery or red eyes on more than one occasion, may also be struggling to see.

Sitting too close to TV and games consoles?

Another warning sign – and usually the most obvious one – is when your child turns on the TV and sits too close to the screen. In the average living room the TV may be approximately 5 meters away from your couch; an acceptable distance. If you see your child sitting very close to the screen, you may have a problem.

Headaches and frowning?

It’s normal for the occasional bump and bruise as your child explores their world and is active in the classroom. But if your child walks around rubbing her head regularly, complaining of a headache or squinting around bright lights – she may have a vision problem. When we have poor eyesight we find it hard to focus on objects either close up or at a distance. If you need a visual aid but don’t use one, your eyes work overtime to try and focus on that object. This causes muscles in the back of the eye to tense up, resulting in headaches over the eyes.

Lack of concentration?

Another way to tell if your child has a vision problem is their inability to focus on the task in hand. Those same muscles are working overtime to focus, which can cause your child to feel restless and uncomfortable. The result is them not paying attention for long periods of time at school or at home.

What to do:

If you feel your child may have a vision problem, and she exhibits one or more of the signs mentioned above, it is really important that you take them to an optician as soon as possible. Speak to your child about your concerns and explain that an eye test is not painful. If it turns out that your child does need glasses, gently tell them that this is the case and remember that wearing glasses is not a bad thing. There are many glasses styles available for kids, so not only will they look fashionable and cool – they will also be more comfortable in the classroom and participating in activities.

Preventing Dehydration, Heat Stroke, and Sunburn This Summer

Lexi Summers — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 16:00:31 +0000

It’s a well-known fact that summer is the most risky season of year for three highly overlooked afflictions: dehydration, heat stroke, and sunburn. These conditions, especially the first two, are extremely dangerous and lead to thousands of hospitalizations every year. Moms beware — do not underestimate the dangers of July and August heat.

Your kids will likely be out all day, running, swimming, and enjoying the great outdoors. This leaves them exposed to the sun for long hours, making it almost certain that without proper liquids, nutrients, sunscreen and shade they will suffer from one (if not all) of the aforementioned conditions. Consider the following precautions:

Make Hydration a Regimen

Like brushing your teeth and combing your hair, drinking water should be a habit during the summer. Most people don’t drink enough water anyway. Compounded with the heat and freedom from school, it’s very easy for kids to push themselves too hard and risk severe dehydration and heat stroke.

Talk to your kids about the importance of breaking often to consume non-soda fluids. Equipping them with some kind of Camelback hydration pack might be a good idea too. You also may need to incentivize hydration by flavoring the water—and sneaking in electrolytes, which are important for replacing nutrients lost in sweat.

Consider Buying a Pool

Above ground pools will not only keep your kids at home, where you can keep an eye on them and make sure they’re being safe, they offer a relatively safe form of exercise. If you go this route you should set a few rules: no swimming during the peak hours (which is basically from 10 AM to 4 PM); no bullying or dangerous horseplay; and reapply sunscreen every hour or so.

Kids love playing in water during the summer. Investing in your own above ground pool may end up saving you money in the long run, as your kids won’t pester you for community pool memberships or visits to pricey water parks.

Promote Healthy Eating Habits

Nothing weakens the body more and leaves it more vulnerable to illness than a bad diet. During the summer, it’s critically important to consume plenty of fruits and vegetables. These are good for you at any time, but during the summer they help to replace fluids and provide necessary vitamins and minerals.

Prepare healthy snacks for your kids like sliced apples and peanut butter, juicy peaches, or broccoli and ranch dressing. Watermelon’s also a popular summertime fruit that is full of Vitamin C and excellent for hydration.

The summer is one of the most exciting, liberating times of year for children. This is when they engage in some of their most memorable adventures. But it’s also a potentially dangerous three months, when the twin threats of UV rays and excessive heat can cause dehydration, heat stroke and sun burn. It’s important to look closely at your options for managing your kids’ summertime activities, and come up with a game plan that will be both safe and fun.

Kids Allergies are Nothing To Sneeze At

Heather Holtschlag — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 16:00:00 +0000

It is that time of the year again. Allergies are rearing their ugly head, and everywhere you look, there are kids and adults alike sneezing, sniffling and just downright miserable.

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAI) says that allergies are the most common chronic condition across the globe, and can range in severity from simple sneezing and sniffling to more serious, life-threatening conditions such as anaphylaxis.

For kids, allergies can be even worse because they can hinder their playtime outdoors and their normal routines. Even worse, for some children, allergies can trigger asthma attacks.

An allergic reaction begins in the nose, lungs, throat, sinuses, ears or lining of the stomach. Some of the most common allergens include pollen, grass, dust, food, latex or insect stings. If you suspect your child may be an allergy sufferer, you may want to consider making an appointment with an allergist, a specialized physician who can aid in an allergy diagnosis, manage and treat the allergies.

Allergy testing is just one way to pinpoint the things your child may be allergic to, and there are a number of ways this can be performed. Skin testing is the most common method, and is done by pricking the skin with various allergens. If swelling, itchiness, or redness occurs, it may be likely that your child is allergic to that particular allergen. Challenge testing is done mainly in cases of possible food or medication allergies and involves the child inhaling or swallowing a small amount of the allergen, in the presence of a trained allergist. A blood test may be used when a skin test could be unsafe.

To help control allergies, or hay fever, it may be helpful to monitor your area’s pollen counts, which can be obtained from a variety of sources, including the AAAI or your local news station. Determine the count for a particular day and plan your activities accordingly. On days when pollen counts are high, you and your children may want to limit exposure to the outdoors.

In addition, if you or your child is on allergy medications, it is important to note that these medications work most effectively when used well before your first interaction with allergens. This is true because the medicine prevents the release of the body’s histamines, resulting in the stoppage of the development of the allergy symptoms or a decrease in severity.

For more information about allergies, asthma or to find an allergist in your area, visit the AAAI’s website.

MSG: The Hidden Toxin in Your Food

Halina Zakowicz — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 18:00:15 +0000

What if I told you there is a common flavoring substance added to your food that can cause physical, mental and emotional disturbances in you and your children? What if I told you that this substance is added not only to adult but also to baby food? Finally, what if I told you that despite countless scientific studies attesting to the dangers of this food additive, the FDA has done nothing to ban its use?

The substance I am referring to is MSG (monosodium glutamate). It is commonly added to soups, sauces and meats as a flavor enhancer. In many processed foods, MSG is preferentially added to mask off-flavors and odors. In lieu of MSG, food manufacturers might add the following substances that are also high in glutamate (the business end of MSG): hydrolyzed/autolyzed yeast extract, protein isolate, natural flavor, disodium guanylate/inosinate, protein concentrate, E621 (E620-E625 are all free glutamates), modified food starch and chicken/vegetable broth. Food manufacturers often add alternative forms of glutamate so that they can advertise their foods as being “MSG-free” even though technically they are not.

There are several issues with MSG. To begin with, the substance is well-known to be an appetite stimulant. As early as 1976, Dr. Bunyan and his research colleagues were using MSG to induce obesity in mice. More recently, a study conducted in rural China reports that villagers who prepared their meals with MSG were three times more likely to become obese than villagers who did not use this agent.

But the story doesn’t stop there. Many unsuspecting restaurant-goers have experienced what is commonly referred to as “Chinese Restaurant Syndrome” – a condition whereby the victim undergoes shortness of breath, heart palpitations, severe headache/migraine and swelling of the throat/face. In some cases, this condition becomes so severe that it requires hospitalization. The National Institutes of Health provides a detailed description of Chinese Restaurant Syndrome/MSG Syndrome here.

Why would MSG, or rather the sodium salt of glutamate, lead to such extreme physical problems? After all, glutamate (or its acidic form glutamic acid) is merely an amino acid and amino acids are natural products required by the body. Furthermore, glutamate is naturally found in meats, vegetables, cheeses, etc. So what’s the big deal?

Glutamate is a Powerful Neurotransmitter

While glutamate can be ingested without any overt physical reaction if it is part of a food like meat, the substance can be very dangerous when added to food in its free-form state. In such a state glutamate enters the bloodstream almost immediately, targeting the brain and central nervous system (CNS) and causing extremely adverse reactions. This is because glutamate is not only an amino acid; it is likewise a powerful neurotransmitter.

In the body, glutamate is normally found in very small and controlled levels. However, when added in its free-form state, it can wreak havoc on the brain and spinal cord. It can even go so far as to cause excitotoxicity in the neurons, meaning it literally excites those neurons to death.

Glutamate is an Excitotoxin

There is a lot of scientific evidence pointing to glutamate being a dangerous excitotoxin. In 1967, Dr. John Olney published a report wherein he injected MSG into the retina of newborn mice and essentially destroyed their eyes. These same mice became obese and experienced stunted growth and reproductive issues. Such problems resulted because the injected MSG destroyed the hypothalamus of these mice, a brain region responsible for control of endocrine functions like body weight and reproduction.

Another study showed how pregnant rats that received MSG in their drinking water later gave birth to pups that were not only obese but also had trouble with learning exercises. Meanwhile, young rats exposed to MSG exhibited a strange case of self-mutilation and chewed on their own tails.

Higher order mammals are also sensitive to the damaging effects of MSG. When Dr. John Olney applied MSG to newborn rhesus monkeys and later examined their brains, he was shocked to find significant damage to the hypothalamus. Also, the level of brain damage was found to be inversely proportional to the animal’s age; in essence, the younger the animal, the more brain damage that resulted from MSG exposure.

This suggests that young children are especially sensitive to MSG and should avoid it at all costs. Unfortunately, kids’ snacks and cereals are often loaded with MSG and free-form glutamate in order to encourage higher consumption of these items. Likewise, fast food restaurants notoriously “spice” children’s meals with glutamate-containing substances in an effort to make the food tastier.

The Baby Food Fiasco

In the 1970’s, food manufacturers voluntarily removed MSG from baby food; however, it was replaced with free-form glutamate containing substances like autolyzed yeast extract and soy protein isolate. This was done so that babies, who are notoriously fussy when it comes to eating, would find their food appetizing. Parents were relieved to see their babies eating and baby food sales increased. It seemed like a win-win situation all around - except when considering the future health of the babies.

Increased rates of autism, ADD and hyperactivity in our children have raised the question of whether these maladies are the result of food additives. If the aforementioned animal studies are any indication, food additives like MSG and free-form glutamate could be causing the rising mental and behavioral issues noted in kids today. However, the FDA continues to assure us that MSG causes “no adverse effects” in animal tests- aside from the brain lesions evidenced in rodent studies. And yet, even the FDA admits that MSG leads to Chinese Restaurant Syndrome in some MSG-sensitive individuals.

What Can You Do?

Rather than wait for the FDA to finally authorize testing of MSG and free-form glutamate, take steps now to avoid your exposure to these potentially dangerous food additives.

While grocery shopping, check food labels carefully for the inclusion of MSG or free-form glutamate additives like autolyzed yeast and/or protein extract.
Buy more fresh food as opposed to food that’s been pickled, fermented or canned.
Don’t let your children just throw salty and/or flavored snacks into the grocery cart until you’ve been able to examine the ingredients and judge that the food is safe.
When eating out, avoid fast-food and chain restaurants which habitually add MSG and/or free-form glutamate additives to their food.
Cook more of your meals at home, where you can better control what flavorings and spices are added.
When you do eat out, don’t be afraid to pester the server or chef about what additives are present in your family’s meals. Keep in mind that many broth-based soups, sauces, dressings, gravies, breadings and seasonings are laced with MSG and free-form glutamate. If need be, have the server bring the spice shaker or flavoring agent to the table. After reading through the listed ingredients, you’ll instantly know if your food is carrying MSG and/or free-form glutamate. Although this tactic may seem embarrassing, it is better to be embarrassed and safe than polite and sorry later.

ADHD Now Diagnosed in 4 Year Olds

Dr. Lisa Dana — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:00:02 +0000

ADHD, also known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a condition that causes children and teens to have difficulty controlling their behavior. Until recently, ADHD was a condition that was only diagnosed in children between the ages of 6 and 12 years of age. The American Academy of Pediatrics released new ADHD guidelines at the annual pediatric meetings last year. Now it is possible to diagnose and treat kids as young as 4 years of age.

If a preschool child is diagnosed with ADHD, the AAP recommends that parents and preschool teachers start with behavioral therapies to help children with ADHD control their problem behaviors. Early diagnosis and intervention will hopefully help these children start on a more positive educational path.

When children have ADHD, they can be impulsive, inattentive and easily distractable. Younger kids are more likely to have the symptoms of hyperactivity. Because of this high energy and impulsive behavior, young children with ADHD often have a difficult time in the preschool classroom and on the playground. These kids will sometimes miss the social cues so important to early preschool friendships.

The hope is that behavior therapies will help these young preschoolers navigate the classroom and the playground. If we can identify and treat these children early, we can help maintain their self–esteem, and set them up for success during the school age years. If behavioral therapies fail, the new guidelines recommend that parents and physicians consider medication to treat the symptoms of ADHD.

Alice Park of Time Healthland, reports that half of school aged children (age 6 or older), “don’t have issues with hyperactivity,” according to Dr. Andrew Adesman. In this age group, attention problems are more common, likely because they become more obvious in the school setting, where kids need to sit in class and concentrate for longer periods of time.”

These older children may still have social struggles, but they are not as apparent as the preschoolers with ADHD. The preschoolers may be literally running into or over their friends on the playground. For the older kids, the social issues can be more subtle. One of my patients with ADHD, a sweet 8 year old boy, once told me “ I make friends, I just don’t know how to keep them.”

In those children who do need medication, it is important that the parents, caregivers and physicians continue to support the behavioral interventions and treatment plans. This approach to treating the whole child will help that little 8 year old learn how to “keep” those friends, while he also obtains the focus he needs to succeed with his academics.

The advice provided in this blog is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical diagnosis, advice or treatment for specific medical conditions.