Saturday, July 26, 2008
Trauma Troubles Can Lead to ADD/ADHD Misdiagnosis
While it is quite common for children to be misdiagnosed with ADD/ADHD, parents are often shocked at the number of conditions that display almost identical symptoms. Take for instance one of the latest discoveries... that hypervigilance caused by traumatic experiences can strongly resemble ADD/ADHD. For many this comes as a surprise, since most people may not even realize that their child has been exposed to a traumatic event.
However, studies show that by age 16, nearly 70% of children have been exposed to at least one disturbing, traumatic experience such as a car accident, natural disaster, death of an immediate family member, or child abuse.
Traumatic events greatly affect different parts of the brain, leading to a number of abnormal behaviors.
While children may not suffer from full-blown post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of a traumatic experience, they may have attributable symptoms that may cause a "fight or flight" response of fear in association with movements, noises, or other stimuli. Such responses may appear to resemble ADD/ADHD symptoms such as distractibility, inattention, aggression, increased activity, or dissociated behavior.
A study of preschoolers who had suffered multiple traumatic events concluded they had 16 times the chance of displaying attention problems-- in addition to an increased disposition to other emotional conditions such as depression and anxiety-- compared to children who had not experienced traumatic events.
A thorough medical examination and evaluation of a child's history by a trained professional should be able to distinguish between the disorders. On the other hand, it is possible in some instances that a child is suffering from both conditions, as ADD/ADHD has been associated with an increased risk for PTSD.
Regardless of the condition diagnosed, there are many natural remedies available to address the symptoms associated with both disorders to help promote a healthy, balanced mood and manage behavior in children. In combination with a healthy lifestyle, diet, exercise, and counseling if necessary, a holistic approach to wellness can significantly improve a child's quality of life and help them live up to their full potential as adults.
Related Product from The Herbal Remedies Store
MindSoothe Jr.™ is a 100% safe, non-addictive natural remedy that supports the brain's natural ability to regulate mental and emotional health in children. Learn more about MindSoothe Jr.
Battling Back to School Bugs
Frequent bouts of cold, flu or fatigue are the first signs that the body’s immune system health is becoming weak and needs some attention. Low immunity is either primary or acquired. Primary conditions are mostly due to a genetic predisposition. Acquired conditions of low immunity are greatly affected by eating habits, lifestyle and overuse of medication for minor ailments like the common cold. There is scientific evidence that a natural diet, natural remedies and an active lifestyle boost your immune system health and help in avoiding simple diseases such as common cold, as well as more serious health conditions.
Children are often predisposed to illness due to their immune systems not being fully developed, combined with bad habits they adopt at a young age, including not properly washing their hands, touching their noses and mouths, sharing toys, and being exposed to other children with illnesses. They tend to bring these illnesses home, thus infecting the entire household!
The next time you or your child has a common cold, try not to depend on antibiotics. The common cold is a self-limiting condition. If you treat it naturally, it will go away in seven days and if you treat it with antibiotics, it will still take about a week! Drinking lots of fluids and fresh juices of citrus fruits and taking Vitamin C are helpful home remedies. Teas made with ginger root help in controlling a runny nose and promote gastrointestinal functions. Echinacea, one of the most prominent herbs for immune system, fights viruses and infection.
Holistic Health for Supporting Immunity
There is a close relationship between your physical health and state of mind. Keep your emotions under control. It may surprise you, but anger, stress and emotional distress can adversely affect your immune system. If you feel that your children are struggling to maintain healthy emotions, encourage them to discuss their troubles with you or another trusted adult. While it is not as well known, children can develop mood disorders just like adults, including child anxiety or child depression.
Underlying health conditions can also affect sleep patterns, which can impact immunity. If you have brought your worries from the office to the home, or your child from school, it is most likely that sleep difficulties may result. Learn how to turn off your mind by meditation, relaxation techniques and positive thinking. It is a time-tested home remedy for insomnia. Natural remedies can also be extremely helpful in inducing sleep.
The immune-boosting benefits of exercise cannot be disregarded, either. A 30 minute walk daily or 10 minutes of brisk walking three times a day can improve your health, reduce weight and keep your immune system in good condition. A healthy and nutritional diet is equally important. Exercise, diet, and healthy habits provide the same benefits to children, including boosting self-esteem and confidence… both key components to growing into happy, healthy adults.
Natural remedies and supplements should be made a part of your daily routine to strengthen the immune system. Vitamin A, C and E are most essential for maintaining immune system health. Garlic is perhaps the oldest cultivated plant in the world and its history as an effective herbal antibiotic and a booster for the immune system. Zinc is another element that is essential for immunity. Peanuts, peanut butter, legumes, dark meat of chicken, beef and lamb are excellent sources of zinc.
Herbal plants can gently assist the body without the side effects posed by some synthetic chemicals in modern pharmaceuticals. The emphasis in holistic health is on building health, not only on fighting illness. This is achieved by creating a healthy lifestyle and healthy relationships. In addition, homeopathic remedies work with your body to engage your own system to heal itself.
Hypoxis Rooperi (extract of African Potato) is traditionally used as a natural convalescent and as a supportive tonic. Leaves of a gathosma Betulina (also known as buchu) contain volatile oils as well as flavonoids - compounds found in fruits and vegetables that have diverse beneficial biochemical and antioxidant effects.
Solidago Virgaurea (also known as Goldenrod) helps the body in its ability to routinely regulate mucus, and has been used traditionally by herbalists for centuries as a tonic remedy to strengthen the natural protective ability of the body to fight infection.
Schizandra Sinesis is a powerful ingredient native from China. Schizandra is also used to assist the body in its capacity to regulate and maintain healthy energy levels, and to routinely protect against toxins and cell damage.
Astralagus Membranaceus is another potent Chinese remedy and has a variety of benefits as a convalescent and natural rejuvenating tonic.
Olea Europea (extract of olive leaf) contains a compound called oleuropein acid that is effective in helping the body to routinely combat numerous pathogens (germs).
Taking care of the health of the immune system is crucial, as it is a primary bodily system that affects overall wellness.
Related Products From The Herbal Remedies Store
ImmunityPlus™ Full immune system support. Learn more about ImmunityPlus
KiddieBoost™ Supports healthy immune functioning in children. Learn more about KiddieBoost
BaniFlu™ Homeopathic remedy temporarily protects against flu virus and germs and is safe for all ages. Learn more about BaniFlu
Natural Remedy Reminder for a Successful Start Back to School
However, it’s not too late to implement a plan of action! If your child was previously on a natural remedy program for the previous school year, be sure to stay consistent with dosage over the vacation break so that the child continues to receive ongoing support.
In addition, while most conventional medicines work only to treat symptoms, natural medicine strives to create holistic balance in the body. Therefore, many customers report full benefits after continued dosage for a period of several weeks. By starting a program now, by the time the school year begins, your child will already be receiving optimum results.
As always, The Herbal Remedies Store is here to help with advice, support and the best natural remedies for you and your family!
A Complete Solution for Learning & Concentration Difficulties
Learning and concentration play vital roles in our everyday lives. For children and adults suffering from difficulties in this area of brain development, even routine tasks can become frustrating challenges for both the sufferer and those involved. Treating both the underlying cause and the resulting symptoms of learning issues can greatly improve daily life.
As the systems of the body are interrelated, proper functioning and optimal health occurs when they are in balance and harmony. Therefore, it is important to consider all disturbances in these delicate systems and opt for a holistic approach to caring for the body. In addition, it often takes a combination of treatment methods to find a complete solution for learning and concentration challenges… and not just finding a “quick fix”, masking symptoms and disregarding the root of the problem.
Responsible for both simple and complex tasks no body function is possible without the health of the brain, which is the master center. As one of the most important organs of the body, the brain needs a regular and efficient supply of blood in order that it may be supplied with nutrients and oxygen. To optimally support its health and functioning (and thus supporting health of the entire body), there are two natural remedies in particular that work very well when used together to ensure that the brain is kept well supplied with nutrients and oxygen via a healthy blood supply— BrightSpark™ and Focus Formula™.
BrightSpark, a 100% homeopathic remedy, works to temporarily relieve hyperactivity, distractibility and impulsiveness in children that may interfere with the learning process. Focus Formula works to support health-promoting properties on the brain and nervous system, thus helping concentration while maintaining normal energy levels. Together, these remedies provide a highly effective solution for managing learning and concentration difficulties.
Using herbal and homeopathic remedies together is therefore a very powerful way to both support health and effect healing at the same time - without risking side effects. Taking Focus Formula™ and BrightSpark™ together provides an excellent combination to support brain health AND remove obstacles to learning, as homeopathic BrightSpark will work on the cause of the problem, while herbs in Focus Formula will work on the symptoms.
In summary, using this combination of herbal and homeopathic remedies can help learning and concentration by:
- Maintaining harmony, health, and systemic balance in the brain and nervous system
- Providing effective relief without side effects or sedation
- Acting in a supportive function to maintain balanced mood and behaviors
While results vary and some customers see immediate results after taking our products, many of our satisfied customers have reported optimal benefits taking effect within a few weeks or longer. As consistency is so important in obtaining optimal benefits from our natural remedies, be sure to continue taking the maintenance dose as directed.
As with all approaches to health, taking into consideration proper lifestyle, diet and exercise are also crucial for optimum health and results. Children need plenty of sleep; a child who is not well rested tends to lack the concentration abilities compared to when he has enjoyed a good night’s sleep.
Children also need plenty of exercise and down time to play; this will increase blood flow to the brain and also stimulate hormonal responses that increase mental sharpness.
Incorporating physical activity into the daily routine is also essential for brain function and concentration. Children with concentration problems need a little extra help.
For example while studying, keep the radio and television off to relieve distractions.
Also establish clear limits as to when the child is expected to complete an activity, no matter what the task.
In combination with a healthy lifestyle, natural remedies can help both children and adults to maintain healthy consistent behavior, clear focus, and optimum performance by providing a sound platform to support wellness and vitality.
Overcoming the Top 5 Challenges of Returning to School with ADD/ADHD
Overcoming the Top 5 Challenges of Returning to School with ADD/ADHD
For both children and parents contending with attention deficit disorder/attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, the start of the school year can become a source of great stress.
Those with ADD lack the ability to focus and concentrate, which affects daily functioning—therefore leading to difficulty in completing school work, causing trouble with parents and teachers. ADHD symptoms— which include poor concentration, hyperactivity, distractibility, and impulsiveness— also can lead to many of the same issues.
Since the effects of ADD /ADHD are so distressing, if not managed correctly, it can lead to low self-esteem and other behavioral problems in the years to come. These children often find it impossible to fit in, and often the problems continue into adulthood. In order for these children to achieve their full potential, they should receive help, guidance, and understanding from parents, guidance counselors, and the public education system to address learning and concentration difficulties.
Help Begins at Home
As a parent, you have the most control over helping your child succeed. Begin by properly recognizing and diagnosing your child’s condition (with the help of a qualified doctor or specialist) to develop a comprehensive plan for wellness.
Next, help your child settle back into a routine that works for him or her. This includes reinforcing bedtimes, properly administering natural remedies or medicine (which includes consistency and dosage), and encouraging your child to create a study/life balance that includes time both for academics and developing friendships and outside interests. Children with ADD /ADHD often feel discouraged by their progress compared to that of their peers, so positive reinforcement of their efforts can go a long way.
Concern in the Classroom
It is important that you establish your child’s condition with the school so that they receive the proper care and attention, while not becoming a distraction to other students or being left behind. In addition, you can alleviate common test anxiety that may be experienced if your child feels pressured to perform at the same speed and level as other children. By establishing your child’s condition at the start of the school year, you can eliminate potential problems in the future. Discussing with your child the explanation behind rules and expectations in the classroom may also assist him or her in managing behavioral conditions.
Influential Interactions
While learning and concentration difficulties can cause children to feel ostracized, left out, or lacking in abilities compared to their peers, the problem can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. One of the best ways to overcome these feelings is to have your child confront them directly by becoming involved in after-school activities, team sports, or other programs that can establish confidence in your child. If your child expresses hesitation or an underlying problem such as bullying, bring the proper help (guidance counselors, teachers, other parents) in to rectify the situation.
Successful Study Habits
Whether or not a child has ADD /ADHD, establishing habits can be beneficial and rewarding. For those with learning and concentration difficulties, routine may be mandatory. Lists, goal-setting, and proper planning and time management are key for success. Help your child establish outlines based on schedules given by his or her teacher, and monitor their progress until your child feels comfortable managing the tasks on their own.
Managing Mood
Regardless of how well managed your child’s day-to-day activities are, stress is inevitable. Over time, it can lead to child anxiety or child depression. Learning and concentration difficulties cause added pressure to an already full plate, and it is necessary to help your child learn proper stress management techniques. Exercise, rest, nutrition, and relaxation practices are all important aspects to consider when helping him or her establish peace when handling difficult situations.
Natural Remedies
In combination with a healthy lifestyle, natural remedies can help children to maintain healthy consistent behavior, clear focus, and optimum performance by providing a sound platform to support wellness and vitality.
Learn more about how natural remedies can help your child support learning and concentration here... The Herbal Remedies Store
Related products
BrightSpark™ - Temporarily relieves hyperactivity, distractibility and impulsiveness in children.
Focus Formula™ - Supports concentration and attention, while maintaining normal energy levels in children and adults.
MindSoothe Jr.™ - Supports balanced mood and stability in children.
KiddieCool™ - Soothes irritability and restlessness, and promotes the effectiveness of child's natural cooling methods.
PureCalm™ - Aids nervous system in stress resistance for balanced moods and feelings of well-being.
Brain Tonic™ - Temporarily relieves common forgetfulness and supports balanced mood.
Tula Tantrum Tamer™ - Temporarily relieves tantrums, restlessness, and promotes calm in children
K-OK Kiddie Calmer™ - Temporarily relieves shyness, nervousness and common worry in children
Mom's Magic Trauma Sprinkles™ - Promotes comfort in children with distress due to shock, trauma and general upset.
StudyPlus™ - Promotes brain health, healthy concentration, mental alertness and memory function.
A+ TestCalmer™ - Promotes calmness and confidence in children and teenagers prone to test anxiety.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Summer days drifting away…
Vacations are here, which inevitably leads to shifts in daily routines and time management habits. On the flip side, this usually means less stress and time spent worrying, and more time to dedicate to family and friends.
To help maintain healthy lifestyles during this shift in season, the following few simple tips can help everyone transition smoothly.
Nutrition: Meal times typically must be re-scheduled, but this shouldn’t pose a problem. Natural remedies can be used to encourage picky eaters. Try lighter recipes that can be quickly thrown together with the abundance of seasonal fruits and vegetables available during summer. Seasonal produce has a vibrant, fresh flavor that needs little dressings. Try adding fruits to your salads as well. The tart ones work best such as green apples, strawberries, and tangy citrus. Natural remedies can also encourage picky eaters to try new vegetables!
Daily chores: Being part of a family is like being part of a team. Everyone should put some effort into it daily. Even when children are on vacation, they should be responsible for a chore that will occupy some of their time on a daily basis. This gives them perspective, teaches them responsibility and keeps them from watching too much TV.
Leisure: Since summer nights are so pleasant, this can mean extra time for a soothing walk outdoors or simply sitting outside counting stars with your child. These precious moments have the ability to create memories that are often treasured for a life time.
Sleep: Even though children should have a set bed time, 8 o’clock does not look the same in winter then in it does in summer. How would you like to go “night-night” in broad daylight? It can be confusing to say the least. Try gradually adjusting your child’s bedtime to a later time. If your child has difficulty adjusting to time change natural remedies that maintain healthy sleep patterns can be used to restore balance.
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Kiddie Florish™ is a remedy to supports growing appetites in fussy eaters and maintain immune system health.
Serenite Jr.™ is a 100% homeopathic remedy to promotes healthy sleep patterns in children and babies.
Dangers of Dry Drowning. Learn how to stay safe!
Not much is known about dry drowning, also known as a shallow water blackout. A person who dry-drowns typically displays few or no symptoms when the actual drowning is occurring, and sometimes symptoms or effects appear hours after actually being in water.
This shouldn’t be a cause to panic or to forbid your children from enjoying the many benefits of swimming and playing in water. Dry drowning is considered rare; however, there are some warning signs you should learn to spot.
When a small amount of water is inhaled and goes to the lungs, in some people it can produce a delayed reaction. Experts say the first sign to look for is breathing difficulties. This can be one of the most obvious signs, though it doesn’t always occur.
Extreme fatigue is another feature to watch for. Though this is harder to pinpoint, once oxygen stops flowing in necessary amounts to the brain, extreme fatigue and inadequate responses to stimulus can be observed.
Odd or uncharacteristic behavior is another sign of the possibility of water in the lungs, preventing the brain from receiving vital oxygenation. Spotting unusual behavior can be tricky when it comes to children, whose moods can fluctuate from excited and happy one minute to cranky and restless the next. Parents know their kids in and out, and are the best to judge if a certain behavior is unusual.
As far as maintaining overall wellness during times of play or everyday, natural remedies can be used to soothe excitable tempers and promote nervous system health in children of all ages.
Also, natural remedies can be kept at hand in your first aid kit. Summer is a time when insect bites, cuts, scrapes, and wounds, are more likely. And treating these naturally is always a great option!
As with all approaches to health, a proactive, preventative stance is always best to help maintain wellness and enjoy summer!
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Pure-Clenz Solution™ Promotes fast, infection-free healing and helps reduce bleeding.
RealHeal Massage Oil™ Promotes muscular, joint, and skeletal health and comfort after strenuous activity.
RealHeal™Aids in naturally supporting the healing ability of the body.
Itch Dr.™ Natural soothing cream to promote healthy skin all over.
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Also see: Childrens Natural Remedies