ADHD, while seemingly common, is NOT common behavior of childhood. ADHD takes common childhood behaviors such as the inability to focus at times, acting without thinking, and not paying attention to the extreme. Only an estimated 8 - 10% of children are diagnosed with this disorder. This week's health report discusses a study done by the American Journal of Family Therapy. It suggests that children susceptible to ADHD symptoms do best when given a regular night time routine. The study found that these kids are less likely to throw tantrums, have meltdowns, hit, kick, or push others, and have better self-confidence when they have a regular routine in place. Just as each child is a unique individual, a family can come together to formulate a plan of action for each child to provide this stabilizing factor. A wonderful part of any plan of action for children with behavior issues is to include regular Chiropractic care. A good read for any parent with a child that's "a handful" is Raising Your Spirited Child by Mary Sheedy Kurcinka. Our office manager - Angi - re-reads this book every couple of years because it gives such amazing ideas in how to work with your child's temperament to improve life for everyone. If you feel you need some guidance in this area, please speak with Dr. Moss at your next appointment for some ideas.

The end of our Chiropractic Birthday Bash is almost here! On Friday, September 30th, at 6:30pm we will be drawing names for all of the exciting prizes! And from 3 - 6:30pm we will be serving cake, pizza, and more. Come out and bring a friend if you would like to introduce them to Dr. Moss, Wendy, Rachael or Leigh Ann or just to enjoy all of the excitement! We look forward to all of the giveaways and seeing all of your faces.

“Health is the first muse, and sleep is the condition to produce it” Ralph Waldo Emerson

For your health,
Dr. Moss, Angi, Wendy, Rachael, and Leigh Ann

Bedtime Story or Bedtime Drug

One study found that between 2000 and 2004 there had been an 85% increase in the use of sleeping pills in children 19 years of age or younger. Another study placed the increase of that age group's usage of sleeping pills between 2002 to 2005 at 92%. What is most concerning about this is that there have been no studies done to determine if these drugs are "safe" for children, and the FDA has never approved these drugs for anyone under the age of 18.
Most children, at one time or another, have trouble sleeping. This is not helped by the amount of caffeine being consumed in the forms of coffee, tea, chocolate, cocoa, soft drinks, and "energy drinks". The fast-growing "energy drink" industry markets to children and young adults beverages that have at least as much caffeine as a strong cup of coffee. Since these drinks are frequently drunk rapidly one after another, the effects are even more dramatic. There is also an almost daily increase in the number of children on stimulants for attention deficit disorder; a common side effect of these stimulants is insomnia.
In 2004, Americans spent $2.1 billion on prescription drugs to help them sleep, up from $900 million in 2000.
This also reflects a trend of increasingly turning to drugs for "symptoms" which were once considered a normal part of day-to-day living. In this case, using drugs that have not even been determined to be "safe" for children or young adults.
The researchers of both studies expressed concerns that children won't learn how to sleep. They recommended that if a child is having trouble sleeping, look at why and get to the root cause, not simply drug them.

Source: http://www.jsonline.com/

Author: GUY BOULTON Staff Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Publication: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (WI)
Publish Date: October 23, 2005
Document ID: 10D6F3B2920CCDC8

Did you know the FDA has 3 requirements for a drug to be considered a drug? 1) It is required to affect the function of the body. 2) It has to be made of a chemical composition. 3) It has to have a harmful side effect.
For people suffering with the symptoms of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactive disorder) often the main form of relief offered is medication. This week's health report focuses on the effect of taking Omega 3 Oil to treat symptoms of ADHD, instead of drugs. Researchers said over 50 percent of the children in the study taking omega-3 for the entire 30 weeks had considerable improvements in symptoms. That is AMAZING! We have a fantastic Omega 3 supplement here at the office. Omega-3 helps normal eye function, reasoning, and even memory. While it's important for everyone to get enough Omega-3 oils, a dramatic difference can be seen in children and adults with ADHD symptoms.

Have you been looking for an online site to leave a comment about our office? We have a new site for you to use: insiderpages.com. It is free to leave a recommendation or a comment about Moss Family Chiropractic. So go out there and spread the good word because our purpose is to reach as many people as possible about the benefits of chiropractic care. You'll even earn an extra ticket so make sure to let Wendy know!

"Without deviation from the norm, progress is not possible." — Frank Zappa

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For your health,

Dr. Moss, Angi, Wendy, Rachael, and Leigh Ann

ADHD SYMPTOMS IMPROVE WITH OMEGA FATTY ACID SUPPLEMENTS

A study appearing in the Journal of Developmental and Behavioural Pediatrics indicates that omega-3 fish oil might alleviate the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
The study by researchers at the University of South Australia involved 132 children suffering from ADHD and lasted for 30 weeks. All the children were aged between 7 and 12 years.
During the first 15 weeks, researchers split the children into three groups and assigned them to receive either an omega-3 supplement, omega-3 plus a multivitamin, or a placebo in the form of palm oil capsules. After this, each child was given omega-3 and the multivitamins for the remaining 15 weeks.
Researchers said over 50 percent of the children taking omega-3 for the entire 30 weeks had considerable improvements in symptoms like hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. However, multivitamins showed no benefits in ADHD, the researchers said.
When the placebo group was switched over to omega-3, all children showed improvements in ADHD symptoms, the researchers added.
Reacting to the study, Philip Calder, professor of nutritional immunology at the University of Southampton said it was further evidence that omega-3 fatty acids were important in ADHD.
“The results of this latest trial add to the growing body of evidence showing that children with attention problems can benefit from increased intake of certain fatty acids,” he added.

SOURCE: Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, April 2007
http://www.jrnldbp.com

Have you or someone you know been diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)? They're not alone. Many famous people have been diagnosed as well: Michael Phelps, Isaac Newton, and Albert Einstein - just to name a few. This weeks health report discuss' Michael Phelps' journey with ADHD. In recent years, this has become a very common diagnosis for both children and adults. Has medication been prescribed? We can help with that! Several of our patients in school have been able to utilize Chiropractic care to handle their ADHD symptoms so well their teachers thought they had been given medication. Our purpose is to help as many people as possible and you can help us with that purpose. Please let us help you or someone you know with this diagnosis. The world continues to be at your fingertips!!!

How are you doing with your Chiropractic birthday entries? The tickets are starting to pile up! We have many ways to earn a chance to win one of many prizes including gym memberships and even an Xbox Kinect! Our party will be held on Friday, September 30th so come and have some food and see if you win!

"The I in illness is isolation, and the crucial letters in wellness are we." ~Author unknown

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For your health,

Dr. Moss, Angi, Wendy, Rachael, and Leigh Ann

OLYMPIAN’S VICTORY OVER ADHD PROVIDES INSPIRATION THE WORLD AROUND

The Olympic story of all Olympic stories this year is the one about the superstar swimmer of all time and his ability to beat the symptoms of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) without drugs. Yes, without drugs!
The story of Michael Phelps and his eight gold medal performance continues to rocket around the globe faster than a 50 meter “splash and dash” race in an Olympic pool. Following immediately on the heels of this record shattering effort is one of even more Herculean significance. Michael Phelps and his family – together – beat the symptoms of ADHD and gave him a drug-free handling.
This does not mean that teachers, psychologists and doctors did not push the drugging choice into Michael’s life. This highly energetic child who could not sit still or be quiet in school did get huge pressure to accept the drugging solution that is almost immediately pushed in our society today. Michael’s mom Debbie, an educator herself, was not happy with this solution and worked to pursue alternatives.
Yes, there was a period of time in Michael’s life where he and his family agreed to give the drugs a try. It actually went on for almost two years prior to Michael’s teenage years. After awhile, Michael decided to say no to the drugs. He decided he could handle the situation without the medication and he did. Swimming provided a major outlet for his energy and certainly a focus for his attention that doctors and teachers, especially, said he’d never be able to achieve without drugs.
Michael’s performance in the Olympics and the way he and his family dealt with his problems is highly laudable and has drawn praise from many. This comment from the board president of the national organization Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) basically says it all.
“It’s important for people living with ADHD to pursue interests they enjoy and at which they excel,” said Marie Paxson, board president. “Phelps’ success demonstrates that being a part of a supportive family, setting goals, engaging in enjoyable activities and receiving positive feedback are all important in the building of self-esteem.
Phelps is clearly an exceptionally talented athlete and a source of pride for millions of people affected by ADHD.”
Michael Phelps and his mom Debbie Phelps are to be commended for standing up against the pressures of the drugging industry and beating his symptoms of ADHD with family involvement, athletic activity (in his case) and lots of support. It is hoped that this one person’s ability to embrace a drug-free solution will be an inspiration to many more youngsters and their families in handling their own ADHD solutions without drugs.
Eight gold medals in one Olympic Games is a truly magnificent performance. If this feat serves to enlighten a world that there are solutions to ADHD that reach beyond drugs, it will be the Olympic story for all times.

Source: Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Press Release. August 2008.

http://www.chadd.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Press_Releases1&TEMPLATE=/C...