ADHD - What Do You Need To Know About It?

As a parent when you first come across the term ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) you would probably think of it as a puzzle and if the words are arranged correctly they would form a word which will make sense. Children with this disorder have trouble concentrating at school and at home.

It can cause problem in learning and relationships which could continue to affect their adult life if not diagnosed during their childhood years. It is found more prevalent in boys than girls.

What are the symptoms of this disorder and as a parent of a child who is showing some behavioral problems at school and home how can you easily identify it? ADHD in children can be identified by the following symptoms which include:

Difficulty following instructions,Forgets things,Disorganized,Doesn't pay attention to details,Easily distracted,Does not listen,Trouble with tasks that require planning,Does not pay attention at school and at home.

ADHD symptoms can be easily identified if the parent is alert and notices these changes in their child's behavior. There are certain symptoms which are specific to this disorder and these include:

Been fidgety,HyperactiveTalks too much,Interrupts a conversation,Does not wait for his/her turn,Does not play quietly and is always on the move either running or climbing both in school and at home.

ADHD is caused due to lack of certain specific chemicals in the brain which are necessary for the thought process. Most parents usually blame themselves for this change in behavioral pattern in their children and some think it is due to a specific diet, too much of TV or video games. You cannot be further away from the truth.

The treatment can be done using certain drugs in consultation with your doctor but the most important aspect of treatment starts at home and school. You as a parent need to bring certain simple changes in your life and this can be done in a systematic manner. The rules and schedules that you make should be easy to follow and must be rewarded appropriately.

There is a misconception that children tend to outgrow this disorder but this is not the case. There are many among them who carry these symptoms into their teenage years and later into adult life.

A combination of certain specific drugs along with lots of love and affection bring about the desired results. ADHD assessment needs to be done at frequent intervals so as to help your child win this battle.

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Borderline - What Do You Need To Know About It?

What is borderline disorder and how does it affect you as an individual? Borderline could be best described as a personality disorder in which the person affected by it displays repeated patterns of disorganized behavior with regard to close personal relationships, have low self image and irrational mood swings.

If left untreated it could affect personal and professional life of the individual suffering from it. This syndrome is found more predominantly among women than men. Individuals with this disorder are known to have suicidal tendencies and there are many instances of people committing suicide due to this condition.

It is a very serious mental illness where the patient may show signs of aggression, anger, depression and anxiety which may last from a couple of hours to many days at a time.

People with this disorder may tend to get very aggressive, self destructive and indulge in alcohol and drug abuse. They may also feel unworthy and think of themselves as bad. Due to this behavior they may end up losing their loved ones and friends. This further creates emptiness and they start feeling more and more isolated and lonely.

The usual symptoms include

· Unstable social relationships

· Acute mood swings where love towards to a person could suddenly turn into hatred.

· Impulsive behavior.

· Excess and risky sex,

· Binge eating,

· Excessive spending,

· Suicidal tendencies,

· Uncontrollable anger and aggression

Most people with this disorder could lead pretty normal lives with no signs of anger or aggression ever displayed but inside there is a volcano ready to burst and all it needs is a trigger factor. The end of a relationship, loss of a relative could all result in the symptoms coming to the surface.

Treatment is very much possible and the symptoms could vary from one individual to the other. In most cases medication and counseling do the trick and the symptoms of this condition are brought under control.

Sexual abuse and violence as a child have been proved to be major reasons for this disorder in a vast majority of adults. Medication in the form of anti-depressants and help from a professional counselor has been known to be of great help. If diagnosed early the chances of recovery are better and long lasting.

There is a lot of research that is been done to get to the bottom of these mental diseases and as more and more information about borderline is analyzed it offers hope to patients suffering from it.

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What You Need to Know About Alzheimer's

There are many diseases out there that people worry about getting, having or dealing with. One of these is Alzheimer's. This disease may seem scary, but knowing the facts about it and understanding it as best you can may help you deal with this disease whether it affects you or a loved one. Knowing about this disease is the first way of fighting Alzheimer's.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic, irreversible condition that progressively destroys nerve cells in the brain and can affect other structures of the central nervous system. The disease causes dementia to develop which results in memory loss, confusion, disorientation, and troubles thinking, reasoning and understanding. It is considered to be the most common form of dementia and affects one in six women, and one in ten men. The causes of AD are unknown, but many think that genetics play a big role in why someone develops Alzheimer's.

There are some signs or symptoms that can help you determine if you or a loved one may be developing AD. The first sign is memory loss that affects your daily life. This may mean that you forget dates, events or appointments often, you may have to ask for the same information several times, or you rely on memory aids like reminder notes or emails. Another sign is you are challenged when solving problems or planning something. Some people who are being affected by AD have troubles following a simple plan like a recipe, or have problems keeping track of the bills. They may experience that it takes them longer to solve these problems or they have difficulty concentrating to the task at hand. Those who suffer from AD may have problems completing simple tasks that they have done many times before. They may not remember how to get to a certain location, or they may forget the rules of a well played game. Some may even experience confusion with where they are or what time it is. Another problem may be a change in speech or writing. They may continue to repeat themselves, or they might have problems remembering simple vocabulary like calling a "watch" a "hand-clock". Someone with Alzheimer's may have lost or misplace items and then have trouble backtracking or retracing their steps to find the misplaced item. Another sign may be poor or decreased judgment like not caring as much about personal hygiene. Of course, when a person is suffering from AD they may have changes in their mood or personality and might avoid social situations and activities. They may become confused easily, upset easily, suspicious, depressed, anxious or fearful of their surroundings or situation.

Alzheimer's is a fatal disease that is incurable as of right now. Also, there are no drugs or treatment options to help prevent the disease or slow down the process. The Alzheimer's association does everything they can to help raise awareness about this disease and to help raise money to try and find a cure. If you or someone you love is or may be suffering from AD, talk to your doctor, they will then determine if they would like to do a test or scan of your brain to determine if you have Alzheimer's. Check with your medical insurance provider to see if this disease is covered under your insurance plan.

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Take an ADHD Test If You Are Worried About Having the Disorder

There are many adults in the US who claim they were originally misdiagnosed for ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Adults who are suffering with ADHD will have difficulty concentrating or will change the activities they are engaged in before completing what they were doing. Taking an ADHD test to see whether or not you have the disorder could mean the difference between a misdiagnosis and being properly diagnosed with it. Remember that proper diagnosis will lead to proper treatment.

The following 6 suggestions could be considered aspects of an ADHD test, but most importantly, they will help you determine if you could have the disorder:

o Do you have trouble organizing? If you feel like you have so much to do that you don't know where to start or that you can't seem to put things in order, this is an indication that you may have ADHD.

o If you have to sit quietly for a prolonged period of time and pay attention to something, are you able to or do you fidget and fool around with something? Staying focused on one particular assignment or project is very difficult for people with ADHD. Even when it is not appropriate, the individual who is suffering with ADHD will oftentimes get up and walk around when they should remain seated and paying attention to what is going on.

o Do you have difficulty finishing projects when you start them, even if you have been working on them for a long period of time already? Some ADHD sufferers will handle doing the work from start to finish while others will just quit working on a project if they think that it is too long.

o If you are in a situation where you have to wait your turn for something, evaluate your behavior during this time. The individual with ADHD typically has difficulty waiting for their turn to speak and will interrupt others frequently during the conversation.

o If you are still in school pursuing your education, check your work carefully for mistakes. One ADHD test focuses on homework mistakes that are common when the assignment is boring or seems too easy.

o When you are in your work environment, do outside noises distract you easily? For the ADHD sufferer, ambient noise within their place of work makes it extremely difficult for them to concentrate on what they are doing and focusing totally on their work.

As a final note, remember that you can easily perform an ADHD test in your own home by following the above suggestions or finding a test for ADHD online. However, you should always consult with a physician in order to get an accurate and proper diagnosis of the disorder. When you do visit your physician, don't leave out any details regarding your behavior and what has transpired throughout your entire life where this is concerned. Finally, keep in mind that proper a diagnosis means being treated for ADHD properly.

For the latest videos and training information on child development as well as books and curricula on Autism please visit childdevelopmentmedia.com.

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Better Mental and Physical Health for 2012 - It's All About Mixing It Up!

Some routine in life is normal, understandable and at times desirable, but when it comes to physical and mental health, repetition is not your friend. Not only will repeated tasks result in diminishing returns, but they tend to be boring and don't add joy to your life.

If you have a very repetitive workout, it's time to mix things up. Diversifying your workout will likely:

Stimulate different muscles leading to better over-all resultsBreak through a weight loss plateauCompel you to try harder rather than go through the motionsAlleviate boredomReduce the likelihood of giving up and quittingStimulate your brain as you learn new things

Start by incorporating one new cardio and one new strength training activity each week. If you are an avid spin class person, try a yoga class. If you are a jogger, try biking, rowing or even doing sprint intervals. If you usually work out indoors, try something in the fresh air. If you do not currently exercise, add in a new cardio activity and a new strength training activity at least once this week. Remember - don't switch into full speed right away. This is all about moderation. Incorporate small changes and once those become too easy, introduce new small changes. Be sure to consult a doctor before starting new physical activities. It is also important that you are fueling your body properly for exertion. You will need both complex carbohydrates and protein in order to fuel your workout. Consider incorporating a probiotic cleanse and a metabolite extract drink for maximum metabolic efficiency.

Like physical stagnation, you can also experience mental stagnation. Studies have shown that individuals who do not regularly stimulate their minds are more likely to suffer from dementia later on in life. Several studies show that our neurology benefits from regular engagement - particularly from puzzle solving type activities.

Commit to stimulating your mind several days a week and adding in a new activity a few times a month. The good news is, most of these activities are fun.

Some great brain stimulators and brain-training games include:

Crossword puzzlesSudokuChessReading an article or bookListening to a radio program or book on tapeTaking a class or attending a lectureVisiting a museum

Last but not least, in your commitment to a healthier mental and physical state in 2012, it is a good idea to also incorporate a few small life "happiness" enhancements to complement your new lifestyle. Again, do not set too lofty a goal, but rather choose three easy-to-implement changes that will fit into your life and make you happier.

First you must identify which aspects of your life need to be addressed. Are you most concerned with your physical health, or would you like to work on emotional, spiritual or intellectual health aspects of your life? You may want to address all of the above! If so, be sure to set realistic goals.

Possible "health enhancements" include:

Introducing a multi-vitamin into your morning routine, which is a good idea no matter how young or old you are Adding in a calcium supplement (this is especially important for women)Starting a micro nutrient probiotic cleanse with beneficial bacteria if you have ever suffered from immunity or digestive issuesScheduling your annual check-up appointment, especially if you're someone who usually tries to avoid going to the doctorSwitching to a non-toxic, green cleaning agents in the home for those messes that kids and pets cause Adding recycling and composting kitchen bins to your home or starting an organic garden in your backyardVolunteering once a month to stay active in your local community and help you achieve greater connectednessAttending a religious/spiritual gathering or lecture once a monthTake a class that will broaden your mind or advance your careerTake one trip abroad this year

The possibilities are endless!

The trick to being successful in your resolution this year is embracing moderation and committing to change. Instead of focusing your transgressions and labeling yourself a failure, think of your life as a long-term quest for moderation. Take pride in being the sort of person who makes thoughtful choices about their health, but also enjoys indulgences in appropriate portions.

These lifestyle changes are realistic, manageable and - most importantly - they will enhance your quality of life. The result is a happier, healthier you.

Eric Lancaster is the Exectutive Vice President at Teraganix, formerly EM America. Teraganix is the exclusive US distributor for Dr. Higa's original EM?1® microbial inoculants products including Bokashi composting products. EM?1® is a liquid microbial inoculant that promotes a healthy environment for beneficial soil organisms and larger forms of life including humans, pets, livestock, insects and worms.

Original article

Educating Yourself About ADHD

ADHD is a developmental disorder whose formal name is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and is characterized by the co-occurring behaviors of attentional problems and hyperactivity. These behaviors normally occur infrequently and separately. The symptoms of ADHD typically appear prior to the age of seven years. This psychiatric disorder affects roughly 3% to 5% of all children on a worldwide basis and is the most commonly diagnosed and researched disorder in children.

The number of school aged children that are affected by ADHD ranges from 2% to 16% depending on what part of the world you are in. As a chronic disorder, once it is diagnosed it can last well into the person's adult years which usually happens in about 30% to 50% of the cases. When the adult or child is diagnosed with ADHD, it is not uncommon for them to develop coping mechanisms to enable them to compensate for some of the impairments. Today, it is estimated that around 5% of all adults and children are living with ADHD.

Facts and statistics regarding ADHD

One of the better screening scales that is oftentimes used to screen for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale developed and standardized by the World Health Organization or WHO. This diagnosis tool is very effective and is more commonly used than other methods to screen for ADHD. It is estimated that the disorder occurs two to four times more frequently in boys than girls although it is felt that there is some bias displayed by the teachers referring these students.

The management of ADHD usually entails some combination of behavior modifications, counseling, lifestyle changes, and medications. At times, the symptoms of the disorder can be hard to differentiate from others, which increases the likelihood of the diagnosis being missed. Unfortunately, most clinicians are not specialists in the disorder and have not received the proper training necessary to assess and treat the disorder, especially in cases involving adults.

Controversies regarding diagnosis and treatment

Since the 1970's, the diagnosis and treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder have been a constant source of numerous controversies. Clinicians, the media, parents, policymakers, and teachers have all been involved in these controversies at one time or another. The controversial topics involved are:

o the actuality of the disorder o the causes of the disorder o the use of certain stimulants for treating the disorder

The majority of the health care professionals and provides do agree that the disorder is indeed genuine although the debate within the scientific community centers primarily around its diagnosis and treatment.

Additionally, in 1998, the AMA (American Medical Association) concluded that the criteria for diagnosis where ADHD is concerned are based in some very extensive research and when they are applied in appropriate fashion, it can lead to a highly reliable diagnosis. The bottom line is that if you suspect that your child or loved one has succumbed to ADHD, it is important that you have them examined and diagnosed as soon as possible.

For the latest videos and training information on child development as well as books and curricula on ADHD children please visit childdevelopmentmedia.com.

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