Childrens Health
Industrial Chemicals cause damage to children
25 February 2008Industrial Chemicals Cause Damage to Children.
Children who are exposed to the thousands of synthetic chemicals in our environment are at greater risk of developing various health, behavior and learning problems. When the exposure takes place before birth or in the early months of life, the potential for damage is particularly high. What’s more, the research suggests that’s not only is the infant likely to be harmed, but succeeding generations may be impacted as well.
In 2007 two hundred scientists from around the world met at the Faroe Islands to share their findings and call for decisive steps to address the thousands of toxic chemicals in our environment that are causing harm. Industries and governmental agencies have resisted taking any action, claiming that there is little evidence of harm from the thousands of chemicals in our air, water, food and consumer products.
In the United States, a key figure in determining policy has been James L. Connaughton, Senior Environmental Advisor and Chairman of the White House Council on Environmental Quality. His appointment was unanimously confirmed by the Senate in June of 2001. The Environmental Working Group reports “Before being appointed to this position, Connaughton was one of the Capitol Hill’s most successful lobbyists for the mining, chemical, industrial and asbestos industries.”
Of all the organs impacted by exposure, the developing brain is the most vulnerable. Not only is the child’s IQ likely to be reduced, the early exposure can impact on the muscles and nerves and possibly lead to Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s diseases later in life.
Exposure to lead, pesticides and cigarette smoke has been found to set a child up for ADHD symptoms.
The baby’s immune system and cardiovascular system can be damaged by chemical exposure and the reproductive system is especially vulnerable.
If an infant’s metabolic system is damaged by such chemicals he will have a difficult time using nutrients appropriately, putting him at risk for obesity and diabetes.
Among chemicals named as most hazardous by the researchers are: pesticides, lead, arsenic, mercury, flame retardants and PCB’s.
Prenatal Exposure to Cigarettes
Researchers at the University of Washington studied a group of 133 children ages 7 to 15 with behavioral disorders. They found that children whose mother’s smoked during their pregnancy or whose mother’s were exposed to second-hand smoke during the pregnancy had more severe behavior problems than those who did not have the exposure. They believe that exposure to nicotine could make the child more likely to exhibit impulsive behaviors.
Reprinted from Pure Facts, the newsletter of the Feingold Association of the United States, http://www.feingold.org/
Make an adjustment, stay healthy ~ be happy: Call Dr. Paul or Dr. Susan at (303) 674 1500 to schedule a consultation or email office@fontanachiro.com
Probiotics, Prebiotics, and other natural digestive aids.
22 February 2008PROBITOICS AND DAILY LIVING
Probiotics have been making the news recently with the advent of specially formulated yogurts, cereals and other fortified foods. More and more we see foods appearing on the supermarket shelves boasting added bacteria strains for healthy digestion. In reality if you have no remarkable digestive issues and you don’t want to add another supplement to your daily regime, the easiest way to introduce good bacteria into your diet is through yogurt, buttermilk or kefir (available at any health food store), these products all contain strains of healthy bacteria. However you need to eat them regularly, and in quantity, to make sure you make the most of the benefits. If you do have some indigestion, stomach upsets, digestive disorders, or are interested in adding some positive changes to your routine and helping that digestive process along, you might want to look at adding healthy bacteria to your diet. When you mention the words bacteria and healthy in the same sentence it confuses people, but we must remember not all bacteria are detrimental to your health, and may, in fact, provide some health benefits, particularly those in the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria genera. And here is where the Probiotic comes in.
What are Probiotics?
One widely used definition, developed by the World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, is that “Probiotics are live microorganisms, which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host.” (Microorganisms are tiny living organisms—such as bacteria, viruses, and yeasts—that can be seen only under a microscope.) The live microorganisms that are similar to beneficial microorganisms found in the human gut. They are also called “friendly bacteria” or “good bacteria.” The most common strains are thought to be Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidus.
A few common Probiotics (the word means “for life”), such as Saccharomyces boulardii, are YEASTS, which are different from bacteria. My son takes a combination of Prebiotics (Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredients that selectively stimulate the growth and/or activity of beneficial microorganisms already in people’s colons), Probiotics, in addition to a daily dose of Saccharomyces. We utilize all three remedies to combat reactions to antibiotics prescribed for parasites, anaerobic bacteria and a yeast overgrowth which we have found through testing of his gut.
For those who suffer from Celiac disease, or similar reactive gut disorders, you may find that Probiotics helps with some of the symptoms associated with flare-ups of these conditions.
Probiotics are widely available, usually in the refrigerator section of your health food store. To learn more about how Probiotics were discovered and the positive actions of Probiotics check out THE NIBBLE.
A good Probiotic should not be terribly expensive; in fact we consider it a fairly inexpensive investment for good stomach health. Many of my friends with toddlers or infants will use Probiotics to combat what GI specialists term as “Toddler diarrhea” apparently a common complaint in children from age 6 months to 5 years old.
If you are taking antibiotics it’s a great time to add the Probiotics to your diet along with your daily medication, especially if the course is going to be longer than the standard ten days. If you expect to be on the antibiotics for a long period, you may consider adding in the Saccharomyces boulardii in addition to the Probiotics, to further combat the yeast overgrowth that often occurs while taking antibiotics.
When it comes around to immunization time, a good dose over several days before and after the immunizations of Probiotics, vitamin C and Omega 3 fish oils may actually counteract some of the negative side effects we often see with the shots; it also may help those internal pathways remove toxins from our bodies more efficiently.
The effect of a yeast infection on a child can be very troubling, and you may not realize the behaviors associated with yeast overgrowth. My son in particular will become very noise sensitive, hyperactive, unable to focus and generally quite aggressive when his yeast gets out of control. The first sign we watch for is him covering his ears and telling us that sounds make his ears hurt, a quick check of his tongue usually confirms it’s a yeast problem. He uses pro/prebiotics combinations daily and we expect this will continue at least through his childhood if not his adult life. Read more about how childhood yeast problems may affect your child.
Is there a link between yeast and Autism behaviours?
Read one study that concludes “There is a great deal of evidence that a form of yeast, candida (rhymes with “Canada”) albicans, may cause autism and may exacerbate many behavior and health problems in autistic individuals, especially those with late-onset autism”. The paper linking autism, developmental delays, behaviour problems and yeast, by The Center for the Study of Autism can be read here.
One brand of probiotic is Udo’s Choice™ these, like all Probiotics, work to maintain the delicate balance of “good” or “friendly” bacteria in the gastro-intestinal tract. According to the Udo’s Choice website: Probiotics derive from the extensive group of friendly micro-organisms already present in nature that we commonly obtain from yogurt and raw foods. Udo’s Choice™ Probiotic Blends consist of SIX distinct varieties, each engineered for a specific age group or condition:
- Infant’s Blend, Children’s Blend,
Adult’s Blend,
Advanced Adult’s Blend (for seniors),
Hi-Potency Bowel Blend,
Super 8 Hi-Potency,
And Super 5 Lozenge.
You can go to UDO’s Choice to learn more about their products and the strains of Probiotics available.
Make an adjustment, stay healthy ~ be happy: Call Dr. Paul or Dr. Susan at (303) 674 1500 to schedule a consultation or email office@fontanachiro.com
No Long term benefits of ADHD Drugs?!
4 February 2008No long-term benefits of ADHD drugs?
Treating children with drugs does not work in the long term and can stunt growth and lead to other unwanted side effects.
The Multimodal Treatment Study of Children with ADHD began in 1990 and followed the treatment of 600 children. The study looked at 4 options:
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1. Drugs alone,
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2. Behavioral treatment,
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3. Drugs + behavior treatment,
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4. No special treatments.
(Other treatments were not considered such as the removal of additives and salicylates, supplementation with essential fatty acids, vitamins or other nutrients, vision therapy, sensory integration therapy, food or environmental allergies, heavy metal exposure).
Sensory Processing Disorder, ADD, ADHD or a Naughty child?
1 February 2008SENSORY DISORDERS MAY BE MISDIAGNOSED AS ADHD
“Students who can’t control their impulses and pay attention are popping up in classrooms across the nation.”
This headline appeared in the local Charlotte N.C., newspaper just before Christmas. It quotes a therapist at the center my son attends. My son has been receiving occupational therapy as part of his Autism therapy for many months now. Often times my sons is viewed by other people as either just plain naughty or as hyperactive / ADD. But what he really has is a “Sensory Processing Disorder”. For him this disorder goes hand-in-hand with his diagnosis of (more…)
Omega fish oils, EPA, EFA’s, 3-6-9 and other essential fatty acids.
17 January 2008EFA’s (Fish Oil)
My family first started to take EFAs in 2005; my son then just over a year old, was not talking. He literally was not attempting any verbal communication whatsoever. Luckily for us our pediatrician, alerted to a possible problem with our son’s development, suggested signing up for an early intervention screening. Early Intervention screening is available at no cost through your local Department of Developmental Services office. She also handed me information for a book she thought would be helpful to read-: “The Late Talker. What to do if your child isn’t Talking Yet” St Martin’s Press May 2003 by Marilyn Agin MD, Lisa Geng, and Malcolm J. Nicholl”
In the book there is some great information and resources for parents to explore to help children who have missed verbal milestones. One of the paragraphs mentioned (more…)
How to get all our nutrition using the Food Pyramid as a guide.
14 January 2008How DO we fit all those vitamins and grains into our daily diets?
Is it time to retire the good old government food pyramid? The original pyramid tells us to eat 6 cereals and grains daily, along with 3-5 vegetables, 2-4 fruits, 2 milks, 2 meats (or alternatives), and granting the occasional use of fats, sweets and oils. Most people would answer with a resounding YES! But did you know there was a new guide distributed in 2005, although it is still most common to see the older guide displayed.
Old guidelines 
new guidelines
If you are looking to eat healthier where can you go to find exactly how and what to eat using these food guides?
Eat Crap & Die! A Test of Eating Skills for Ages 15-21
15 July 2006by Stephanie Selene Anderson
Look in the mirror. What do you see? Is your image scary or pleasant? Hopeful or dreadful? Capable or faking it?
There is one skill that, if you master it, will improve that mirror image whether you see yourself as smart or dumb, as a success or a loser, as gorgeous or hideous, as confident or scared. If you master this skill, it will truly make you smart, successful, sexy, and sure of yourself.
What is that skill?
Let me give you a hint. You have to perform this skill at least three times a day, usually as many as six times a day, everyday, for life. In your lifetime, you’ll have to perform this skill for others as well as yourself.
If you answered, “Eating!” you got it. (more…)
Breastfeeding Prevents Asthma and Allergies
26 June 2006Introducing milk other than breast milk to infants younger than 4 months old increases the risk of asthma and atopy (a predisposition to certain allergies).
“Public health interventions promoting an increased duration of exclusive breastfeeding may help to reduce…childhood asthma”, an article in the British Medical Journal recently reported.
In the first study of its kind, the investigators followed 2,187 children from before birth through their 6th birthday, questioning their parents regarding various manifestations of asthma and allergy.
Children who were fed milk other than breast milk before 4 months of age experienced higher rates of all indicators of asthma and allergy, the report indicates. Such children were 25% more likely to be diagnosed with allergy and 30% more likely to have a positive skin test for allergies than were children who received only breast milk during their early months.
The total duration of exclusive breastfeeding was less important, though longer breastfeeding was associated with less asthma and allergy, the authors note.
“Delaying the introduction of milk other than breast milk until at least 4 months of age may protect against asthma and atopy later in childhood.
from the British Medical Journal