3430-D Anderson Hwy., Powhatan, VA 23139
Ph: (804) 598-5352
www.herbalconsultant.com
MAY, 2004 NEWSLETTER
ADD/ADHD
ADD & ADHD INFORMATION Have you noticed there's a direct correlation between the implementation of Standards of Learning Tests and the increase in children being labeled as ADD and/or ADHD? Did the labeling begin in the 3rd grade when the first SOL's are given? This is no coincidence. FOLLOW THE MONEY! Each school receives funding and accreditation based on their pass rates for the SOL's. Also, each school receives a per child subsidy from the federal government for each "special needs" student. ADD/ADHD qualifies as a "special need." Here's another interesting fact: According to Running on Ritalin by Lawrence Diller, Virginia has the highest per capita use of Ritalin among the states, with rates six times higher than that of the lowest state, Hawaii. We should be ashamed of this statistic!
Are all children born to make A's and B's in school? Are they all college material? We are teaching our children that when things are too tough they can take a magic pill to make it all easier. We're pressuring some of them to meet unreasonable standards just so our schools can receive the funding they so desperately need because of budget cuts.
The official diagnosis of ADD, according to the attachment to the FDA Approval Letter for NDA 21-284 (Ritalin LA) is as follows: Symptoms present themselves before the age of 7 and cause impairment in social, academic or occupational functioning, and must be present in two or more settings (i.e., at school and at home). At least 6 of the following must have persisted for at least 6 months: lack of attention to details/careless mistakes; lack of sustained attention; poor listener; failure to follow through on tasks; poor organization; avoids tasks requiring sustained mental effort; loses things; easily distracted; forgetful. For ADHD there are more symptoms.
Also according to the official FDA approval letters for Ritalin LA and Adderall XR, these drugs can cause growth suppression, loss of appetite and psychotic episodes. Both drugs were tested for less than 3 weeks and are not recommended for children under 6. These drugs are used for many years despite being no long-term studies on their safety.
DIET CHANGES CAN MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE!! Our children eat sugar, fat, artificial junk and foods without nutrition. Again, WE SHOULD BE ASHAMED. Sugar should be a very limited treat (less than daily) and nobody needs caffeine-laden sodas, least of all kids. A fresh, whole foods diet low in sugar and saturated fat and high in fresh fruits, lean proteins and lots of vegetables WILL improve children's ability to think, focus and function. Keep kids away from white flour products, white rice and sugary cereals. Give them raisins, seeds and nuts for snacks. Avoid fast food restaurants! Shop around the outside aisles of the grocery store & buy whole foods. The inside aisles contain processed foods loaded with dangerous artificial sweeteners, colors, additives and preservatives.
Finally, there are vitamins & supplements that enhance learning and support normal brain functions. These include Essential Fatty Acids (Omega 3's), particularly DHA, zinc, B-vitamins, cal- cium and magnesium. A good multi-vitamin every day is crucial. Herbal products that help are ginkgo and hawthorn for brain health and lemon balm, chamomile and skullcap for calming. Some products have multiple ingredients, all of which support ADD & ADHD. BE INFORMED AND KEEP OUR KIDS SAFE.
WEIGHT LOSS WORKSHOP
Learn the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) method for weight loss. This is a simple but effective way to change your attitudes about food and eating. Two workshops are being offered: Workshop One: Thursday May 13 & 20, 6:30pm - 8:30pm Workshop Two: Thursday June 3 & 10, 6:30pmm - 8:30pm Location: Apothecarian Herbals, 1711E Anderson Hwy (Rt. 60), Powhatan (in the Huguenot Shoppes) EFT stops cravings, relieves stress, removes factors behind emotional eating & is gentle and easy to learn. INVEST IN YOURSELF! Only $49.00 per 2-night workshop. Class size is limited. Call today to make a reservation. Presented by: Vickie Griffith - Breakthrough (804) 677-1174. vickiegriffith@break-through.org
CALL FOR INFO ABOUT WELLNESS CONSULTATIONS BY DEBBIE MARKEL,
CERTIFIED HERBALIST/CERTIFIED NATURAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL.