March 8, 2012
Health Matters, Non-Fiction
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Being a caregiver can be demanding at the best of times, but particularly if your loved one has had a sudden change in their health through either illness or an accident. It can be very frustrating for them to no longer be the way they were. Depending on the nature of the illness or accident, there might also be some question as to whether or not they will ever ‘get back to normal’ again.
In some instances, it will be a case of getting back to a ‘new normal’ as far as they can. It is difficult to imagine the kind of physical as well as mental health challenges that can take place within our loved one when faced with this situation, but there are some things that we can do to help support them as their caregiver to try to make an easier transition to your new life together.
1. Pull together your own support network.
Caregiver burn out can be a real danger. There are also some things you will not want to express in front of your loved one. Find someone to talk to about the situation away from your loved one. Venting any negative feelings within earshot can cause them to feel they are a burden to you.
2. Attend doctor’s appointments and therapy with them if they want you to, but do not insist.
Loved ones who have recently suffered a physical challenge need rehabilitation to get back to good physical condition. Attend with them for moral support if they want you to come.
3. Get them involved in family activities.
It may be too soon to interact with outsiders, but a family gathering is usually safe enough so long as there is no pressure for things to be the way they used to be all the time.
4. Let them grieve over their altered status, but not for too long.
A period of grief is normal as a person adjusts to their new normal and yet looks back at how things used to be and wishes they were the same. Everyone needs an adjustment period to come to terms with the changes in their lives, but a prolonged period of grief can lead to depression and an inability to move on. Get your loved one to try to take an active interest in day to day things and the outside world and make the most of what they have without wishing for what they don’t.
5. Be supportive without being pushy. They know you care. You don’t need to let any guilty feelings drive you to show it with grand gestures. Just be there for them when you are in the house.
6. Know you will not be able to do it all yourself. Your loved one will need help, but not necessarily round the clock care. Let them be as independent as they can be. For the times that you need to get out to do other things, make arrangements for someone to be on call or serve as a sitter just in case.
7. Try to stick to your routines. The health challenge may be a severe one, but it does not mean that your whole life has to turn upside down. A sense of normalcy in your usual daily routines will help your loved one feel that not everything has changed in their life.
FURTHER READING
Coping with Caregiving: A Guide to Caring for Your Loved Ones Without Suffering from Caregiver Burnout (Health Matters)
March 5, 2012
Health Matters, Non-Fiction
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Every day, our bodies are exposed to toxins that are detrimental to our health. Some of these toxins are free radicals.
Free radicals are unpaired oxygen molecules that can cause damage to the membranes of the cells in our bodies. They look for an additional electron in order to complete themselves, and will rob them from wherever they can get them, the cells in our body, even our DNA. This may lead to the development of different types of diseases.
The activity of free radicals in our bodies can cause our cell membranes to deteriorate to the extent that they will fail to function effectively. The cellular membrane is a very important part of the human body, because it facilitates communication between different systems within the body.
Modern scientists have come to the conclusion that the cellular membrane is the true “brain” of the cell, and that it has greater effect on our well-being than we previously assumed. It lets nutrients in, and keeps dangerous substances out.
But if free radicals start to steal more and more electrons, this can prevent the membranes from protecting the cells effectively, and this is when disease can set in.
Free radicals are produced by our own bodies, so there is no way to prevent them. However, we do know that certain substances we are exposed to can provoke the formation of more free radicals. The more free radicals in our system, the more damage they can cause.
Pollution and synthetic toxins are two of the main factors that contribute to the presence of free radicals in our bodies. The air we breathe and the chemical-laden foods we consume may have a detrimental effect on our bodies over time. Cellular metabolism and digestion can also work together to produce free radicals.
Free radicals are said to be linked to most of the chronic degenerative diseases that are known in the world today.
Fortunately, we can try to reduce the negative impact of free radicals in our body through adding antioxidants to our diet in the foods we eat. Antioxidants play an important role in eradicating free radicals by providing them with the extra electrons they are seeking, so that they do not erode our cell membranes in order to get them. Foods rich in antioxidants include green tea and blueberries.
If you want to lower your risk of disease and reduce the signs of aging, eliminate chemicals from your diet, and start adding antioxdants to reduce the negative impact of free radicals on your body.
FURTHER READING
Antioxidants and Free Radicals: What You Need To Know
February 26, 2012
General, Health Matters, Non-Fiction
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Almost 6% of children worldwide are now being diagnosed with ADHD, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Countless adults undoubtedly have it as well, but have never been diagnosed.
If you suspect ADHD in your child or even in yourself, the first step will be to get an accurate diagnosis from your doctor, so that you can then determine the most effective treatments for the type of ADHD you or your child might have.
There are a lot of myths surrounding ADHD. But as with all disorders, there are specific symptoms of Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder which you need to be aware of.
Many people who have children or family members with ADHD wait before seeing a doctor because they mistake the symptoms for something else. You don’t want to delay treatment if your loved one has ADHD.
In this article we will discuss the main signs and symptoms of ADHD in children and adults to help you recognize if you or your loved one needs to visit the doctor.
Children and ADHD Symptoms
You may not realize it but some ADHD symptoms are different in children than in adults. Therefore, you need to watch for the following signs and symptoms of ADHD in your children:
*Lack of Focus
Many people mistake the lack of focus associated with ADHD as the normal short attention span found in young children. However, there is a difference. Children with ADHD aren’t usually able to concentrate on anything for more than a minute or two, regardless of the child’s interest in the subject or activity.
*Highly Disruptive
Children with ADHD don’t want to be disruptive, but they just can’t help it. If your child has to always be in motion and is often disruptive regardless of your attempts to control the behavior, he/she may have ADHD.
*Acts on Impulse
Children with ADHD don’t have the ability to “think things through” and will often act on impulse. It may be that they interrupt frequently, ask irrelevant questions or have constant tantrums whenever their many impulsive wishes are not met.
*Always in Motion
Children with ADHD have a need to be in constant motion, almost as if they are being “driven by a motor,” according to some descriptions of the condition. Children with ADHD who have this symptom and the previous two are not ‘naughty’, they are just showing signs of their health condition.
As with all children, they will be eager to try to please parents and other adults, but the fact is that often they can’t sit still and behave well because of their hyperactivity.
Adults and ADHD
As mentioned above, the signs and symptoms of ADHD vary from children to adults. Below are the most common symptoms found in adults with Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder:
*Easily Angered
Many adults with ADHD aren’t able to control their emotions and often have angry outbursts. If this is a normal occurrence for your loved one, he/she may have ADHD rather than an anger management issue or an impulse control issue.
*Lack of Concentration
This is a shared symptom of ADHD for both children and adults. Adults with ADHD often find it difficult to focus on one thing without their mind wandering off to another subject quickly. In these days of multi-tasking being a virtue, this may go unnoticed or seem normal, but if it interferes with productivity it can become a real problem.
*Lack of Organization
Adults with ADHD usually struggle with getting organized. This is true for both their homes and their work place. The lack of organization may even extend to their social lives too. They will often be late or not show up at all. Naturally there can be consequences to a lack or organization at work, with a loss of productivity and failure to meet deadlines.
*Intense Focus
A common technique many adults with ADHD teach themselves to do is to focus extremely hard on a topic or activity that they find fulfilling. This is known as “hyperfocus” and it is a way for those with ADHD to block out all the other distractions. However, while they are focusing on something, this is still a symptom of ADHD and should be checked out. Their intense focus means they are not able to deal with anything else, no matter how pressing it might be.
If you suspect ADHD in your child or yourself or an adult loved one, it is worth going to the doctor to get an accurate diagnosis. ADHD can make it difficult for people to succeed in all areas of their lives, from their personal life, to their educational experiences, to their professional lives in the workplace.
If the signs and symptoms that you have been noticing do turn out to be ADHD, there are a number of different types. ADHD is also accompanied by other disorders as well, such as obsessive compulsive disorder or bipolar (manic depressive) disorder. Therefore, an accurate and precise diagnosis is key.
In this way you can then explore the range of effective treatments and strategies available. These range from medication to various forms of natural remedies. They can be used alone, or in combination, for an effective treatment plan for ADHD.
Visit your doctor to discuss your concerns, and research as much as you can on ADHD, to discover if ADHD has been holding back you or your child from being all you might wish to be.
For more information on ADHD in children, you might be interested in:
ADHD: A BEGINNER’S GUIDE FOR PARENTS What It Means When Your Child is Diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (Health Matters)
Homeschooling Success for Child with ADHD (Life Matters)
School Success Secrets for Children with ADHD (Life Matters)
February 23, 2012
General, Health Matters, Non-Fiction
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Having a child with Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder can be difficult, especially if you don’t wish to use medications to help treat their ADHD and lessen the severity of their symptoms. Fortunately, there are a number of natural approaches to ADHD that can help reduce symptoms and therefore reduce the level of challenges that your child or other loved one with ADHD might face.
Below are some ideas to help you get started with the most successful methods for helping to treat ADHD naturally.
1. Monitoring their Diet
While we all need to eat a well-rounded and healthy diet, this is especially important for individuals with ADHD. Below are a few key tips to follow when maintaining the ADHD diet.
*Reduce Gluten
Gluten has been shown to increase and promote the symptoms of ADHD. Therefore, it is best to reduce or eliminate gluten from your child’s diet whenever possible. This used to be much more difficult, but now there are whole ranges of products, including even name-brand cake mixes, that are gluten-free and more widely available at reasonable prices.
Gluten comes in many disguises however, such as ‘modified vegetable starch’ or starch, so whenever possible, cook at home without using pre-packaged or pre-prepared foods.
*Watch Additives and Preservatives
Many food additives such as preservatives, flavorings and food colorings have been found to aggravate ADHD. One specific additive is tartrazine, or FD&C Yellow #5. Again, cooking yourself at home and using additive free products such as pure fruit juice watered down with bottled water or seltzer can help your kids enjoy a range of tasty treats without breaking the bank or consuming a lot of unknown substances or sugar.
*Limit Sugars in the Diet
White sugar has been proven to enhance or aggravate the symptoms of ADHD, and it is therefore strongly advised against for children (or adults) with ADHD. High fructose corn syrup, and other items which are similar to sugar in the body once they are ingested, should also be restricted. Whenever possible, bake items yourself and use natural sweeteners only in small quantities, such as fruit juice, honey and stevia.
*Include More Whole and Organic Foods
Whole and organic foods are believed to help reduce the symptoms of ADHD as they are fresh, full of nutrients and free of pesticides. Pesticides used to spray crops before harvest have been linked to ADHD, therefore it is best to stay away from any foods that are not organic.
Also be sure to wash your produce really well and do not eat the skins, even if they are edible. Peel the fruit instead. Beware of soft fruits like berries, since they tend to absorb the most pollutants from the environment. Local produce farmed using natural methods and pesticides are good choices. So are hothouse grown fruits that are then flash frozen on site, though they do tend to be more expensive.
*Get Plenty of Essential Fatty Acids
One of the key components of a healthy ADHD diet is getting plenty of Omega-3s and Omega-6s. If you don’t eat a lot of fish or other foods with these essential fatty acids, consider using fish oil supplements. Choosing ones that come from the Southern Hemisphere will help lower the risk of mercury build-up in the body.
Good choices of fresh fish rich in omega-threes that you can eat once a week safely without mercury build up include canned albacore tuna and Atlantic salmon, farmed or wild. Other good choices include clams, cod, crab, lobster, and halibut.
*Reduce Common Food Allergens
Food allergies and ADHD are believed by some to be connected. Therefore, you may find it helpful to eliminate the most common forms of food allergens. These include products such as wheat (and wheat gluten), pork, chocolate, eggs, peanuts and dairy products.
2. Relaxation
There are many forms of meditation that have been shown to help relieve ADHD symptoms while relaxing the “patient.” A few ways to incorporate meditation into you or your child’s daily routine is by taking up Pilates, Yoga or Tai Chi.
3. Daily Exercise
While relaxing through meditative moves is a great way to naturally reduce the symptoms of ADHD, incorporating a daily form of exercise is another great way to minimize ADHD symptoms.
For those with ADHD, daily exercise allows them to burn off the extra energy they have in a constructive way. When exercise is done through a sport, particularly a team sport, it can also boost self-esteem and help them interact with others in a constructive way.
However, if your child does not play well with others, try swimming or track and field events they can do alone, and help keep track of their goals and progress. A chart or milestone and rewards system can help boost their confidence by recognizing and rewarding their achievements.
4. Herbal Techniques
Many have found various herbs and herbal teas to be effective in reducing ADHD symptoms. In fact, there are special herbal blends that are specifically formulated for children with ADHD. Visit your natural food store or with a natural health practitioner or herbalist/Chinese herbalist to find out more about using herbs to treat ADHD naturally. Just remember that even herbs can have side effects.
These are just a few of the natural methods you can use to treat ADHD and minimize its symptoms. They can be used alone, or in conjunction with each other. They are easy and relatively inexpensive to implement as well, making them simple to try. If you want to avoid ADHD medications for you or your child, they are certainly worth checking out.
They can also be used in conjunction with medication, in most cases, with little to no risk of coming into conflict with the medicines. As always, consult with your doctor or your child’s doctor before undertaking any new treatment for ADHD, and let them know about any herbs or other vitamins and supplements you might also be taking (such as fish oil).
Work as a team with your doctor in order to come up with a treatment plan for ADHD that minimizes the symptoms and maximizes the successes.
For more information on ADHD in children, you might be interested in:
ADHD: A BEGINNER’S GUIDE FOR PARENTS What It Means When Your Child is Diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (Health Matters)
Homeschooling Success for Child with ADHD (Life Matters)
School Success Secrets for Children with ADHD (Life Matters)
February 23, 2012
Health Matters
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by Annabelle Stevens, Carolyn Stone and Siobhan McNally
You are NOT alone. It has been calculated that nearly six percent of children are now being diagnosed with ADHD, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. For parents like yourself, a diagnosis of ADHD can be a relief, since it can help explain a lot of the difficult behaviors you have seen in your child.
It can also be a very confusing and stressful time, leaving you with more questions than answers. The most important question on your mind will most likely be: Now that your child has been diagnosed, what are you supposed to do next?
This guide is designed with you in mind, to give you an overview of ADHD and help you formulate an action plan that will help you child succeed in spite of the condition.
The first step is getting an accurate diagnosis. Learn why this is not always easy, and the various types of ADHD that your child might have.
The next step is to learn all you can about the disorder from reliable sources. Discover the best places to get information on ADHD, what it is, and what it is not. Then you can start to put together an action plan suited to you child and their particular form of ADHD.
Also learn how other medical conditions can contribute to or complicate your child’s ADHD and how they therefore need to be taken into consideration when you start your action plan.
Discover how to work with your child’s school to make sure they are getting the best provisions possible for your child’s health condition. Adapt your successful home strategies to the classroom, and vice versa. Also learn more about the kinds of tools that can help you work with your child’s teacher as part of the care team you will assemble to assist your child.
Learn more about the effective medications for ADHD and their side effects, plus the latest black box warnings on these drugs. Also read more about all of the natural remedies for ADHD, so that you can put together a total care plan for your child with ADHD.
In this guide, you will also learn the best places to find help and support, plus where to get resources and learning materials for your child with ADHD.
Putting together an action plan to help your child with ADHD can take its toll. You will also learn the best ways to look after yourself in order to avoid caregiver burnout.
ADHD can be a difficult diagnosis, but it does not have to be a life sentence, or define your child and your whole family. If you think your child might have ADHD, this beginner’s guide can help you get started on the road to a more peaceful and harmonious family life.
The action plan you start to form for your child now will lay the foundation for success in all areas of his or her life even if they are challenged by ADHD.
Word Count=35,000
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER 1: GETTING AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS OF ADHD
CHAPTER 2: GETTING STARTED WITH YOUR ACTION PLAN
CHAPTER 3: GETTING HELP AND SUPPORT FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILD
CHAPTER 4: COPING WTH COMMON PROBLEMS IF YOU ARE A PARENT OF A CHILD WITH ADHD
CHAPTER 5: DISCIPLINE, COMMUNICATION AND THE ADHD CHILD
CHAPTER 6: TREATING YOUR CHILD’S ADHD
CHAPTER 7: RESOURCES FOR PARENTS AND CHILDREN WITH ADHD
CONCLUSION
APPENDIX 1: SETTING ROUTINES FOR A CHILD WITH ADHD
APPENDIX 2: DEALING WITH HOMEWORK FOR A CHILD WITH ADHD
APPENDIX 3: TRIGGER FOODS FOR ADHD
APPENDIX 4: MEDICATIONS COMMONLY PRESCRIBED FOR ADHD
APPENDIX 5: COMPARING DRUGS FOR ADHD
FURTHER READING
ACTION STEPS
=====
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Annabelle Stevens and Carolyn Stone are two of the main writers and editors for the popular health website Healthful-Goddess.com, and the authors of over two dozen health and self-help guides.
Siobhan McNally has been an educator for over 30 years. She is the founder of the popular website http://English-Study-Buddy.com and author of over a dozen study guides designed to help students get the most of out of their study of the masterworks of English Literature.
Buy Now: ADHD: A BEGINNER’S GUIDE FOR PARENTS What It Means When Your Child is Diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (Health Matters)
February 19, 2012
General, Health Matters, Non-Fiction
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There is some confusion over the definition of the medical terms ADD and ADHD due to the changing definitions of these two health conditions over the past 40 or so years since they have been studied in detail. It this article, we will discuss the main differences between the two, and the reasons for the confusion. In this way, it is hoped that you will gain a clearer understanding of the similarities and differences between the two disorders. In this way, you will be able to seek an accurate diagnosis, and an effective treatment plan for whichever condition you or your loved one (such as your child) may be suffering from.
Let’s start with definitions of the two. ADD stands for Attention Deficit Disorder. ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
Let’s look at ADD first. As the name suggestions, Attention Deficit Disorder manifests as a certain group of symptoms in both the adults and children who have it. Those with ADD have a hard time concentrating fully on anything. This is obviously an issue when it comes to learning in school, but can also take its toll on a child’s life at home as well. For adults, it can wreak havoc with their professional careers and their personal relationships.
The symptoms of ADD include:
*A lack of attention
*A lack of focus on a task
*A lack of focus on what is being said to them, even when you are looking right at them or are ‘in their face’
ADHD adds H for Hyperactivity. In this case, in addition to the lack of ability to pay attention fully, there is also a marked tendency towards being unable to stay or sit still, with constant restless movement or fidgeting apparent.
Many people use ADD and ADHD interchangeably, but while they might be related, the H for hyperactivity will often cause the most trouble for the child in society, and therefore needs to be dealt with in different ways.
This is because the Hyperactivity often shows itself as disruptive or even uncontrollable behavior, which can often get them into trouble in school.
ADHD is characterized as also lacking in impulse control. People with ADHD have anger issues and this can be shown as tantrums in children and tirades in adults.
The confusion over ADD versus ADHD stems in part from the fact that ADHD was originally called ADD. In addition, there are various type of ADHD and one of them is called Classic ADD. This refers to the original definition of the disorder before the H was added to the name to characterize one of its main features, Hyperactivity.
Many of the strategies that work for ADD will also work for ADHD, but the hyperactivity and impulse control issues can cause significant challenges for a person with ADHD and should not be underestimated. Therefore, by all means use effective ADD strategies and treatments, but pay particular attention to the more disruptive aspects of ADHD.
For more information on ADHD in children, you might be interested in:
ADHD: A BEGINNER’S GUIDE FOR PARENTS What It Means When Your Child is Diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (Health Matters)
Homeschooling Success for Child with ADHD (Life Matters)
School Success Secrets for Children with ADHD (Life Matters)
February 18, 2012
Health Matters
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by Erin Kennedy, Mara Michaels and Carolyn Stone
Get Moving, Stay Fit, And Stay Motivated, No Matter How Busy You Are
If you can’t ever seem to find the time to exercise, this guide is designed with you in mind, to help you become more active and make the most of the workout time that you do have. These tried and tested tips can help you improve your level of fitness in as little as 10 minutes a day.
Learn about:
+ The importance of cardio for your health
+ How to calculate your maximum heart rate to get the most out of your workout
+ The best equipment to use if you are on a budget.
You will also discover:
+ The best ways to stay fit no matter what your age
+ How to avoid injury if you are a ‘weekend warrior’ or just returning to exercise after a long break
+ What clothes to wear for different activities
+ How to do the best sit-ups for that six-pack you long for
…and much more.
If you are eager to start getting more fit but don’t have the time or money for a fancy gym, these tips will get you started on the path to a fit and trim new you.
WORD COUNT=10,500
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
70 TOP EXERCISE AND FITNESS TIPS
CONCLUSION
RESOURCES
CHECKLIST OF TIPS
FREE NEWSLETTER AND GUIDES
===
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
The authors are all writers and editors for the popular health website Healthful-Goddess.com. Carolyn Stone is also the author of over three dozen health and self-help guides.
Buy Now: 70 Top Exercise and Fitness Tips for Busy People (Health Matters)
February 16, 2012
General, Health Matters, Non-Fiction
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If you have a child or immediate family member with Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), you will soon start to understand how difficult the disorder is on everyone involved.
However, as a family member and perhaps the primary caregiver for a person with ADHD, you need to remain positive in order to help your loved one. Below are a few tips on the best ways that you can cope with a family member who has ADHD.
1. Stay Positive – Most people think about ADHD as a purely negative disorder, since the main symptoms are not being able to focus, and being hyperactive, which can often lead to impulsive, troublesome behavior. However, there are actually many positive aspects associated with the condition.
For instance, those with ADHD may exhibit several of the following attributes as a result of the disorder:
*Sensitivity and empathy for others
*Creativity
*Deeper emotional engagement
*Greater observational skills
*Great imagination
*Deeper perception
*Inventiveness
*Greater curiosity
*Excellent mechanical skills
*Spontaneity
*Passion and enthusiasm
*Great athletic abilities
*Charisma
*Resilience
2. Therapy for the Whole Family
When one of your immediate family members has ADHD and is a child with siblings, it is often beneficial for the entire family to go to therapy together. A therapist will be able to help everyone in the family cope together with the difficulties of ADHD. This will help keep everyone “on the same page” with the disorder and promote a better understanding of the disorder. It can also help everyone be honest about their feelings and keep things in balance, without resentment or ‘why me’ kinds of thinking.
Everyone can help the person with ADHD, but they should not be expected to do so, particularly if they are younger and feel like they are struggling themselves. You should also never put your children in the position of ‘mother’s little helper’ and give anyone false responsibility for the child with ADHD. There should be one main caregiver who coordinates care and passes along the messages to others on the team, but they should never rely on anyone under the age of 18 to be in a primary caregiver role for a child with ADHD (including babysitters).
3. Get Into a Routine
One thing those with ADHD need are consistent, regular routines. When things are predictable, the person with ADHD is more at ease because s/he knows exactly what is going to happen and when it’s going to happen. This will also be the best way to avoid any arguments about what the child or family member will be doing, and fewer ‘trigger events’ that might cause their hyperactivity or issues with impulse control to kick in.
4. Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff
The most helpful attitude to take will be to pick your battles. If you have a child with ADHD, there will be some behavioral issues that will occur as a result of the disorder which would not usually occur, or occur as frequently, in a child that did not have ADHD. Try to overlook these when they aren’t too severe because these are symptoms and not actual character traits. This include fidgeting, chattering and being restless. Instead, try to incorporate these actions into their daily routine, through plenty of exercise and breaks between activities to help them work off steam.,
5. Don’t Give In to Guilt
ADHD is not something that you caused your child or loved one to have. Therefore, don’t give in to “guilt trips” when they try to surface. There isn’t any concrete evidence pointing to any one specific cause of ADHD, so give yourself a pass and move on. Simply do the best you can and understand that it is only normal from time to time to wish things could be different. Then focus on the positive, and move on.
6. Change Your Diet
There is a growing list of trigger foods that you will want to consult if you have a family member with ADHD. You need to get your entire family on board with these changes and implement them immediately. These dietary changes will reduce the symptoms of ADHD greatly and your entire family will benefit as a result. Culprits have been found to include artificial coloring, artificial sweeteners, foods high in sugar, foods treated with pesticides, and more. Avoid relying on convenience foods full of chemicals and preservatives. Whenever possible, buy fresh food and cook it yourself.
7. Get Involved
ADHD is becoming more and more common and, as a result, there are many support groups out there to join. You’ll find it helpful and therapeutic when you get involved in one of these groups because you will meet others going through the same thing you are. Additionally, you can help each other by providing new ideas, thoughts and techniques for dealing with the various difficulties the disorder brings.
8. Help Your Loved One Find an Outlet
As mentioned above, there are many positive aspects for the person with ADHD, not just the bothersome behaviors. Therefore, help him/her focus on these positive traits by getting them involved in a corresponding activity. Your loved one will feel accepted and accomplished and the activity will help unite the entire family too. They will also spend time with what they are good at, as opposed to being bored and unfocused on things they are not interested in. Just beware of what is termed ‘hyperfocus’, in which they become totally absorbed in their favorite tasks to the exclusion of all else. A well-rounded schedule will include a variety of activities throughout the day, with their least favorite subjects and activities sandwiched in between things that they like.
These are just a few suggestions as to the best ways to cope with a family member who has ADHD. For more information on ADHD in children, you might be interested in:
ADHD: A BEGINNER’S GUIDE FOR PARENTS What It Means When Your Child is Diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (Health Matters)
Homeschooling Success for Child with ADHD (Life Matters)
School Success Secrets for Children with ADHD (Life Matters)
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