The little boy next door named Tim is a little bundle of worry. He just doesn’t obey anyone, not even his mom. He has been this way ever since we moved in two years back and he is already three now. Every half an hour we can either, hear him or his mom yelling and screaming at him. His condition is now an agony for his mom. When he was an year old, he was considered to be smarter than others because he was faster in moving, blabbering; his mischief too was a sense of pride; but the situation is becoming worse day after day and today it has already become a cause for concern.

I am sure this is not only the story of Tim. Around 10% of kids suffer this kind of a condition. They just can’t pay attention, they are restless, are inobedient and are at times even very sluggish and adamant. Though this condition is not fatal, it increases the challenges to be faced by the kid and many a times if not tapped at the right age can even progress to adulthood. This would then interfere in all aspects of his life. Thus the need to tap this disorder, (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD) is vital.

Though boys are more likely to suffer from ADHD, girls have not completely escaped from this threat. Hence we need to know more about this long winding disorder, so read on where a few commonly arising questions are answered.

Q - How do I know if my kid is having ADHD, restlessness is very common among many kids?
ADHD can be categorized by three main symptoms:
• hyperactivity and impulsiveness
• Inattention
• A combination of both

A hyperactive kid would have trouble sitting in one place, playing a single game for more than a few minutes and so on. He would be impulsive at times and act before thinking. Yelling and shouting would typically be his forte. On the other hand, a kid suffering the inattentive symptoms would be a dreamer, he would never be recognized by his peers, teachers or neighbours. He would be in his own world and talk very little. The third category of patients demonstrate both the earlier explained symptoms at times. However, the very fact that your kid is showing one of the three categories of symptoms doesn’t put him under the ADHD bracket.

A kid under seven years is diagnosed as having ADHD only when one of the three symptom categories is displayed by him for a period of at least six months at a stretch. Moreover, these symptoms should not follow any mis-happening or stress giving state for the kid in form of divorce between parents, death of a close one, change of school, separation from friends or relatives etc. This is because any change in such environmental factors may cause some psychological adverse effects even in a normal kid. So be sure that the symptoms depicted are not a reaction to any mental stress.

What is the cause of ADHD?

ADHD is caused due to genetic factors and the reason is still under research. However it has been discovered that patients with close relatives having a hyperactive state may suffer ADHD. Studies have shown that the brain size of these patients is 5% to 10% smaller than normal individuals and the reactions in the brain are also abnormal. Poor parenting, high sugar intake and any other environmental factor are surely not the cause for ADHD.

How can I help my child in ADHD?

ADHD is not a fatal disease. Apart from medications prescribed by your doctor, good care, support and monitoring by parents is indispensable for sure treatment. The following should be kept in mind and implemented:

1. Set a regular routine for your child keeping him busy productively.
2. The timings and place of different activities should be more or less fixed to adhere to discipline.
3. Short and crisp instructions should be given to the kid to help him understand what is right for him. Don’t confuse him by using long instructions or adding explanations to them.
4. Do not divert his attention by playing music or turning the television on when an activity is already going on.
5. Accompany him in all he does so that he doesn’t feel being punished.
6. Any punishment should be in form of lesser play time or time out so that he perceives discipline as a way to get rewards.
7. Any good conduct should be immediately rewarded by praise.
8. Work hand in hand with teachers and doctors to help your child.
9. Change his seat in school and make him seated near the teacher so that he is always monitored.
10. Keep a notepad handy with the teacher so that his progress in school is monitored.
11. Reading and writing practice is a must for these children and only gradual but continuous improvement is expected.

- Gunjan.

Tags: homeopathic, chinese, medicine, diabetes, asthma, alternative, herbal, blood pressure, remedies, acupressure

Sleep disorders are likely to be treated less seriously than other disorders. But studies show that a neglected sleep disorder can even cause a stroke. The risk factors also include hypertension, diabetes and heart problems.

Apnea or apnoea is suspended breathing. It refers to a usual pattern of pauses in the breathing pattern .But you are possibly suffering from obstructive sleep apnea if you have breathing pauses in your sleep. What makes it more alarming is that if you suffer from sleep apnea, you may not be aware of it yourself. Sleep apnea is of three types, namely, central, obstructive and complex apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the result of an obstruction in the air passage where in the air forces through itself noisily. And you snore. A physical block in the air passage is due to the relaxation of the soft tissues in the throat. If you have apnea for more than 20 seconds and repeatedly in sleep then you need serious medical attention. And this can remain unknown and unattended for years. OSA patents generally suffer from fatigue and drowsiness in the morning. Sleepiness in the daytime is one of the major causes of accidents. OSA is found mostly in men and in aged people.

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) and Stroke

Severe sleep apnea doubles the risk of stroke than anything else. It need not cause a stroke independently but can lead to several other physical conditions which can ultimately result in a stroke. A person is considered to have severe sleep apnea when his breathing stops for 20 times in an hour. When breathing is interrupted several times, the body, deprived of its oxygen prepares itself for a fight. And this response results in the clotting of blood. Blood clots hinder the oxygen supply to the brain leading to stroke. It is the decreased blood oxygen saturation that causes a stroke. OSA is often a reason for high blood pressure and high blood pressure has great a tie up with stroke.

OSA and Heart

The repeated pauses in breathing deny oxygen supply to the brain. The increase in the carbon dioxide level activates the sympathetic nervous system. This in turn causes spikes in the blood pressure and increases the blood pressure and the heart rate. A systemic cardiac resistance develops when there is a change in the volume of blood pumped into the heart.

People suffering from undiagnosed OSA have an increasing mortality rate. A lot many people are treated for cardiovascular diseases. But many OSA patients go untreated mainly because they or their partners do not recognize the symptoms.

The symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea are as follows :

• Load and heavy snoring
• Apnea or pauses in breathing during sleep.
• Sleepiness and headache in the morning
• Memory loss
• Inability to concentrate
• Weight gain
• Lethargy
• High Blood Pressure

- Aparna KV

Tags: Ayurvedic, diabetes, diabetes, acupuncture, obesity, chinese, herbs, blood pressure, weight loss, remedies

Second trimester in pregnancy

This is the most comfortable time throughout pregnancy and is the best time when the expectant mother feels the joy of carrying her child. By this time the morning sickness and other symptoms of the first trimester generally subside and the fetus begins growing in size. The HCG hormone levels which cause most symptoms in the first trimester also stagnates and forms a plateau on account of which the symptoms diminish.

However, each pregnant body responds to this stage differently. Though this is described as the most comfortable stage by most women and gynecologists, the need for care and attention doesn’t diminish. There are certain conditions which may develop on account of the growing weight of the baby and in some cases the symptoms of the first trimester prolong into the second trimester too. Some characteristics of the pregnant body in the second trimester are:

1.  Larger breasts

It is right from this stage that the fat starts being accumulated in the breasts and these glands prepare for colostrum and milk secretion for the baby after birth. Though the tenderness developed in the first trimester generally disappears, the breasts grow in size and feel much more bulky.  Supportive bras are a must to retain their shape.  Right from this stage, hand and chest exercises to gain firmness and avoid further enlargement is important.

2.  Skin problems

Due to the hormonal changes, spots, rashes and darkening due to pigmentation can appear on the skin of the face and other areas. Fungal infections are also seen in certain areas below the breasts and the groin. Generally the line below the naval to the pubic one shows darkening. These symptoms are not very harmful but may only reduce the beauty of the mother. However these can be minimized by taking a good supply of vitamins and minerals.

3.  Nasal and gum problems

The increase in blood flow in the pregnant body may cause bleeding gums. Also rhinitis worsens which leads to accumulation of mucus and secretions in the nasal cavity which may lead to snoring. Gargling and antihistamines can avoid this problem.

4.Leg cramps

This can be reduced by stretching exercise. Walking regularly can also help. Keeping the legs raised would also give fast relief from the condition and massaging with essential oils like lavender or grape seed oil would alleviate the condition. Increasing the calcium intake of the body helps in avoiding these symptoms.

5.  Stretch marks

These are not harmful to the lady but may put her off on account of ugly scars and signs. These may be minimized by massaging with wheat germ oil.

6.  Hypertension

The increase in blood pressure may further aggravate the complications of hemorrhoids and stroke. Hence the control of hypertension is mandatory. Lemon balm, chamomile and lime flower are certain natural products helpful in this condition.

7.  Constipation

To aid the expulsion of waste from the intestine, higher fiber content is required. Linseed oil and natural laxatives in form of wheat bran and water are helpful.

8.  Anemia

In order to ensure the blood supply to the mother and the baby good iron stores are required in the mother’s blood. Hence food with high iron content like green vegetables, dried fruits, sunflower seeds, back strap molasses and eggs are useful.

Some other herbs which can be useful in this trimester are :

• Red raspberry tea which is a source of iron and calcium
• Alfa alfa rich in iron
• Psyllium rich in fiber
• White oak bark avoids hemorrhoids
  
• Ginger helps reduce morning sickness

Another way in which relaxation and well being can be achieved in this trimester is by acupuncture by a specialist. This helps in the birth of a healthy child. Certain points are to be pressed which will help in the healthy pregnancy and certain points are not to be touched at all since this could lead to early labor. Hence the skills of a specialist are mandatory.

Tags: alternative, diabetes, remedies, medicine, weight loss, acupuncture, diabetes, Ayurvedic, acupressure, asthma

Acupuncture and Acupressure

Every kid is a combination of his/her dad and mom. My dad is a scientist and does nothing unless his brain agrees. Infact his head rules his heart, rarely is he seen demonstrating his emotions without his head ruling them. That’s why the first lesson he taught me was to reason every statement made by others. Even if I was asked to drink more water and avoid soft drinks, I would ask, ‘why’? On the other hand my mom was a literary person, a writer, an artist and a talented dramatist. She let her heart and soul rule her head at times and that made her a softer person.

The fact that both my parents have an impact on me is illustrated by the fact that I never believed in alternative medicine because of the very fact that no one was in a position to ever explain the reasons for the benefits from these practices. This strengthened my belief of these practices being ambiguous, unscientific and close to superstitions. However as I am gaining more and more experience, I am realizing that many people are benefited from these practices. Aromatherapy, water therapy , Acupressure and Acupuncture are some of these common alternative therapies. Today modern medicine does not offer cure for