Interesting Insight

My daughter and I were out back-to-school shopping yesterday. We were looking for blue knee high socks. There were socks with a Label "Organic" brand "Made for the Way Americans Live" and underneath in bold were the words "Made In Turkey". I looked right past them but my daughter said, "Mom, that doesn't seem right. If these socks are made in Turkey why do they claim to know how Americans live? They must just say that because they want to sell socks and make money." Now, her interest in the matter stopped there, but it really got me thinking. I have been thinking lately about all the marketing drug companies are doing. I watch about 1-2 hours of TV each day and I see ads for pills to treat acid indigestion, backaches, headaches (and any other ache you have), insomnia, erectile dysfunction, herpes and on and on. Remember they use a lot of marketing ploys to make you think you need whatever it is they are selling (not just pharmaceutical companies, I'm talking about every commercial and marketing firm out there). I've caught myself-that woman on the commercial is surrounded by friends and is laughing and happy. That's how I want to feel. Maybe I should try...whatever. Just pay attention and see what you think.

The Power of Positive Thinking

I am working with my daughter to know she should not feel bad about her A.D.D. diagnosis. She is very sensitive about feeling labeled. I have told her that ADD is a synonym for plus and positive. She (and all kids) have many characteristics that are positive. The following was taken from Doreen Virtue's book I spoke about yesterday "The Care and Feeding of Indigo Children":

"Affirmations can buoy an Indigo Child's sagging self-esteem. Here are some positive affirmations that you and your children can recite together:

* I am a holy child of God
* Since God is pure Love, so am I
* I have angels surrounding me now who love me just for who I am
* I call upon my angels at any time for help, and they are there to help me
* I am unconditionally loved by God and the angels
* I have a lot to offer the world
* My angels can see my hidden talents
* I have the power to change the world in important ways
* My mind is clear and able to focus perfectly
* I have an infallible photgraphic memory
* I trust my intuition
* I speak my truth with love and compassion
* I am now working on my Life Purpose, and I feel very fulfilled
* Who I am makes a big difference in this world
* Many people need and love me now"

I think that some people may not accept Doreen's concepts of Indigo Children because it is considered 'new age', but I think these are needed reminders for many of us to give to ourselves daily.

More Suggestions for Thinking Outside the Box

I would like to recommend you research the concept of Indigo Children. According to Doreen Virture:

"Indigo Children are bright, intuitive, strong-willed, and sometimes self-destructive individuals. They are often labeled (and misdiagnosed)as having A.D.D./A.D.H.D. because they won't comply with established rules and patterns, and they may exhibit behavioral problems at home and at school."

I am currently reading Doreen's book, "The Care and Feeding of Indigo Children". It has alot of new information for me, but it is also "connecting the dots" and has put into writing things that I have figured out on my own, witnessed or have learned through other teachings. So it is great to have confirmation. I would like to share some of the information I am gathering from this book as I go along in future posts. For now, I will share an interesting point:

"It's estimated that more than 6 million American children now take psychotropic medication for ADD/ADHD, depression and other psychological maladies...
Many reseachers believe that Einstine, Edison, da Vinci and other great thinkers would have been labeled ADD if they were alive today"

Now, think about that!

Epsom Salt Baths

I have found salt baths to be beneficial to both myself and my kids. I was taught during my Healing Touch training the Epsom Salt baths cleanse the energy field also. I like to mix a few drops of Peace and Calming Young Living Essential Oil into a handful or two of Epsom Salt and mix it in the tub. This has become part of our bedtime routine.

The following is information taken from the yahoo group
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ADHD_DrugFree

What are Epsom Salts?Epsom Salts are the same thing as Magnesium Sulfate, which is a salt made of only magnesium and sulphate (and maybe a little bit of water). Magnesium is a positively charged ion, and it binds to sulfate, which is a negatively charged ion. Sulfate is a sulphur atom surrounded by four oxygen atoms.

You can buy them at your local drugstore or pharmacy or even in the grocery store. They are usually located in larger bags near the bandages or the foot care section (in a pinch, smaller containers can be found in the laxative aisle, but it is cheaper to buy them in the larger bags/cartons).

What is the anticipated effect from an Epsom Salt bath?
Epsom Salts have long been used to stimulate detoxification, reduce inflammation to sore muscles, promote healthy circulation, and help with relaxation and normalizing sleep patterns.

Most children respond to an ES bath by appearing happier, more relaxed. Some parents report that their children are more responsive, more “with it”. Some parents who give the bath in the evenings report that their children are able to get to sleep easier, and have a more normal sleep pattern.

Given over time, the ES baths may help reduce sensory integration symptoms. Some of this effect may occur due to benefits of detoxification, but it is much more likely to come from direct effects on the nervous system.

Don't Underestimate the Importance of Sleep

Sleep in very important for everyone, but for the group of kids we talk about with learning and attention difficulties, it is even more important. Lack of sleep can make children moody or cranky, create relationship problems and make them distracted in class. For my own children, I think this is the #2 most important, second to diet in controlling unwanted symptoms. I see their behavior when they are lacking sleep and I also see that they can't control the mood and/or behaviors.

With today's hectic lifestyles I think many people are sleep deprived, including our children. According to the National Institutes of Health sleep guide, children and adolescents need an average of nine hours of sleep each night.

Here are some tips from the National Institutes of Health on making sure your child (and you) gets the sleep he/she needs:

*set a regular bedtime and stick to it-this means weekends too.
*establish a relaxing bedtime routine, such as giving your child a warm bath or reading a story
*avoid TV and video games close to bedtime
*avoid caffeine at least 6 hours prior to bedtime-(I say children should not consume any caffeine)
*avoid big meals close to bedtime
*set the bedroom temperature so that it's comfortable-not too warm or too cold
*make sure the bedroom is dark or use a small night light
*keep the noise level low

My son slept through the night for the first time when he was 5 years old. My mentor Marilee Tolen had instructed me on some of the tips above and for our bedtime routine we put Vetiver Essential Oil on the soles of his feet and did some simple Healing Touch techniques. After the first night, he asked me to "use those oils and Healing Touch, Mommy" night after night. I had to see it to believe it for myself. For more info on essential oils please visit my website at http://dawnperalta.younglivingworld.com/

Upcoming Workshop on Young Living Essenital Oils & Children

Find Wellness Within presents. . .
“How To Have The Best School Year Ever!”
. . .featuring Young Living Essential Oils

Learn all-natural, chemical and drug free ways for:
*ADD/ADHD *Learning Difficulties *Poor Grades
*Anxiety *Insomnia *Mood Imbalances & More

PRESENTER: Dawn M. Peralta, RN, HTP
WHEN: Thursday August 10th, 2006
WHEN: 7 – 9 pm
WHERE: Find Wellness Within, L.L.C.
132 Kings Highway East, 1st Floor
Haddonfield, NJ 08033
COST: $10

**SPACE IS LIMITED **PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Find Wellness Within Workshops are held monthly

For further information or to register contact Dawn
(609) 929-4309 or anewdawn03@comcast.net
www.findwellnesswithin.com
www.attentiondeficitoptions.blogspot.com
Dawn's Daughter Desiree's blog is a child's prospective on A.D.D.
www.dontlabelmeadd.blogspot.com

Keeping an open mind on treatment options for Attention Deficit Disorder

In my search for information on Attention Deficit Disorder, I have talked to many people both verbally and on-line groups. Doing this I have found that emotions and opinions are very strong surrounding this topic and treatment options. Many have said to me that I am doing the "wrong thing" by not medicating my children. I do not want to do the same thing and tell people they are doing "wrong" by medicating. I know that most parents just want the best for our kids. My advice is to educate yourself on medication and side effects. These natural treatments can be used for anyone and can complement traditional treatments. So keep an open mind, try some of these things and comment I want to hear how this information is touching others.

From the Heart of a Child...

I found this posted on the ADHD_Drug Free Yahoo group http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ADHD_DrugFree/

I want you to know what it's like to be me.

My brain runs like a washing machine powered by a Ferrari engine. It
runs all the time and it runs fast, churning and tumbling ideas like
shirts and pants and socks mixed together.

I can be talking to you and having another conversation running inside
my head. I can be in class listening to the teacher, but be fully
engaged in a daydream inventing something with my LEGOS.

You know how I sometimes repeat questions? It's not that I didn't hear
your answer. It's just that in the second between the time I asked and
you responded, I went somewhere interesting in my mind. And I didn't
pay attention to what you said.

Sometimes I have so many thoughts swimming inside my head that I just
blurt things out because I'm afraid I will forget them.

I know you say I'm really bright, but it's hard not to feel stupid
when the teacher is always getting on me. I want to do well in school.
But when the teacher drones on and doesn't engage my imagination,
either my mind shuts down to sleep mode or I tune her out and go to
better places that keep me stimulated. It's nothing personal.

I kind of like all this energy inside my head because I can keep
myself engaged and entertained in there by myself. But other times I
feel scattered.

That's why I like routine in other parts of life. It's why I end up
wearing or eating the same things. It's why I sometimes freak out
when plans change or things aren't just so. Little things throw me off.

You think I'm sad because I don't have lots of friends. But that's by
choice, because I'm pretty content inside.

I like who I am, but it's tough when no one else seems to. Why does
everyone want to change who I am? You give me medication to make me a
different person, a person I don't care to be. I'm not unhappy with
myself I'm uneasy because since I can remember, everyone around me has
been so negative and tried to fix what they think is wrong with me.

I know that I'm different than other kids. And sometimes that confuses
me and makes me feel lonely. But I don't want to be like them. I just
want to be appreciated and liked exactly they way I am.

You want me to talk more, but you just psychoanalyze me. Besides, it's
difficult to express my thoughts and feelings verballythey just get
jumbled up. I'd rather express them in my drawings and inventions. I
feel things deeply. I hurt with the kids who get left out, and one day
I'm going to help those kids. I know how it feels.

I know you get concerned because I stay up late at night and don't
sleep much. But I like it when it's quiet. I can hear my thoughts
better. And my world is peaceful then.

Mom and Dad, don't worry about me. I may not do great in school or be
the most popular kid, but I'm content inside. I like the way my brain
works, I like my energy. If everyone would stop trying to fix me, I'd
be okay.

Let me focus on the things I love doing. Drawing. Building. Inventing.
Stop trying to make me be like everyone else. Just work with me, okay,
not against me. I like who I am. Why can't you?

Talking to the Kids We are Labeling

I had a very interesting afternoon. My daughter and I went to lunch with my mentor and friend, Marilee Tolen (AKA the HomeSpa Lady) and we got on the subject of A.D.D. and educating the public on treatment options. My daughter voiced her opions and feelings on ADD and I realized, we do alot of talking about this diagnosis (basically label)and how it can easily become part of the person. I really feel this needs to be taken into consideration in the treatment plan. For more insight and info, check out my daughter's blog, www.dontlabelmeadd.blogspot.com & keep an eye on it because I have a feeling there are many more interesting things to come.

Green Therapy for A.D.D.

This is the best time of year for A.D.D.'ers. I even had a developmental ped. tell me one time that the best things for kids and others who have Attention Deficit are outside activities. Things that work the large muscle groups. Bike Riding, swimming, climbing-these are all great. Running barefoot through the grass. Lying on the ground. Sounds great to me. So when symptoms really seem to be worsening-head for some fun. I wish all "treatments" prescribed were this healthy. Check out this article found at http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/522009/

Summer Over but Kids Still Need Time Outdoors

Newswise — Summertime often provides a reprieve for children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), but now that school is starting up, the usual parental concerns are at the forefront again. Can my child stay focused enough to keep up with his class work? Will he get the extra attention he needs in the classroom to keep him on task? There are now 2.5 million children using ADHD medications to reduce symptoms, but there may be a “greener” part of the solution.

Researchers at the University of Illinois have found that exposure to “ordinary natural settings”, like those experienced more of during summertime, may be widely effective in reducing attention deficit symptoms in children. Researchers Frances Kuo and Andrea Faber Taylor recommend that children with ADHD spend some quality after-school hours and weekend time outdoors enjoying nature. And it’s not just kids with ADHD that can benefit from a “green hour”.

Today’s kids are indoors more than any previous generation. Computer time, video games and TV, taking up an average of six hours of a child’s day according to the Kaiser Family Foundation, have replaced time spent running through backyards, front yards, tree-line streets, biking around the neighborhood, and playing in local parks or wooded areas.

“Research says that people get attached to nature by spending time in nature, says Kevin Coyle, Vice President of Education for the National Wildlife Federation. “If we don’t get kids out more, how are they going to experience the wonders of Mother Nature?”

Author Rich Louv, who coined the phrase “nature deficit disorder” agrees, saying the sense of wonder and awe that nature inspires in all of us just can’t be replicated by playing Grand Theft Auto. He also believes that the ravine behind the house or little wooded area at the end of the cul-de-sac can be just as effective as taking your child to Yosemite.

An organization called Playing for Keeps has assembled some particularly troubling data:

Unstructured outdoor activities declined by 50 percent compared to the previous generation.

• More than 80 percent of children under age 2 and more than 60 percent ages 2-5 do not have access to daily outdoor play.

• The average American home with a toddler has the TV on six hours a day.

• The average 2-year-old spends more than four hours a day in front of a TV or computer screen.

• One in six 2-year-olds has a TV in his or her bedroom.

Some researches refer to this phenomenon of people preferring sedentary, electronically-based activities to more active pursuits “videophilia”, a new spin on the old “couch potato”.

Children who fish, camp and spend time in the wild before age 11 are also much more likely to grow up to be environmentally-minded and committed as adults. Researchers at Cornell University sampled more than 2,000 adults, ages 18-90, about their early childhood nature experiences and their current adult attitudes and behaviors related to the environment. They concluded that “participating in wild nature activities before age 11 is a particularly potent pathway toward shaping both environmental attitudes and behaviors in adulthood. When children become truly engaged with the natural world at a young age, the experience is likely to stay with them in a powerful way – shaping their subsequent environmental path.” With the serious environmental threats facing our nation, from habitat loss, to the dangerous impacts of global warming, creating the next generation of conservation stewards is ever more important.

All this research points in one direction. Even though the demands of the school year are back in play, children need to get outside for a “green hour” every day, especially children with ADHD. The result is happier, healthier kids whose creativity and imagination will soar, and a generation of adults who will care for the planet.

Check out the National Wildlife Federation’s web site for Green Hour ideas, http://www.nwf.org/greenhour.

The National Wildlife Federation is America’s conservation organization protecting wildlife for our children’s future.

Diet and ADD/ADHD

For any families out there struggling with symptoms of ADD/ADHD there are many natural treatments I recommend. But the number one most important and sometimes most difficult to manage is DIET. If you have not already you MUST check out the Feingold Diet www.feingold.org. The number one reservation people have is that 'my child is a picky eater'. Well, I think that would be an asset, because there are some regular brand name foods that are part of the diet. If you child (or you) only eats a few things it seems to me it would be easier, it may just require a change in brand. The bottom line of the diet is cutting out artificial colors, preservatives, flavors and natural salicilates. You can also find out more information and support on the yahoo group http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Feingold-Program4us. Please contact me for further information on natural treatments for ADD/ADHD, (609) 929-4309 or anewdawn03@comcast.net or visit my website at www.findwellnesswithin.com.

Modeling A.D.D.

Children are constantly looking to us as role models. They watch our every move, word and action. I've noticed that with my own kids. They act or say things that I know they've picked up from watching me. So think about it. What are we teaching our kids in the busy lifestyles we've created. Multi-tasking is expected and those that do it well are admired. Moms out there--I KNOW you know what I'm talking about. And if you don't, just pay attention the next time you're in your car. Notice how many drivers are also talking on the phone. So we teach the children to do many things at once on a consistent basis, then we tell them they are doing something wrong because they can not focusing on ONE thing. It occurred to me that we are almost teaching them to have attention difficulties. Maybe we all need to slow down and simplify. I know-easier said than done-but it seems to make sense to me. What do you think?

This information was taken from Dr. Mercola's newsletter. For more information on natural health check out www.mercola.com.

Fish Oil Treats ADHD Better Than Ritalin


Fish oil improves the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) without any of the side effects of drugs like Ritalin and Concerta -- and more effectively, a study by the University of Adelaide in Australia found.

When 130 children between the ages of 7 and 12 with ADHD were given fish oil capsules daily, behavior dramatically improved within three months. Further:

After seven months, the children were not as restless and showed improvements at school
Improvements in concentration and attention improved by one-third
After 15 weeks, 30-40 percent of the children taking fish oil had improvements
After 30 weeks, 40-50 percent improved
Children taking placebo capsules were later switched to fish oil and subsequently also experienced improved behavior
Improvements were still being seen after the study ended, which suggests the fish oils may have long-term effects. When the researchers compared their results to studies of Ritalin and Concerta for ADHD, they found that fish oils were more effective.

ADHD drugs are known to carry serious side effects, including insomnia, changes in personality, cardiotoxicity, heart attack, stroke and even sudden death. In the UK, nine children have died after taking the drugs.