I was recently shocked (not really, just that they would publish it) when I was an article on FB from the NYTimes entitled: "ADHD seen in 11% of Children as Diagnosis Rise". I laughed and thought to myself "no shit.".
As some may know (and may have guessed but NOT known) our oldest boy, N, was recently diagnosed with ADHD.
Now I have always been of the school-of-thought that EVERY child has ADD, especially when pent up in classrooms 7 hours a day and then an additional X hours of homework at home. That is a LOT of restrictions for a little body and VERY developing mind to handle!! So Neal's energy has never surprised me. He is a boy with testosterone surges, not to mention a kinesthetic, or tactile, learner (as am I, anyone who has been shopping with me knows that LOL!!). Most public schools are not designed with these types of children in mind (don't get me started on standardized tests....that's a whole post on its own!) which only contributes to worsen AHDH symptoms....go with me here...
STRESSES- (DISCLAIMER- I am NOT a doctor...but I played one on TV)
In my research to help N relieve some of his symptoms (the most prominent are hypersensitivity, negativity and impulses) I have learned that ADHD is contained in the pre-frontal cortex of the brain- located at and behind the forehead, it is responsible for higher functions such as thinking, learning, attention and attention span, intuition, inspiration, right action, decent words, clean intentions, positive thinking, planning, organizing, and a host of other activities that make us gentle, loving, creative, compassionate and tolerant human beings. (And if you know N, you also know he exemplifies compassion, tolerance and creativity...I would HATE for those traits to disappear!!) It is very similar in its function to PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) as a nervous system disorder.
When, because of constant stress, the pre-frontal cortex shuts down, we see the opposite qualities in the individual because another part of the brain, or limbic area, the area responsible for the Fight or Flight response, is now overriding the main functioning brain.
With that being said you can see how these devastating conditions in a school room environment can be on a child who can not handle stress.
Here is a bit from the article:
“Those are astronomical numbers. I’m floored,” said Dr. William Graf, a pediatric neurologist in New Haven and a professor at the Yale School of Medicine. He added, “Mild symptoms are being diagnosed so readily, which goes well beyond the disorder and beyond the zone of ambiguity to pure enhancement of children who are otherwise healthy.”
"And even more teenagers are likely to be prescribed medication in the near future because the American Psychiatric Association plans to change the definition of A.D.H.D. to allow more people to receive the diagnosis and treatment. A.D.H.D. is described by most experts as resulting from abnormal chemical levels in the brain that impair a person’s impulse control and attention skills."
And I could not agree MORE! As a parent of a child with true ADHD it makes me so frustrated when a parent tells me "you know, I think my child has ADD/ADHD" like its an apology for their child or an excuse for their behavior! Thinking differently is not thinking less! I understand that in a situation like that it has more to do with the parent's insecurities about the perception of the behavior than the actual behavior but there is a stigma attached to children with ADHD. They are branded as "difficult", "rude" or even down right "bad", which breaks my heart.
In most cases it appears these "hard to handle" kids are prescribed the gold of college campuses...Ritalin. (Yes, in case you are not hip to the news, Ritalin has become a recreational drug, one of choice for tweens-young adults since it is, thanks to the FDA, legal.) It is a VERY easy and VERY quick change in the patient, however the Center for Disease Control and Prevention has not even sufficiently STUDIED the effects of using Ritalin! It has been likened, by both patients and physicians, as a substitute for COCAINE! Families have noticed decreased appetite leading to significant weight loss, extreme change in personality, paranoia and overall lack of passion for life (that last one is my own words after talking with a friend whose cousin was started on the psychostimulant.) all while the enjoying the perks of an easy to manage individual with better grades.
Do NOT misunderstand me-I do not judge any parents' choice for administering or allowing Ritalin. In the afore mentioned case the youngster, a 6 yr old girl, was turning violent thus endangering younger siblings. There are cases in which the patient and the pharmaceutical are in line and work well. However it would NOT be my first line of defense for N....so what do you do?
RELEAVING STRESSES-
I don't believe there is anything "wrong" with N, he is a beautiful boy, full of life and vigor...however I do want to help him better control his thoughts and impulses in order to fully enjoy and comprehend all that life has to offer. So to help him, we are exploring a few options, primarily Neurofeedback, meditation and the Elimination Diet. I would love to create a learning environment more suited to his specific needs and style, however homeschooling is not an option at the moment (with Mills being our primary "patient"! Not to mention we adore our current school!).
The first, Neurofeedback, is a way of "tricking" the brain into forging what are perceived as "positive" thoughts. The way the brain works is we create habits by doing something over and over, making a pathway, like a trail in the forest. As we walk that trail again and again it smooths the grass, eventually until there is nothing but exposed dirt; thus is the same for the brain. There are certain actions we do without even thinking (obviously, like breathing). In a case such as ADHD, or for an adult example, an addict, the brain has re-routed the "wrong" pattern for so long that it is impossible to even KNOW it is "derailed" and the individual needs help to correct the path.
That's where the Neurofeedback monitor comes into play! And yes, it is much like play. There is a cap with electrodes that monitor the brain in its original state, finding the "derailments" of thought. After the initial "map", a program is designed to look like a video game (a PLUS for kids!!) where you must use your mind to "move the objects" to achieve the desired result. Where the trickery comes in is that the NEW mind movement, the one to get the desired results, is creating a "corrected" pathway into the brain!! NEAT STUFF!! So, much like the old patterns, the new ones are now being forged! That is a very rough and simple explanation.
The next is the Elimination Diet, which has been used with great success, 60% effectiveness, in Europe. The premises is ADHD is, again, a nervous system disorder, physicians believe is caused by stresses on the immune system, or food allergies. The belief in the correlation of the gut to the nervous and neurologic systems holds firm in holistic or integrative medicine and is merging into mainstream medicine quite rapidly. Chronic illness such as migraines, eczema, gout and arthritis have been reversed by simply removing specific substances from diets and with astonishing results!
The diet as it pertains to ADHD is not the same for each patient. It starts with basic and strict options for food, sometimes making it hard to administer to children (which is why we are waiting till summer!). What triggers an immunity response with differ from patient to patient. After a "detox" of previous food toxins for 28 days specific foods are introduced at varying levels to see if symptoms are triggered; when symptoms are noticed the individual is to remove the substance from their diet. The overall results tend to be surprising: children who vocalize how much better the feel, are proud of their progress and are able to make "improved" choices! Win/Win!
Homeopathy and Anat Baniel Method are also on our radar for N, but we are leaning towards the above.
As far as our bodies are concerned, guard it the same as you do your mind; because in the end you get out what you put in!!
Here are some links used in referencing and research:
Regarding Neurotherapy
Peace of Mind for healing ADHD
Neurofeedback and a local RN who we are working with for N's neurofeedback
Elimination Diet shows significant improvement with symptoms
#knowwhatgoesinyourbody #drugsarenottheanswer #harmaceuticals
Has Social Media become the biggest way to spread fear?
Edmund Burke, an Irish political philosopher said, "the only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men to do nothing".
I like Facebook...I'm not gonna lie! I love seeing all of my family and friends, silly pictures, news articles from the outlets to which I subscribe; it allows me to feel a bit connected on days that are busy and I feel it is an easy way to find interesting reads. And like any diverse person I have FB friends of different backgrounds, values, beliefs and affiliations. I, at least once a day, see a story posted with which, to be blunt, I do not agree.
One of these posts was the other day. It was a sob story about an elderly man denied a b12 shot in the dr's office because Obamacare didn't cover it anymore. The posted story was then further elaborated on to say a named Judge Kithil from Mable Falls, TX was doing everyone a "favor" by cataloging controversial specifics of the "new law" (the specifics then also included in the post....insert "the sky is falling!" here).
I tried to find a link to post for you to see this letter, but it seems the websites that initially "reported" it have since taken it down....
However, after actually taking 10 seconds, seriously...that's it...just copy and past, to look for MYSELF, I found that the letter, though truly written by Judge Kithil in Marble Falls, TX, was an opinion piece without any education or investigation into the mentioned bill, which NEVER even passed into law.
You see a LOT of these online and you can very quickly find if they are true or just scare tactics. And that's what gets me. The fact that individuals read it and instantly believe it as truth! And THEN go on to continue to spread it!!
So, my question is this: "what do you do?" Do you point out that the posted story is false? Is that treading on the individuals Right to Free Speech? Or do you say nothing, let it slip on down your newsfeed and let the "shared" post garner MORE circulation and comments creating mounting hate and fear?? Isn't the point to stop the lies and stop the fear?!
I'm not one to get started in an FB comment scuffle so usually I just allow the individual their belief on the subject and continue on my day... but I feel a time is quickly coming when I might say "enough is ENOUGH! I do not care to challenge your opinion on this subject but I can not allow you to continue to spread these stories that are lies."
And don't get me wrong! Just because I see a story on a page that I subscribe to does NOT mean I believe it. If its something that grabs my attention, I further investigate. In short, I question EVERYTHING.
As Albert Einstein said, "The important thing is to not stop questioning." But we, as a society, have stopped asking questions. We are taught that because someone has a "title" that makes them an expert...well, it does not. We need to grow and encourage curiosity! You see this in children, they start off as SOON as they can talk and ask LOTS of questions!! But somewhere along the way they have been told enough things like "That's a silly question," or "Because I said so," or that questioning perceived authority figures is rude. We need to be less ashamed of asking questions!
So, I will leave you with this, a Chinese Proverb that I love (but don't really think the five minute thing applies): "He who asks a question is a fool for five minutes, he who does not ask a question remains a fool forever".
And don't get me wrong! Just because I see a story on a page that I subscribe to does NOT mean I believe it. If its something that grabs my attention, I further investigate. In short, I question EVERYTHING.
As Albert Einstein said, "The important thing is to not stop questioning." But we, as a society, have stopped asking questions. We are taught that because someone has a "title" that makes them an expert...well, it does not. We need to grow and encourage curiosity! You see this in children, they start off as SOON as they can talk and ask LOTS of questions!! But somewhere along the way they have been told enough things like "That's a silly question," or "Because I said so," or that questioning perceived authority figures is rude. We need to be less ashamed of asking questions!
So, I will leave you with this, a Chinese Proverb that I love (but don't really think the five minute thing applies): "He who asks a question is a fool for five minutes, he who does not ask a question remains a fool forever".
Challenging Vaccinations
So I'm gonna start this blog off with a BANG! I initially thought I would ease you into it... but this is what came up instead:
I'm sure my parents can give PLENTY of examples throughout my childhood of just how different I was, but the first major societal conception I challenged (intentionally) was to have a child, unwed and at home at the tender age of 22.
I'm sure my parents can give PLENTY of examples throughout my childhood of just how different I was, but the first major societal conception I challenged (intentionally) was to have a child, unwed and at home at the tender age of 22.
There were MANY around me concerned about my choice to have a midwife and give birth at home. I never really understood why it mattered to anyone else what I did. I vividly remember my aunt telling me how bad it would hurt having an unmediated birth, let alone at home; I believe her exact words were "Do you know what it feels like to have a baby?!". I remember thinking "Why should your birth experience influence my decision or even be the same as mine?" (and let me say I labored at my baby shower and gave birth in 12 minutes and all in good spirits, so NO it was not the same)
.... and thus it began...
Ever since we have started making decisions for our family, there have been people challenging our beliefs, our choices. The choice to not circumcise our son(s), the choice to forgo vaccinations, the choice to breast feed, our spiritual beliefs, eating habits, our beliefs in education...even the decision to have a 3rd child, as if that was anyone's business other than ours....
The one thing I could never understand was even though its not the choice YOU would make, why shouldn't it be MINE? I put a LOT of research, education and dedication into my decisions. The dedication of hours and hours of reading, talking and asking questions to find out more. I want to know IF this is a good decision and WHY...to know more. There is a whole thought process involved. Much more thought than just believing whatever is told to me. I go in search of the decision I feel is best....and why is that not respectable? I consult licensed experts just as much as I consult industry experts and experienced experts.
Look at the alternative, vaccinations; How many hours of research does someone put into vaccinating their child; did they think about pros and cons? Did they do it because everyone else does it and their pediatrician said they "needed to", did they scared them and told them "You wouldn't want anything to happen to your baby would you???"....that's a fear tactic, that's not education nor what is for the greater GOOD!
Look at the alternative, vaccinations; How many hours of research does someone put into vaccinating their child; did they think about pros and cons? Did they do it because everyone else does it and their pediatrician said they "needed to", did they scared them and told them "You wouldn't want anything to happen to your baby would you???"....that's a fear tactic, that's not education nor what is for the greater GOOD!
It takes a lot of conviction to go against the norm in this society, and "swimming against the current" is not celebrated, or even tolerated. Instead it is demeaned, disrespected, frowned upon, insulted. And nobody asks why you made these decisions. They just assume your decisions are wrong. Even if there are licensed professionals, Millions of them, holding the same belief?! You're told "You need to find someone else..." when what they mean is "You need to find someone who believes like me."
Now, our decisions may not be what is best for other families...I firmly believe that what works for me may not work for you. When I tell others about my birth stories I always let them know choosing a midwife is a personal conviction, and if its not something they are comfortable with then it probably won't work for them.
I've mostly learned that it is all driven out of fear...because others are afraid "for you", or more likely of you...
These choices have never been more questioned than with Millie. But what others can't seem to understand is that Millie is not defined be WHAT she has or her condition, she is defined by WHO she is. She is not "sick" but yes, she is different, and that is hard for those in the mainstream medical industry to understand. She has definitely taught me to define myself, not to let others' beliefs define me.
Think about this from Nobel Prize winner George Bernard Shaw:
“Two percent of the people think; three percent of the people think they think; and ninety-five percent of the people would rather die than think.”
I challenge you to break from the pack and define yourself...THINK!
Links on challenging vaccinations:
"It turns out that younger doctors are becoming more skeptical that vaccines work, according to a presentation this week at the Infectious Diseases Society of America’s annual meeting. The two researchers, Johns Hopkins’ Michelle Mergler and Emory University’s Saad B. Omer, found that younger health care providers — more recent medical school graduates — are “more likely to believe immunizations do more harm than good.” The Washington Post
When Parents Question Vaccination -Dr. Sherri Tenpenny, respected as one of the country’s most knowledgeable and outspoken physicians regarding the impact of vaccines on health.
VAERS- Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System- a joint effort by the FDA and CDC to report ill effects from receiving vaccinations.
Two facts. Over the past 50 years, the number of cases of chronic illness among children in the West has risen sharply. During that same period, the vaccinations of babies and young children against infectious diseases have expanded enormously. Are these two developments related? A growing number of scientists think they are. One mother decided to investigate. - OdeWire.com
When Parents Question Vaccination -Dr. Sherri Tenpenny, respected as one of the country’s most knowledgeable and outspoken physicians regarding the impact of vaccines on health.
VAERS- Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System- a joint effort by the FDA and CDC to report ill effects from receiving vaccinations.
Two facts. Over the past 50 years, the number of cases of chronic illness among children in the West has risen sharply. During that same period, the vaccinations of babies and young children against infectious diseases have expanded enormously. Are these two developments related? A growing number of scientists think they are. One mother decided to investigate. - OdeWire.com
A great quote from the above article- "Overuse of vaccines to suppress all acute, externalizing inflammations early in life can set up the immune system to respond to future stresses and infections by developing chronic, internalizing disease later in life.” -Philip Incao, MD
"For most children, the risk of a serious vaccine reaction may be 100 times greater than the actual risk of hepatitis B" - Statement by Dr. Jane Orient, a practicing internist and Executive Director of the Association of American Physicians & Surgeons as documented in a hearing before the U.S House of Representatives regarding Government Reform, specifically the publicly mandated Hepatitis B vaccine.
UPDATE: My mother went to lunch with a friend and guess what? They were having a bake sale to benefit epilepsy!! So she texted me to come one down since we were at a ballgame in the neighborhood and within walking distance...So, I got to talking with the mother who was hosting the sale and LONG story short her son did not start having seizures until after a round of typical and "age appropriate" vaccinations....needless to say the mother is not continuing with ANY vaccines and is strongly against it as standard medical practice.... serendipitous that I was close and it was this particular mother huh? I believe it was Divine Intervention ;) We also were discussing Millie's current diet and I learned a LOT from her so stay tuned to Mill's blog to see what happens with that!! Also, the OM (other mother) and I will be visiting again soon to discuss raising awareness for the harm vaccines cause, more on that much later!!
How it all started...for ME....
My quest for truth all started with our beautiful daughter Millie who is now 1. She is the baby of the family and has 2 older brothers. Sounds quite mundane, huh?
However, the differences in Millie and her brothers are quite vast. She was born in a hospital while the boys were born at home, and at her birth is where the story starts to unfold. I won't go into complete details here; I will point you to her blog if you want to catch up on her story....(its ok, I'll wait while you visit Marvelous Millie's page...).
Oh, you're back! Great to see you ;) So, now that you know her story, let me tell you how it has become MY story. I'm on a journey with Mill (and the boys, believe me!!), to learn...anything...everything....the "why"s and "what"s in life, my purpose, her purpose, your purpose. I believe there is SO much to know that we, at the moment, are only capable of retaining a small percentage; that if wewere are to learn those answers, our truths, that it would blow our minds. Really, like physically! Like "Holy Crap!! I feel like I have taken a shit ton of speed!" BLOWN.
Once I left my posh (challenging and much loved might I add, no insult here) job as a Marketing and Sales Exec to take care of Millie, I started researching, and researching, and researching...and I have discovered a LOT! Maybe not things or ideas I can "prove" or sufficiently site with statistics, mostly firsthand encounters with the healthcare system (and that's a BIG one!), then guided by my own intuition withcoincidentally, nope, divinely found articles (HINT: that is a statement that I believe there is a higher power in act, and I don't mean "Big Brother") I have been able to connect certain dots.
So don't let the title "Push the Truth" fool you, I use the verb as defined by "the notion of expanding or challenging". I'm not here to persuade you into taking on my hypothesis as gold or change your beliefs or hurt your feelings. I'm not here spread fear or negativity either. I believe "I HATE WAR" protests are counterproductive. That by instead, putting your energies into "SUPPORT PEACE" and positivity, you get the outcomes you desire. I understand it is very hard for people to change or comprehend that what they hear is fundamentally different than what they have been taught to believe.... but there are those people that are ready.
I don't judge your lifestyle...hell, I don't live by all the "rules"...I don't buy all organic or all local. I don't use cloth diapers, I don't eat preservative free or make my own everything and I enjoy watching some TV... but I do what I can and that is better than nothing. My family lives within a budget, a tight one, and we have other things we are focusing on at the moment (um, Millie<3); but I do believe that small changes make a BIG difference. That one by one, as we learn and move as a larger body that things WILL change to better suite us.
I am simply here to provide, lets say, a fresh perspective :)
I hope this blog supplies "food for thought", helping you to form your OWN beliefs and opinions as opposed to the ones that are consistently pushed on us by our government, medical professionals, media, society and religions.
All are welcome here. I love to hear others' thoughts and experiences and enjoy reading, so please feel free to post recommendations and comments. I will NOT however tolerate ignorance and will not engage in hatred or negativity.
Let me leave you with one of my favorite poems by Shel Silverstein this evening. If you are familiar with me already, you know how dear to my heart it is:
....Now let's blow our minds!
However, the differences in Millie and her brothers are quite vast. She was born in a hospital while the boys were born at home, and at her birth is where the story starts to unfold. I won't go into complete details here; I will point you to her blog if you want to catch up on her story....(its ok, I'll wait while you visit Marvelous Millie's page...).
Oh, you're back! Great to see you ;) So, now that you know her story, let me tell you how it has become MY story. I'm on a journey with Mill (and the boys, believe me!!), to learn...anything...everything....the "why"s and "what"s in life, my purpose, her purpose, your purpose. I believe there is SO much to know that we, at the moment, are only capable of retaining a small percentage; that if we
As well, can we emotionally handle uncovering such deceptions? As I dig deeper into what I am learning I find all of my preconceived truths being overturned, like I have entered into the world through the looking glass... "What if our government wants to hurt us? What if "they" are really planning world domination? What if there is a cure for cancer that is being withheld for financial gain? What if we didn't need to rely on gas cars? What if "they" don't want our children to effectively LEARN? What if "they" actually tell CNN it LIE to its 2.6 Million viewers?" (Side-note: No, I do not watch CNN, but you get the picture...) I mean, who really wants to believe such? We want to live here, in peace, with our democracy and our SUVs. Have a job, kids, a home and go on with our day to day believing we are not in danger...at least that's what I used to think.
Once I left my posh (challenging and much loved might I add, no insult here) job as a Marketing and Sales Exec to take care of Millie, I started researching, and researching, and researching...and I have discovered a LOT! Maybe not things or ideas I can "prove" or sufficiently site with statistics, mostly firsthand encounters with the healthcare system (and that's a BIG one!), then guided by my own intuition with
So don't let the title "Push the Truth" fool you, I use the verb as defined by "the notion of expanding or challenging". I'm not here to persuade you into taking on my hypothesis as gold or change your beliefs or hurt your feelings. I'm not here spread fear or negativity either. I believe "I HATE WAR" protests are counterproductive. That by instead, putting your energies into "SUPPORT PEACE" and positivity, you get the outcomes you desire. I understand it is very hard for people to change or comprehend that what they hear is fundamentally different than what they have been taught to believe.... but there are those people that are ready.
I don't judge your lifestyle...hell, I don't live by all the "rules"...I don't buy all organic or all local. I don't use cloth diapers, I don't eat preservative free or make my own everything and I enjoy watching some TV... but I do what I can and that is better than nothing. My family lives within a budget, a tight one, and we have other things we are focusing on at the moment (um, Millie<3); but I do believe that small changes make a BIG difference. That one by one, as we learn and move as a larger body that things WILL change to better suite us.
I am simply here to provide, lets say, a fresh perspective :)
I hope this blog supplies "food for thought", helping you to form your OWN beliefs and opinions as opposed to the ones that are consistently pushed on us by our government, medical professionals, media, society and religions.
All are welcome here. I love to hear others' thoughts and experiences and enjoy reading, so please feel free to post recommendations and comments. I will NOT however tolerate ignorance and will not engage in hatred or negativity.
Let me leave you with one of my favorite poems by Shel Silverstein this evening. If you are familiar with me already, you know how dear to my heart it is:
....Now let's blow our minds!
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