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Posts for tag: Children Health Care
We all know that kids can be rambunctious at times. Whether it’s the excitement of the pending summer or just a little bit too much sugar during the holidays, there are many reasons why it may seem as if the kids may rule their environment. Of course, there are certain signs that parents should be on the lookout for to determine whether or not their child is just having normal bouts of inattentiveness or whether their lack of focus could mean that they have ADHD.
What is ADHD?
ADHD, which stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a common mental disorder that causes children to seem inattentive, impulsive and hyperactive. Even though all children will experience episodes of daydreaming and lowered attention spans, children with ADHD will display these signs more intensely and more regularly.
This disorder will affect most facets of the life such as school, home and their interactions with others. Once it starts to negatively impact their daily life it’s important to have your child properly evaluated by a pediatrician.
What are the symptoms of ADHD?
A child with ADHD may:
- Become distracted easily
- Forget what they were doing or have difficulty finishing a project
- Avoid completing certain tasks
- Ignore what others are saying and seem like they are often daydreaming
- Not follow directions
- Seem disorganized or may turn in assignments late
- Display disruptive behaviors like cutting in line or interrupting the teacher
- Be antsy and unable to sit still on a regular basis
- Lose items (e.g. glasses; books; homework)
- Have excessive energy and always be on the go
- Blurt out statements or cut people off
- Fidget and squirm
How is ADHD treated?
Fortunately, a pediatrician can easily provide a variety of ways for you and your child to manage their ADHD symptoms to improve their quality of life, as well as their school and home life. Your child’s treatment plan will involve several steps including medications, behavioral therapy and special school accommodations.
Children over the age of 6 years old can benefit greatly from a combination of behavioral therapy and medication, while behavioral therapy is often the first course of action for treating ADHD in children under the age of 6 years old.
Anytime a new medication or treatment is introduced to your little one we will continue to monitor their progress to ensure that symptoms are being properly controlled through this treatment plan. If there are any questions or concerns along the way know that your children’s doctor is here to make sure that your child gets the care they need to better manage their ADHD for the long term.
Learn more about how eating disorders can affect a child’s life.
While news reports and magazines have started to bring issues like eating disorders into the limelight, it’s important that we also acknowledge how serious and
common eating disorders actually are. While we never want to think that our children will ever develop an eating disorder, it’s important to know what to look for to make sure that your child is displaying healthy eating habits. Learn more about childhood eating disorders and the impact it can have on your growing child.
Q. What are the most common types of eating disorders?
A. There are three primary types of eating disorders: anorexia, bulimia and binge eating. Anorexia is when a child or teen refuses to eat. Bulimia is when a child binges on food and then throws it up. Binge eating is similar to bulimia, but involves binging on food without throwing it up afterward. Some children may experience bouts of both kinds of eating disorders throughout their lives.
Q. At what age are eating disorders most common?
A. While the majority of eating disorders are found in teens and early adults, it can still happen to children, too. Eating disorders are also more common in women, but men also experience these disorders. Currently, men account for about five to 15 percent of anorexia or bulimia cases. Binge eating tends to be the most common eating disorder for men.
Q. What causes an eating disorder?
A. While there is no single direct cause associated with eating disorders, there are a variety of factors that can play into the development of one. Cultural and societal pressures from TV shows and magazines may influence girls to lose weight. Those with eating disorders may also suffer from low self-esteem or struggle with other psychological issues like anxiety or depression.
Q. What makes an eating disorder so dangerous?
A. Eating disorders can cause serious physical complications, even cardiac arrest. When our bodies don’t get enough nutrients, organ damage can occur. Those with anorexia can also develop low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat and frail, thinning bones.
Q. What are the signs of anorexia?
A. The most common symptoms of anorexia include excessive exercising, fear of becoming fat, avoiding mealtimes and not eating, and sudden weight loss. Those with anorexia may also be depressed, highly critical of themselves or anxious.
Q. What are the signs of bulimia?
A. Bulimics also fear gaining weight, and are usually unhappy with the way their bodies look. The classic signs of bulimia include binging on excessive amounts of food and then vomiting after eating. Those with bulimia may also abuse alcohol, take laxatives, exercise excessively or display mood swings.
Q. How do you treat an eating disorder?
A. Treatments including behavior modification, psychotherapy, antidepressants, support groups and even nutritional counseling can all be extremely helpful to sufferers of these disorders.
Concerned that your child might have an eating disorder? Talk to your child’s pediatrician for more information on how to get diagnosis and where to find the best treatment options in your community.