Pets can improve cognitive function. Cognitive function includes reasoning, memory, attention and language. It leads directly to the attainment of information and knowledge. One example of how animals can help with cognitive function is from a pet therapy study. Pet therapy was shown to help preserve and enhance the function of residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities with cognitive impairment. As you can see, adopting a pet can be beneficial.
Light Exposure
Light exposure and action from video games and social networking can rev up the brain, disrupting the body’s daily rhythms that make kids feel drowsy close to bedtime. All technology should be turned off an hour before bed.
Brain Foods #2: Fats
The human brain is about 60% fat. That means when your kids eat healthy fats, it can support brain function. Some foods with good amounts of healthy fats include avocado, nuts and seeds. Oils such as extra-virgin olive oil and coconut oil are also beneficial.
Brain Foods #1: Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are important eating for academic success. Some examples of healthy complex carbohydrates to add to your child’s diet are brown rice, quinoa and oats. These types of carbohydrates elevate levels of serotonin in the brain, which has a calming effect.
ADHD Drug Safety
According to a Boston’s Children’s Hospital study, there were 32 clinical trials testing 20 different ADHD drugs approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. They found that only 5 out of the 32 trials or about 16% were focused on drug safety!
Tomorrow the truth will be revealed on ADHD drug studies.
Fortified Cereals Hurting Children?
Fortified breakfast cereals are causing kids to ingest too much vitamin A, zinc, and niacin according to a health research organization. The amount of these nutrients in fortified cereals is calculated for what is good for adults and not children.
Helmets
Helmets prevent 85% of head injuries. Have your child wear a helmet any time they are on wheels. This is true whether it is a bike, scooter, roller skates, inline skates or skateboard.
ADHD Insomnia & Melatonin
If your child has sleep issues due to ADHD and the other sleep suggestions from yesterday do not work, there is another option. Students may benefit from the hormone supplement melatonin to induce drowsiness. Melatonin is produced naturally in the brain as the sun goes down, signaling that bedtime is coming within a few hours.
The theory is that taking this supplement may help people with true insomnia fall asleep. Ask your doctor before trying this option and only use it as a last resort.
Fixing Sleep Problems & ADHD
Some children’s sleep problems can be fixed with a set bedtime and calming routine at night. This involves up to an hour before bedtime dimming lights, avoiding computer/cell phone screens, a warm bath, or quiet activities such as reading. These methods can help all children including those with ADHD fall asleep.
Check here tomorrow for what you can do if your child suffers from ADHD and still has difficulty sleeping even after trying these suggestions.
Concussions: What To Look For
Concussions are caused by a bump to the head. Even a mild bump to the head can be serious. Signs of concussions can show up right after the injury or may not appear until days or weeks later. If your child reports the symptoms of a concussion, seek medical attention right away.
The following are concussion signs you should look for if your child suffers a blow to the head during a sports activity:
Appears dazed or stunned
Is confused about their assignment or position
Forgets an instruction
Is unaware of the game, score, or opponent
Moves clumsily
Answers questions slowly
Loses consciousness (even briefly)
Shows behavior or personality changes
Can not recall events prior to the bump
Can not recall events after the bump
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