Have you ever misplaced your keys?

In the past month, have you ever misplaced your keys? Have you gone into a room to get something, and then forgot what you went to get? Have you ever lost track of what you were thinking? Have you ever started a project then got sidetracked, and didn't finish it? Have you ever started to say something, but then forgot what you were going to say? Have you ever been bored? Well if so, then you need to be on Ritalin, or Adderall, or Concerta.

You see, those are some of the exact symptoms a child with ADD or ADHD has. Not following through on things, losing things that are necessary, easily distracted, fails to finish schoolwork or projects, forgetful in daily activities. My husband likes to joke to me that I am ADHD, and you know, I do believe that if I were a child in today's school system, they'd want to put me on some sort of stimulant drug. I like to stay busy, I get bored easily, and I can be forgetful so I have to write things down (lists after lists....).

It frustrates me when parents put their children on these drugs. Yes, they do work, I see children be much more calm when they take their Ritalin, but what are the long term side effects? We know the short term side effects (insomnia, weight loss, headaches, irritability), but what is going to happen to these kids when they are 40, 50, 60 years old, when they were taking these drugs when their mind was most rapidly developing?

Ritalin is classified as a schedule II controlled substance, which is a rating given to prescription drugs that have the greatest abuse and dependence potential. Other drugs that share this category are Morphine, Opium, and Cocaine. Does that sound like a good product for children to be on? Just recently, they discovered that Red Bull has traces of Cocaine in it. Is that surprising?

What about having your child (or you) take Omega-3 fish oil, one loaded with more DHA than EPA, which is more appropriate "brain food" for these kids (or some adults). DHA is what OB's recommend to pregnant women, it is important for the brain and nervous system of the developing fetus. What about the developing brain of a 7 year old, or teenager? What about adults who misplace keys, or got bored? I know I take my fish oil every day (the HIGH quality kind).

Just recently I passed a fairly rigorous exam to award me a new certification in Pediatrics. I completed a 180-hour post graduate course through the Academy of Chiropractic Family Practice and Council on Chiropractic Pediatrics, and thus by passing the course I have gained greater knowledge and confidence in working with children and pregnant women (and a few more letters after my name).

Some of the topics covered included Nutrition, prenatal care, working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADD/ADHD, sensory integration disorders, cranial sacral therapy, and (the obvious) chiropractic analysis and treatment. Though I hardly announce my accomplishments to others, I want people to know this so you feel even more confident in coming to see me (as well as your children) and for referring others to the office.

I've learned more about ADD and ADHD, and want to help these kids, and help make this community (and world!) a healthier place. For now....it's back to that other project I was working on!