User talk:Cathryn harper/sandbox

If My Child Has ADHD, Do I Have It?
Your child has just been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and your struggling to understand how she developed it. The first question that comes to your mind, "does this mean that I, or my spouse, gave it to her?" The question of whether or not a parent of a child with ADHD has the same condition is a reasonable question without a definitive answer. The reality is that there are several different proposed causes of ADHD, and genetic links are still yet to be determined.

In fact, one popular belief is that there is an external cause such as a lack of certain vitamins or essential fatty acids,e.g. good fats that we need to eat. Something as simple as a lack of choline caused by cutting out egg yolks, can trigger symptoms of ADHD. A deficiency of DHA (a fat found most abundantly in fish like salmon, catfish, or any other fatty fish such as sardines and anchovies) can cause several problems with the brain and nerves. These are just two examples of potential nutrient deficiencies that can cause ADHD-like symptoms.

While most studies have focused on treatments rather than cause, more formal studies are being conducted to determine a genetic link to ADHD. There are some promising results in identifying deleted or duplicated sequences of DNA in children with the disorder. However, these results are considered only a starting point, and are far from helping identify specific diagnostic tests or treatments. For a parent concerned about having the disorder, the only way to determine this clearly would be to consult a qualified physician, and to undertake treatment once they are diagnosed. If the treatments result in a positive outcome there is further proof that you, the parent of an ADHD child, have the disorder as well.

Many adults do have ADD or ADHD and while they currently make up a smaller market for pharmacological treatments than children, it is becoming clear that adults are being prescribed drugs more frequently than before. For example, Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Daytrana, and Methylin) is the most widely prescribed stimulant drug in the United States, rivaling all other countries. It has been proven to be highly effective for treating ADD and ADHD. Most of this is prescribed to children 16 years of age and younger, then ages 17-21 and finally to adults. Many parents are taking the same ADHD medications as their children. This is nothing to be embarrassed about because adult ADHD is real. And perhaps parents who are becoming educated about the symptoms their children are experiencing are beginning to recognize the symptoms in themselves.

It would be more reasonable to assume that you don't have the same attention disorder as your child, unless you are experiencing symptoms that would lead you to believe that you do. As mentioned before, this diagnosis should be made by a skilled psychiatrist or doctor of psychology before jumping to any conclusions or blaming yourself for the fact that your beloved child is struggling. Find a support group, the experiences of others are invaluable, and may help you find the right treatments for you and your child.

Wiley-Blackwell (2009, January 7). Genetic Determinants of ADHD Examined (Wiley-Blackwell, 2009, January 7)

Do Diet Restrictions Really Help Children With ADHD?
Not all doctors, nutritionists, and parents agree when it comes to the topic of dietary restrictions as a treatment for ADHD. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, a major study on what is called the Feingold-type diet showed that certain dietary restrictions helped improve the symptoms of ADHD, but never to the degree that the condition is cured. (Weathers, 2011) However, parents often believe that it is worth the extra effort to see what effect dietary restrictions may have on their child.

The Feingold-type diet consists of eliminating common allergens such as wheat, eggs, dairy, tree nuts, other nuts, nightshades (potatoes, tomatoes) and corn. These foods are removed from the child's diet entirely and then gradually re-introduced. A careful record is kept to help determine which foods make symptoms worse. This approach is practical and will reveal the dietary restrictions that may help for any given child.

However, there are numerous other nutritional considerations that have never been formally taken into account except by select few physicians who have taken a public stance to inform parents of children with ADHD that the real issue is what the children are NOT eating. The reality is that the standard American diet (SAD) is grossly deficient in essential nutrients. There are many foods that children should be eating, but these foods are not part of their diets. If a food allergy is discovered and confirmed by a physician, only then should foods be eliminated.

To begin making a real difference in your child's eating habits, do one simple thing: eliminate packaged, processed foods, fast food and artificial colors. It is understood that this is a difficult task for parents because kids can be very picky. Don't give up, experts have indicated that it can take multiple attempts, as much as 10-12 times, to introduce a new food into your child's diet.

Next, add whole foods into your child's diet and include dietary supplements that can help. A multivitamin is fine, but many on the market contain too little of each nutrient (100% of the RDA/RDI/kg is based on standards set half a century ago). Find an all natural chewable multivitamin without artificial colors or flavors. DHA, an important fatty acid commonly found in fish, is another important supplement. It helps form healthy brain cells.

Dr. Phil McGraw, commonly known as "Doctor Phil", takes one of the most reasonable approaches to an ADD/ADHD diet by encouraging the use of whole foods in the diet after food allergies have been ruled out. He and Dr. Lawlis, creator of the Hero's Diet Plan both agree with nutritionists around the world that the most important issue to be addressed is the elimination of packaged, processed, colored, dried or bottled food. These are the "junk foods" to be eliminated from the diet of a child with ADHD and from the diet of the entire family to set an example. It is simple… if it doesn't look like a vegetable, grain, fruit, legume, fresh healthy meats (no nuggets of any kind), or root then get rid of it. It may or may not be a cure, but a healthier life style will certainly help the whole family maintain the energy and drive needed to manage the symptoms of ADHD.

Weathers, M. (2011). ADHD and Diet Reviewed. Retrieved February 22, 2012, from adhdhelp.org: http://www.adhdhelp.org — Preceding unsigned comment added by Cathryn harper (talk • contribs) 14:18, 12 July 2012 (UTC)

Finding a Career for Someone with ADHD
There isn't a perfect job for those dealing with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but there are occupations that are optimal for those that have this condition. ADHD does not make it impossible for individuals to have a fulfilling career that provides financial stability. However, it is important to fully understand the limitations that ADHD can and will place on the individual seeking employment. ADHD does not directly restrict most tasks that many jobs insist upon but in order to be successful you must have a clear understanding of what the desired job requires.

Those with ADHD will find more challenges with traditional forms of employment. One of the most common complaints of those with ADHD who are seeking employment is that they become distracted due to boredom and lack of new and exciting challenges in the work place. This is not surprising because attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a problem, or combination of problems, associated with over-activity, inability to pay attention and strong impulse drives.

Traditional employment is possible, but there may be hurdles to overcome. One of the biggest challenges with traditional employment for those with ADHD is maintaining a rigorous schedule and having to meet specific deadlines. Jobs that lean on paying attention to many small details are not always ideal. ADHD makes many tasks, such as time management and organization, difficult. Therefore, it may be advisable for someone with ADHD to look for jobs where those skills aren't needed.

Traditional employment is not the only option for those with ADHD. Individuals may find that non-traditional jobs will keep them from becoming bored. They need to find opportunities that will continually spark their interest. Non-traditional employment can provide a steady income, financial independence and help those with ADHD maintain steady work for an extended period of time. The following list offers employment options that can be optimal for those with ADHD.


 * Small Business Owner / Entrepreneur
 * Sales
 * Entertainment or Communications Industry
 * Sports Related (Ski Instructor, Dance Instructor, Exercise Instructor)
 * Events or Activity Planner

Being diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder does not mean that you cannot have a successful and fulfilling career. You must be pro-active with your given skill set and the limitations or challenges that your career choice may have. The key for finding employment when you have ADHD is to be aware of your medical condition and to have an open mind. The characteristics that make you different may make you perfect for the right opportunity.......... jobs for ADHD — Preceding unsigned comment added by Cathryn harper (talk • contribs) 10:18, 17 July 2012 (UTC)

The Benefits of Hiring a Life Coach
Life Coaching has quickly become extremely popular in the last five years. With the challenges and stress in people's personal lives, this comes as no surprise. Life Coaches are professionals that "coach" an individual in all aspects of their personal life. They are a cross between a mentor and a teacher. Hiring a Life Coach isn't just necessary when your life is out of control. They are also perfect to work with when your life is going well.

If you are considering hiring a Life Coach, it is important to find one that is professionally trained and that has references. As with traditional mentors, finding the right "fit" with a Life Coach is crucial. They don't all have the same techniques and many are specialized in a specific aspect of Life Coaching. For example, if you are struggling with your relationship with your partner, working with a Life Coach who specializes in relationships is advantageous. Likewise, if you are struggling with discovering your life's purpose, working with a Life Coach who specializes in self-discovery would be a great fit. Professional Life Coaches will provide you with the specific steps you need to take to achieve your ultimate goal.

Utilizing the skills of a professional Life Coach is an excellent way to move past the hurdles that exist in your life. Are you finding that events from your past are hindering your current momentum? Do you feel that your life is lacking structure or direction? Are you dissatisfied with the current state of your day to day living? These are all questions that a qualified Life Coach can help you answer. A good Life Coach does not provide all of the answers. What they do provide are the tools for you to discover how to change and better your life. They are in the business of empowerment.

What benefits will you achieve by working with a Life Coach? For one, they will help you set concrete goals. They will also help you achieve these goals by giving your measurable milestones. They will break down your big picture and help you focus on individual tasks that will help you achieve your goal in a shorter amount of time. The second thing that Life Coaches do is to help you make better-informed decisions. They are the perfect sounding board. Their third party observations will give you the perspective you need to make the best decisions possible for your life. Life Coaches help you evaluate and explore all of the infinite possibilities that are available to you. They offer sound advice based on professional experience. The most important thing that a Life Coach offers is accountability.

Life Coaches make it impossible for you to not be accountable for the decisions you make. It is in this realm that they are truly priceless. The benefits of working with a Life Coach are varied and diverse. Everyone can benefit from having his or her own Life Coach. Make sure that you check their references and that they are the right fit for you and your life. Hiring a Life Coach will be a decision that benefits you in the long run. They will empower you to have the best life possible. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Cathryn harper (talk • contribs) 05:54, 20 July 2012 (UTC)