QUOTE FOR WEDNESDAY:

Healthline states the following about Adult ADHD:

  • “Adult ADHD may manifest as difficulties with organization, relationship management, focus, restlessness, and managing emotions.
  • To receive an ADHD diagnosis as an adult, you must exhibit at least five symptoms associated with ADHD for a minimum of six months.
  • If you’re experiencing disruptive ADHD symptoms, seek professional evaluation. Solutions like therapy, stress management, and medication are available to help manage the condition.”

Healthline (Adult ADHD: 14 Signs and Symptoms)

Part II National Adult ADHD Awareness – Learn what happens after 18 y/o, how many have it, and the new oral med that is used in RX!

Though that ADHD is something that kids would outgrow.

We now know this is not true.

ADHD is neurobiological disorder that affects individuals across the lifespan.

ADHD doesn’t end at age 18. When adult ADHD goes undiagnosed, is misdiagnosed, or is not adequately treated, the effects can extend well beyond the individual.

The doctor for adults never diagnosed or miss diagnosed for ADHA will examine the consequences when this happens to adults with ADHD that can also include patients with  management that was discontinued, or care poorly managed, including increased risks related to employment and economic stability, relationships, physical and mental health, substance use, driving and injury, and involvement with the justice system.

For policymakers, these are not simply healthcare concerns. The effects of undiagnosed and inadequately treated ADHD can ripple through the workforce, families, schools, healthcare systems, public safety, and communities. They have a direct financial and social cost to their constituents and communities.

Approximately 15.5 million adults have been diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In early adulthood, ADHD may be associated with depression, mood or conduct disorders and substance abuse. Adults with ADHD often cope with difficulties at work and in their personal and family lives related to ADHD symptoms.  Many have inconsistent performance at work or in their careers; have difficulties with day-to-day responsibilities; experience relationship problems; and may have chronic feelings of frustration, guilt or blame.

Individuals with ADHD may also have difficulties with maintaining attention, executive function and working memory.  Recently, deficits in executive function have emerged as key factors affecting academic and career success. Executive function is the brain’s ability to prioritize and manage thoughts and actions. This ability permits individuals to consider the long-term consequences of their actions and guide their behavior across time more effectively.  Individuals who have issues with executive functioning may have difficulties completing tasks or may forget important things.

Healthline states that:
FDA Approves ‘First-in-Class’ NDSRI for ADHD in Adults and Children

A new medication to help treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) will be available later this year. Otsuka Pharmaceutical has received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for SIMTRIYO, a daily extended-relief tablet that contains the active ingredient centanafadine.

The new medication is approved for use in adults and children 6 years and older who weigh at least 44 pounds. Otsuka officials say their drug is the first norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin reuptake inhibitor (NDSRI) to treat ADHD.

Max Wiznitzer, MD, a professor of pediatrics and neurology at Case Western Reserve University in Ohio and the co-chair of the Professional Advisory Board for the organization Children and Adults with ADHD (CHADD), said he also plans to use SIMTRIYO as a backup treatment for people who aren’t seeing benefits from current medications. Wiznitzer said he needs more evidence that SIMTRIYO is more effective than stimulant-based medications before prescribing it more often, but he is glad to have it available. “It’s good to have another alternative,” he told Healthline.  Remember its a NEW DRUG so you need time to see its effectiveness just like with Covid 19 that is why the vaccine was changed in time from the initial vaccine that was made with research done in a few years after 2020.

 

QUOTE FOR TUESDAY:

“ADHD Awareness Month is celebrated every October,  the facts to know on ADHD

  • Males are almost three times more likelyTrusted Source to be diagnosed with ADHD than females.
  • During their lifetimes, 13 percent of menTrusted Source will be diagnosed with ADHD. Just 4.2 percent of women will be diagnosed.
  • The average ageTrusted Source of ADHD diagnosis is 7 years old.
  • Symptoms of ADHD typically first appear between the ages of 3 and 6Trusted Source.
  • ADHD isn’t just a childhood disorder. About 4 percent of American adults over the age of 18 deal with ADHD on a daily basis.”

Healthline (www.healthline.com)

Part I National Child ADHD Awareness – learn ADHD symptoms, myths and facts with treatment options!

     

People with ADHD may have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors (may act without thinking about what the result will be), or be overly active. Although ADHD can’t be cured, it can be successfully managed and some symptoms may improve as the child ages.

Let’s take a look into these 2 developmental disorders starting with what ADHD is like in the USA.  For starters ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood. It is usually first diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood. Children with ADHD may have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors (may act without thinking about what the result will be), or be overly active. It is normal for children to have trouble focusing and behaving at one time or another. However, children with ADHD do not just grow out of these behaviors. The symptoms continue and can cause difficulty at school, at home, or with friends.    These symptoms include 2 main sections include inattention and or hyperactive/impulsive behavior.

The symptoms the child may show that could indicate ADHD if this has been the last 6 months or more:  The CDC presents that 6 of these symptoms or more of inattention for a child at 16 years old or less or at 17 years old to adult 5 or more signs and symptoms present.  This would be the following s/s for inattention:

  • Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, at work, or with other activities.
  • Often has trouble holding attention on tasks or play activities.
  • Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
  • Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (e.g., loses focus, side-tracked).
  • Often has trouble organizing tasks and activities.
  • Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to do tasks that require mental effort over a long period of time (such as schoolwork or homework).
  • Often loses things necessary for tasks and activities (e.g. school materials, pencils, books, tools, wallets, keys, paperwork, eyeglasses, mobile telephones).
  • Is often easily distracted
  • Is often forgetful in daily activities.

For hyperactive or impulsive behavior same concept with the amount of s/s at the same age groups with inattention, which could be:

  • Often fidgets with or taps hands or feet, or squirms in seat.
  • Often leaves seat in situations when remaining seated is expected.
  • Often runs about or climbs in situations where it is not appropriate (adolescents or adults may be limited to feeling restless).
  • Often unable to play or take part in leisure activities quietly.
  • Is often “on the go” acting as if “driven by a motor”.
  • Often talks excessively.
  • Often blurts out an answer before a question has been completed.
  • Often has trouble waiting his/her turn.
  • Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games)

Myths and Facts about ADD / ADHD in Adults

MYTH: ADD/ADHD is just a lack of willpower. Persons with ADD/ADHD focus well on things that interest them; they could focus on any other tasks if they really wanted to.

FACT: ADD/ADHD looks very much like a willpower problem, but it isn’t. It’s essentially a chemical problem in the management systems of the brain.

MYTH: Everybody has the symptoms of ADD/ADHD, and anyone with adequate intelligence can overcome these difficulties.

FACT: ADD/ADHD affects persons of all levels of intelligence. And although everyone sometimes has symptoms of ADD/ADHD, only those with chronic impairments from these symptoms warrant an ADD/ADHD diagnosis.

MYTH: Someone can’t have ADD/ADHD and also have depression, anxiety, or other psychiatric problems.

FACT: A person with ADD/ADHD is six times more likely to have another psychiatric or learning disorder than most other people. ADD/ADHD usually overlaps with other disorders.

MYTH: Unless you have been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD as a child, you can’t have it as an adult.

FACT: Many adults struggle all their lives with unrecognized ADD/ADHD impairments. They haven’t received help because they assumed that their chronic difficulties, like depression or anxiety, were caused by other impairments that did not respond to usual treatment.

Source: Dr. Thomas E. Brown, Attention Deficit Disorder: The Unfocused Mind in Children and Adults

It is understandable for parents to have concerns when their child is diagnosed with ADHD, especially about treatments. It is important for parents to remember that while ADHD can’t be cured, it can be successfully managed. There are many treatment options, so parents and doctors should work closely with everyone involved in the child’s treatment — teachers, coaches, therapists, and other family members. Taking advantage of all the resources available will help you guide your child towards success. Remember, you are your child’s strongest advocate!

In most cases, ADHD is best treated with a combination of medication and behavior therapy. Good treatment plans will include close monitoring, follow-ups and any changes needed along the way.

Following are treatment options for ADHD:

  • Medications
  • Behavioral intervention strategies
  • Parent training
  • ADHD and school

Part 2 Tomorrow on Adult ADHD.

 

 

 

 

QUOTE FOR MONDAY:

“October is a month set aside for lung awareness. It’s National Healthy Lung Month, and Lung Health Day is October 28. National Respiratory Care Week is October 25-30.

It may seem arbitrary to set aside a particular month for health awareness, but it’s useful to remind ourselves of the things in our environment that can harm us and to act with compassion toward those who have already been harmed.

Lung disease affects a staggering number of Americans. About 10 million adults are diagnosed with chronic bronchitis each year, and about 4.7 million others have ever been diagnosed with emphysema.

Chronic bronchitis and emphysema constitute the diseases that make up Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). About 25 million people live with asthma as well.

Occupational lung diseases, which include asbestosis and mesothelioma, also affect many Americans. Occupational illnesses are estimated to cost $150 billion annually.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), typically caused by long-term exposure to lung irritants that damage the lungs and airways, is attributed to occupational exposure 19.2% of the time.”

Lung Institute (Healthy Lung Month – Lung Institute)

Healthy Lung Month

October is a month set aside for lung awareness. It’s National Healthy Lung Month, and Lung Health Day is October 28. National Respiratory Care Week is October 25-30. It may seem arbitrary to set aside a particular month for health awareness, but it’s useful to remind ourselves of the things in our environment that can harm us and to act with compassion toward those who have already been harmed.

Lung disease affects a staggering number of Americans. About 10 million adults are diagnosed with chronic bronchitis each year, and about 4.7 million others have ever been diagnosed with emphysema. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema constitute the diseases that make up Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). About 25 million people live with asthma as well.

Occupational lung diseases, which include asbestosis and mesothelioma, also affect many Americans. Occupational illnesses are estimated to cost $150 billion annually. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), typically caused by long-term exposure to lung irritants that damage the lungs and airways, is attributed to occupational exposure 19.2% of the time.

In support of Healthy Lung Month, let’s raise awareness about the rapid escalation of lung disease in the United States.

The notion that harmful air pollutants exist only outdoors is false. Some pollutants occurring in the home can be more harmful than those commonly encountered outdoors. Modern homes harbor many sources of respiratory irritation, but it’s not terribly difficult to lung-proof your home. Some common lung irritants found indoors are lead, formaldehyde, radon, cleaning agent vapors, and fire-retardants. Natural pollutants also make their way into the home, including pet dander, dust mites, and mold. Here are a few simple ways the people, especially those with lung disease, can avoid these lung damaging agents.

  • Clean the Air:Buy a vacuum with a HEPA filter to reduce lead, chemical build-up, and allergens such as pet dander in the home. Follow this step by mopping with a microfiber mop to soak up any leftover particles.
  • Avoid exposure to indoor pollutants that can damage your lungs.
  • Minimize exposure to outdoor air pollution.
  • Green Your Space:Fill your place with plants! Indoor plants help purify the air, removing toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, and xylene. Spider plants and aloe vera plants are good choices for the home.
  • Go Natural: Fragrances in cleaning products, laundry detergents, and air fresheners can all damage the lungs opt for fragrance-free whenever possible.
  • Test for Radon: Make sure your home has a radon detector. This colorless, odorless gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today.
  • Don’t Vape or Smoke

Your entire body depends on your lungs to keep breathing and distributing oxygen-rich blood throughout your body and to get rid of the body’s gaseous waste, carbon dioxide. Our bodies do have a natural defense system designed to protect the lungs, keeping dirt, germs and other irritants at bay. But there are some important things you can do on a regular basis to keep your lungs healthy and reduce the risk of disease.

Sometimes we take our health for granted. Lungs keep us alive and well and for the most part, we don’t need to think about them.  Remember without lungs we couldn’t survive.  Love your lungs this October and work to make any necessary changes to keep yours healthy!

QUOTE FOR THE WEEKEND:

“”Menopause occurs when menstrual periods stop permanently, usually between ages 45 and 55, marking the end of ovarian function and a sharp decline in estrogen and progesterone production.

This hormonal shift can cause hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, irregular periods, and mood changes. Sleep disturbances are common, often due to night sweats or frequent urination, which can lead to fatigue and affect daily functioning.”

Center for Disease Control and Prevention (https://www.cdc.gov/womens-health/features/menopause-womens-health-and-work.html)”

Menopause and it’s effects on women’s health – what it is exactly, the symptoms, & what can help resolve the issue!

What is Menopause exactly?

Menopause is when the ovaries naturally stop producing 2 hormones called estrogen and progesterone. Your ovaries are similar to what a car does in that over years it wears down, well so does the mechanism that regulates your hormones which is the ovaries. You go 12 consecutive months without having a period with no reasons to be explained for its occurrence, both biological or physical with it never returning. If both ovaries are removed surgically the menopause kicks in immediately. Menopause has signs and symptoms (s/s) that kick in which have varying intensities (it depends on the individual). You may experience mild to severe s/s.

Menopause is the time that marks the end of your menstrual cycles. It’s diagnosed after you’ve gone 12 months without a menstrual period. Menopause can happen in your 40s or 50s, but the average age is 51 in the United States. Menopause is a natural biological process.

The signs and symptoms of Menopause :

1- Hot Flashes 2-Irregular Periods 3- Breast Pains 4- Night Sweats 5- Mood Swings 6- Loss of Labido 7- Vaginal Dryness 8-Brittle Nails 9-Bloating 10-Irritability 11-Depression 12- Weight Gain 13-Sleep Problems 14- Osteoporosis-one of the worst symptoms of menopause. 15-Loss of breast fullness in some. 16- Thinning of the hair and dry skin.

Did you know over 60% of adult Americans are considered obese or overweight?
Weight gain happens when a person increases their body mass, whether it is a result of fat deposits, additional muscle tissue, or excess fluid. However, weight gain associated with menopause typically involves increased amounts of fat around the abdomen. One of the most accurate ways to see if you are obese is to measure your body mass index which is free online, check out the internet. I do every so often.
Go to Free BMI Calculator – AICR.org‎
www.aicr.org/bmi calculator‎.

On average, a women gains about 12 to 15 pounds between the ages of 45 and 55, this is usually when menopause typically occurs. This extra weight generally does not evenly distribute itself throughout a woman’s body. The weight tends to accumulate around the abdomen instead and women often notice the shape of their bodies slowly losing their hour-glass figure.

What can resolve this issue?

We can’t stop menopause but their are things we can do in dealing with it.

As years progress the metabolism slows down; setting the physiological stage for weight gain. As a woman’s hormones fluctuate prior to menopause and preparing for a permanently reduced hormonal level, it is likely to experience weight gain.

So things that can be done:

Eat well and nutritious foods.

Exercise but balance with rest.

Keep up with regular visits with your doctor for preventive health care and any medical concerns. Continue getting these appointments during and after menopause.

Preventive health care as you age may include recommended health screening tests, such as colonoscopy, mammography and triglyceride screening. Your doctor might recommend other tests and exams, too, including thyroid testing if suggested by your history, and breast and pelvic exams.

POST FOR FRIDAY:

“October is Dental Hygiene Month, and it’s a perfect time of year to focus on oral health. Halloween candy is on the shelves and people will be eating all kinds of sugary treats during the holidays. But this is the time of year that dental professionals can raise awareness and remind people of the oral care habits that will keep their teeth strong and healthy.

There are four focuses of dental hygiene month that affect oral health the most: brushing, flossing, rinsing, and chewing.”

SmileMakers (How to Stay Dental Hygiene Friendly During Halloween)

8 Halloween Tips regarding your oral and overall health.

halloween       halloween3

Have a Healthy Halloween

Have a Healthy Halloween

Halloween is right around the corner, which for most children means bags of free candy and a chance to build a stockpile of sweets for the winter. No surprise, Halloween can also present parents with a variety of health and safety challenges. “It’s OK to eat that candy on Halloween but it’s important to have a eating plan of the goodies to help protect the teeth from constant exposure to sugars to the teeth and even the waist line to prevent cavities and obesity. This makes complete common sense to mom and dad with older sisters or brothers and even role models to the little peeps who may need direction by you helping them eat the goodies in a moderate way with no pigging out on the candies.

Here’s a few ideas on how you can help your family stay mouth healthy on Halloween and even through out the year for lovers of sweet goodies; especially young ones who may need direction.

 

So how do we go about this? Well here are some ideas that you may find useful:

 

1.) Know when the time is right to eat the goodies.

 

Eat Halloween candy (and other sugary foods) with meals or shortly after mealtime. Saliva production increases during meals. This helps cancel out acids produced by bacteria in your mouth and rinse away food particles.

 

2.) Choose the candy carefully you give out Halloween or have at Halloween parties for kids with the candies you allow your kids to keep throughout the year.

 

Avoid hard candy and other sweets that stay in your mouth for a long time. Aside from how often you snack, the length of time sugary food is in your mouth plays a role in tooth decay. Unless it is a sugar-free product, candies that stay in the mouth for a long period of time subject teeth to an increased risk for tooth decay.

 

3.) Avoid candies that can put your teeth in sticky situations.

 

Sticky candies cling to your teeth. The stickier candies, like taffy and gummy bears, take longer to get washed away by saliva, increasing the risk for tooth decay.

 

4.) Have a plan that you put together.

 

It’s tempting to keep that candy around, but your teeth will thank you if you limit your candy laying out around the house after the Halloween day or parties. So what you do is have the family pick their favorites and even consider donating the rest, like to family and friends in a moderate amount to school teachers to even your doctors at a visit for the staff to even homeless. ”   If you even can take the time look for organizations that help you donate candy to troops overseas, like Operation Gratitude to boy/girl scout organizations, etc… Do a little researching.

 

5.) Drink more water when eating candy.

 

If you choose bottled water, look for kinds that are fluoridated. Drinking fluoridated water can help prevent tooth decay. The kids won’t even know the difference.

 

6.) Maintain a healthy diet.

 

Your body is like a complex machine. Just like cars we the human body needs its fuel. For us the fuel is food. The foods you choose as fuel are so important with how often you “fill up” with them which in the end affecting your general health; this includes your teeth and gums including obesity.At these Halloween parties or on Halloween day or in even everyday life avoid excess in sodas, sport drinks and flavored waters. When teeth come in frequent contact with beverages that contain sugar, the risk of tooth decay is increased.

 

7.) Give out on Halloween/the Halloween parties chewing gum that are with the ADA Seal.

 

Chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes after meals helps reduce tooth decay, because increased saliva flow helps wash out food and neutralize the acid produced by bacteria. You might even want to think about giving sugarless gum out as a treat instead of candy.

 

8.) Other general ideas with the candy suggestions is have the children do the following:

– Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste. Remember, replace your toothbrush every three or four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed. A worn toothbrush won’t do a good job of cleaning your teeth.

– Cleanse between the teeth. Floss your teeth once a day. Decay-causing bacteria get between teeth where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. Flossing helps remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line.

-Visit an ADA Dentist

Regular visits to your ADA-member dentist can help prevent problems from occurring and catch those that do occur early, when they are easy to “treat.” This can also can help prevent them going into bigger problems and more expensive treatments to the mouth.