OrganizedWisdom Health - Children's Health and Parenting

Statins for Children

Jillian884 — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:19:04 GMT

Statins are a powerful class of cholesterol-lowering medications and there are many conflicting reports on whether or not they should be prescribed to children. Some doctors and cardiologists believe that children who are at greatest risk should take statins when dietary and lifestyle changes have failed to lower cholesterol levels. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children as young as eight can take statin drugs to prevent future heart problems. Pediatricians may prescribe statins for kids who have too much LDL ("bad" cholesterol), along with other high risks, such as: obesity, high blood pressure, or family history of heart disease. A study conducted by the Center for Disease Control has found that approximately .8% of teens aged 12 to 17 are candidates for statin drugs to deal with high levels of LDL. Statins have not been thoroughly tested in children and the long-term effects are unknown, therefore, it is recommend that you try to lower cholesterol levels through diet, exercise, and any natural statin alternatives your doctor suggests prior to starting the drug regimen.

Fast Facts:

Avoiding fast food, soda, caffeine, juice, refined sugar, and white flour can help kids lower cholesterol levels.
A study published in the American Heart Association’s journal shows that of 25 million kids in the age group, approximately 200,000 teens are in danger of developing early heart problems and may benefit from statins.
It is now recommended that pediatricians test cholesterol levels in children as young as 2.
Only in recent years with childhood obesity on the rise has high cholesterol been a cause for concern in children.

Visit http://organizedwisdom.com/Statins_for_Children

What is ADHD

CatherIN — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:00:05 GMT

ADHD, also known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a common condition. People who have ADHD have problems maintaining attention in school, at home, and work. They may be overly active or impulsive. The behaviors seen with ADHD can lead to problems with relationships, learning, and behavior.

Fast Facts:

ADHD affects children and adults.
Up to 10% of all school aged children may be affected by ADHD.
ADHD is more common in boys than girls.

Visit http://organizedwisdom.com/What_is_ADHD

ADHD Summer Camps

KenyottaE — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 20:07:37 GMT

ADHD summer camps are designed to meet the special needs of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. These camps are usually staffed with physicians, psychologists, and counselors that can help your child develop skills to cope with everyday life. Your child will participate in activities that will strengthen their decision-making skills, self-esteem, and patience.

Fast Facts:

You should check with the American Camp Association to ensure your child's summer camp is accredited.
ADHD summer camps should have at least one counselor for every three campers.
You should also be aware of the discipline policy at the camp you have chosen for your child.

Visit http://organizedwisdom.com/ADHD_Summer_Camps

ADHD Journal Articles

KenyottaE — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 20:06:40 GMT

ADHD journal articles are available on a number of websites at little or no cost. ADHD journal articles include information on various aspects of ADHD from treatment to clinical research. Below are some journal articles on ADHD.

Fast Facts:

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic condition that may result in impulsive behavior and inattentiveness.
ADHD can be the result of childhood exposure to environmental toxins, smoking, and altered brain function.
Treatment of ADHD includes medications, psychotherapy, and other behavioral therapies.

Visit http://organizedwisdom.com/ADHD_Journal_Articles

Statins and Children

Crdelucas — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 02:03:06 GMT

The use of statins for children is a controversial topic in controlling high cholesterol. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released guidelines in the journal Pediatrics that children eight and older should be considered for statin treatment. The guidelines also suggested cholesterol testing being performed in children as young as age two. Currently, there are no studies showing results of long-term statin use in children.

Fast Facts:

The AAP guidelines suggest children eight and older should be considered for statin medication if the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) profile is greater than 190 mg/dL. If the child has a family history of heart disease, or more than two other risk factors, the threshold level is 160 mg/dL. If the child is diabetic the threshold for treatment is 130 mg/dL.
Healthy lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, may help prevent high cholesterol.
Statins are the most prescribed medication for lowering cholesterol and reducing the risk for heart disease in adults.

Visit http://organizedwisdom.com/Statins_and_Children

Bedwetting Linked to Sleep Apnea

AmyS — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 15:55:19 GMT

New research, published July 2009, reveals that children who wet the bed and are overweight may have obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep studies were performed on over 200 children between the ages of 5 and 15. Data from the sleep study along with medical records were then analyzed.

Fast Facts:

Dr. Joseph G. Barone and his colleagues at the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School conducted this study.
Children who wet the bed were five times more likely to suffer from sleep apnea.
This study is published in The Journal of Pediatrics.

Visit http://organizedwisdom.com/Bedwetting_Linked_to_Sleep_Apnea

ADHD Experts on Call

KenyottaE — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 01:11:42 GMT

Shire Pharmaceuticals sponsors a program called ADHD Experts on Call. ADHD Experts on Call gives parents of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) an opportunity to submit questions to experts. The experts do not give medical advice, but do answer general questions about the disorder.

Fast Facts:

ADHD Experts on Call provide parents information on new treatments and resources.
The experts 'on call' can also provide tips on parenting a child with ADHD.
TV personality Ty Pennington serves as spokesman for the program.

Visit http://organizedwisdom.com/ADHD_Experts_on_Call

Allopurinol and Breastfeeding

KenyottaE — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 01:10:34 GMT

It may not be safe to use allopurinol (Zyloprim) while breastfeeding. Although allopurinol does pass through breast milk, it may still be prescribed for use to nursing mothers. If you do use allopurinol while breastfeeding, watch your child for potentially serious side effects.

Fast Facts:

Allopurinol is used to treat gout, kidney stones, and high uric acid levels due to chemotherapy.
If your nursing infant develops a rash and you use allopurinol, seek medical attention immediately. This is usually the first sign of side effects.
Your nursing infant should also have periodic blood tests performed to check for serious problems.

Visit http://organizedwisdom.com/Allopurinol_and_Breastfeeding

Advair and Breastfeeding

KenyottaE — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 01:07:12 GMT

The manufacturer of Advair (fluticasone and salmeterol) does not recommend using the drug while breastfeeding. Whether Advair passes through to breast milk or not is unknown, but there is a potential for serious side effects that could occur in the nursing infant. It is believed that the amount of Advair that would be passed in milk is low enough not to cause problems for a nursing infant.

Fast Facts:

Advair is used in the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Your doctor will determine if the benefits of using Advair outweigh the risks.
If your doctor recommends Advair while you are breastfeeding, watch your child for side effects.

Visit http://organizedwisdom.com/Advair_and_Breastfeeding

Compazine and Breastfeeding

KenyottaE — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 01:04:24 GMT

If you are planning on breastfeeding and you are currently taking Compazine (prochlorperazine), talk with your doctor before doing so. It is unknown if Compazine passes through breast milk, so you should watch your nursing infant for side effects. Potentially serious side effects of Compazine include low blood pressure, high blood sugar, and arrhythmia.

Fast Facts:

Compazine is used to treat migraines, schizophrenia, and anxiety.
Compazine may not be safe to use during pregnancy.
The risks of using Compazine while nursing are still unknown.

Visit http://organizedwisdom.com/Compazine_and_Breastfeeding