Stars for Kids

Archive for July, 2009

There is No “Magic Potion” When It Comes to Health and Longevity
by Guest Contributor Jamie G. Phillips, DC

I have noticed recently that the media has bombarded us with innumerable sensationalized articles hailing studies on the heart benefits of red wine (resveratrol), the memory loss benefits of coffee (caffeine), and the stunning benefits of a monumental amount of natural supplements that singularly “guarantee” to reduce or prevent every known cause of mortality. In deed, if the reports and advertisements are any indication of human focus, our quest for longevity has been supplanted by a desire for immortality.

To begin with, let me make it unquestionably clear that I unwaveringly believe that certain~particular things that we put into our bodies can be beneficial to our health. So, I’m definitely not opposed to taking supplements. Not only do I advocate them for my patients, but I listen to my own advice and take them as well. Secondly, if confession is good for the soul, and red wine is good for the heart, then I’d like to take this opportunity to help both by stating for the record that I enjoy drinking a glass of red wine. The suggestion that it might have heart-healthy properties, well, that’s like icing on the cake, so to speak. And, lastly, as far as caffeine’s ability to actually reverse or prevent Alzheimer’s disease goes, I believe that if that were commonly the case, life would be far less frightening and far more enjoyable for many people and their families.

However, before perhaps, acting irrationally, and indiscriminately adding more coffee to your morning habit, an extra glass of red wine to your evening meal, or an additional expenditure of your hard-earned cash on exotic herbs that promise to make you live forever, let’s rationally think about a couple of things.

For instance, let us think about the fact that we, humans, are dynamic, biological beings, free to enthusiastically interact with life. We have not been detained in a cage, and not one of us has been “propagated” to artificially develop the age-related debilitation and disease that lab animals are bred to do, conditions that are then “reversed” by resveratrol, caffeine, or some exotic herb.

Essentially, our being dynamic and biological means that we are not “robots,” and that we are more than the sum total of our parts. We are each organically unique in certain ways, which is to say, we respond differently to internal stimulating factors and external instigating influences. For example, though generally, smoking cigarettes is harmful, there is a small minority of people who appear to be able to smoke and live to be ninety years old without any obvious ill effects.

Scientific studies isolate certain variables in order to achieve particular outcomes. That’s scientific inquiry! But, because the results occur through such isolation, and due to the fact that they are generally done on animals, when it comes to translating such results to humans, it can be said that what may work for some of the people all of the time, won’t work for all of the people all of the time, and sometimes won’t work at all (to paraphrase Abraham Lincoln!).

Each day you make deliberate decisions about what you’ll eat and how much activity and rest you’ll get. Even though you know what “feels” nutritious for your individual system by the way your body responds, not all the choices you make may be beneficial for your health and longevity. In fact, perhaps few of the choices you’ve been making lately are actually healthy ones.

Then, a report comes out asserting that researchers have finally found the “missing link” between we, humans, and immortality, that they’ve uncovered, in fact, THE THING that has the amazing power to reverse all of the overindulgent and unhealthy things you may have been doing to your body on a daily basis, and you, like many others, may want to jump on the bandwagon. Talk about “magical” thinking!

Your human body is an elegantly complex, homeostatic system. In other words, every operation is interdependent and sensitively balanced. When you choose an unhealthy lifestyle, your fastidiously-responsive system gets “off balance.” Sooner or later, the imbalances created by choosing unhealthily, result in diseases and a shortened lifespan.

As a chiropractor who supplements daily, I suggest that you supplement, too, if they help you to feel vigorously healthy. I agree, as well, that if it feels like the thing to do, an extra cup of coffee might actually be personally beneficial for you. And, if it truly feels healthy, have a little more red wine. Just keep in mind, however, that the only authentic way that you can prevent or reverse age-related health problems is by changing an unhealthy lifestyle. You won’t become healthier or live longer by waiting for the discovery of a “magic potion.”

Dr. Jamie Phillips, a Santa Barbara Chiropractor, has been a practicing chiropractor for 24 years. She is also a consultant for Bloczone Marketing, a chiropractic internet marketing company specializing in chiropractic websites that attract new patients.

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I’ve been told that I’m dyslexic. If I am it is probably mild. What are symptoms of dyslexia? Can it be treated?

Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and / or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and the provision of effective classroom instruction. Secondary consequences may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede growth of vocabulary and background knowledge.

Why is dyslexia a gift?
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Dyslexic people are visual, multi-dimensional thinkers. We are intuitive and highly creative, and excel at hands-on learning. Because we think in pictures, it is sometimes hard for us to understand letters, numbers, symbols, and written words.

We can learn to read, write and study efficiently when we use methods geared to our unique learning style.

Is there a cure for dyslexia?
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Dyslexia is not a disease. There is no cure.

With proper diagnosis, appropriate instruction, hard work and support from family, teachers, friends, and others, individuals who are dyslexic can succeed in school and later as working adults.

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My son has dyslexia and he is ver smart.
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looking for any and all information on learing disability.

Any physical or mental condition that makes it more difficult to learn. There are countless varieties of learning disabilities. Some are treatable, most can be at least partially overcome with treatment and/or effort.

I zone out in school so bad. Don’t get me wrong though, I’m brilliant, ADHD is just detrimental. My mom is afraid im going to abuse/sell amphetamines if they are prescribed to me. Caffeine is the only thing I’ve found to help me so far. Would it be safe to use moderate doses of caffeine to maintain focus at school?

Try Strattera. Its a non-stimulate adhd medication that is not habit forming.

To answer your question, I don’t think anyone would recommend consuming a high level of anything especially something that will make you crash like caffeine.

Inside a special needs magazine there is a separate category and section for autism vs. mental retardation. What are the differences between these disorders? I had thought they were the same thing.

It is quite wrong to say that the vast majority of people with autism are also mentally retarded when quite the opposite is true. It is people who are incredibly intelligent who are more susceptible to being affected by autism because they are more sensitive to toxins in the environment, which triggers autism. Autism is like a barrier, a wall making it difficult for people with autism to express themselves. When people can’t express themselves properly it is very frustrating for them and children who are affected often tantrum. My daughter has high functioning autism and gets straight A’s in school. She won’t look you in the eye though or have a long conversation with you because autism is in her way. I can assure you there is no mental retardation there. She is brilliant…knew all her states and capitals before she was 2 and could read at age 3 and this is just for starters.

I can understand that it often affects children because that is when everyone starts to read. But how can it affect an adolescent or adult? How do they get away in elementary school not knowing how to read? If a person can’t read, it would be obvious to the teacher. The teacher would refer them to special education and they are taught in a special way so they can read. So dyslexia wouldn’t affect them when they are older. Dyslexia is caused by an unknown factor or factors. So an adolescent or adult is less likely to get dyslexia.

There are many levels of dyslexia.

Some people with low-level dyslexia compensate for it and can function normally throughout life.

Dyslexia can be diagnosed later than the learning-to-read primary grades because of the compensation methods. For example, a person may be able to function as a B or C student through primary and high schooling and maybe into the first years of college. However, when the material to be learned gets more difficult, the person may not have the additional capacity to overcome the problems associated with dyslexia.

This person can hit a "roadblock" and can’t continue learning additionally complicated or complex concepts.

Research is being done to learn about advancing learning methods for dyslexic student and can help the student with learning strategies that will assist them operating at a higher level. However, when they reach their plateau, they can’t overcome it. This is why an adult or older student may appear to "get" dyslexia later in life.

I am looking to see if anyone knows any names of scholorships/Awards/Grants for student/people with an learing disability & if anyone knows of any please post websites of them.

Thank you very much in advance
Within Canada.

Hello how are you? What I suggest you do is use a scholarship search. A scholarship search allows you to create a profile and receive information for all the scholarships that you are eligible to apply for based on your profile description. Scholarshipsupport.com actually has 3 free scholarship searches available right now. I hope this helps. Good Luck!

I’ve got high functioning autism and i have got friends with Asbergers. Asbergers is a form of autism but what is the actual difference between the both?

Asperger’s is a certain type of high fnctioning autism. It has distinct signs in males and females. One person with it might be a compulsive liar who hates people and studies science, while another person might be a writer who loves people and can’t hold interest in just one subject all the time, but many. They can get along with people if they have to, and some really want to. They probably have high iqs or above average. They obsess on things in a manner similar to those with autism, but they have more ability to act on their ideas and feelings, as they are more in tune with those. They are overwhelmed by them sometimes, but not as much as someone with just autism, who might throw a fit instead of say, skip class or tell someone off. They are usually perceived as aloof, but some can be seen as too friendly. They can be childlike, but also too old if that makes sense. They revert back to childlke behaviors when facing unknown problems.

High functioning autism…I’m going to say the people with that might not have genius iqs, but they might have above average or normal, and interact differently with people. They are usually very sweet ALL the time, and not always aware of when people are making fun of them, unlike an Aspie who figures it out. This doesn’t mean they don’t sometimes realize it. They might not even care when someone does it coz they aren’t thinking like it matters. They are in their own world more. They usually are very good at one or two things that will be their FAVORITE things they always talk about and do things about. I usually see high functionings as very sweet and always wanting to be nice or have others be nice. They don’t seem to think about mean stuff or worry about what others are going to do, because they have their own thing.

I don’t know if you find this true at all. Every one is different with their own personality, and can be a slight bit higher or lower on the scale.

A clinician, or a search on Google for the definitions and diagnostics, might help you more. Thought i’d give a personal perspective.

I have lack of concentration and memory and I think is due to my depression. However I do not know if I have ADHD. What is the difference between the lack of concentration caused by ADHD and the one caused by Depression. Are they treated with different meds?

ADHD is probably best described as an lack of focus. Instead of doing nothing, you pick up a book, read 10 pages, pick up another, read 10 pages, et cetera. When someone has severe ADHD symptoms, they may become depressed. If you naturally switch topics at a high enough rate, and your intellect doesn’t allow you to follow that rate, you’ll stumble over simple tasks. For instance, someone who has difficulty with math might struggle with addition. With ADHD, they would naturally try to solve two math problems at once. I don’t have ADHD so I wouldn’t quote me on this, but a one therapist speculated that I had it.

Depression involves cloudiness of the mind or a lack of motivation to try. In some cases, this varies. I am having depression problems now. Sometimes, I can focus on things I enjoy. Most times, I can’t focus on things I dislike. Other times, I can’t focus on anything. I’ve been diagnosed as bipolar once so it might be a separate issue. Diagnostic criteria for mental health issues are not always accurate.

What is the important thing, here? Well, I take 30mg dexedrine 1:15 minutes before I wake up. I set two alarms, take my medication, and go back to sleep. Previously, I had difficulty getting out of bed and concentrating. I was now able to wake up at a reasonable time. I still like to have about 9 hours sleep, which is on the higher end of what’s considered reasonable.

Should you be taking dexedrine? Of course, this is something to discuss with your doctor. I use it to help me wake up and concentrate, but my doctor thinks it’s highly unlikely I have ADHD. So it can be used for depression treatment.

Problem? My depression got worse. I now lack the motivation to concentrate or the ability, in some cases. When I can concentrate, and it’s not impaired by the depression, I concentrate at the level my dexedrine helps me reach. I took Ritalin, and I ended up unable to sleep at 3am and crying profusely. Medications vary between people, and stimulants can have reactions with certain antidepressants.

Difficulty with memory and concentration can be symptoms of depression. It’s consistent with both conditions. Discuss how you feel with your doctor.

My experience on dexedrine:

1. When I’m not depressed, I am able to wake up. When I am depressed, I can wake up. This is a mixed blessing because I’m miserable longer. However, research suggests oversleeping may contribute to depression, so I try to distract myself with regard to my depression symptoms. Therapy and antidepressants aren’t instant cures to depression, and you can’t see a therapist 24/7 in most cases. You have to find ways to make yourself feel good or at least "not bad" while you wait things out and work with professionals.

2. When I’m not depressed, I can concentrate. I am still adjusting to the medication. I often concentrate on more than one things, one of the symptoms of ADHD, because of the medication. However, I grew up with the internet. Multitasking isn’t always ADHD. It’s once of the most overdiagnosed medical conditions.

3. If your not interested in studying something, you won’t remember it because of dexedrine. This was a big disappointment for me when I started Ritalin. At first, you’re amazed at how stimulants work. After that wears off, you stop studying boring material. It’s still a nice focus increase if you’re actually motivated to study something.

4. Stimulants can change your appetite. I adjusted to this at 10mg and 20mg, but I’m having appetite issues at 30. I suspect they are linked to a flu and/or my depression, though, since they’ve worsened dramatically.

5. I’ve had concentration and memory issues in the past that were helped by medication. I imagine your doctor will investigate antidepressants (given you have depression) before considering ADHD. I always had problems getting up, though, so I may be using dexedrine primarily for sleep problems.

also my medical doctor told me to just go on ssi but , Im more then capable of working i just cant find a job for me.

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