Page 11 - Inspire Health January/February 2016
P. 11
healthy mind •
ADHD: Mind/body techniques. Hypnotherapy, yoga and progressive
relaxation may be useful in alleviating symptoms. These techniques
A NATURAL help children learn coping skills they can use for the rest of their lives.
APPROACH
A team approach consisting of parents, school administrators and
By Dr. Michelle Clay, D.O., CHHC health practitioners is necessary to address all factors affecting your
child’s behavior, health and well‑being.
Children struggling to focus on tasks and control their
behavior may be evaluated for attention deficit ANSWERS,WE’LL GIVE YOU
hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Before giving a firm NOT PRESCRIPTIONS.
diagnosis, clinicians should assess underlying factors such as trauma,
nutritional deficiencies and food allergies that could affect treatment. Dr. Maulfair is an Osteopathic CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT
Physician who brings four
According to the clinical practice guidelines from the American decades of experience in 610.682.2104
Academy of Pediatrics, the first line of treatment is evidence‑based alternative medicine to his drmaulfair.com
behavior intervention in preschool‑age children with ADHD. Behavior
intervention involves both the child and parent to include: patient care. Dr. Maulfair is 2970 Corporate Court,
• Parent training certified in family practice. Suite 1, Orefield, PA 18069
• Avoiding distractions
• Effective discipline
• Changing interaction with the child
• Helping the child discover a talent
In addition to behavior strategies, a whole foods, nutrient‑dense
diet free of artificial food colorings, preservatives and other allergens
may provide some relief. Foods rich in the following nutrients can
improve symptoms:
Magnesium. Children with ADHD may have a mild magnesium
deficiency, which produces symptoms such as irritability and
decreased attention span.
Vitamin B6. The body needs sufficient vitamin B6 to make brain
chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine, which are affected in
children with ADHD. A preliminary study found B6 pyridoxine to
be slightly more effective than Ritalin in improving behavior among
hyperactive children.
Zinc. Zinc regulates the activity of brain chemicals related to
behavior. Studies show that zinc may help improve behavior.
Omega‑3 fatty acids. Found in fish and fish oil, these play an
essential role in normal brain function. Some findings suggest that
fish oil supplements may improve the mental skills of children aged 8
to 12 years. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a
prescription‑strength omega‑3 compound for ADHD. This compound
is considered a “medical food.”
ADHD: Mind/body techniques. Hypnotherapy, yoga and progressive
relaxation may be useful in alleviating symptoms. These techniques
A NATURAL help children learn coping skills they can use for the rest of their lives.
APPROACH
A team approach consisting of parents, school administrators and
By Dr. Michelle Clay, D.O., CHHC health practitioners is necessary to address all factors affecting your
child’s behavior, health and well‑being.
Children struggling to focus on tasks and control their
behavior may be evaluated for attention deficit ANSWERS,WE’LL GIVE YOU
hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Before giving a firm NOT PRESCRIPTIONS.
diagnosis, clinicians should assess underlying factors such as trauma,
nutritional deficiencies and food allergies that could affect treatment. Dr. Maulfair is an Osteopathic CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT
Physician who brings four
According to the clinical practice guidelines from the American decades of experience in 610.682.2104
Academy of Pediatrics, the first line of treatment is evidence‑based alternative medicine to his drmaulfair.com
behavior intervention in preschool‑age children with ADHD. Behavior
intervention involves both the child and parent to include: patient care. Dr. Maulfair is 2970 Corporate Court,
• Parent training certified in family practice. Suite 1, Orefield, PA 18069
• Avoiding distractions
• Effective discipline
• Changing interaction with the child
• Helping the child discover a talent
In addition to behavior strategies, a whole foods, nutrient‑dense
diet free of artificial food colorings, preservatives and other allergens
may provide some relief. Foods rich in the following nutrients can
improve symptoms:
Magnesium. Children with ADHD may have a mild magnesium
deficiency, which produces symptoms such as irritability and
decreased attention span.
Vitamin B6. The body needs sufficient vitamin B6 to make brain
chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine, which are affected in
children with ADHD. A preliminary study found B6 pyridoxine to
be slightly more effective than Ritalin in improving behavior among
hyperactive children.
Zinc. Zinc regulates the activity of brain chemicals related to
behavior. Studies show that zinc may help improve behavior.
Omega‑3 fatty acids. Found in fish and fish oil, these play an
essential role in normal brain function. Some findings suggest that
fish oil supplements may improve the mental skills of children aged 8
to 12 years. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a
prescription‑strength omega‑3 compound for ADHD. This compound
is considered a “medical food.”
