Posts Tagged ‘ Diagnosed ’

ADHD and Why it is Over Diagnosed

January 12, 2011
By

With the dramatic increase in the number of diagnosed cases of ADHD in this country people are starting to become concerned. Others actually question its existence in the first place. We are the only country that even recognizes this as a condition. Many other nations consider this a normal part of childhood behavior. When a child is over active or has problem concentrating they also have a tendency to treat this with more natural means. Of all the Ritalin produced in the world the United States uses 90% of it while we account for only 5% of the world’s population.

For people that do have ADHD proper diagnosis and treatment can have profound effects on their lives. They do better in school, at work and get along better with their peers. These drugs have been shown to help these people. The problem is that these drugs have the same type of affect on people that do not have ADHD. Diagnosis is sometimes a blurry area. There is no biological test that tells us if a person has it or not. It is more objective than scientific. If a person becomes well versed in the symptoms they can fake it. The positive affects of these treatments can only be obtained by a diagnosis of ADHD and a prescription for these drugs.

What are the Causes of Over Diagnosis?

Parents

Many times parents and teachers do not feel like dealing with a child that is out of control. Diagnosis and treatment is a quick fix to change any negative behavior. A positive diagnosis is seen as an aid to general parenting. It solves the problem of an unruly child. The problem is that treatment usually takes one form and that is to medicate them.

It is much easier when a problem child just stops being a problem. This solves the problem for parents that do not have the time to parent and teachers that feel they do not have the time to teach. What it does not do is address the underlying problem that the child has.

The problem is not the manufacturers of these medications it is the people that use them as the only or primary way to treat ADHD. Even in children that are not a problem it has become all too easy to call them a problem and subject them with unneeded treatments.

Abuse of ADHD medications

These drugs have become noticed by students, professional athletes and teenagers. They are looked at by these people as performance enhancers. They can provide several hours of intense focus that can help get a student through the next test or assist an athlete with their performance in an important upcoming event. This may be something that is too hard to resist for some.

Use as a Recreational Drug

Many teenagers are buying them from their friends to get high. They consume these in large amounts and may be setting themselves up for some serious consequences. These drugs have side effects such as suicidal tendencies, insomnia, stunted growth and liver and heart damage. Because they are taking many times the recommended dosages these side effects can be magnified.

Adults that are Looking for an Advantage in the Workplace

If you have adult ADHD a correct diagnosis and treatment can assist in better performance and a better life. The problem is that diagnosis in adults is very difficult. It requires one to look back on their childhood for information which will assist in the diagnosis. An adult with knowledge of the symptoms may be able to answer questions in a way to obtain the desired diagnosis.

The Business Aspect

An entire industry has been spawned by the increase in ADHD diagnosis. Some of these are legitimate and bring value to people lives while others are only designed to benefit the business owner.

We have coaches and councilors, programs for parents, software, websites and books. All of these companies depend on treating people that have been positively diagnosed and may contribute to the over diagnosis.

It is the job of these companies to keep the topic of ADHD in people’s minds through news media and advertising. They do this under the pretense of educating people when in fact there is little education behind the sales pitch. You should not confuse this with objective education.

People need to understand that this is business and not to believe everything they hear.

In conclusion, if you feel that your life is negatively affected by ADHD by all means get tested. But remember that medication is not the answer to everything. Look at diet, exercise and natural remedies. In other words educate yourself to your options.

ADHD and Why it is Over Diagnosed

January 2, 2011
By

With the dramatic increase in the number of diagnosed cases of ADHD in this country people are starting to become concerned. Others actually question its existence in the first place. We are the only country that even recognizes this as a condition. Many other nations consider this a normal part of childhood behavior. When a child is over active or has problem concentrating they also have a tendency to treat this with more natural means. Of all the Ritalin produced in the world the United States uses 90% of it while we account for only 5% of the world’s population.

For people that do have ADHD proper diagnosis and treatment can have profound effects on their lives. They do better in school, at work and get along better with their peers. These drugs have been shown to help these people. The problem is that these drugs have the same type of affect on people that do not have ADHD. Diagnosis is sometimes a blurry area. There is no biological test that tells us if a person has it or not. It is more objective than scientific. If a person becomes well versed in the symptoms they can fake it. The positive affects of these treatments can only be obtained by a diagnosis of ADHD and a prescription for these drugs.

What are the Causes of Over Diagnosis?

Parents

Many times parents and teachers do not feel like dealing with a child that is out of control. Diagnosis and treatment is a quick fix to change any negative behavior. A positive diagnosis is seen as an aid to general parenting. It solves the problem of an unruly child. The problem is that treatment usually takes one form and that is to medicate them.

It is much easier when a problem child just stops being a problem. This solves the problem for parents that do not have the time to parent and teachers that feel they do not have the time to teach. What it does not do is address the underlying problem that the child has.

The problem is not the manufacturers of these medications it is the people that use them as the only or primary way to treat ADHD. Even in children that are not a problem it has become all too easy to call them a problem and subject them with unneeded treatments.

Abuse of ADHD medications

These drugs have become noticed by students, professional athletes and teenagers. They are looked at by these people as performance enhancers. They can provide several hours of intense focus that can help get a student through the next test or assist an athlete with their performance in an important upcoming event. This may be something that is too hard to resist for some.

Use as a Recreational Drug

Many teenagers are buying them from their friends to get high. They consume these in large amounts and may be setting themselves up for some serious consequences. These drugs have side effects such as suicidal tendencies, insomnia, stunted growth and liver and heart damage. Because they are taking many times the recommended dosages these side effects can be magnified.

Adults that are Looking for an Advantage in the Workplace

If you have adult ADHD a correct diagnosis and treatment can assist in better performance and a better life. The problem is that diagnosis in adults is very difficult. It requires one to look back on their childhood for information which will assist in the diagnosis. An adult with knowledge of the symptoms may be able to answer questions in a way to obtain the desired diagnosis.

The Business Aspect

An entire industry has been spawned by the increase in ADHD diagnosis. Some of these are legitimate and bring value to people lives while others are only designed to benefit the business owner.

We have coaches and councilors, programs for parents, software, websites and books. All of these companies depend on treating people that have been positively diagnosed and may contribute to the over diagnosis.

It is the job of these companies to keep the topic of ADHD in people’s minds through news media and advertising. They do this under the pretense of educating people when in fact there is little education behind the sales pitch. You should not confuse this with objective education.

People need to understand that this is business and not to believe everything they hear.

In conclusion, if you feel that your life is negatively affected by ADHD by all means get tested. But remember that medication is not the answer to everything. Look at diet, exercise and natural remedies. In other words educate yourself to your options.

Type 1 Diabetes Facts: What To Do After You Are Diagnosed

July 24, 2010
By

Today it is estimated that more than 23 million Americans are living with diabetes and close to 2 million will be diagnosed this year. Diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death due to the underlying medical complications it can cause. Diabetes does not have to be a death sentence; people with diabetes can live active and healthy lives if they make lifelong changes and carefully manage their disease. In order to live a healthy life after being diagnosed understanding diabetes is the key.

Type 1 Diabetes Explained

Our bodies derive energy from the foods we eat; the glucose drawn from foods like rice, bread, fruit and milk is controlled by insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas and it’s this hormone that controls the amount of glucose in the bloodstream. Type 1 diabetes is a genetic condition in which a person does not produce sufficient insulin or because the insulin produced is rejected by cells. As a result glucose builds up in the blood as opposed to being converted into energy consequently people with type 1 diabetes need to inject insulin. There is no cure for type 1 diabetes and there are no preventive measures to stop it, there are only treatments with diabetic medications.

Managing Diabetes: day-to-day control

Type 1 diabetes is primarily treated with Insulin and a healthy life-style; as stated before there is no cure, only treatment. As part of a healthy life-style physical regular physical activity must be present; it helps to control body weight, lower blood glucose and promote overall health. Diet is very important, you must control what you eat, how much and when you eat, having a nutritionist along the way can be a big help. But the most important aspect is your anti-diabetic medication which will largely consist of Insulin.

Insulin: So many choices

Insulin is by no means a “one size fits all” plan; there are plenty of choices and your doctor will prescribe the brand of Insulin the best fits you. Your doctor will typically consider a lot of factors before handing you a prescription for Insulin age, lifestyle, overall health, risk and motivation will be taken into consideration. Today there are so many brands and types of Insulin available, which offers more accessibility to those with financial issues. Brands and types of Insulin your doctor may prescribe are: Lantus glargine, Novolog, Levemir, Humalog, Humulin…the list goes on and today the form of injection is easier than ever. Insulin manufactures have made the lives of insulin dependent people much easier by manufacturing injection pens and cartridges which allow for a “to go” option. If the brand of insulin your doctor prescribed is not accessible to you, Canadian online pharmacies are always an option, just make sure they are licensed and send the Insulin in a temperature controlled package. Plus, most of these pharmacies will include free diabetic products such as pens which is always a bonus.

The good news is today type 1 diabetes is very manageable and the majority of people affected live productive and healthy lives. Type 1 diabetes is no death sentence, you just have to adjust and manage you life style day-by-day.

By: Jess Moore

I have been working alongside Canadian pharmacies to help promote affordable medications to all. I strongly believe no one should go without needed medications.

Celiac Disease Symptoms: 9 Signs You May Have This Often Wrongly Diagnosed Condition

May 11, 2010
By

Do you have celiac disease? Often this can be difficult to answer because the symptoms of this gluten-sensitive disorder are easy to overlook or are similar to those of other diseases.

Celiac disease occurs when gluten — a protein found in food and food ingredients made with wheat, rye or barley — damages the lining of the small intestine, interfering with your absorption of nutrients. When your body can’t get the nutrients it needs, health complications can arise.

3 classic and 6 non-classic celiac symptoms

While diarrhea, abdominal pain and bloating are thought of as the classic symptoms of celiac disease, especially with children, in adults these symptoms aren’t always present, or noticeable. Some adults report headaches, fatigue and joint pain. Others report weight gain or weight loss, depression and hair loss — symptoms not often associated with gut-related problems.

As a result, it’s understandable why even health professionals sometimes confuse celiac disease with irritable bowel syndrome, iron-deficiency anemia caused by menstrual blood loss, Crohn’s disease, intestinal infections, and chronic fatigue syndrome. Or treat the symptom as stress-related.

Sad but true: most people with a celiac disorder remain undiagnosed

Because of its many different symptoms, celiac disease is commonly under-diagnosed or misdiagnosed. Or not diagnosed at all. In fact, health research experts estimate that while one out of 100 North Americans is gluten-sensitive, some 97 percent of those affected by this disorder remain undiagnosed.

Left undetected, celiac disease can lead to malnutrition and bone problems like osteoporosis, because of the gut’s poor absorption of calcium and vitamin D. The disease can also lead to infertility, certain digestive cancers and other autoimmune disorders such as Type 1 diabetes and thyroid disease. In children, especially, celiac disease can lead to delayed growth.

Now for the good news.

Finally, a new at-home screening test for celiac disease

Now there is a simple, accurate way to determine if you are suffering from celiac disease. For the first time in Canada, Health Canada has approved the Biocard Celiac Test Kit, an at-home test that measures the body’s immune response to gluten from a fingertip blood sample.

While this easy, patient-friendly blood test gives a high degree of certainty that you are either developing celiac disease or already have celiac disease if you test positive, you still need to see your doctor for confirmation.

Second step diagnosis: a small bowel biopsy

While the Biocard blood test is the first step in screening for celiac disease, you still need confirmation from a small bowel biopsy administered by your health care professional. Don’t worry, the procedure sounds worse than it is. Your doctor will simply ease an endoscope through your mouth into the stomach’s upper intestine so that the lining can be examined. Once those results are in, you’ll know whether you’re celiac or not.

If you find out that you have celiac disease, the only treatment is a gluten-free diet for life. Today that diet is getting easier to follow, with a growing variety of tasty gluten-free products from supermarkets and natural food stores.

By: Mark Fodchuk and Tricia Ryan

Information on celiac disease, the Biocard Celiac Test Kit, and links to key informational sites can be found at www.celiachometest.com/

About the Author
Mark Fodchuk is a business author, advertising copywriter and article writing specialist. He is also creative director for The Marketing Chefs, a Toronto-based agency that helps small businesses promote and market their products and services online and offline.
www.themarketingchefs.com

Just Diagnosed With High Blood Pressure – That’s Better News Than You Might Think

February 10, 2010
By

If you have just been diagnosed for high blood pressure, consider yourself lucky. According to the American Heart Association high blood pressure or hypertension effects more than 71 million Americans and a third of them, almost 24 million, don’t know they have it.

HBP is known as the silent killer because it has no outward symptoms. It kills over 50,000 people a year and is a contributing factor in an additional 300,000. The simple fact that you know you have it greatly increases your chances of reversing the disease.

That’s right, I said reverse not just treat. The jury is still out on what exactly causes the disease but most will agree on the behaviors that can cause it or, or conversely, prevent it. Sound confusing? It’s not really. This disease can be avoided, or allowed to flourish, based on decisions we make about our lifestyle.

Diet

The American diet is high in salt, processed foods and red meat. Convenience plays a bigger role in what we consume than does nutrition. Egg McMuffin for breakfast, Burger King for lunch, pizza or frozen dinner for our evening meal. Obviously this is an extreme example but think about what you ate yesterday? Did you have any fast food? Did you eat any canned food? Did you eat a microwaveable prepackaged food? How much soda? How much coffee? Any clue as to how much sugar you consumed?

Probably the biggest problem with our diet is the amount of salt in it. Your doctor has probably told you to go on a low or no salt diet. But salt by itself is really not the issue. People who eat less than 3 grams of salt a day don’t have high blood pressure. However, most people who eat 3 to 6 grams a day also don’t have high blood pressure. The missing factor here is potassium.

Our bodies need both salt and potassium to work correctly. It is that balance between the two that is out of whack. We consume way more salt. What little potassium that we get typically comes from processed foods and those foods are so heavy in salt that the value of the potassium is nil. Add a natural source like bananas or oranges on a daily basis and you can reestablish the correct balance and see your pressure come down.

Exercise

Sixty percent of adult women are overweight and a third of those are obese. Men are not in much better shape. Exercise, even just 30 minutes of brisk walking, even split into 3 ten minute walks, will reduce your blood pressure, manage stress, and eventually cause you to lose weight. All three are important factors in reversing HBP.

Will eating a banana while going for a walk cure you? Of course not, but it is a start. You know the risks if you do nothing. If your condition gets worse your doctor will put you on drugs which comes with its’ own set of risks, not to mention the cost. Now, when newly diagnosed and sufficiently motivated, is the time to put together a blueprint to attack this disease.

By: Rachel Willson

You can Google cure high blood pressure and you will get 13.2 million results. If you want an easy to read, authoritative blue print for managing diet, exercise, and stress, guaranteed to lower your blood pressure, take a look at Blood Pressure Truth.

Just Diagnosed With High Blood Pressure – That’s Better News Than You Might Think

February 9, 2010
By

If you have just been diagnosed for high blood pressure, consider yourself lucky. According to the American Heart Association high blood pressure or hypertension effects more than 71 million Americans and a third of them, almost 24 million, don’t know they have it.

HBP is known as the silent killer because it has no outward symptoms. It kills over 50,000 people a year and is a contributing factor in an additional 300,000. The simple fact that you know you have it greatly increases your chances of reversing the disease.

That’s right, I said reverse not just treat. The jury is still out on what exactly causes the disease but most will agree on the behaviors that can cause it or, or conversely, prevent it. Sound confusing? It’s not really. This disease can be avoided, or allowed to flourish, based on decisions we make about our lifestyle.

Diet

The American diet is high in salt, processed foods and red meat. Convenience plays a bigger role in what we consume than does nutrition. Egg McMuffin for breakfast, Burger King for lunch, pizza or frozen dinner for our evening meal. Obviously this is an extreme example but think about what you ate yesterday? Did you have any fast food? Did you eat any canned food? Did you eat a microwaveable prepackaged food? How much soda? How much coffee? Any clue as to how much sugar you consumed?

Probably the biggest problem with our diet is the amount of salt in it. Your doctor has probably told you to go on a low or no salt diet. But salt by itself is really not the issue. People who eat less than 3 grams of salt a day don’t have high blood pressure. However, most people who eat 3 to 6 grams a day also don’t have high blood pressure. The missing factor here is potassium.

Our bodies need both salt and potassium to work correctly. It is that balance between the two that is out of whack. We consume way more salt. What little potassium that we get typically comes from processed foods and those foods are so heavy in salt that the value of the potassium is nil. Add a natural source like bananas or oranges on a daily basis and you can reestablish the correct balance and see your pressure come down.

Exercise

Sixty percent of adult women are overweight and a third of those are obese. Men are not in much better shape. Exercise, even just 30 minutes of brisk walking, even split into 3 ten minute walks, will reduce your blood pressure, manage stress, and eventually cause you to lose weight. All three are important factors in reversing HBP.

Will eating a banana while going for a walk cure you? Of course not, but it is a start. You know the risks if you do nothing. If your condition gets worse your doctor will put you on drugs which comes with its’ own set of risks, not to mention the cost. Now, when newly diagnosed and sufficiently motivated, is the time to put together a blueprint to attack this disease.

By: Rachel Willson

You can Google cure high blood pressure and you will get 13.2 million results. If you want an easy to read, authoritative blue print for managing diet, exercise, and stress, guaranteed to lower your blood pressure, take a look at Blood Pressure Truth.

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