Ditch ADHD labels?
Disagree with labeling behaviours that
don’t conform to the norm (such as ‘ADD/ADHD’)? Then this may be for you.
Edublox Reading and Learning Clinic (Edublox.co.za) say that ADD/ADHD can be
cured or prevented if certain behaviours are intercepted and ‘brain training’
takes place from an early age. Recent studies show that many children with
these conditions have impairments in cognitive skills, especially working
memory. They also suggest that regular teacher and parent contact is critical
to discuss their behaviours and possible solutions. And emphasise that a
healthy diet plays a key role in how a child behaves. ‘Before labeling a child
as having ADD/ADHD, test the child’s hearing and vision – these impairments
could also impact their behaviours,’ the clinic suggests.
Ditch
ADHD labels?
A little soy = a lot of protein
Incorporate soy into your child’s diet, as
it’s an excellent source of high-quality, complete protein and adds nutrient
density. Soy is the only widely available, plant-based protein that provides
all the essential amino acids needed to meet the protein needs of children aged
two and older. Many soy foods are fortified with key nutrients including
calcium, riboflavin, folic acid and Vitamin D. it’s also naturally lactose-free
– appropriate for children with lactose-intolerance or dairy protein allergies
– and encourages a feeling of satiety, so they don’t crave fatty snacks. Soy
products like flavoured soymilk, veggie burgers, soy-based yoghurt, cereal with
soy protein, and soy-rich bread are great options the kids will love.
A
little soy = a lot of protein
Malaria vaccine update
Taking the family on an African adventure?
A new vaccine may reduce the risk of malaria in children by 50 percent. ‘RTS,
S’ attempts to block a parasite, rather than bacteria or viruses. So far, 6 000
children between the aged of 17 months and five years who received the vaccine
proved to be 56 percent less at risk of developing clinical malaria and 46
percent less likely to get severe, potentially fatal malaria. The trial
continues in seven African countries for two more years and aims to help
realize the global goal of near-zero malaria deaths by 2015.
Malaria
vaccine update
‘Bless you’ in Japan
Sneeze etiquette in Japan: Sneeze once and
someone will say ‘ichi homerarete’ – ‘you’re being praised’; twice and they’ll
say ‘ni kenasare’ – ‘you’re being criticised’; thrice and the response is ‘san
shikarate’ – ‘you’re being scolded’; and four times – ‘shi kaze hiku’ – ‘you’re
catching a cold’!
How to stop colds & flu rebounding
Rest, drink clear liquids, don’t smoke,
keep warm, eat light nutritious meals and use a humidifier to add moisture to
the air. Don’t continuously use decongestant nasal sprays that quickly clear a
stuffy nose. After several days of continuous use, they can cause the nasal
linings to swell up again, even when the cold or attack of sinusitis that
originally caused the problem has passed. Rather use saline nasal sprays that
don’t contain a decongestant to keep nasal passages moist, and help avoid
rebound congestion.
How
to stop colds & flu rebounding
Recycle your bread tags and help someone
Your bread tags are made from high-impact
polystyrene and can be recycled into seedling trays, so do your bit for the
environment and place them in one of the 451 collection boxes at schools,
retirement villages, libraries, community centres and businesses. The proceeds
from the recycled tags will help buy a wheelchair for someone in need. Visit
Polystyrenepackaging.co.za for more info.
Fun blog post of the month
This fun blog post suggests ways to match
your child’s lunchbox contents to their personality:
Blog.danone.ca/2012/02/16/a-lunch-box-for-every-personality. Whether they’re
athletic, an aspiring artists, chef, whiz kid, or mini fashionista, there’s a
fun lunchbox idea to inspire them. ‘Even at a young age [the mini fashionista]
wants to pick out her own outfits and accessories. In the lunch box, you could
pack trendy foods like a crab salad wrap, julienned raw veggies, a homemade
muffin topped with icing and edible pearls, a smoothie with milk and
raspberries served in a colourful plastic cup.’
Savvy salt choices
Sodium (salt) is necessary for a number of
bodily processes, but too much of it can cause water retention, bloating and
high blood pressure, putting you at risk of cardiovascular disease – among
other health concerns. So, keep an eye on the sodium content when scanning your
food labels, especially potato products, and eat plenty of leafy green veggies,
fresh fruit, unsalted nuts, such as almonds. Always choose low-salt crackers,
chips and popcorn.
Always
choose low-salt crackers, chips and popcorn.
Buy a beanbag
Sitting inside a giant beanbag provides
deep pressure and a snuggly effect that’s super soothing for kids at bedtime.
Create a comfy corner where you can read with them and, experts say, they’ll
feel more relaxed and secure come lights out. They’re also a helpful
therapeautic tool for occupational therapists when treating both
under-responsive children as well as those suffering from sensory integration
disorder.
Buy
a beanbag
