Eye Bright

Bilberry (vaccinium myrtillus) is a close relative of the American blueberry with its dark purple fruits which is the size of large peas. Modern medical research on bilberry began during World War II when is was noted that the British Royal Air Force pilots had improved night vision by consuming bilberry jam prior to night bombing raids. This led to the many research done on the medical use of bilberry for a variety of visual disorders.

Bilberry extract has become the leading herbal prescription for the maintenance of healthy vision and for the treatment of many eye disorders. In the 1960s, French researchers discovered that bilberry extracts improved the ability to adjusts visually to dark or bright lights (Sala D, Rolando, 1979)

Bilberry has shown to help with retinopathy, the leading cause of blindness among diabetics which is characterised by damage to the capillaries in the retina. A study indicated that daily use of bilberry extract lead to a reduction in capillary fragility and haemorrhaging (Scharrer A, Ober M, 1981).

Cataracts is one of the leading cause of blindness which affects millions of people and is a result when the normal transparency of the lens becomes cloudy. A major factor of cataract is due to free radical damage to the lens whereby studies have shown bilberry to be a potent antioxidant for the eyes and reduces the progression of cataract. Macular degeneration is another cause of eye disorder largely due to free radical damage which affects adults over 50 years of age. Clinical studies have found bilberry to offer significant protection against the development of macular degeneration.

Bilberry extract improves blood circulation. It is a useful supplement for the elderly with poor circulation to the extremities in particular conditions associated with veins such as varicose veins and hemorrhoids. Studies have shown positive results on bilberry extracts in the prevention and treatment of varicose veins and hemorrhoids during pregnancy (Grismond GL, 1981)

How to cope with an ADHD child?

It is useful to know some behavior strategies to cope with ADHD children. Firstly , good behavior management techniques are necessary. Make rules for the child to follow. The rules must have consequences to encourage the positive behavior

Reward the child. ADHD children respond better to positive reinforcement like rewards and praise.

Enforce time out for disobedient behavior. The time is used for calming down and not as punishment.

If you must scold, do it gently to encourage him.

It takes tons of patience and loads of trials but the reward for a socially adjusted ADHD child is very satisfying

ADHD-a baffling and frustrating disorder

ADHD is a baffling and frustrating disorder not only for those who have the condition, but also for their loved ones an our nation’s dedicated doctors who attempt to treat it. The frustration among physicians is due to the fact that science has not yet identified the cause or causes of ADD. Thus, the subjects of cause and therefore a precisely appropriate treatment for the condition are still two very large question marks.

In fact the more you study about hyperactivity or ADHD, the less certain you are as to what it is or whether it is a thousand different situations all called by the same name. Up to date, no single cause has yet been identified for ADHD. In fact, ADHD, will probably one day prove to be an umbrella term for a number of associated disorders.

The cause of ADD and ADHD is not known but structural abnormalities have been rule out. The leading suspect appears to be problems with neurotransmitters, possibly associated with decreased activity or stimulation in the upper brain stem and frontal midbrain. There is also suspicion that toxins, environmental problems or neurologic immunity could be a causative factors.

Is there a Cure for ADHD?

At the moment, there is no cure for ADHD. The treatment involves stimulant drugs to relieve the symptoms of ADHD. Research shows that heavy long term benefits of medications are very limited. Parents must be advised on the side effects of the medication.

Millions of parents across the United States are virtually frantic over the fact that not only have their children been diagnosed as having ADD or ADHD, but the prescribed treatment usually consist of powerful stimulant drugs such as Ritalin, Dexedrine and Cylert. However, these drugs are strictly for prescription by doctors only and are not available over the counter. But many parents, including myself, have the constant, gnawing and disturbing sense of feeling trapped within a very bad situation.

“If I don’t avail my child of these prescribed drugs… What else can I do that will help? If I keep my child on the drugs, I am forced to watch the frequent side effects taking their toll… on my child’s health and on the peace within my family!”

The 14 Signs of an ADHD

The American Psychiatric Association lists fourteen signs, or which at least eight must be present for a child to be officially classified as ADD or ADHD. These fourteen signs are:

1. Often fidgeting with hands or feet or squirming while seated

2. Having difficulty remaining seated when required to do so.

3. Being easily distracted by extraneous stimuli

4. Having difficulty awaiting turn in game or in group activities

5. Having difficulty in concentrating on a task and completing it .

6. Having difficulty in following instructions

7. Having difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities

8. Often shifting from one uncompleted task to another

9. Having difficulty playing quietly

10. Often taking excessively

11. Often interrupting or intruding on others

12. Often not listening to what is being said

13. Often forgetting things necessary for tasks or activities

14. Often engaging in physically dangerous activities without considering possible consequences

Remember, diagnosis is best done by a qualified expert such as child psychiatrist, psychologist or pediatrician.. There is no cure for ADHD. Treatment involves stimulant drugs to relieve the symptoms of ADHD. Research indicates that heavy long term benefits of medications are very limited. Parents must be advised on the side effects of the medications. However, the doctor can advise on the choices available to counter the side effects.

A Closer Look of this problem in the school.

Case One.

This is a real case but name has been changed or fictional.

For years, Alex has complaints from his class teachers. He wasn’t naughty or bad in a way but he suffers attention deficit disorder. The teachers complained that the child doesn’t pay attention in class. He is easily distracted. If he is required to read or to do exercises, he fidgets, often squirming in his seat. He can’t concentrate on his work or to follow the written instructions on the paper.

He changes his activity continuously

He can’t play alone. The teacher complained that he is talkative in class. Luckily, he is not interruptive in his behavior as some ADHD victims do. At times he is engaged in dangerous play but unaware of it.

Diagnosis is best done by a qualified expert such as child psychiatrist, psychologist or pediatrician.

A checklist of all the symptoms, check this out with the school reports. You may have to dig out the Kindergarten reports if you have not throw them away. Talk to your child about his or her problem gently and offer help. Together, seek out the advice of a pediatrician. Your pediatrician may refer your case to a Child psychiatrist. Various tests will need to be performed in order to rule out fits, seizure or other illnesses before the doctor can confirmed that your child suffered ADHD.

coming up: The 14 signs of an ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder

ADHD, Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder is in a lot of children and yet our schools, teachers, Principals and parents are not in a position to identify this problem.

If your child is exhibiting behavior problems and has not been diagnosed with attention Deficit Disorder, try answering these 10 questions.

· Does your child have a difficult time following directions?

· Is your child disorganized?

· Does your child have difficulty accepting no for an answer?

· Does your child exhibit opposition in his or her behavior

· Does your child repeat the same behavior patterns over and over again?

· Does your child do or say things impulsively with out thought or consequences?

· Do you find that you do not enjoy your child’s company at restaurants or while visiting friends etc?

· Does your child have difficulty making and keeping friends?

· Do you find it difficult to like your child?

· Is your child’s chosen method of dealing with most situations an attempt to manipulate his or her way around the problem?

If you answer Yes to all of the above, would you like to help your child to cope with his or her problem rather than avoiding or ignoring the problem?

Mothers Need Calcium

Minerals comprise just a small portion of your body weight, only about 4 per cent. Most of your weight is made up of hydrogen and oxygen, forming the water in your tissues, carbon and nitrogen. Calcium is the next most abundant element, chalking up a hearty 2%.

Phosphorus, the calcium’s bone building partner comes in second in the mineral tally. Calcium is the principal component of your bones and teeth. Without calcium and phosphorus, your bones would be soft and spongy; in fact, you would be unable to stand on your own two feet. However, your 1,200 grams of calcium in your bones are in constant motion.

Every minute of the day, calcium moves in and out of your bones and teeth. How does this happen? Your bone’s foundation is a protein base called the matrix. Within the matrix are collagen cells which are in a constant state of flux. They are constantly breaking down and constantly being replenished.

A guide to antioxidants

Beta-Carotene (Pro Vitamin A), Vitamins C, E and the mineral Selenium have been known to play an important role in the healthy functioning of our bodies. They are known to be powerful antioxidant nutrients.

This means that they help to protect the body against the effects of potentially harmful free radicals. Free radicals are unstable, aggressive particles of oxygen that are formed as our bodies convert oxygen to energy.