ADD Versus ADHD, What Is The Difference, And How It Applies To You And Your Child

People often ask what are the differences between ADD versus ADHD. ADD stands for Attention Deficit Disorder and ADHD stands for Attention Deficit with Hyperactivity Disorder. As you can see from the letter H, the core difference between ADD versus ADHD is the hyperactivity and essentially they are the same neurological condition.

They have many of the same symptoms such as impulsiveness and inattention and are both usually referred to as ADD. Some symptoms such as remaining seated for long periods of time and excessive talking are less evident in ADD. Below are the different stages in a person's life and the effects hyperactivity may have throughout.

As babies

Hyperactivity may be evident even before the baby is born by violent kicks inside a mother's womb. Other behaviors and symptoms such as colic and constant moving around in their cots may indicate that a baby is ADHD.

Toddlers to preschoolers

As they become more able to move around the difference between ADD versus ADHD can be better seen, as smaller children with hyperactivity will seem to be busy, unable to sit still long enough for the parent to rest. They will often be climbing, jumping or running wherever they go. An ADD child is usually not as active and may develop certain focused interests with the exclusion of all other activities.

School age

As they get older, the hyperactive child will begin to learn coping mechanisms, but will still find it difficult to sit still and listen in class. They will often be in trouble for lack of concentration, constant talking, and the inability to sit on their chair without moving or wriggling.

Adolescents

When the ADHD child reaches this stage, they generally find that sports or other outdoor activities alleviate many of the urges that they feel as a result of their condition. Others who do not participate in physical activities find it a little more difficult and many times will have fewer friends.

Adults

An Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder can become a bigger problem if not dealt with properly early on in life with methods that work for those who have this condition. The hyperactive adult may have an unyielding energy but is often unable to put it to effective use through focus. If not properly managed they may find themselves unproductively jumping around, experiencing little success in their relationships, home life, work and goals.

For a large percentage group they will never 'outgrow' their ADD or ADHD and so the ability to be able to deal with the symptoms is imperative. This can be achieved by learning and applying life skills on a continuous basis or with the aid of medication.

About The Author

Rolf Joss is an Author on both Attention Deficit Disorders and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders. As an Author on these subjects, he is at the forefront to provide solutions to those with ADD and ADHD.

For more articles (or training) on ADD versus ADHD or to get your FREE ADD/ADHD Mini Guide, go to http://www.whatisadd-adhd.com.

Omega 3 and Good Health: Start Young and Live Longer

You have probably heard this a thousand times; keep your cholesterol under control with lots of Omega 3 and you will help prevent disease of various kinds as your grow older.

Here is an even more important tip. Mothers or moms to be; start immediately and give your children a healthy leg up in life by initiating a diet filled with Omega 3 fatty acids for children.

Why should we start so early?

You know the old saying about how our personalities are formed by the time we are five or six years old? Well, health habits that take a person through life are formed the same way.

As pregnancy begins, there are numerous benefits for your unborn child in the form of Omega 3 fatty acids for children. Proper nutrition begins with mom eating a diet high in Omega 3.

This diet should consist of items such as nuts and seeds to snack on, lots of leafy green vegetables; broccoli is a terrific choice, and any type of grains. The key is to stay away from saturated fat.

Omega 3 fatty acids for children are essentially the same as what an adult should integrate into their own diet.

By starting this process while pregnant, Omega 3 like DHA and EPA; found in cold water fish give the fetus several advantages according to several studies.

What kind of head start can I provide for my child?

Some studies have shown that cognitive development in infants tends to be increased if they have received Omega 3 fatty acids like DHA that come from the oils of cold water fish. If this is taken during pregnancy, evidence suggests that other developments affecting learning can also be positively influenced.

Other studies have indicated that children struggling with ADHD have also suffered from low levels of Omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids for children have been shown to be effective in treating this problem.

In the study group, children with ADHD were given Omega 3 fish oil supplements as a way to treat this deficiency.

Omega 3 fatty acids for children have also shown results in protecting kids who are susceptible to diabetes from developing the disease. The research directly points to the efficacy of a diet rich in Omega 3 fatty acids combined with elimination of items containing saturated fat or foods that are prepared by deep- frying.

Strong health habits into adulthood

Its no accident that providing these kinds of influences from childhood generally leads to better health choices in adulthood. Lower triglycerides and bad cholesterol through maintaining a proper diet will lead to less chance of developing heart disease.

According to Dr Erminia M Guarneri a cardiologist at Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine, not only does Omega 3 help prevent problems in healthy people, but Omega 3 in fish oil has been shown to decrease the risk of heart-related death in those who have suffered a previous heart attack.

By providing a diet rich in Omega 3 fatty acids for children; then continuing this protocol into adulthood, you lessen the risk of high cholesterol and the many health problems associated with LDL cholesterol.

Conclusion

Now that you know the facts, take the steps starting today that will give your new baby or young children a leg up in life by stating with a diet rich in Omega 3. You will be giving them a better shot at a healthy life for decades to come!

Jim Morham is a vocal advocate for healthy living and products that promote good health. Due to personal needs, Jim strives to find the very best quality products that aid good health, in order to share them with others. Visit his site at http://purest-omega-3.com/

ADHD Causes: Phthalates

You are probably aware that chemicals and environmental pollutants are among the environmental causes of ADHD. The nervous system of young children has not yet reached a point where the developing brain can be protected from the toxins and chemicals in the environment. In other words, children are more sensitive to the effects of environmental pollutants than adults and should be protected from harmful chemicals as much as possible. These chemicals include those found in pesticides, cleaning agents, and cigarette smoke. Now it looks like the use of plastics should be reduced or avoided if you are to protect your child from ADHD. A new study from Korea shows that a chemical called phthalates is positively related to the presence of ADHD-like symptoms in school-aged children.

Phthalates are an important ingredient in plastic consumer products such as toys and food containers. Phthalates are also found in household cleaning materials and personal care products marketed to babies and children, such as shampoo, baby powder, and body wash. There are already several studies on the effects of phthalates on health, with some evidence that this chemical causes reproductive problems due to hormonal disruptions, birth defects, and asthma. Other studies, however, show no significant relationship between the two.

In a Korean study, researchers measured the amount of phthalate present in urine samples of school-aged children. At the same time, symptoms of inattention and impulsivity were evaluated through computer tests and teacher report scales. Upon comparing the data, the researchers discovered a statistically significant positive association between ADHD symptoms and phthalate exposure. The higher the amounts of phthalates present in urine, the more intense the ADHD symptoms and test scores were.

Although these findings do not necessarily mean that phthalates cause ADHD, this emerging relationship lends support to the theory that environmental chemicals affect the cognitive development and behavior of children. More studies need to be done to further explore the relationship, but do you really want to wait for more evidence before deciding to reduce phthalate consumption?

Avoiding phthalates can be very challenging because they are often not listed in the ingredients of personal care products. Under current FDA ruling, phthalates can be labeled as "fragrances" and other euphemisms, even though they can make as much as 20% of the finished product. When buying products, be on the lookout for the following acronyms, the chemical names of phthalates:

· DEP (diethyl phthalate) and DBP (di-n-butyl phthalate) are often part of personal care products like perfume, hair gel, hand lotion, and shampoos

· DMP (dimethyl phthalate) is used in food containers and insect repellants

· BzBP (benzylbutyl phthalate) is sometimes found in personal care products, but is more common in car products and flooring

When buying plastic bottles or containers, choose only those with the recycling codes 1, 2, or 5. Avoid plastic with recycling codes 3 and 7 as they contain the highest concentrations of phthalates.

Dr. Yannick Pauli is an expert on natural approaches to ADHD and the author of the popular self-help home-program The Unritalin Solution. He is Director of the Centre Neurofit in Lausanne, Switzerland and has a passion taking care of children with ADHD. Click on the link for more great information about what is ADHD.

Natural ADHD Medicines - Is Your Child On The Right Track?

Thousands of parents are now looking with a lot more interest at ADHD natural medicines. What are the reasons for this? First they are tired of the warnings about ADHD meds, the cases of sudden deaths and the evidence that it stunts growth and ruins sleep patterns. These are the side effects of the ADHD meds and they have been exaggerated or played down depending on which lobby you are supporting.

The ADHD meds such as Ritalin, Adderall and Strattera are all based on amphetamines and they really do have a positive effect on ADHD symptoms. Nobody can deny that and we know that hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity are all controlled. The problem is that they just diminish the symptoms a little and their long term efficacy and risks are all under a lot of scrutiny now.

Reliance on ADHD meds alone has also prompted medical experts to take a much broader view and now recommend that these medicines which are nothing more than amphetamines should be the last option, rather than the first. They are strongly recommending that a multi-pronged approach is taken and that behavior modification is central. This can be integrated with proper diet, green time activities and an ADHD friendly supportive environment at home and at school.

So ADHD natural medicines are becoming enormously popular now because some medication will be needed but we do not want to drug our kids basically. The safest one is an all natural ADHD medication based on homeopathic remedies.

Tuberculinum, verta alb and arsen iod may sound exotic but these are the homeopathic ingredients which have been shown to calm children down, soothe their nerves and help to balance moods. These preparations are all registered with the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States (HPUS).

If you are checking out natural ADHD medicines, make sure that any homeopathic remedy is manufactured according to GMP practices in a FDA registered facility. This guarantees that the quality standards are the highest.

So, there you have it. If you are worried about the idea of Ritalin for breakfast, crashes later in the day and drowsy, irritable children, choose a homeopathic remedy instead. There are no problems with dosage, no side effects and above all there are no long term health risks at all.

All natural ADHD medication is totally feasible, despite what your teacher will tell you and they are reasonably priced as well. If your childs teacher wants to know, just tell her that your child is on ADHD meds without specifying exactly what they are!

Why not give YOUR child a better chance in life? Discover the facts about a safer approach to natural ADHD medicines.

Experts now tell us that child behavior modification combined with a natural treatment for ADHD is by far the most effective ADHD treatment. Robert Locke has written extensively on ADHD and Mental Health for many years.

Find out more about child behavior problems by visiting:- http://www.child-behavior-home.com