BrainworX Health Tips

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may be important for brain activity involved with cognitive functions in healthy boys, investigators found in a new clinical trial. Previous research indicated that DHA is important for the development of cognitive function in the brain.

This study analyzed the effects of DHA supplementation on brain activity. In this study, 33 healthy boys, whose ages ranged from 8-10 years old, were supplemented with 400 mg per day, 1200mg per day of DHA or a placebo for 8 weeks. Brain activity was evaluated using fMRI at the beginning of the study and again after 8 weeks of supplementation. The subjects were also evaluated for DHA levels, which were measured in the red blood cells (erythrocytes) at the beginning of the study and again after 8 weeks.

The results showed that the red blood cell DHA levels were higher in the boys supplemented with DHA compared to the placebo group. The boys that received the higher dose of DHA experienced an increase of 70% in erythrocyte DHA, while the boys who received the lower dose of DHA experienced a 47% increase and the placebo group had an 11% reduction in levels of DHA in their red blood cells.

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In a conversation with a client recently they were unsure of how the brain functions in respect to learning processes. Therefore, below I am listing the four areas of the brain and how it functions. For brain health keep in mind water is especially important in brain health along with Omega 3 Fatty Acids.

Frontal Lobe: This area of the brain is associated with higher mental functions (such as strategic attention, reasoning, and innovative thinking (or frequency of ideas, and social functioning.)

Parietal Lobe: This are is associated with sensory input from the skin and muscles, body awareness.

Temporal Lobe: This area is associated with short-term memory, equilibrium, and input from hearing.

Occipital Lobe: This area is associated with sight and image processing.

Provided by Kim Ashby

Answer the following questions:     YES     NO

Do you skip words or lines when reading?        
Do you reread lines?        
Do you lose your place?        
Are you easily distracted when reading?        
Do you need to take breaks often?        
Do you find it harder to read the longer you read?        
Do you get headaches when you read?        
Do your eyes get red and watery?        
Does reading make you tired?        
Do you blink or squint?        
Do you prefer to read in dim light?        
Do you read close to the page?        
Do you use your finger or other markers?        
Do you get restless, active, or fidgety when reading?        

If you answered yes to three or more of these questions, then you might be experiencing the effects of a perception problem called Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome, which can interfere with your reading efficiency. Now, for the first time, there is a simple method Irlen Colored Filters worn as glasses or contact lenses, that can help people overcome this problem quickly and easily.

Copyright © 1991 by Perceptual Development Corp/Helen Irlen.  All rights reserved.
For other self tests including the long test, headache test, light sensitivity test, autism test <a href="http://irlen.com/index.php?s=selftests">click here</a>.

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), also known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is indicated when children display inappropriate attention, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior for their mental and chronological age. ADD/ADHD may first be recognized when the child enters school, but the symptoms are usually present at a much younger age.

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Teen Drivers

Of all the potential risks to the health and safety of young people -- disease, drug abuse, violence -- none are as likely to cause serious injury or even death as are motor vehicle accidents. Highway crashes are the biggest killer of adolescents aged 15 to 20 in the U.S., accounting for over 6,000 deaths in 1996 (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA). For all teens, especially those with AD/HD, the development of persistently safe driving habits is essential for their safety, the safety of their passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers.

Greater Risks

Both parents and teens must know that learning to drive is a privilege that must be earned.

Greater driving risks are associated with a diagnosis of AD/HD. These include deficiencies in attention, impulsivity, risk-taking tendencies, immature judgment, and thrill-seeking tendencies. The presence of co-existing disorders (60 - 70 % of youths with AD/HD), variations in medication effectiveness throughout the day, issues with alcohol and substance use/abuse -- these should all be considered when granting driving privileges. Risks increase when a teen driver and her peers drive together without adults present. Teen driving privileges should be discussed within the context of the overall AD/HD treatment plan. It is the parent's responsibility to establish rules and expectations for safe driving behaviors.

Theory and Practice

Teens with AD/HD may demonstrate good knowledge of driving rules, but applying these rules is a different matter. Rather than rule-of-the-road knowledge, it is poor driving performance that distinguishes individuals with AD/HD from their peers. Learning new skills may be difficult. Patience, supervision and time are necessary to develop perception, good judgment, and reaction skills through practice behind the wheel. Talk with your teen to see how he feels about driving. Increased responsibility and attention to new stimuli may be overwhelming. Your teen may have other concerns.

Insurance

Whenever your teen is ready to drive, you must obtain adequate insurance coverage. Obtaining ample coverage is of utmost importance in protecting everyone from financial liability for property damaged or persons injured by your vehicle. Select a reputable company and discuss all aspects of liability and collision insurance, considering the family's total needs. Additional umbrella liability policies can protect from personal injury lawsuits. Insurance issues and costs should be discussed at length with the teen. Schedule a separate meeting between your teen and the insurance agent.

To Learn More

AD/HD & Driving : A Guide for Parents of Teens with AD/HD, by J. Marlene Snyder, Ph.D. is available from the CHADD Online Store.

References

Barkley, R., Murphy, K., & Kwasnick, D. (1996). Vehicle Driving Competencies and Risk in Teens and Young Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Pediatrics, Vol. 98, No. 6, pages 1089-1095.

Last updated: July 2005
http://www.help4adhd.org/en/living/parenting/driving

Need some ADHD parenting advice? Learn how the mothers of three ADHD super-achievers — an Olympic record-breaker, a TV heavyweight, and a world-class adventurer — helped their kids beat the odds.

by Judy Dutton

What does it take to succeed despite attention deficit disorder (ADD ADHD)?

It takes hard work, for starters — a willingness to meet challenges head-on. It takes support from family members, teachers, therapists, and coaches. And, of course, it’s hard to overstate the benefits of ADHD medication.

But, of all the ingredients needed to make a happy, successful life, nothing is more important than good parenting. Behind almost every ADHD success story is a devoted parent (or two). In honor of mothers, let’s give credit where credit is due — and heed their ADHD parenting advice.

The three mothers profiled here helped their sons and daughters achieve great things — more than they could have imagined. Steadfast and resourceful, they saw strength where others saw weakness, and kept looking for ways to help their children after others were ready to give up. Let their stories inspire you!

“We worked as a team to overcome ADD”
Debbie Phelps, middle-school principal in Towson, Maryland, and mother of Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps

No doubt about it, Michael Phelps has made waves in his chosen sport. In 2004, at the age of 18, he swam his way to eight medals (six of them gold) at the summer Olympics in Athens. Now 21, he holds 13 world records, including the 200-meter butterfly and the 4 x 100-meter freestyle relay.

Yet Michael might not have loved swimming at all, were it not for the ingenuity of his mother, Debbie Phelps. “At age seven, he hated getting his face wet,” says Debbie. “We flipped him over and taught him the backstroke.”

READ MORE http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/1998.html