3d Bipolar disorder background

Bipolar disorder throughout the years has gained a bad reputation through media like TV shows or the internet. They use the word “bipolar” as a generic label for someone who is being moody or unreasonable. There are many myths created that need to be looked at and determine whether it is fact or fiction. Three statements I hear constantly is” being bipolar is a character flaw, “They’re just crazy” and “There is no cure”. Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that deals with a certain part of the brain. This part of the brain is in charge of making decisions, judgment, and moods. The commonly used definition of this disorder is mood swings involving times of depression alternating with periods of euphoria (extreme excitement & happiness). Sometimes they can become extremely energetic then become severely irritation. These intense mood swings are commonly known as the manic phases of bipolar disorder. Most may experience more than one episode of these dramatic mood changes. With this disorder, it is not a constant “mania”. There can be a long period of time in between these episodes without any problems.

Fact or myth?

Having bipolar is a character flaw: MYTH

You can’t choose to be bipolar. You also can’t just turn it off and get yourself together. It is not a figment of imagination. It is a real disorder that takes place in the brain. It is still not completely understood how or why it happens. It is strongly suggested to be linked to genetics (DNA). Head trauma and extreme stress are risks that may lead to bipolar disorder usually if already genetically linked.

Having bipolar means you’re always crazy: MYTH

People can experience a series of highs and lows with times in between that can last months to years with no mood swings. They are not in a constant mania, all the time. Some signs and symptoms of this disorder includes fast talking & topic jumping, lack of sleep, increased sex-drive, extreme happiness, over confidence, meddling, irritation, defensive, depression, anxiousness, suicidal thoughts. Looking over the list you can see there are a number of different moods one may go through during a manic episode. They are not “crazy”.

There is no cure for Bipolar disorder: MYTH

Medication can help stable moods and decrease episodes. It may take a few different trials of medication to individualize the best treatment. Talking with a therapist may help with other issues the individual may be experiencing. Support groups and psychotherapy could also help. Hospitalization may result in severe cases.

There are a number of people who do not understand what bipolar disorder really is or what it’s like to live with the disorder for the rest of their lives. Media gives bipolar a bad rep but is now becoming more recognized by TV shows portraying the difficulties one with bipolar suffers from.  It is one thing to read and become educated on this disease but it is another if you know what it feels like to go through it. Ones who suffer from this disorder are not “crazy” or “unmanageable”. With support and therapy, a normal lifestyle can be maintained.

More information on facts and myths about Bipolar Disorder

http://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/factsheet/bipolar-disorder-myths-and-facts

References

Astrês Fernandes, M., Jardel Feitosa Sousa, K. H., Aprígio de Andrade, P. C., Soares de Carvalho, L. C., Dias Pereira, D. B., & Melo Silva, B. J. (2016). BIPOLAR AFFECTIVE DISORDER, CURRENT MANIC EPISODE WITH SYMPTOMS OF PSYCHOTIC AND CARE IN NURSING. Journal Of Nursing UFPE / Revista De Enfermagem UFPE, 10(2), 669-674. doi:10.5205/reuol.8557-74661-1-SM100220163

Janicak, P. G., & Esposito, J. (2015). An Update on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Bipolar Disorder, Part 1: Mania. Psychiatric Times, 32(11), 29-34.

Sullivan, R. J., & Sullivan, S. (2016). AN EMS GUIDE TO DEPRESSION AND BIPOLAR DISORDER…republished from the EMS Reference. EMS World, 45(6), 48-56.

By: Practical Cures

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that greatly affects children and can persist throughout adulthood. ADHD includes a combination of persistent problems, such as difficulty sustaining attention, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior. Estimates show that 11 percent of school-aged children and about 4 percent of adults have ADHD. It is usually first identified when children are school-aged, although it also can be diagnosed in people of all age groups. In an average classroom of 30 children, research suggests that at least one will have ADHD. No single biological cause for ADHD has been found. But most research points to genes inherited from parents as the leading contributor to ADHD and have found that it often runs in families.

There are many misconceptions about ADHD including:

• ADHD is a result of poor parenting: False

Having a child with ADHD is not a result of poor parenting. Parents have to be patient and work extra hard to find what works best for their children. Inconsistent limit-setting and other ineffective parenting practices can, however, worsen its expression. You will find a number of proven parenting techniques that can help children with ADHD manage their behavior.

• It is over diagnosed: False

Diagnosis of ADHD requires a comprehensive evaluation by a licensed clinician, such as a pediatrician, psychologist, or psychiatrist with expertise. ADHD is now easier to diagnose through more appropriate diagnostic tools and a range of signs and symptoms. Many children years prior have been misdiagnosed or not diagnoses at all.

• It is an excuse for poor behavior: False

ADHD is a chronic disorder of the brain. There are two types of ADHD:

Inattentive: It is hard for the individual to organize or finish a task, to pay attention to details, or to follow instructions or conversations. The person is easily distracted or forgets details of daily routines.

Hyperactive-Impulsive: The person fidgets and talks a lot. It is hard to sit still for long (e.g., for a meal or while doing homework). Smaller children may run, jump or climb constantly. The individual feels restless and has trouble with impulsivity. Someone who is impulsive may interrupt others a lot, grab things from people, or speak at inappropriate times. It is hard for the person to wait their turn or listen to directions. A person with impulsiveness may have more accidents and injuries than others.

• Only children are diagnosed and eventually grow of it before adulthood: False

Recent studies have shown that some aspects of ADHD can persist well into adult life for as many as 85% of these children. Some adults can still benefit from the use of ADHD medication for the rest of their lives. Others have demonstrated enough improvement that this medication becomes unneeded depending on what occupation they choose and their ability to succeed in relationships and other social activities.

References

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. (2016, November 16). Retrieved February 10, 2017,

from https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/facts.html

Brown, T. E. (2016). Growing Up With ADHD: Clinical Care Issues. Psychiatric Times, 33(1), 25-28.

Grogan, M., & Weitzman, J. (2015). Using the 12-Steps as a Parenting Intervention With ADHD

Adolescents. American Journal Of Family Therapy, 43(4), 364-377.

doi:10.1080/01926187.2015.1051904

Mulholland, S. M., Cumming, T. M., & Jung, J. Y. (2015). Teacher Attitudes Towards Students Who

Exhibit ADHD-Type Behaviours. Australasian Journal Of Special Education, 39(1), 15-36.

doi:10.1017/jse.2014.18

People often say that they do not get the flu shot because they believe or have heard that the flu shot will cause a person to get the flu, along with other complications. But is this fact or fiction, and where are people getting this information from? Below is a media clip of Dr. Joseph Mercola, who is a natural health expert, who posted a video blog, providing information that the flu shot does not prevent people from getting the flu. He also states the number of people reported by the CDC, who die each from the flu is false information.

The following media clip is from a popular internet news show. The clips provides information pertaining to studies that were conducted in Canada, showing that people who had received the flu shot multiple years in a row were more likely to catch the flu, than someone who only had the flu shot that one year.

This last clip is provided by CNN. It shows Pierce Morgan receiving information from the famous Dr. Oz about how the flu shot works, and if he will get the flu from the flu shot. He then receives the flu shot, then one week later, he comes down with the flu. If he really had the flu is up for debate, without taking a rapid flu test, there is no way to tell for sure if he did indeed contract the flu. He might of just had a bad cold.

There are also cases of the flu shout causing different complications. Wei-Ti and Yi – Chen (2016) complied and published a case study of the flu shot causing acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), which is a rare inflammatory disease that attacks the central nervous system. This disease has been known to be caused by vaccination is associated with several different vaccines such as rabies, diphtheria-tetanus-polio, smallpox, measles-mumps-rubella, Japanese B encephalitis, pertussis, influenza, hepatitis B, and swine fever. The highest incident occurred in children, but is also known to happen to people of all ages.  Another case of complications occurring from the flu shot was a forty-two-year-old woman, who received the flu shot each year, received it in 2013. Seven days later her legs became numb, as well as her abdomen became tender to touch. After three weeks, the numbness the spread upper body to abdomen and hand. A few days later she developed a positive Babinski and hyperactive reflexes. She then went to the emergency room, where she went into respiratory failure. The patient was diagnosed with ADEM, received treatment and made a full recovery after a couple of months. Although this is incriminating data proving that the flu shot does cause some very serious complications, there are many studies that prove the exact opposite.

Tracey, Regan Mak and Effler (2015) compiled data from met-analysis of health care providers (HCP) that refuse to get the flu shot. Information was collected via text message. After a HCP received the flu shot, they also received a text message a few days later asking if they experienced any adverse effects. If they did experience any adverse effects, then they were sent a short survey. The results of the survey showed that the only adverse effects the HCP encountered was fatigue, headaches or respiratory symptoms. Lastly, Zeng, Newcomer, Glanz, Shoup, Daley, Hambridge and Xu (2013) conducted and published a self-control study that investigated whether a vaccine like the flu shot could cause adverse effects. Five hundred case were studied, the results showed that adverse effects like hypotension, rash and sepsis was very rare in occurrence. Simulations were also conducted in the study, these simulations helped prove the same results. It is unclear whether the information about catching the flu from the shot is true or not. I feel that further investigation needs to be conducted in order to determine if the flu causes people to get sick.

Being an advocator for patients, and a pro-vaccine believer it is concerning to review data that a vaccine that is taken by millions of people yearly could possibly cause severe complications in an otherwise healthy individual. Even though there is some data proving that the flu shot has caused these complications in people, there is also a high number of resulted studies proving that the worst complications that the flu shot will cause is fatigue, headache and respiratory complications. The data is inconclusive since everyone’s immune system is different, which causes different reactions to vaccines, medications and even environmental conditions.

References

Tracey, L. E., Regan, A. K., Mak, D. B., & Effler, P. V. (2015). Adverse Events Following Influenza Immunization Reported by Healthcare Personnel Using Active Surveillance Based on Text Messages. Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, 36(5), 608-610. doi:10.1017/ice.2015.16

Wei-Ti, Chen, and Huang Yi-Chen. 2016. “Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis After Influenza Vaccination: A Case Report.” Critical Care Nurse 36, no. 3: e1-e6. CINAHL Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed February 1, 2017).

Zeng, C., Newcomer, S. R., Glanz, J. M., Shoup, J. A., Daley, M. F., Hambidge, S. J., & Xu, S. (2013). Bias Correction of Risk Estimates in Vaccine Safety Studies With Rare Adverse Events Using a Self-controlled Case Series Design. American Journal Of Epidemiology, 178(12), 1750-1759. doi:aje/kwt211

What Is a Vaccine?

A vaccine is a killed or weakened organism that produces immunity in the body against that organism. There are many instances where it is recommended to receive vaccinations, including infants, children, teens, college students, geriatrics, and before traveling.

What are the Stats?

• There has been a decrease in the amount of vaccinations across the country
• The government would like to keep a 95% vaccination rate across the United states, however, a total of 26 states have not reported being at the 95%
• Studies show the reason for this is the publics decreased fear of the deadly diseases that are not around today because of vaccines
• Religious exemption rates have risen in the last decade, especially over the last 5 years
• 48 states and the District of Columbia allow religious exemptions from vaccines
• 20 states allow philosophical exemptions.
• The states that allow religious and philosophical exemptions have higher incidence rate of pertussis and  children with these exemptions have increased risk of acquiring and transmitting measles and pertussis

Benefits Vs. Side Effects

There are many benefits to vaccinations, which include preventing disease and disability, increasing life expetancy, and reducing healthcare costs. As with most things, vaccines come with side effects that can range from mild symptoms such as redness around injection site, fatigue, fever, and chills, to more severe symptoms such as anaphylaxis, pneumonia and inflammation of the organs.

HPV Vaccines

There are three HPV vaccines, Gardasil, Gardasil 9, and Cervarix. All three of these vaccines were created to protect against HPV types 16 and 18, which cause 7 out of 10 cases of cervical cancer. Although the HPV vaccine is recommended in teenage girls, the number being vaccinated is low in the US. A survey was conducted consisting of mother-daughter pairs to assess the number of HPV vaccination doses, why they chose to start or complete the vaccine series, and survey mothers whose daughters had not initiated vaccination to identify reasons to refuse the HPV vaccination. Many of the survey answers concluded they did not want their daughters to receive the vaccine due to negative side effects.

Autism’s Link to Vaccines

Many people still fear that Autism is related to childhood vaccines. “Over the last two decades, extensive research has asked whether there is any link between childhood vaccinations and autism. The results of this research are clear: Vaccines do not cause autism.” (The Asha Leader, 2015) An advocacy group, Autism Speaks, released this statement after large groups of people contracted the measles virus, the majority of them never receiving the vaccine. This advocacy group, along with others, is trying to reach out to the public and educate them to vaccinate their child without fear of autism.

References:

Yang, Y.T., Delamater, P.L., Leslie, T.F., and Mello, M.M. (2016) Sociodemographic Predictors of Vaccination Exemptions on the Basis of Personal Belief in California. American Journal of Public Health, 106:172–177.

Kester, L.M., Zimet, G.D., Fortenberry, J.D., Kahn, J.A., Shew, M.L. (2013). A National Study of HPV Vaccination of Adolescent Girls: Rates, Predictors, and Reasons for Non-Vaccination. Maternal and Child Health Journal, 17:879–885.

Autism Speaks Launches Push for Adults With ASD, Alters Vaccination Stance. (2015). ASHA Leader, 20(4), 14-14 1p. http://library.neit.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ccm&AN=107781085&site=ehost-live

There might be a time when a doctor may indicate that you or someone you know may need a hip replacement due to a variety of reasons. It is important to understand all the facts and understand that there are myths out there that should no discourage you or your loved one from going through with the surgery if that is what the doctor recommends.

Don’t get confused or overwhelmed with MYTHS you hear about

1. MYTH: You should wait until you are unable to walk anymore.

FACTS:  While this would appear to make sense, an indication of surgery is when pain begins to impact your daily routine and interfere with your life.

2. MYTH: You are too old/young for a hip replacement.

FACT: There is no age requirement for a hip replacement.

3. MYTH: You will have debilitating limitations after surgery.

FACT: If the surgery is performed correctly and you follow your rehabilitation program, including occupational therapy and physical therapy, then you may even achieve a high level of functioning than before the surgery (Cleveland, 2016).   Early mobilization is key. Start moving using an assistive device, such as a walker, crutches, or cane. You will work with a physical therapist and occupational therapist immediately after surgery to resume to independent and safe living (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2017).

4. MYTH: You will be in unbearable pain after surgery.

FACT: While you will experience pain after surgery, it should be bearable while following doctor’s precautions and medications that address post-surgical pain (Cleveland, 2016).

DID YOU KNOW?

• Hip replacements are one of the most commonly performed orthopedic reconstructive surgery that is performed
• The lifespan of the hip replacement implants can outlive the patient themselves (Ashman, Cruikshank & Moran 2016).
• Total hip replacement surgery is one of the cost effective and cost-effective medical intervention
• This surgery can dramatically relieve pain for patient’s experiencing deterioration of their joints due to a variety of diagnosis’ such as inflammatory disorders and osteoarthritis
• Surgery has shown to have tremendous improvement in the quality of life
• Within three months, there is evidence to show that there are improvements in pain, sleep, energy, social and sexual functions (Crawford & Murray, 1997).

The following video is a great summary of what to expect the first 6 weeks after hip replacement surgery. The information contained within this video is consistent with credible literature regarding recovery after a hip replacement. Here are some highlights:

-Role of physical therapist & occupational therapist

-What happens after discharge

-Follow up with healthcare provers

-Having support available

-Do’s and Do Don’ts after surgery

CONTACT YOUR PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY IF YOU EXPERIENCE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING WARNING SIGNS:     

*Increased pain, tenderness, redness, swelling of leg, drainage from surgical site, fever, shortness of breath or chest pain (WebMD, 2017)                                                                                                 

The following video will give you great insight onto the recovery process after a hip replacement. The information contained within this video is consistent with credible literature regarding recovery after a hip replacement.

Some highlights of this video are:

-Importance of exercise after surgery as recommended by a rehab therapist

-Importance of following total hip precautions after surgery as recommended by surgeon

-Use of adapted equipment for increased independence and safety

-Incision Care

Toileting is an essential part of independent living. Unfortunately, this task can be difficult and even potentially dangerous task for some populations, such as those who have undergone total hip replacements. Sitting down and standing up from the toilet can increase the risk for falls, particularly for those who have a compromised balance after surgery. Toilet grab bars are a piece of adaptive equipment that can aid in safe and independent transfers (Kennedy, Arcelus, Guitard, Goubran & Sveistrup).

The following video is a value resources for Patient Education and discusses bathroom adaptations that will aid in increased independence and safety. The information contained within this video is consistent with credible literature regarding recovery after a hip replacement.

References:

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (2017). Activities After Hip Replacement. Retrieved from http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00356

Ashman, B., Cruikshank, D., & Moran, M. (2016). Total hip replacement: Relieving pain and restoring function. British Columbia Medical Journal, 58(9), 505-513.

Cleveland Clinic. (2016). 5 Myths About Joint Replacement That May Be Keeping You in Pain. Retrieved from https://health.clevelandclinic.org/2015/11/5-joint-replacement-myths-may-keeping-pain/

Crawford, R.W. & Murray, D.W. (1997). Total hip replacement: indications for surgery and risk factors for failure. Annals Rheumatic Diseases, 56(8), 455-457. http://doi:10.1136/ard.56.8.455

Kennedy, M. J., Arcelus, A., Guitard, P., Goubran, R. A., & Sveistrup, H. (2015). Toilet Grab-Bar Preference and Center of Pressure Deviation During Toilet Transfers in Healthy

Seniors, Seniors With Hip Replacements, and Seniors Having Suffered a Stroke. Assistive Technology, 27(2), 78-87. doi:10.1080/10400435.2014.976799

WebMD. (2017). Timeline: Hip  Replacement Surgery. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/timeline-hip-replacement#1

Post traumatic stress disorder has existed for as long as war has. It has been called many names over the course of the years and the progression of society. These former names were “battle fatigue” , “shell shock” and “combat stress”. They may have been called different things but the reality is the experiences and the traumas were very similar. The effects of war are long lasting as the most current veteran suicide rate is approximately 20 a day.
Suicide is not the only negative result and choice made by veterans but drug and alcohol use among military members is on the rise. With these statistics the homeless veteran rate hit 11 percent amounting to over 50,000 veterans living on the street.

By: The U.S. Army

Many have views and assumptions of what PTSD and how a veteran will react who has a diagnosis with PTSD. Most of the assumptions are inaccurate even though the staggering number of veteran suicide and homelessness have risen. Many military personnel have productive lives after the diagnosis because of seeking treatment.

By: Moyan Brennatment.

The treatment options for veterans include group therapy, family counseling, individual counseling and recreational therapies. The increase of physical activity increased moods and combats depression related to PTSD. This also channels emotion and energy into a positive outlet. There are medications for anxiety and sleep aides that are prescribed to vets that have these symptoms. The nation is a free nation because of the veterans of the past and current and it is best to understand the battles they go through so they are not the only ones fighting for their lives when they get home

Dyslexia is often stereotyped as simply a learning disability, but is there more to it?

Over the years, there has been an influx of children diagnosed with a learning disability called “dyslexia”. Dyslexia affects a child’s learning by disrupting translation of letters and sounds. Individuals who struggle with dyslexia have physiological differences in the nerve cells that are used for rapid identification of letters and sequencing, scientifically known as the ganglion cells of the visual magnocellular system. These abnormalities present difficulties with visual attention and perception, therefore leading to reading deficits. The Independent, a news site based out of London, provides answers as to why the brain of individuals with dyslexic does not adapt as easily as those without. This site presents dyslexia much differently than most forms of media- in a fundamental way with a medical format.

In contrast, other forms of media such as television shows, discuss dyslexia in the light of a strictly learning. This short video clip is from Disney’s Shake It Up, where the main character, CeCe, has recently discovered she has dyslexia. CeCe has not told anyone about her diagnosis and her classmates bully her for being behind the learning curve. CeCe, who previously felt unintelligent in contrast to her peers, now has the confidence to discuss her answer aloud for the class. Although this is a silly clip, it shows how students with dyslexia may feel. With having the physiological information available, children may avoid feeling “stupid”.

What is lacking with this clip is the neurological aspect of dyslexia. Dyslexia in its worst form affects speech perception, language recollection, and manipulation and recognition of language sounds. It does not have medical or standardized testing for a proper diagnosis. It cannot be measured by a reading test score, nor by a blood test or brain-imaging scan. The distinction between individuals with and without dyslexia is arbitrary with varying degrees of severity. Students with dyslexia often go undiagnosed due to a discrepancy between IQ scores and reading rate. IQ tests are inadequate measurement tools for dyslexia because individuals struggling with dyslexia may only indicate problems with reading.

The following clip, from the popular television show Glee, shows a student, Ryder, who has been struggling with learning. He has been constantly studying and does not understand why he is unable to understand or retain information. In this clip, Ryder completes a series of several tests that result in a diagnosis of dyslexia. This short clip shows the intricacy of testing and reiterates the difficulty of recognizing the adequate signs and symptoms of dyslexia.

Another aspect to focus on with dyslexia is the interpretation from the individual facing the issue. There has been a great deal of interest in the socio-emotional aspects associated with learning disabilities and dyslexia is not excluded. Depression and anxiety are often associated with learning disabilities such as dyslexia. As seen in the previous clips, students with dyslexia are often bullied and put themselves down for not learning at the same rate or with the same style as traditional students. Due to mainstream classroom teaching, students with dyslexia are more likely to withdraw socially and in turn experience depressive symptoms. When struggling with dyslexia, students often have difficulty developing social and problem solving skills, resulting in behavioral disorders. The clip below is from the British television show, Waterloo Road. A student, Kenzie, who is struggling in school, acts out as a way of avoiding her reading deficits. This example shows the emotional toll that dyslexia can take on a student.

So I think we can safely say that dyslexia is more than just a learning disability. It is physiological and it affects a student’s socio-emotional comfort with feelings of anxiousness and depression. A student’s psychosocial outcomes greatly differ when diagnosed and treated for dyslexia. A head-start on diagnosing a child with dyslexia can improve their success of learning.

References:

Johnston, Ian. Science Correspondent. (2016, December 21). Dyslexia: Major cause of learning difficulty may have been discovered by neuroscientists. Retrieved from http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/dyslexia-learning-difficulty-why-how-major-reason-discover-found-mit-boston-neuroscientists-a7488701.html#gallery

Mugnaini, D., Lassi, S., La Malfa, G., & Albertini, G. (2009). Internalizing correlates of dyslexia. World Journal of Pediatrics, 5(4), 255-264. doi:10.14295/idonline.v1i3.170

Siegel , L. S., Ph D. (2006). Perspectives on Dyslexia . Pediatric Child Health, 11(9), 581-587. doi:10.1075/ps.5.3.02chi.audio.2f

Stein, J. (2014). Dyslexia: the Role of Vision and Visual Attention. Current Developmental Disorders Reports, 1(4), 267–280. http://doi.org/10.1007/s40474-014-0030-6

By: U.S. Department of Agriculture

Growing Epidemic

The prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents in the United States skyrocketed. The percentage of children with obesity in the United States has more than tripled since the 1970s.  Today, about one in five school-aged children (ages 6–19) has obesity. The Center of Disease control and The World Health Organization call childhood obesity one of the most serious public health challenges of our time. Recent studies show that nearly 1/3 children in America are overweight. Childhood Obesity tends to affect more boys more than girls and some minority groups are affected more than whites. Research shows that poor snack choices combined with processed foods, and decreased physical activity are the most common causes of childhood.

Physical and Mental Health Risks

Children and adolescents that are obese will have a significant increased risk of decreased self-esteem and self-imaging issues lead to increased depression, psychological problems, as well as poor quality of life. Young Americans are also at increased risk of High blood pressure and high cholesterol, which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD), impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, asthma, sleep apnea. joint problems, liver disease, gallstones, and gastro-esophageal reflux (heartburn).

Economic Implications

Unfortunately, the health risks alone are not the only burden the United States will face. A growing population and combined with an increased obese population could have significant economic repercussions as well. Obesity can prematurely shorten the amount of years a person can work. The Center for Disease control suggests that obesity will cause a significant increase in health care cost for all Americans.Childhood obesity alone is responsible for $14 billion in direct medical costs.  Obesity-related medical costs in general are expected to rise significantly, especially because today’s obese children will lead to a lifetime of health complications.

Never Too Late To Get Healthy

Parents can help prevent childhood obesity by providing healthy meals and snacks, daily physical activity, and nutrition education. Healthy meals and snacks provide nutrition for growing bodies while modeling healthy eating behavior and attitudes. Increased physical activity reduces health risks and helps weight management. Nutrition education helps young children develop an awareness of good nutrition and healthy eating habits for a lifetime.

Children can be encouraged to adopt healthy eating behaviors and be physically active when parents:

• Focus on good health, not a certain weight goal. Teach and model healthy and positive attitudes toward food and physical activity without emphasizing body weight.
• Focus on the family. Do not set overweight children apart. Involve the whole family and work to gradually change the family’s physical activity and eating habits.
• Establish daily meal and snack times, and eating together as frequently as possible. Make a wide variety of healthful foods available based on the Food Guide Pyramid for Young Children. Determine what food is offered and when, and let the child decide whether and how much to eat.
• Plan sensible portions. Use the Food Guide Pyramid for Young Children as a guide.

 References

Hong, I., Coker-Bolt, P., & Anderson, K. (September/October 2016). Relationship Between Physical Activity and Overweight. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, Vol 70 #5 P1-8.

Villanueva, G., & Alexander Foster, B. (July 2016). Factors Associated with Successful Mentoring of Parents. International Journal of Pediatrics, Vol 2016 P1-7.

Faguy, MA, ELS, K. (January/February 2016). Obesity in Children and the Health Effects of Imaging. RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY, Volume 87, Number 3 P278-302.

Vaccines Cause Autism

By: Army Medicine

Fact or Fiction?

To vaccinate or to not vaccinate?  A question every parent must face.  Recently more parents show concern that vaccinations can cause autism,  particularly the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine.  Do vaccinations cause autism?

Myth

The anti-vaccine movement gained attention when an article written by Dr. Andrew Wakefield was published in The Lancet.  The article claimed the MMR vaccine could cause a healthy child to develop autism.  Since publication in 1998 many parents have stepped forward with claims that their child developed autism after receiving a vaccination.  It is important to note that Dr. Wakefield’s publication was found to have no factual basis and his paper was retracted along with his medical license.

Dr. Wakefield’s study was based on a small group of children which claimed the ingredients contained in the MMR vaccine could penetrate the gastrointestinal tract which could in turn affect the child’s central nervous system and the brain.  This study has been replicated multiple times with and with larger groups of study participants and researchers have been unable to find any correlation Dr. Wakefield’s claim.

By: makelessnoise

It is understandable for parents to have concerns about vaccinating their children.  Celebrities have publicly come forward with their views that vaccinations cause autism which  creates fear in decision making for parents.  Social media has played a major role in the growth and development of this myth.  There are a vast number of claims in social media that can be found when searched on the internet which may appear factual, however personal claims are not scientific.

Support groups, forums and you tube videos reflect many personal, non scientific, accounts that make the claim vaccinations can cause autism.  Parents need to be informed and talk to their pediatricians and seek information that is factual.  Many parents seek information on the internet; however, no scientific data to support the theory that vaccinations cause autism  exist.

Fact

There is however, scientific data to support the fact that vaccinations do not cause autism.

By: National Eye Institute

A Spokesperson for Autism Speaks recently made a statement that alters their position on the belief that vaccines cause autism, “Over the last two decades, extensive research has asked whether there is any link between childhood vaccinations and autism.  The results of this research are clear: Vaccines to not cause autism.  We urge that all children be fully vaccinated.” Click here to visit Autism Speaks.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) also strongly supports the statement that vaccines do not cause autism as indicated in this article.

There have also been several independent studies performed by the National Institute of Medicine have concluded that the supposed link between vaccinations and autism lacks any factual basis.

Questions on safety of vaccinations?  Explore www.CDC.gov.

Be informed, know the facts.

References

Anderson, V. (2015). Promoting Childhood Immunizations. Journal for Nurse Practitioners, 11(1); 1-10. 10p.

https://www.autismspeaks.org/science/policy-statements/information-about-vaccines-and-autism.

Capron, A.M. (2015). Personal Beliefs Exemption from Mandatory Immunization of Children for School Entry. Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics, 4312(21) 10p. doi:10.111/jlme.12262.   http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ccm&AN=109823416&site=nrc-live

https://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/concerns/autism.html

Recame, Michelle (2012). The Immunization-Autism Myth Debunked. International Journal of Childbirth Education. 27(4): 76-78. 3p.

www.Mothersagainstconcussions.org

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). It occurs from either a direct blow to the head or elsewhere on the body that results in an impulsive force transmitted to the head. This can happen if you are in a car accident, while participating in sports or any time that you hit your head. A TBI can cause a disturbance in brain function and information processing. Brain functions that control one’s coordination, learning, memory, and emotions are most commonly affected by a concussion injury.

A concussion can present with a wide array of symptoms that may or may not include:

• Altered mental status including confusion, inappropriate emotions, agitation or abrupt change in personality
• Blurred vision/double vision/seeing stars or black spots
• Dizziness, poor balance or unsteadiness
• Excessive or persistent headache
• Excessive fatigue/feel slowed down
• Feel “in a fog”
• Loss of consciousness
• Amnesia/memory problems
• Loss of orientation
• Vomiting
• Poor balance/coordination
• Ringing in ears
• Excessive sensitivity to light or loud noise
• Vacant stare/glassy eyed

Every person is unique and may not have the same symptoms as someone else that has had a concussion. If you or someone you know has experienced a direct hit to the head or forceful hit to the body causing their head to whip, watch for these concussion symptoms.

Some of these symptoms may appear right away, while others may not be noticed for days or months after the injury, or until the person starts resuming their everyday life and more demands are placed upon them. Sometimes, people do not recognize or admit that they are having problems. Others may not understand their problems and how the symptoms they are experiencing are impacting their daily activities.

www.salina.com

Most concussions heal without issues or complications if handled properly. However, like any other injury, a brain injury should be given time to heal. Time to heal includes both physical and mental rest (free from mental straining and visual stimuli like video gaming and texting).

One of the most severe complications of brain trauma is intracranial bleeding or the development of a hematoma. The skull has no ability to expand to allow for brain swelling. If bleeding or swelling of the brain occurs, pressure in the skull rises and can cause brain injury. Hematomas develop immediately after an injury or hours later, so monitoring symptoms is critical. Bleeding from a brain injury can be life threatening. It is important to see a doctor or go to the emergency room after sustaining a concussion to be checked out, especially if lose of consciousness has occurred.

Almost half a million patients ages 14 years and younger visit emergency rooms annually for this type of injury, with children ages 0-4 and 15-19 years old having the highest incidence of annual traumatic brain injury (TBI) related emergency department visits, hospitalizations and deaths. Children are thought to be at a higher risk for concussion injuries when compared to adults due to anatomical and structural differences, such as head shape and size, brain water content, vascularization, myelination, and weaker neck muscles. Falls account for the largest number of TBIs, sports-related concussions are a great concern, with an estimated 3.8 million sports or recreation-related concussions occurring annually, accounting for 8.9% of high school injuries. Football is the leading cause of concussion in high school athletes, followed by girls’ soccer, boys’ lacrosse, and boys’ soccer (Gillooly, 2016). 

Repeated mild TBIs occurring over an extended period of time (i.e., months, years) can result in cumulative neurological and cognitive deficits. Repeated mild TBIs occurring within a short period of time (i.e., hours, days, or weeks) can be catastrophic or fatal.

Second Impact Syndrome (SIS) involves a second concussion occurring before the individual has recovered from their first concussion. Many studies have shown that even after the initial post-concussion symptoms disappear, the athlete is still extremely vulnerable, and the likelihood of re-activating symptoms hours or even days later with possible accompanying neurological deficit is highly likely. If an athlete returns to play before healing then they could cause further damage and prolong symptoms of the concussion. Even more serious than this are the consequences of chronic concussions, which include: Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS) and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). It is therefore important to get an accurate diagnosis for a concussion as soon as possible (Kazemi, 2016).

For information on how to prevent TBI and the potentially serious effects from this injury, please visit the TBI Prevention page.

https://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/index.html

References

Gillooly, D. (2016). Current Recommendations On Management of Pediatric Concussions.

     Pediatric Nursing, 42(5), 217-222.

Kazemi, M. (2016). Concussion assessment and management knowledge among

chiropractic fourth year interns and residents. Journal Of The Canadian Chiropractic

     Association, 60(4), 273-285.

https://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/index.html