Current Legal Stances

The legalization of marijuana, also known as cannabis, has been a controversial topic on the American political landscape for decades. Marijuana is classified as a Schedule I drug, which according to the United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), is any drug which has “no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse”. Both active ingredients in marijuana, cannabidiol (CBD), the non-psychoactive component, and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component, are considered illegal federally. 

Many states have taken legal stances which branch from the federal government’s position on cannabis use. Some states now allow marijuana use for recreational purposes, while others limit it’s use to medicinal practice. Research into potential benefits has greatly increased as states have begun legalization, but still remains hindered by federal laws which prohibit funding of marijuana research using federal proceeds as well as threaten repercussions to banks and lenders who do so.

Cannabis and Cancer

Despite the fact that marijuana, both natural and synthetic, are classified by the DEA as Schedule I drugs, synthetic derivatives of marijuana have been approved for medicinal use in the field of oncology by the FDA. Marinol, approved in 1986, and Cesamet, approved in 2006, are synthetic THC derivatives authorized for the treatment of chemotherapy induced nausea, vomiting, and anorexia. (The fact that the DEA does not recognize any medical benefits to marijuana, yet the FDA, another federal entity does, is both confusing and counterintuitive.)

According to research studies involving 2454 participants with cancer, evidence of treatment benefits was conclusively positive. In those utilizing marijuana as an antiemetic (anti-nausea medicine) for chemotherapy induced nausea and vomitting, cannabinoids were reported to be more effective than 9 of the top FDA approved medicines including the synthetic cannabis derivatives. The study also noted that strong evidence of marijuana as a means of pain control, with far less side effects, and a much lower addiction propensity than the opiates usually prescribed. Additionally, physicians specializing in the care of those suffering from cancer were the strongest advocates for cannabis use, with 82% of oncologists recommending the use of marijuana in cancer treatment.

Cannabis Use in Epilepsy

Another promising area for the medical use of cannabis is epilepsy. The use of marijuana as an anti-epileptic (seizure reduction/prevention) medication recently gained national attention through the story of Charlotte Figi. Charlotte a young girl who suffers from a seizure disorder known as Dravet Syndrome, suffered from numerous seizures daily, and required around the clock care because her seizures caused her to stop breathing. Her prognosis was grim, and it was expected she would not live much longer or suffer irreversible brain damage during one of her many seizures. When her parents ran out of options, after exhausting every mix of anti-epileptic treatment prescribed by neurologists, they began looking into the use of cannabis. After hearing success stories, her mother reached out to seizure specialists in Denver, in hopes of saving her daughters life. Charlotte became the youngest patient to be treated with cannabis after a special high CBD, low THC strain, aptly named Charlotte’s Web, was engineered for her. Charlotte went from nearly 300 seizures weekly, and a prognosis of likely death, to now suffering only 2 or 3 monthly. This strain and others similar to it are now being used effectively to treat both children and adults seeking epilepsy treatment through the Comprehensive Epilepsy Program at Denver Health and Hospital.

Other studies have supported cannabis use as an epilepsy treatment. In a study of participants with difficult to control epilepsy, participants were asked to report not only their seizure activity, but also changes in several other categories such as sleep, appetite and mood. The study found that all patients had a noted decrease in seizure activity, and furthermore 89% of patients reported improved sleep quality, appetite, and mood. While these studies are smaller due to the already mentioned problems obtaining funding, strong consideration must be given to the efficacy of cannabis when 100% or participants reported improvements in their seizure condition, and a large majority also reported positive developments in other aspects of their daily living.

Inconsistencies and Side Effects

In addition to the FDA approved use of marijuana synthetics in the treatment of cancer related pain, nausea, and vomiting, the strongest evidence exists for the use of marijuana and cannabinoids as pharmacotherapies for epilepsy, chronic pain, neuropathic pain, and spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis. Conditions such as glaucoma had inconsistent results, while others such as anorexia showed regular inefficacy. Cannabis use for psychiatric conditions was also shown to be ineffective. Side effects such as short-term memory, motor coordination, and judgment loss as well as paranoid ideation and psychotic symptoms, albeit rare, were observed.

Financial Impact of Marijuana Legalization

Research was conducted to observe the financial impact marijuana has had in areas which had already legalized marijuana use. Using data on prescription filling rates compiled from Medicare a cost analysis was performed. Conditions for which there is a current precedent, or label option use, were analyzed including anxiety, depression, glaucoma, nausea, pain, psychosis, seizures, sleep disorders and spasticity  After analysis the results found that with the exception of glaucoma, and to some extent spasticity, prescription numbers fell in areas having adopted medicinal marijuana statutes. It was concluded that given the high cost of prescription medications, adopting laws which would allow medicinal marijuana use could allow significant budgetary relief with regards to federal spending. They estimated that the government saved nearly half a billion dollars from 2010-2013 due to states who had already adopted medicinal marijuana laws.

Get the Facts: Form Your Own Conclusions

Ultimately if considering the use of medicinal marijuana take time to consider your personal circumstances. Where you live, the medical condition which afflicts you, potential benefits vs. side effects, and cost could all impact your decision, and should be discussed with your healthcare provider.

References

Abrams, D. I. (2016). Integrating cannabis into clinical cancer care. Current Oncology, 23(Suppl 2), S8. doi: 10.3747/co.23.3099

Bradford, A. C., & Bradford, W. D. (2016). Medical marijuana laws reduce prescription medication use in Medicare Part D. Health Affairs, 35(7), 1230-1236.
https://doi.org/10.1377/hlthaff.2015.1661

Hill, K. P. (2015). Medical marijuana for treatment of chronic pain and other medical and psychiatric problems: a clinical review. JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association, 313(24), 2474-2483. doi:10.1001/jama.2015.6199

Ladino, L. D., Hernández-Ronquillo, L., & Téllez-Zenteno, J. F. (2014). Medicinal marijuana for epilepsy: a case series study. Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences, 41(6), 753-758. doi:10.1017/cjn.2014.37

Maa, E., & Figi, P. (2014). The case for medical marijuana in epilepsy. Epilepsia, 55(6), 783-786. https://doi.org/10.1111/epi.12610

United States Drug Enforcement Administration. (n.d.). Drug scheduling. Retrieved from https://www.dea.gov/drug-scheduling

By: Brisbane City Council

What is Sensory Processing Disorder?
Dr. A. Jean Ayres was the first to delve into sensory processing theory back in 1972. She wanted to identify children who seemed to have difficulty integrating various sensory stimuli. It is a disorder that typically effects those with a neurological condition such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or Cognitive Disorder. Children on the Autism Spectrum often have difficulty processing sensory information in their environment. This can affect they way they learn, interact with the world, and behave. They do not intergrate information the same way as others and that is the reason they respond differently than a typically developing child.

Fact or Fiction?

Sensory Processing Disorder is not an official diagnosis. It cannot be found in the DSM-V (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) and therefore treatment can be difficult to be reimbursed. However, it is widely recognized by school and healthcare professionals.

Sensory Systems
Most people are familiar with five sensory systems such as visual (sight), auditory (hearing), tactile (touch) , olfactory (smell) , and gustatory (taste). However, there are additional senses now being realized that play a large role in sensory integration and processing. These senses are vestibular (balance and orientation to space), proprioception (sense of muscle and joint movements), and interoception (sense of internal organs and bodily functions).

Sensory Seeking Vs Sensory Avoidant
Some children are sensory seeking which means they have hyposensitivity. They seek out sensory input such as running and crashing into objects, enjoying playing with paint, sand, glue, water, slime, etc, jumping, flapping, hopping, rough play, producing vocal stimulation and sounds, chewing on toys or other inedible items, etc.

Some children are sensory avoidant which means they have hypersensitivity. They avoid sensory input such as being touched or hugged, loud sounds, bright lights, wearing uncomfortable clothing, swinging, jumping, bumping into others or objects, etc.

By: Simon Kellogg

Occupational Therapy Intervention
Occupational Therapy tries to help these children organize the information their body receives in order to produce more appropriate reactions. Children can receive services in a clinic or while in school. Therapists will use assessment tools to identify specific areas of concern. Each child will have a tailored plan and specific goals they work towards. Clinicians used evidence based-approaches and collaborate with other team members in order to improve their performance in school and at home.

References

Critz, C., Blake, K., & Nogueira, E. (2015). Sensory processing challenges in children. Journal for Nurse Practitioners, 11(7), 710–716. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nurpra.2015.04.016

“Your 8 Senses.” Sensory Processing Disorder – STAR Institute, www.spdstar.org/basic/your-8-senses.

Morin, Amanda. “Sensory Seeking and Sensory Avoiding: What You Need to Know.” Sensory Seeking vs. Sensory Avoiding in Children, Understood, 16 Oct. 2019, www.understood.org/en/learning-thinking-differences/child-learning-disabilities/sensory-processing-issues/sensory-seeking-and-sensory-avoiding-what-you-need-to-know.

Clark, G. F., Watling, R., Parham, L. D., & Schaaf, R. (2019). Occupational Therapy Interventions for Children and Youth With Challenges in Sensory Integration and Sensory Processing: A School-Based Practice Case Example. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 73(3), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2019.733001

By: Diabetes Care

Diabetes is a condition where the body is either unable to produce insulin or respond to insulin resulting in high blood glucose levels (high blood sugar). Learning how to manage diabetes can be overwhelming but it’s important to maintain healthy blood glucose levels in the body. Diabetes can be managed by insulin, anti-diabetic medications in a pill form and/or diet and lifestyle modifications and changes. A healthy blood sugar level which diabetics should keep in mind for a target range is 80-150. Unlike Type 1 Diabetes, Type 2 diabetes can be managed by lifestyle modification. Exercise and diet changes can help to control and maintain a healthy blood glucose level. In a patient diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, they are insulin dependent- meaning they require insulin every day to maintain a healthy blood glucose level. This is managed with either insulin injections or an insulin pump which is continuously hooked up to the patients body to administer insulin. If lifestyle modification doesn’t help control a Type 2 diabetic, they may require insulin injections or an oral anti-diabetic medication. 

Supplies needed to manage diabetes:

• Glucometer
• Test strips
• Lancets
• Insulin syringes
• Alcohol swabs
• Insulin

How to check a blood sugar level at home

First, you will need to have a glucometer, test strips, lancets and alcohol swabs readily available. You will then set up the glucometer by turning it on and inserting the test strip into the glucometer. Once you have this set up, you will use the alcohol swab to disinfect your finger of choice, use the lancet to prick the finger which was just cleansed and you will get your drop of blood. Once you have the drop of blood, touch the test strip that is in the glucometer to the drop of blood and wait a few seconds for your blood sugar level to result. 

What do I do if my blood sugar is high?

Once you have your blood sugar reading, you may administer insulin according to the order from your physician. You should have either a fixed insulin amount before meals, or a “sliding scale” meaning the amount of insulin you self-administer varies depending on the level of your blood sugar. If your blood sugar remains high despite insulin, please seek professional medical attention. Below you will find a video attached on how to administer insulin. 

Learning that you are a new diabetic can be overwhelming but with all the proper supplies and education it can be managed safely at home. Although it may be a learning curve, there are different resources that can be helpful in providing you support. 

https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes

https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/ndep/index.html

References

Awasthi, P. (2017). Stressful Experiences,Workplace Stress, and Type 2 Diabetes: Management of Diabetes. Purusharta, 10(2), 82–89. https://doi.org/10.21844/pajmes.v10i02.10572

Ginzburg, T. (2017). Improving diabetes control in the community: a nurse managed intervention model in a multidisciplinary clinic. Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing, 35(2), 23–30.

Gonzalez, K. E. (2019). Youth-Onset Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus In Primary Practice: A Review. Pediatric Nursing, 45(6), 293–296.

Guimarães Barbosa, J. A., & Martins Ribeiro de Souza, M. C. (2018). Nursing Perspectives and the Advanced Technologies in Diabetes Management. Journal of Nursing UFPE / Revista de Enfermagem UFPE, 12(4), 1112–1116. https://doi.org/10.5205/1981-8963-v12i4a231124p1112-1116-2018

Pawlak, J., Ito, R., Cahill, C., & Sweatt, M. (2019). Hemoglobin A1c testing and diabetes management. MLO: Medical Laboratory Observer, 51(1), 12–16.

Roselló-Araya, M., Guzmán-Padilla, S., Aráuz-Hernández, A. G., Arias-Rivera, D., Schmidt-Zumbado, M., & Vargas-Zamora, M. (2018). Effect of a therapeutic education methodology on type 2 diabetes mellitus patients by the assessment of biochemical, anthropometric, and dietetic changes. Revista de La ALAD, 8(3), 99–109. https://doi.org/10.24875/ALAD.M18000006

Adolescent behaviors and food have been proven to be closely linked throughout the years. There’s so much information floating around the internet stating what you should and shouldn’t feed your child and claims regarding the cause and effects on behavior. It’s important to separate opinion from fact before embarking on the challenging task of changing your child’s diet. However, you can look forward to a sign of relief when you make these subtle changes and see positive behavioral outcomes. The three hot topics in the media nowadays are gluten, dairy, and food dyes. There are some myths out there that can be misleading, but there is also so much fact available regarding the truth. Here’s what we know…

Gluten

Gluten has been proven to be a food trigger causing negative behaviors in children. Gluten is mainly wheat products – bread, cereals, crackers, etc. Gluten and hyperactivity has been proven to go hand in hand in children who are displaying signs of irritability and aggressiveness.

Dairy

Did you know that dairy is one of the most common food allergies and sensitivities in children? Studies show that ADHD symptoms and hyperactive behaviors and dairy products have an association with each other. Next time your children consumes a dairy product (milk, cheese, yogurt), pay close attention to their behavior after. If they are acting our more than usual, this could indicate a sensitivity to dairy. Physical symptoms would include congestion, bloating, or fatigue.

Artificial Food Dyes

This has been one of the hottest topics in the media over the years regarding behavior and nutrition in adolescents. We know that food dyes are commonly found in cereals, juices, candies, and processed foods. To name a few – Red 40, Blue 1, and Yellow 5 are the ones we are often looking for here. Numerous studies have linked hyperactivity to food dyes, which has even resulted in these synthetic dyes because banned in several European countries.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQzOHAwCfXs

Process of Elimination

Changing your child’s diet can be terrifying. It’s not an easy task. A behavioral nutritionist would recommend a subtle elimination diet to determine any presence of an intolerance or sensitivity in your child. Many parents are even conducting these elimination diets on their own. What this entails is simple in nature, but complex when working with your own child. Eliminate what you hypothesize could be a trigger food from their diet slowly and nonchalantly. Do not make a big deal about it to them. Keep record of behavior trends observed before and after eating certain foods so you can track their progress. Nutritionist will recommend that children take a “compete multivitamin” when going through a process like this, just to compensate for any nutritional changes that their body may experience.

Video Links:

1. Autism & Gluten Free Diet – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGVnf9Eg9t8
2. Healthy Eating habits for Kids – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBdvVzdTRuc&feature=emb_logo
3. Food Dye Affects Children’s Behaviors – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9p8tD-Rd34
4. The Effects of Artificial Food Dyes – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQzOHAwCfXs

References:

1. Balance, B. (n.d.). Understanding Leaky Gut Syndrome. Retrieved from https://blog.brainbalancecenters.com/2014/04/understanding-leaky-gut-syndrome?_ga=2.11089268.1197783942.1589473418-1630325089.15894734182.
2. Elimination Diets for Kids: When to Consult the Experts. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.childrenscolorado.org/conditions-and-advice/parenting/parenting-articles/food-intolerance-elimination-diet-tips/3.
3. Greutman, H., Sarah, Sarah, Greutman, H., Parkman, N., Parkman, N., … Lvova, Y. (2020, February 17). Does Your Child’s Diet Affect Their Behavior?: Is it Behavior? Or is it Sensory? a series. Retrieved from https://www.growinghandsonkids.com/does-your-childs-diet-affect-their-behavior.html

What is a Ketogenic (Keto) diet?

A keto diet is one that is high in fat, with adequate protein, and low carbohydrates (carbs) that forces the body to burn fat instead of carbs for energy. Your body converts carbs into glucose (blood sugar) which is the simplest form of energy for the body to use, so it will use it first. Insulin carries the glucose into the cells for breakdown and energy use. The restriction of carbs will force the body to break down and use fats for energy. The fat breakdown happens in the liver producing ketones, which is what is used for energy instead of glucose. This diet lowers glucose and insulin levels, and shifts the body’s metabolism away from carbs and towards fat and ketones for fuel. Fatty acid metabolism produces more energy and the body uses this energy more effectively. Contrary to the public thinking that a higher fat consumption diet is bad for you, your body is designed for fatty acid metabolism.

What are some benefits to a keto diet?

Supports weight loss
One of the most popular reasons today for following a keto diet is weight loss. It is suggested that this diet, if followed correctly, is comparable to a fasting diet. A keto diet is easier to follow, for longer periods of time than a fasting diet. It suppresses appetite and boosts metabolism while using the body’s fat stores as energy.

Improves heart health
A keto diet has been shown to reduce cholesterol and triglycerides because it inhibits cholesterol synthesis (stops cholesterol from binding). High levels of cholesterol can increase the risk of heart disease and strokes. The ketones produced are a more energy efficient fuel which improve cardiac (heart) work efficiency and function.

Improves brain function and reduces seizures

By: John Voo

This diet appears to create neuronal excitability (an increase in the nerve cells readiness to react) causing a healthier response in brain function. Improved brain function is important for learning and memory. There have been studies showing positive results with keto and epilepsy (seizure disorder), autism (developmental disorder that impairs the ability to communicate and interact), Parkinson’s (a disorder of the central nervous system affecting movement and causes tremors), and Alzheimer’s diseases (affects memory and other mental functions). The metabolism of fat acids create a more efficient use of energy metabolism by the brain and less brain cell destruction and death. It allows alterations in the brain’s metabolism of ketones that develop energy and enhance the ability to control seizures.

Improves type 2 diabetes
A hormone called Leptin (the energy regulator) is increased, allowing a steadier metabolism. Glucose and insulin are decreased due to the lack of carbs. This causes the body to be more sensitive to its own insulin production.

There is some misconception that producing ketones on this diet means the diabetic person is in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA-a dangerous diabetic complication). This is however different in that DKA is a poorly controlled diabetic that goes into acidosis producing ketones, but their pH is off. In diet-controlled keto acidosis you produce ketones but have a normal blood sugar and therefor a controlled pH. 

What are the adverse effects?
Muscle cramps, headaches, dizziness and fatigue are some side effects in the beginning, which is known as the carb detox flu (or the keto flu). You can have bad breath, constipation (due to lack of fiber), diarrhea (from the fat intake), or dehydration (due to the lack of glucose, which is what water binds to). Kidney stone formation is sometimes an adverse effect due to the increase in uric acid (a bi-product of metabolism breakdown) and low pH of the urine, which encourages the formation of the crystals. In some people cholesterol and triglycerides become elevated, which is why monitoring is needed. Due to the regulation of energy is does appear that individuals are at a disadvantage in activities requiring a burst of energy (like high intensity, shorter duration sports). Once carbohydrates are re-introduced into a diet at a normal amount, the weight will likely return.

The long-term negative effects of a keto diet have not been studied.

How to follow a keto diet
You have to drastically cut carbohydrates from your daily diet intake to only 5-10%, increase fat intake to about 75% and consume a moderate amount of protein at about 15-20%. Some basic high fat and low carb foods are meats, fish, poultry, eggs, full-fat dairy and cheese, and low-carb vegetables like; leafy greens, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, tomatoes, mushrooms, and peppers. Try to restrict processed foods and unhealthy fats. Nut butters such as; natural peanut, almond, or cashew butters are better for you. Healthy fat oils are coconut oil, olive oil, avocado oil, and sesame oil. Avocados are a healthy fat and can be added to almost any meal.

Some foods to avoid are high carb choices such as; bread, baked treats, sweets, sweetened beverages, pasts, grains, starchy vegetables, beans, and most fruits. You are allowed low-carb fruits in moderation such as berries. Unhealthy fats to avoid are margarine, vegetable oils, processed or packaged foods such as; hot dogs and lunch meats. Watch certain diet foods for preservatives, sugar alcohols, and aspartame which are unhealthy for you. Eating too much protein can also interfere with a ketosis state. 

Recommendations when starting a keto diet
Consult your primary care physician or a licensed professional such as a dietitian. Get baseline labs and regular follow-up lab work performed. Take vitamin supplements and drink plenty of non-calorie fluids such as; water, tea, and coffee without any sweeteners. If you cut out carbs and sugars in steps, the diet is more sustainable. Once you get into ketosis, you have to maintain it in order to gain the benefits. Get ketone test strips to check if your in ketosis (there are blood test strip machines and urine test strips).

By: Leonardo Pires

References

Diet Doctor. (2018, Jan 9). A keto diet for beginners. YouTube. https://youtube.com/watch?v=zrRDnLJdjmQ

Dr. Boz. (2018, August 8). Keto for beginners, how do I start a ketogenic diet?. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHYL9L71O2c

Fenasse, R., & McEwen, B. (2019). The Ketogenic diet: a brief report. Journal of the Australian Traditional-Medicine Society, 25(1), 23–24.

Gildea, M. (2017). The ketogenic diet: A summary. Nutritional Perspectives: Journal of the Council on Nutrition, 40(4), 5–9.

Harvard Health Publishing. (n.d.). Should you try the keto diet? Retrieved May 5, 2020, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/should-you-try-the-keto-diet

Miller, L. (2018). The ketogenic diet for neurological and epileptic conditions. Nutritional Perspectives: Journal of the Council on Nutrition, 41(2), 26–27

Marajuana, or Cannabis is a plant that most of us are familiar with worldwide. The majority of people use cannabis as a way to “escape from the world” or get high. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder caused by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain. A result of an attack, or convulsion, may include loss of consiousness, altered motor activity or altered awareness of one’s surroundings. Although the reasoning for sudden seizures in young children is not well-known, pediatric clients have a positive outlook on life. Treatment is primarily composed of  Anticonvulsants, or antiseizure medications. There are cases where medications are not enough for the patient, which leads to refractory epilepsy. Those with refractory epilepsy suffer from convulsions even with medications ranging from multiple times a month to multiple times a day. Over the past few years, there have been unofficial studies conducted that have tested the effects of the component, Cannabidoil (CBD), and seizures. 

How Cannabis is broken down

• psychoactive substance used for medicidal or recreational use
• broken down as THC(psychoactive) and CBD(not psychoactive)
• Used in 1500 BC China for insomnia and nausea
• Binds to receptor in the endocannabinoid system and causes “effects”

Why has CBD been tested for refractory seizures?

CBD has anti-seizure properties as it binds to receptors, or a lock-and-key, in the central nervous system. Families have attempted to obtain CBD oil through local growers as a last resort. Although it has shown to reduce seizure activity, it is considered a control substance by the federal government. On average, children using CBD oil have tried over ten forms of anti-seizure medications before trying CBD. Studies have shown a decrease in seizure activity with CBD oil and seizure intensity. One subject, Molly Hendershot, was given a placebo during a trial. When given the actual oil, she became seizure free for two months. 

What are the negatives to CBD treatment? 

With any controlled substance, there is a potential for abuse, specifically towards older children and teenagers. Although CBD has shown through studies its effectiveness when used with conventional seizure medication, patients may develop a tolerance to the CBD.  According to a study that was conducted at the American Epilepsy Society, one in three patients that used CBD for seizures develop a tolerance to the medication over time.The majority of the patients do not develop a tolerance, making it a successful addition to a seizure regime. 

What is the takeaway for parents?

• Placing the CBD product out of child’s reach
• educating child (when age appropriate) with that they are taking
• continual appointments with neurologist and epilepsy specialist 
• knowing federal laws in state in concerns with medicinal cannnabis
• track efficiency
• continuation of anti-seizure medication 

References

Engelke, Z., Schub, T. (2018). Parent Teaching: teaching parents about epilepsy in children. Cinahl Information Systems. 1-8.

Gordon, D. [Dr Dani Gordon MD]. (2019, June 7). CBD, Cannabis And Epilepsy: Medical Cannabis To Treat Epilepsy and Seizures. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTb9bbPltE4

Fong, S. L. & Kossoff, E.H. (2018). Cannabinoids as future treatment for epilepsy. Contemporary Pediatrics. 35(11). 11-12. 

Marcu, J. Matthews, A. S. & Lee, M. A. (2016, May 17). Is CBD really non-psychoactive? Retrieved from https://www.projectcbd.org/science/how-cbd-works

Mount Sinai Health System. (2018, March 30). CDB oil and epilepsy. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKsNlJm5PDo

Neurology Reviews. (2016, May 1). caring for children with seizures who use cannabidoids. Retrieved from https://www.mdedge.com/neurology/epilepsyresourcecenter/article/108565/epilepsy-seizures/caring-children-seizures

NYU Langone Health. (2017, May 25). Cannabis derivative cannabidoil reduces epilepsy seizures. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWF9MmiQUA4

Schuman, A. J. (2019). Cannabidoil use in children. Contemporary Pediatrics. 36(9). 40-44.

Zimlich, R. (2019). CBD oil’s effect may wane in managing seizures. Contemporary Pediatrics. 36(5). 22-24

Another new dieting trend that has made its way into the media and has everyone  talking the new diet is called “intermittent fasting” everyone is raving about it but does it truly work??  Intermittent fasting is a diet protocol where you eat food for a specific time period within the day and then you stop. One of the most popular fasting protocols is the 16:8  fast, meaning you consume no food or beverages for 16 hours and eat for only eight hours. Watch the first media clip below even the Today’s Show had a medical doctor by the name of Dr. Natile Azar come on  their program and make claims that intermittent fasting can improve health and help with weight loss. Doctor Azar then goes on to say that more long term studies need to be concluded in order to determine if intermittent fasting truly holds up to it’s claims. Sounds kind of sketchy to me, what do you think??

In the second media clip below Dr. Oz who is best known for his medical personality show makes reference to the benefits of intermittent fasting stating that it is good for mental health, weight loss, diabetes and even makes you live longer. He states that during the window period that you are not eating you are burning fat. Although Dr. Oz makes these claims on the benefits of fasting he makes no reference to any scientific evidence based studies, again does this diet truly work? Where is the research? What do you think, fact or fiction?

The third media clip below is from CBS news “Health Watch” where internal medicine specialist Dr. Neeta Ogden also makes claims that intermittent fasting is good for one’s overall health and can even reverse age.  She states that fasting decreases inflammatory markers, decreases cardiovascular risks and decreases weight loss. Dr. Neeta references a study that was concluded by “Cell Metabolism” She goes on to say that fasting works good with a plant based diet which means only eating “fruits and “vegetables” Dr. Neeta states that getting away from animal protein will improve health due to it causing inflammation in the body, in other words “swelling”. It sounds like this doctor has put some of her own personal dietary beliefs within her discussion because she makes no reference to any scientific evidenced based research studies  on eating a plant based diet. So now that we know what we know, does intermittent fasting really work?? you be the judge on this, watch the videos below!

                                    References

Intermittent Fasting May Have Health Benefits Beyond Weight Loss | TODAY. (2019). YouTube. https://youtu.be/8jTDBsKCiS8

‌Stekovic, S., Hofer, S. J., Tripolt, N., Aon, M. A., Royer, P., Pein, L., Stadler, J. T., Pendl, T., Prietl, B., Url, J., Schroeder, S., Tadic, J., Eisenberg, T., Magnes, C., Stumpe, M., Zuegner, E., Bordag, N., Riedl, R., Schmidt, A., … Madeo, F. (2019). Alternate Day Fasting Improves Physiological and Molecular Markers of Aging in Healthy, Non-obese Humans. Cell Metabolism, 30(3), 462-476.e5. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cmet.2019.07.016

‌Study: 36-hour fasting could reduce weight, improve heart health. (n.d.). www.Cbsnews.Com. Retrieved May 7, 2020, from https://www.cbsnews.com/video/new-report-suggests-36-hour-fasting-could-reduce-weight-improve-cardiovascular-health/

TODAY, Dr. Oz Explains Intermittent Fasting. (2019, November 14). Dr. Oz Explains Intermittent Fasting | TODAY. YouTube. https://youtu.be/DSYXJJA7Nrs

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By: EpicTop10.com

What is Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
There are various types of corona viruses. Some can cause cold/flu like symptoms and respiratory illnesses and can be spread from person to person. COVID-19 started during a study in Wuhan, China.

By: Jun Frogosa

Pregnant women seem to have the same type of risks as women who are not. They are at a higher risk of getting a severe sickness when they get infected by viruses that are comparable to COVID-19. It best for pregnant women try to protect themselves from all illnesses as their bodies go through changes.

How to stop the spread for you and your family members:

• Avoid people who are sick or who have been exposed to the virus.
• Exercise social distancing & stay at least 6 feet away from people.
• Wash your hands (if visibly dirty) with soap & water for at least 20 seconds after:

1. Touching others and surfaces in and around the home and outside
2. After going to the bathroom or changing diapers
3. Before preparing food and eating
4. After sneezing, coughing and blowing your nose

• If soap and water are not available, an alcohol-based hand-sanitizer can be used with at least 60% alcohol.
• Clean & disinfect regularly touched surfaces and items.
• Avoid touching your face, with unwashed hands.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and throw away the tissue.
• Wash clothes and other items such as plush toys often.

Risks to pregnancy & baby

There is still a considerable amount of information that is unknown relating to the risks of COVID-19 to pregnancy and a baby.

• It is questionable that there will be a spread of COVID-19 during pregnancy from the mother to the child. A newborn can however, be infested after exposure to an infected caregiver.

Prenatal care during the COVID-19 outbreak

• Find out the how your doctor’s office is separating well patients from those who may be sick.
• Take a close look at your individual care plan to see if your doctor’s office has moved to telemedicine visits or will continue office visits.
• Always feel free to call your doctor with urgent medical questions.
• Call 911 in case of an emergency.
• DO NOT DELAY EMERGENCY CARE DUE TO COVID-19.

Vaccines during pregnancy & COVID-19 outbreak

Currently, there is no vaccine available to protect against COVID-19. However, if you are pregnant it is necessary to receive other routine vaccines to protect your health.

Delivery locations during COVID-19

It is safe to deliver your baby under the supervision of a trained healthcare provider. Discuss with your healthcare provider your delivery options and locations.

Breastfeeding while infected by COVID-19

Breast milk offers safety against many illnesses and is the best form of nutrition for most infants.

• A decision must be made between you and your healthcare provider on how and when to start breastfeeding.
• Limited data has proposed that it is unlikely that COVID-19 can be transmitted in breast milk.
• A cloth face covering should be worn during breastfeeding.
• Hands must be thoroughly washed before each feeding.
• If you have COVID-19 and decide to express breast milk, you should use an allocated breast pump.
• Wear facial covering during the expression of the milk and properly wash hands when handling the parts.
• Follow the recommendations for proper cleaning of all parts.
• Preferably, the expressed milk should be fed to the infant by a healthy care-giver who is not at a high-risk for severe sickness from COVID-19.

References

1. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, and Caring for Young Children. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/pregnancy-breastfeeding.html
2. Center for Disease Control and Prevention & Southwick, F. (2020). Coronavirus Prevention Guideline. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/VEjA5b8ZE1Y
3. NBC4 Columbus. (2020). How does Coronavirus affect Pregnancy? Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdFxMq12XOs