After reading about the suspected causes of ADHD, you may be left feeling frustrated or even guilty. Don’t let those negative feelings suck you in. We’re all doing our best.
The point of this blog is to increase your awareness.
Information is empowering.
Here are 5 constructive strategies to improve your child’s health
Face Your Genetic Risks
If you, your partner, or a close family member have ADHD, your child has a higher likelihood of inheriting ADHD. Your increased awareness is a gift. Now that you know your child is at-risk for developing ADHD, you can monitor his or her behavior closely with this in mind.
If you suspect that your child may have ADHD, don’t wait. Talk to the pediatrician. Ask school professionals to conduct a school-based evaluation of your child.
The sooner you seek help for your child, the sooner he or she can get support.
Avoid Toxins and Pollutants, but don’t get obsessive.
The balance between becoming proactive versus over-the-top paranoid can be tricky to achieve. But you can do it 🙂
Just put a few preventative constructive strategies in place to protect your family from unnecessary toxic exposure. For example, since scientists believe that substances like Teflon, Scotchguard, and pesticides may be linked to ADHD, try to avoid further exposure to these substances when you can.
For example, you could:
- Remove your shoes when you come home
- Throw away old pots and pans, and dated Tupperware
- Ensure that your plastic-wear is BPA-free
- Read clothing labels. If they contain toxic chemicals, like flame retardants (polybrominated diphenyl ethers or PBDEs), which have been linked to learning and memory problems, don’t buy them.
- Avoid using pesticides. Instead, read about alternatives to improving your lawn in the summer time.
Don’t Drink Alcohol, Take Drugs (unprescribed by your doctor) or Smoke Any Substances During Your Pregnancy
Believe me. You’ll be glad you made this choice. Motherhood is the perfect excuse to quit self-destructive habits, like smoking. Making this decision is a gift to you and your unborn baby.
Be Proactive In The Delivery Room
If you have been diagnosed with pre-eclampsia during your pregnancy or your labor is dragging on and on, be proactive.
Tell the doctor you want to discuss options, such as a cesarean. My son’s heart rate dropped repeatedly during my labor before the doctors finally made the decision to conduct a cesarean. I was in labor for many, many hours. I would have requested a cesarean much earlier if I had known it could put my son at risk for ADHD or other developmental problems.
Use Safety Precautions To Avoid Head Injuries
Make sure your child or adolescent ALWAYS wear a helmet when he or she:
- Rides his or her bike, scooter or skateboard
- Plays contact sports like hockey or football
- Downhill skis, snowboards, or sleds
- Goes horseback riding
- Drives a snowmobile, all-terrain vehicle (ATV), or other motorized vehicle
Here are a few more safety tips 🙂
If you have a trampoline, make sure it has a protective net around it to prevent serious falls.
Ensure your child buckles up every him he or she is in a motor vehicle.
Never leave your child alone on a high surface, such as bed or sofa.
That’s all for now 🙂
P.S. Feel free to write me with questions or comments. I would love to hear your opinions.
