Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Resolving Snoring Issues for Children Help Behaviors

Our time of sleep is so important in restoring our physical and mental well-being. For our children, it is also an important time for growth and development for their young bodies. Studies are reporting, that six months after children have had surgery for sleep disordered breathing, experienced a clinically significant improvement with oppositional behavior, inattention, and hyperactivity. The University of Kansas reports that the children had maintained the behavior changes for up to three years after the surgery. "While you cannot say the adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy directly translate into behavioral change, it does so through improving sleep, Dr. Wei said. "Quality of sleep and everything about sleep in a child can significantly influence their daytime behavior."

If your child is struggling to breathe while sleeping, you will want to discuss this issue with their doctor to review what options that you have for your child. Research the pros and cons of the surgery to determine if this is an option you would want to consider.

Sweet dreams,

Gina

Friday, October 19, 2007

Special Need Child

When your child enters school, the teacher will often identify some concerns noted in behaviors or learning style needs that your child may be displaying. At a parent-teacher conference the teacher will most likely give specific data to support any concerns that are addressed. This is not unusual and you will want to be supportive of your child and the teacher. One way would be to research the problem with at least three resources, to learn more about the concern. Then find a specialist in your area that is working with children that have that special need. The specialist should be able to give you several suggestions for home and school on how to support your child during this stressful time.

It is important to remember that all children will learn and develope at their own rate. You will most likely feel discouraged when your child is compared to other children and their accomplishments. You might want to join a support group of parents that have children with special needs and schedule play dates with them to learn more about coping with the disorder.

You might also want to read my books:

Learning with Matthew: A Caregiver's Guide to Problem-Solving School Issues with Their Child

Creating a Therapeutic Classroom: A Teacher's Guide to Meeting the Needs of All Students in the Classroom

Both books provide helpful suggestions to parents and teachers on how to support the special needs child at home and school. Go to tatepublishing.com, barnesandnoble.com, amazonbooks.com or walmartbooks.com to find my books.

Have a great school year!
Gina

Sunday, October 14, 2007

Memories Are Strengthened When Feeling Stress

A new study released from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory in New York reports that our emotions help the brain decide which memories to seal in and which ones to discard. Memories are thought to form with the strengthening of connections between neurons. These connections rely on receptors to send and receive our brain data.

When we are under emotional duress there is an increase in the hormone norepinephrine in the brain. This chemical change in the brain is thought to cause strengthened connections in the memory regions of the brain. When we are experiencing the highs and lows of life our brain is thought to increase the production of norepinephrine which strengthens the connection in our memory regions of the brain. Too much of norepinephrine is thought to cause a lapse in our memory.

Emotions are what makes us human. When we celebrate or mourn our losses the brain will record the event as we perceive it to take place. Unfortunately our memory is not always accurate and can often mislead us. Understanding that helps us to place the right perspective to the experiences that we have.

Best wishes,

Gina

Monday, October 01, 2007

Family Therapy is Effective in Fighting Eating Disorders

Dr. Grange from the University of Chicago has completed the first study in the United States on evaluating the treatment of eating disorders. His team found that family-based treatment for anorexia nervosa and bulimia were more effective than solo psychotherapy in helping teens.

The family-based therapy consisted of three phases: in the first phase the patient and their parents met weekly with the goal of helping parents stop their children from engaging in unhealthy weight control behaviors. The family then moves to the second phase of returning control over eating issues, back to the adolescent. The third phase the family meets with the therapist monthly to discuss how eating disorders affect the developmental proces of the adolescent.

Eating disorders can be extremely harmful to the physical and emotional well-being of your child. If you notice any warning signs of bingeing, purging or just refusal to eat contact a mental health professional that has experience with treating this disorder. Do not be afraid to find help for your child. It could save his or her life.

Best wishes,

Gina