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6 easy tips to aid in managing ADHD

6 easy tips to aid in managing ADHD

Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a chronic neurodevelopment disorder often diagnosed in children. Several cognitive and behavioral traits are symptoms of ADHD. Irritability, hyperactivity, and control of impulsive actions are some symptoms of ADHD, but each case varies from another. While doctors commonly seek therapy and drug treatment options, patients and families alike, certain lifestyle tips can help manage ADHD. Here are some effective tips that can help create a routine and manage ADHD in the long run:

Start treatment for ADHD

Ideally, once a diagnosis of ADHD is made, it is necessary to consider all possible treatment options and begin immediately. Do not start treatment in a hurry, as there is no need to panic. As a matter of protocol, doctors talk to the patient and their family about the best course of action. While drug treatment and therapy is the most common treatment option for ADHD, a combination of both is recommended by pediatricians and psychiatrists. While there is a limited number of licensed drug treatments for ADHD that help control the day-to-day symptoms of ADHD, it is imperative to consider the symptoms of any drug treatment.

Make lifestyle changes

While treatment options are the status quo, you can make lifestyle changes that help with impulse and attention issues. Therapists often suggest meditation, and research has proven that mindful meditation helps reign the brain and increases one’s attention span through a range of automated exercises. Yoga and stress relieving exercises help stimulate neurotransmitters, and you can practice for short periods. Getting good sleep and not working late can induce a calmer environment, positively impacting your day-to-day health.

Use time and organization indicators.

While every ADHD diagnosis is unique, consistency is a common quality in managing symptoms. One common area where people with ADHD struggle is time management and organization. However, there are many effective and easy tips that you can keep in mind to help with managing time. Keep a notepad to make notes and lists to set your daily goals. Goals can range from setting a time to do laundry to finishing a task on time. Try working in intervals, and don’t be too hard on yourself. Keep sticky notes and visual cues in your room to remind you of your deadlines, and always allot buffer time for tasks.

Identify your ideal situation.

While asking one to point out an ideal situation in life can seem like an intimidating question, it doesn’t have to be. If you think you feel better when sitting in a particular spot and enjoying a cup of coffee with a beautiful view outside, incorporate this setting into your daily routine. You can create patterns of similar situations. The same can apply in work and school scenarios. If you feel like a certain place makes you feel more relaxed or productive, you can continue working in that setting. Sometimes people with ADHD connect with nature, while some find that taking care of pets helps with self-esteem. A decluttered and simple setting also helps in reducing distractions.

Ask for help

Sometimes it can be overwhelming to complete a task or stick to a routine. ADHD is easier to manage if you ask for help when needed. Ask for help from your friends and family. Sometimes an ADHD coach or a professional cleaner can help you get through a stressful period. Support groups are great spaces to interact and discuss the diagnosis and treatment options. When you exchange experiences, you feel a sense of relatability with another person, which can take the pressure of dealing with ADHD by yourself.

Make changes in your food choices

While it is not scientifically proven that a particular type of food will conclusively help treat ADHD, a combination of factors can help alleviate the symptoms. Overall nutrition could be reducing or increasing your symptoms. Avoid triggers and practice excluding food that can cause behavioral changes. Experts recommend limiting the consumption of carbohydrates like candy and corn syrup and introducing nutritional supplements. Do not take vitamins and supplements without the approval of your doctor. Multivitamins are often recommended for kids who have ADHD. The American Academy of Pediatrics has recently agreed that children with ADHD should not be fed food with preservatives and coloring.

Managing ADHD in children

Some parenting strategies and tips can help manage ADHD in kids as they lean on their parents for guidance and support. One behavioral management strategy is to ensure that you reward them for small wins and achievements. While kids with ADHD deal with self-esteem issues, it is important to remember that they should be in a home environment where they are admired for their good behavior. Create a routine with their homework that is not too long and stressful. While making friends and communicating can be a hurdle many kids with ADHD face, you can help develop social skills as a parent. A healthy parent-child relationship will reflect your child’s relationships with other family members and friends.

You can gradually try incorporating these tips into your daily lives to assess the outcome acutely. Consult a doctor before making any drastic changes to your lifestyle and routine. Sometimes trial and error methods will show you what truly works while managing ADHD. Always ask for help and maintain a positive outlook while adapting to certain changes.

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Understanding arthritis – A common joint condition

The joints are constantly working while we move our limbs, so, understandably, people may develop certain joint conditions that cause pain and compromise mobility, especially with age. One of the common joint conditions is arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and mild to severe pain. While there are several types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Stages Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages: Stage 1: At this stage, inflammation occurs inside the joints, and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the common symptoms. Stage 2: The inflammation of the joint lining, synovium, aggravates at this stage and results in cartilage damage. The affected joints’ range of motion is also compromised, causing pain and discomfort. Stage 3: At this stage, the severity of the joint condition increases, and it leads to bone damage. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles. The bones rubbing against each other can cause bone deformity as well. Stage 4: This is the final stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the bones may even fuse, which is known as ankylosis. Osteoarthritis also has four stages of progression: Stage 1: Wear and tear may affect the knee joints, and minor spur growths on the affected bone can also be seen, but the condition does not cause too much pain at this stage. Stage 2: The bone spur growths increase and cause pain, and the knee joints become stiffer. Stage 3: This stage is characterized by joint inflammation leading to increased pain and stiffness. Walking can also cause popping sounds in the joints. Stage 4: The space between the bones in the joints becomes very narrow, causing the cartilage to wear down. Also, a chronic inflammatory response caused by the breakdown of cartilage aggravates discomfort and pain. Diagnosis of arthritis These joint conditions can be diagnosed using several tests. A physical examination reveals whether a patient has red, warm, and tender joints, and this test also helps examine the fluid around the joints. A rheumatologist can analyze the level of inflammation in the joints to determine the type of arthritis an individual is affected with. Also, blood tests are undertaken to check for antibodies like anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody. In addition, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI are also performed to check the condition of the cartilage and bones. Prevention of arthritis A family history of joint conditions like arthritis or aging can increase one’s risk of developing arthritis, but making certain lifestyle changes can also help lower the chances of developing the condition. To start with, one should include more foods with omega-3 fatty acids in their diet as these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory. One should also exercise regularly, keep their weight under check, reduce stress on their joints, and try to avoid injuries. Also, if one notices any symptoms of arthritis, they should consult a doctor immediately as early diagnosis goes a long way in managing the condition effectively through timely treatment.

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Hemophilia – Its types, symptoms, and management

Hemophilia is a group of congenital or acquired bleeding disorders where the blood takes time to clot. People with this disorder may bleed longer if they have an injury or surgery. According to the CDC, about 30,000 to 32,000 people in the country suffer from hemophilia. Contrary to popular belief, this is treatable if the condition is diagnosed and treated on time. Other important facts and information about hemophilia are as follows: What is hemophilia? A clotting factor is a protein in our blood that controls bleeding. If our blood does not have adequate quantities of this protein, it takes time for the blood to clot. Normally, in the case of any injury, trauma, or surgery, bleeding stops right after first aid, dressing, or once the doctors suture the site. However, in a person with hemophilia, the bleeding may continue for a long time and may need attention and treatment. The clotting factors that affect blood clotting are VIII, IX, and XI. Hemophilia is classified based on which clotting factor is lacking in the affected person. Types of hemophilia The type of hemophilia a person has is based on what clotting factors their body lacks. There are three types of hemophilia. They are Hemophilia A, B, and C. While Hemophilia A is more common, types B and C are rare. Hemophilia A Hemophilia A or classic hemophilia happens when a mutation in the F8 gene results in lower production of clotting factor VIII or FVIII. It is predominantly an inherited condition. FVIII is found in the X chromosome, and as a result, it affects men more than women. Hemophilia B If a person has none or insufficient blood clotting factor IX, or FIX, the condition is hemophilia B and is also referred to as Christmas disease. It occurs when there is a mutation in the gene f9, which is found in the X chromosome. As a result, men are at a higher risk than women. Hemophilia C If a person has low blood clotting factor XI or FXI, the condition is classified as Hemophilia C. It is also known as Rosenthal Syndrome. FXI is found in the F11 gene located on chromosome 4. Men and women inherit two copies of chromosome 4, and both are at risk if they inherit a defective gene. Though hemophilia C is predominantly inherited, autoimmune diseases like lupus can also cause it. Three forms of hemophilia A, B, and C The three forms of hemophilia A, B, and C are mild, moderate, and severe. The form never changes till the end. A person with a moderate or severe form of hemophilia will remain so forever. However, if a person has a mild form of type A, their bodies could produce more FVIII as they age. Symptoms  Hemophilia A and B The symptoms of type A and B are very similar. Severe hemophilia can be diagnosed early within the first year of a child's birth. Doctors monitor infants closely if anyone in the family has a history of hemophilia. Babies may develop bruises and unusual swelling after birth or sometimes within one year. They may also have excessive bruising after immunization. As they grow and begin to play, they may bruise easily, even with slight knocks or falls. Boys may bleed longer after circumcision or tooth extraction. Other symptoms of hemophilia A and B in adults include: Pain and swelling in joints and muscles Easy bruising Frequent nosebleeds Bloody urine Long hours of bleeding after tooth extraction or a heel prick Hemophilia C The symptoms in type C are generally milder, and there is a lesser risk of internal or spontaneous bleeding. Diagnosis of hemophilia Doctors physically examine the patient and check for bruises or any unusual bleeding. They also prescribe blood tests to check the activity levels of clotting factors. Using the blood tests, doctors will also classify if the person has mild, moderate, or severe Hemophilia A, B, or C. Treatment and management of hemophilia Hemophilia A and Hemophilia B Doctors regularly inject FVIII or FVIII intravenously or directly into the bloodstream. Doctors may also administer FVIII or FIX as a preventive measure for those with severe Hemophilia A or B. Hemophilia C Doctors administer antifibrinolytics to slow down the breakdown of fibrin. They may also administer frozen plasma or concentrated FXI. For all types of hemophilia, doctors may administer the clotting factors regularly or when bleeding happens. Apart from administering clotting factors, other processes and therapies that are used to treat hemophilia are: Hormone therapies Doctors use hormone therapies for mild forms of hemophilia. They inject the hormone through a vein or a nasal spray, simulating the production of the relevant clotting factor. Prescriptions There are some newer approaches to treat hemophilia A, using prescriptions by doctors that prevent bleeding. Doctors also use antifibrinolytics to prevent the breaking down of clots. Fibrin sealants Fibrin sealants are surgical formulations applied to injury sites to aid clotting and healing. Physical therapy Physical therapy can help relieve pain caused by bleeding in joints and muscles. Hemophilia is a treatable condition when diagnosed and treated on time. It is essential to speak to a doctor if one notices any of the above-mentioned symptoms.

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