4 new recommendations for adolescent health

4 new recommendations for adolescent health - The annual "check-up" is (perhaps only) perfect for not only how children develop and provide the necessary vaccines, but to see how they are generally time - and help ensure they turn into happy, healthy adults. After all, prevention is really what is pediatrics.

That's why the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has a checklist for pediatricians called "Recommendations for pediatric preventive health care." These recommendations, which are updated every few years, based on the update on child health research now - and in the future.

 

While the latest version which includes new recommendations for younger children, like putting fluoride varnish on the teeth of children under 5 years and make a simple test of heart defects in newborns, most changes this occasion relate to teenagers. Here is what the AAP thinks pediatricians should do with their pre-teen and adolescent patients:

 

Detection of the lipids. Sometimes high cholesterol runs in families - but parents and other family members can not have checked your own, or may not be aware of the results of other family members tests.

 

Because high cholesterol can cause real damage to blood vessels over time and lead to heart disease and stroke, it is recommended that all young people have their cholesterol between the ages of 9 and 11. Doctors can before or again it is based on risk, but the AAP wants to be sure that everyone is checked at least once.

The detection of drugs and alcohol. As we all know, teenagers usually experience with drugs and alcohol. For some young people, this may be difficult or even fatal consequences.

 

The AAP recommended six simple questions (called the CRAFFT screen) that the really important information became apparent - and allow important discussions.

 

Depression screening (eg, a questionnaire). Suicide is the leading cause of death among teenagers - and depression is a treatable illness. But to treat it, we know it's there.

 
HIV testing between the ages of 16 and 18. This is important because one in four new HIV infections occur among young people aged 13-24, and 60% of all young people living with HIV do not know that they are infected. 

 

If you do not know, they not only can not help, but they can pass the infection to others. 

 

I guess some parents say, "My son did not need these. - Our family is healthy and my son is a good boy, happy to know stay out of trouble" But the truth is that we never can Learn everything about the history of our family or our children - and when it comes to health and well-being of our children is always better to be safe than sorry.

If you have questions about these recommendations or whatever you do - or not - happening at the check-up of your child, talk to your doctor.

By: Claire McCharty,MD. 

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Computer guided CBT may improve treatment of depression?

Computer guided CBT may improve treatment of depression? - In the United States, depression is the leading cause of disability, but only 21% of patients diagnosed with major depression receive treatment that meets the guidelines of the American Psychiatric Association. 

Of people seeking treatment for depression who would be treated with psychotherapy Live outnumber those who would be treated with drugs three to one, but those who often want to live not a therapy they receive. 

Access to psychotherapy is limited by the number of professionals from the region itself, the cost and logistics - not to mention the stigma. And when people receive the therapy, therapists can not provide care based on evidence.

One way to get high quality psychotherapy to people in need is to automate and computerize the treatment process and provide via websites and applications. This could provide guidelines on the basis of everyone, everywhere, at any time, at a low cost treatment. 

Stand-alone computerized cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been found to be effective for treating depression, and is now available in a few entities. But it remains unclear how much, if anything, CCTB improve the treatment of depression in primary care, so that a group of UK researchers recently tested the benefits of adding CCTB to standard treatment. 

They randomly assigned 691 people with depression in three different groups. One group received standard care, and the others received standard care plus a two CCTB programs online.

CCTB over standard care for depression 

Consequently, the standard treatment of depression in primary care in the UK is pretty good. Citizens are routinely offered antidepressants, psychotherapy, and access to community mental health teams, psychologists, psychiatrists and counselors - a range of both rare resources available in primary care practices in the United States. 

There was a lot of crossover between the study groups. In the group "standard of care", 19% ended up using CBT although they are not specifically assigned to this treatment. Between 77% and 84% of the three groups used to treat depression and drugs "Live" mental health specialists were seen by 17% annually and 24% of the other group CARE. 

In this context - with many participants CCTB groups also receive specialized mental health treatment and 19% of the group receiving the usual practice CBT-- no significant differences in treatment outcomes of depression. However, the United States, the results might have been different, given the limited resources of mental health in most established primary care clinics. 

It would be more interesting and more importantly, know the advantage of using CCTB for patients receiving no more - without drugs and without access to specialists in mental health. It is for these patients that CCTB might be most beneficial.

Challenges to get people to use CCBT to treat depression 

The two sites of the CCBT has been tested in previous clinical trials, and both have proven to be effective treatments - but they are only useful if people use them. Although both independent sites CCTB were designed to be used on 6 or 8 "sessions", most people only used once or twice, although the study provided reminder calls to participants. 

People with depression may experience fatigue, impaired concentration, and feelings of hopelessness. Make websites use systematic CCTB on your own schedule is a challenge - even if these programs could be useful in the end. More structure may be needed to keep people using CCTB.

What is the take home? The biggest challenge is not building a CBT program that works; He built one that people will use. Just as you need to entertain while educating before CBT program must be extremely involving users - and provide immediate value of the first session. 

And while the concept of treatment anywhere, anytime is attractive, confident people to plan CCTB themselves in their own time, in their own homes, can lead to high levels of downhill; after all, you can always get around to it later. 
By: James Cartreine, Phd.

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Teach gratitude during this season - and all year

Teach gratitude during this season, and all year - For most children, the holidays are also on donations.  

It's understandable; It was definitely my favorite part of the holidays when I was growing up. But sometimes expectations can get out of hand. And often, parents are asked why their children are not a little more grateful for what they have.

Gratitude is important - not only because it is good to have social tolerance. It is also essential for the general happiness. When we are grateful, we understand that there are still good things in our lives, even when things do not go as planned (like when we do not get this cool toy - or cool job).  

Without understanding and gratitude of practice, we always feel like there's more than we have, no matter what we already have. 
Gratitude should be taught - and it takes practice. This holiday season, why not be part of the culture of routine and your family? Here are some suggestions to help you:

      *  When buying gifts, buy a little shelter or a toy. Let your child help you pick them up and deliver them.
 
      *  Take your child grocery party. Buy extra food. Take your child with you when you take it to the food pantry.

      *  Before the holidays, go through old toys and clothes to "make room" for new things. Give all you can to shelters and other charities. Involve your child in all this, too.
 
      *  With your child, make a list of everyone he or she help or are special to him. Find ways to recognize that during the holidays. For example, make cookies gift set.

     *  Make sure your child always says "please" and "thank you." There is a small thing, but it makes a difference.

      *  Always have your child write thank-you notes (or draw pictures of appreciation, if they can not write yet) to receive gifts. 

     *  Give children tasks to do, starting when they are young. It helps them understand that families are designed to work - and help them to be more grateful for the work others do for them in the house.
 
      *  Create a gratitude daily ritual. If you are part of a faith tradition, the night prayers consider. And make sure that some of these prayers implies a list of things you are grateful. If you're not part of a tradition of faith, try something like what my friend Wendy Sue Swanson Dr. made his son: Every day, each person in the negotiations of the family about his "BPOD" or instead of the day. The same act to stop thinking that your BPOD it helps teach gratitude.
 
      *  Be sure to talk about what is grateful too. As with all things, children pay more attention to what we do than what we say.

You may find that teaching your appreciation of the Child, to be grateful to yourself. This is a wonderful way to not only make your child happy in life, but also make your life happier, too. 
By: Claire McCharty,MD 

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10 tips for mindful eating - Just in time for the holidays

The leftover Halloween candy. Thanksgiving meals marathon. Up-to-suit office chocolates. A part follows another ... and another.

If you want to avoid overeating and gaining those extra pounds, you need to control your sugar levels in the blood (for example, if you have diabetes), or just want to eat only what your body If necessary, the holiday season can make this goal difficult.

But mindful eating can help you achieve it.

Mindfulness refers to the practice of being conscious at the time. Too often our thoughts wander elsewhere than where we are now. Maybe we are concerned about what happened an hour of worried what could happen tomorrow or stressed about what we have to do next week. Mindfulness encourages us to notice these concerns, and then we gently bring to society.

Mindfulness can help you enjoy a meal and dining experience - in moderation and restraint. Some studies suggest that practices based on mindfulness help improve eating habits. For those who binge-eating or eating for comfort or stress, mindful eating can even help you lose weight.
 
Here are 10 tips for a more conscious diet. Not all of these tips may feel good for you - try more and see how they work.
 
1. Think.

Before starting to eat, take a moment to think about how you feel. Are you in a hurry? I stressed? Sad? Bored? Hungry? What are your needs and what are their needs? The difference between the two. Having taken this time to reflect, then you can choose to eat, what you eat and how you eat.

2. Sit. 

Do not eat on the way. Have a seat. It is less likely to appreciate your food when you are multitasking. It is also difficult to track how much you eat when you snack on the go.

3. Turn off the TV (and everything else with a screen. 

Have you ever looked down at your phone or tablet or computer, only to wonder where all the food was? These distractions make us less aware of what and how much they eat.

4. Serve on your portions. 

Resist eating straight from the bag or box. Not only is it easier to overeat when you can not see how you were, but it is also more difficult to fully appreciate your meal when hidden from view.

5. Choose the small plate. 

You crave less if you see less. Smaller plates will help with portion control - a particularly good strategy for all-you-can-eat buffets.

6. Give thanks.

Before you start eating, pause and take a moment to recognize the work that went into providing them food - either by farmers, factory workers, animals, Mother Earth, chiefs, or even his teammates on Table.
 
7. Chew 30 times. 

Try to get 30 to chew each mouthful. (30 is a rough guide because it may be difficult to achieve even 10 chews out a mouthful of oatmeal!) Take time to taste the flavors and textures in the mouth before swallowing. This can also help prevent overeating, give your time to the gut to send messages to the brain that you are full.

8. Leave your utensils. 

Often we are already preparing the next bite with his fork and knife, while we are still in our last bite. Try to put your utensils after each mouthful, and not try again until you have enjoyed and swallowed what you already have in your mouth.
 
9. waive clean plate club.

Many of us were raised to finish everything on our plates and were not allowed to leave the table until we did. Ok to cancel your membership in the Clean Plate Club. Consider away the leftovers to go, or just let the last bites. While no one wants to waste food, to stuff you will not help the needy. (This is also the case Tip # 5 is very convenient.) 

10. Silence. 

Try eating your meals in silence occasionally. When it is quiet, it is natural that the mind wander; recognize these thoughts, and then see if you can gently return to your dining experience. I am aware of the consistency of the food, flavor, taste and smell, and fully appreciate the moment.  

Of course, the meal time can be an important time to share the day when the whole family gathers in order to have a complete meal in silence could be impractical or just uncomfortable. But even spend the first five to 10 minutes in silence can be refreshing and establish a grateful tone for the rest of the meal.

Mindfulness has many advantages over the year, but can be especially useful during the holidays, even beyond healthy diet. Incidentally focus your attention on the present can help you embrace the company, connectivity and overall satisfaction and help make the season more meaningful for you.
By: Wynne Armand, MD   
 

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The Alexander Technique can help (literally) to relax

The Alexander Technique can help (literally) to relax - In the 1890s a Shakespearean actor named F. Matthias Alexander started to discover why his voice is often lost when he performed. (Imagine yourself as a Shakespearean actor, totally dependent on his voice to pay your bills, find you, speechless when necessary to complete!) Needless to say, Alexander had to find out why this was happening.

He began by observing himself in multiple mirrors, while preparing to perform. In fact, it was discovered that something has changed before his speech: He contracted the muscles of the upper part of your body, especially the neck so hard that his whole attitude has changed. He theorized that the loss of voice may be the result of his interrupted position.

Fortunately, his hypothesis proved correct. When he was able to release the tension in your muscles with a variety of movements, not only did their loss of voice of determination, but was able to change the habit he had developed to obtain neck.  

While continuing to refine and improve its methods, Alexander realized they could help others improve their health and wellbeing. Their findings, which have already been codified in the Alexander Technique (AT), are still in use today.

What is the Alexander Technique used today?
 
Today, AT is considered a mental discipline that teaches people to let go of the tension in the body and how to allow the body to move with ease and minimal effort. AT is used to treat a variety of conditions, musculoskeletal pain and repetitive strain injury to breathing problems, loss of voice, and sleep disorders.  

Many artists, musicians, dancers, singers and actors use AT to help improve their performance. The purpose of the AT, ultimately, is to allow people who systematically unlearn maladaptive habits (negative) - which can occur in the way we sit, eat, walk or talk - and instead learn to return the body to a steady state relaxed alignment and balance. 

AT is for you?

But you need not be a musician or dancer for the benefit of AT. This is just an example: You, like most of us live in the world today, spend much of their time on a computer or check their e-mails and texts smartphones. This means that you spend much of their time looking down instead of forward, the way they were designed to support the head vertebrae. 

Keep your head tilted for long periods puts continuous pressure on the large muscles of the neck, which are normally intended to be lax. Conversely, small neck muscles (which are designed to keep the neck vertebrae) are not used and therefore are loose. The result is that the vertebrae lose their support if you find yourself not only with neck stiffness or pain, but perhaps some degeneration of the cervical spine, too.

AT can address this habitual contraction of the neck and teach you to keep your phone, how to position the head, and finally, how to restore a better posture and ease in your body.

Is there science to support?

A recent randomized controlled study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that Alexander Technique lessons led to significant reductions in long neck pain 12 months, compared to usual care. (Interestingly, the study also found that acupuncture reduces pain and compared with usual care.)

Another interesting study published in the medical journal BMJ in 2008 tried a variety of treatments for back pain. A total of 579 patients with chronic or recurrent low back pain were randomly divided into four groups. 

The first group received "usual care" of them (for example, they were the control group). The second group received massage. The third was six Alexander Technique lessons. The fourth group took 24 Alexander Technique lessons.  

Half of each group also received a prescription for exercise (especially walking) of a doctor, in addition to a nurse behavioral counseling. The results showed that patients who had lessons with an exercise plan improved more. In addition, the combined response was also the most cost-effective (in particular by taking six lessons combined with an exercise plan).

What does this mean for you?

Supporters of Alexander Technique would say start paying attention. Pay attention to your posture - the way you walk, talk, sit, stand, or generally anything, even lifting a piece of food in his mouth. If you are like most people, your body is probably trapped in tense muscular habits that can cause many problems, headaches back pain, perhaps even anxiety. It may behoove you to unlearn these blocked patterns that can pass through your life easier - and a lot less pain,.

If you are interested in the Alexander Technique, the American Society for the Alexander Technique can help you find an instructor.  
By: Eva Selhub,MD  

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The Nordic diet: Healthy eating with an eco-friendly bent

If you've never heard of Nordic diet you can imagine a plate of these Swedish meatballs are sold in Ikea. 

But in fact, this style of eating healthier foods focuses on, including many plant foods that nutritionists always encourage us to eat. 

And although the data are limited so far, several studies suggest a model of Nordic diet may promote weight loss and blood pressure.

As the name implies, the Nordic diet foods that are locally sourced or eat in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, traditionally. Developed in collaboration with renowned gourmet restaurant Noma Copenhagen, the plan emphasizes the use of seasonal foods, healthy, regional. (Do not necessarily represent how most Scandinavians eat every day, though)

What is the provision of food

Nordic staple diet are whole grains such as rye, barley and oats; berries and other fruits; vegetables (especially cabbage and root vegetables such as potatoes and carrots); Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel and herring; and legumes (beans and peas).

"The Nordic diet is a healthy diet pattern which shares many elements with the Mediterranean diet," said Dr. Frank Hu, professor of nutrition at Harvard University School TH Chan of public health. 

The Mediterranean diet - widely considered the best diet for prevention of heart disease - also emphasizes plant foods. Both plans include moderate amounts of fish, eggs, and small amounts of dairy products, but to limit processed foods, sweets and red meat. 

Although the Mediterranean diet includes olive oil, the Nordic diet favors rapeseed oil (also known as canola oil). Such as olive oil, canola oil is rich in monounsaturated fat healthy. But it also contains alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid similar to the omega-3 fatty acids present in fish plant. 

Sure, fatty fish - the richest dietary source of omega-3 fatty acids - play a role in both northern and Mediterranean diets (test two to three servings per week) The Northern Plan also emphasizes high quality carbohydrates cereal, cookies and breads made with whole grain barley, oats and rye.

Americans can learn Swedish Wasa crispbreads, most of which are made with whole grains.  

In Denmark, a dense, dark sourdough bread called rugbrød is popular. These whole foods provide many nutrients to protect the heart, including fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Eat lots of fruits is another unique aspect of the Nordic diet may explain some of their health benefits. Research by Harvard scientists have linked eating large amounts of fruits (such as blueberries and strawberries) to a weight gain of less risk of suffering a heart attack. The berries are excellent sources of plant chemicals known as anthocyanins, which appear to lower blood pressure and cause blood vessels more flexible.

Bono: It's easy on the environment, too 

The Nordic diet offers an additional advantage: it is environmentally friendly. On the one hand, herbal diets use fewer natural resources (such as fossil fuels and water) and create less pollution without heavy meat diets.

In addition, the consumption of locally produced food also reduces energy consumption and food waste, says Dr. Hu. And while the Nordic diet makes sense for those who live in northern Europe, people worldwide can apply the same principles to your diet, no matter where they live.

While the Nordic diet has not been shown to prevent heart disease to the same extent that the Mediterranean diet, which is clearly a step above the average American diet, food and meat should be seen as good for He treated heart too. "People who really love berries, rye and canola should go ahead and enjoy a diet of Nordic type instead of waiting 10 years for more evidence," says Dr. Hu.

By: Julie Corliss   

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