Monthly Archives: June 2010

Treatment for Eating Disorders in Adolescents

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Eating disorders, unfortunately, are all too common in adolescents. Puberty is a time of massive change for kids. Not only are their hormones turning on, but their bodies are also starting to change too. A beginning awareness of their interest in the opposite sex, as well as the stern judgment of their peers, can lead some hapless children into developing an eating disorder to fit in or to adapt themselves to the modern definition of ideal beauty.

You should immediately seek treatment for eating disorders in adolescents, once you’ve found out they have one. The goal is to find a setting that is most convenient and comfortable for the adolescent. You can’t underestimate the value of social networks to teens, and one reason they might resist treatment is if they think that their prolonged absence from school might cause people to hear about their eating disorder.

In large cities, there are often many clinics and intensive care centers that can help with eating disorders. While many of these can be very helpful, they are often residential programs where the adolescent is forced to stay in a hospitalization program, which is a major disruption to their regular lives. In smaller towns, they usually lack the large clinics and the wider variety of expert therapists.

So far, there is no standard practice when it comes to treatment for eating disorders in adolescents. However, most programs strongly encourage the involvement of the adolescent’s family in the treatment process. Recently, five major guidelines were released on the treatment of adolescents for eating disorders. They are the following:

1. Diagnosis––Adolescents may have significant health risks associated with dysfunctional weight control practices.

2. Treatment––It should be a lower symptom levels than for adults.

3. Nutritional Management––This should reflect the patient’s age, stage in puberty, and current physical activity level.

4. Family-based Treatment––Family should be considered an essential part of treatment of adolescents.

Assessment and Treatment of Adolescent––This should be done by a knowledgeable team of experts.

In general, an adolescent may be treated either in his or her own home, or at a local clinic. Typically, adolescents start in outpatient treatment with regular visits to both the medical and mental health providers, and then they progress to more intensive treatment once their conditions is better understood and they haven’t responded positively enough to prior treatment.

It is critical to customize the treatment plan to each individual adolescent. Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treatment for eating disorders in adolescents. If you want to make sure to maximize the chance of helping an eating disorder victim, you have to personalize their recovery, including their diet, their exercise, and their therapy.

What some people fail to realize is that an eating disorder is as much a mental issue as it is physical. Most people recognize the problems inherent in developing an eating disorder, so it’s important to approach the problem from their mental state and work from there.

If you or an adolescent you know is suffering from an eating disorder, it is in their best interest to seek immediate professional help.

Emile Jarreau, aka, Mr. Fat Loss is fascinated by health, nutrition and weight loss. For more great info about eating disorders for losing weight and keeping it off visit http://www.MrFatLoss.com

French Meridian Acupuncture

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Find French Meridian Acupuncture Training and Therapy in the United States and Canada. If you’re searching for a unique method of acupuncture, you may want to try French meridian acupuncture. Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), French meridian acupuncture, also referred to as “French energetic acupuncture,” is widely used by medical acupuncturists, and is a technique that emphasizes meridian patterns; more specifically, the yin and yang of the focal meridians.

French meridian acupuncture is performed by a licensed practitioner, via the insertion of tiny hair-like needles in varied locations and patterns along the meridians (energy channels). A combination of both Eastern and Western medicine, this particular type of acupuncture is primarily facilitated as a complimentary treatment for chronic illness and injury. Known to influence the channels of energy that run within the body, French meridian acupuncture holds the common belief that acupuncture can relieve disease and pain by restoring balance between the two principle forces of nature – the yin and the yang.

Today, there are a number of professional Oriental medicine practitioners who practice French meridian acupuncture and other forms of acupuncture, in addition to Traditional Chinese Medicine as integrative treatment to patients around the world.

In order to become a licensed acupuncturist, it is essential that candidates acquire the appropriate education and training through anyone of the many acupuncture schools and colleges available today. While some schools focus primarily on 5-Element Acupuncture, there are a variety of academic programs that incorporate an assortment of modalities including French meridian acupuncture, as well as Korean hand acupuncture, auricular acupuncture (ear acupuncture), myofascial acupuncture, and Japanese acupuncture.

In general, licensed acupuncturists who practice French meridian acupuncture, as well as other Chinese medicine therapies must be credentialed by having completed at least three to four years of Oriental medicine training, in addition to prerequisite education from an accredited college or university.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding French Meridian Acupuncture training, let professional education within fast-growing industries like business administration, medical billing and coding, massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, and others get you started! Explore career school programs near you.

French Meridian Acupuncture

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The Challenges Facing ADHD Adolescents

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The story of ADHD adolescents is one that is filled with great challenges. As a preadolescent child extreme hyperactivity as well as the other primary symptoms of inattention/distractibility and impulsive behavior may be at the forefront. But as the child grows into adolescence the primary symptoms of ADHD are quite often overshadowed by the secondary symptoms of self esteem, frustration, and boredom. After of number of years of both academic and behavioral challenges in school or at home, many ADHD adolescents simply have become demoralized over the course of the last number of years.   

ADHD adolescents with the impulsive/hyperactive type of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder often times don’t have the extreme hyperactivity which was so obvious in earlier years. Instead it has morphed into the less noticeable symptoms of restlessness or fidgeting. While it would be easy to interpret the lack of hyperactivity as a lessening of they symptom is just is not the case. Instead it indicates that the person is finding a different way of expressing their pent up kinetic energy in a way that is more socially tolerable. 

In school things are not really getting any easier and in fact may be becoming more difficult, depending on the environment. This is at least partly due the fact that ADHD adolescent don’t develop emotionally as rapidly as their peers. Additionally, classes are normally larger and there is a greater emphasis placed on personal responsibility with less access to one on one instruction. Let’s take a look at three of the biggest hurdles facing ADHD adolescent in a typical school environment. 

Lack of organization: Disorganization is a continual problem for those with ADHD and it may be at it worst in the adolescent years. Anything that has to do with organization or planning may prove to be a serious challenge that likely will require the help of both parents and teachers. A few helpful tips in this area are to use a calendar to write down your child’s schedule and post it where it can be easily seen. The next idea is to color code your child’s things to give them a visual organizational aid. And lastly set aside a few minutes each day to go over goals, assignments, or any other miscellaneous topics which are dependent on organization.

Make homework assignments a priority: As a child moves from elementary school to middle school they often see an increase in the amount of homework assigned each day. ADHD adolescents are easily distracted, extremely absentminded, often have trouble getting started, fail to get the assignment right, and even if they do complete the assignment may forget to turn it in. Work with them to overcome as many of these hurdles as possible while still allowing them to feel in charge.

Behavioral issues: It is no secret that one out of every two ADHD kids has aggression problems which likely will become even more problematic in adolescence. Couple this with poor or impulsive decision making and the result may be any one of many antisocial problems such as fighting or bullying. Be patient and work with your child to overcome these issues, always remembering that ADHD is a biological condition involving neurotransmitter imbalances in the brain.

What Next? When the symptoms of ADHD adolescents are identified finding help should be the number one goal. In this pursuit many parents of ADHD adolescent children have found answers in the form of natural ADHD remedies. Whether you are worried about the side effects posed by prescription drugs for ADHD or you want to get to the root of the problem rather than just suppress symptoms, ADHD alternative treatment methods will deliver powerful, lasting results.

Rob Hawkins is an enthusiastic advocate for the use of natural health products and natural living with over 10 years
experience in the field.
Learn more about natural remedies and natural health at
Purchase Remedies.com

Acupuncture – an Effective Depression Remedy?

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Acupuncture is one of the oldest forms of medicine – dating back to around 8,000 years ago in ancient China. Acupuncture is the art of inserting tiny needles into specific places on the body and can cure many different ailments including asthma, insomnia and high blood pressure. It is believed that acupuncture can successfully treat over 40 different common health problems – but can it treat depression?

Depression is the most common emotional condition in the United States – affecting, to some degree, an estimated 11 million people every year. Depression is more common in women, affecting around 20% of women as opposed to around 10% of men – although men are more inclined to commit suicide when depressed. The illness costs an estimated $40 billion a year in charges for treatment and lost productivity.

Research suggests that acupuncture can help to treat depression – although there is little firm evidence to date. One major study was undertaken by the National Institute of Health in 1998 – the study determined that sufferers from depression who were treated with acupuncture enjoyed a 40% reduction in symptoms. Other studies have had similar results – those treated with acupuncture were more likely to be cured than those treated with traditional medication or therapy.

According to Chinese wisdom, a person’s body and mind are both part of the same system. Acupuncture treats both the body and the mind at the same time, rather than separating the two. The purpose of acupuncture treatment is to try to balance the body’s life energy, by the skillful placement of the needles. The concept of the life energy is important to our overall sense of well being – a person with a reduced flow of life energy will tend to suffer from stress or depression.

Acupuncture is effective as it tends to work on a person’s general health, rather than treating a specific disease or ailment. It’s also considered to be a natural remedy, so it is recommended for its lack of side effects, rather than medication. Medications can effectively treat depression but often have side effects and can introduce toxins into the body. Most practitioners recommend acupuncture along with therapy to treat depression or anxiety.

Acupuncture supposedly helps treat depression by unblocking the body’s clogged up lines of energy – or meridians. Once the energy lines are unblocked by placing the needles into the correct point on the body, the energy can flow through the body freely and whatever negative symptoms are in the body will then be removed.

It’s likely that acupuncture is effective in treating depression because it helps to stimulate the body’s central nervous system and increases the production of naturally occurring chemicals. These chemicals, which include enkephalins and endorphins, are partly responsible for a person’s feeling of well being.

Acupuncture has several benefits when it comes to treating depression as well as other conditions. There are no side effects and no danger of addiction. Most practitioners also advocate exercise, a healthy diet and lifestyle along with the acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture also helps a person to sleep better, and reduces muscle tension and pain.

Also, being treated for depression with acupuncture is fast – positive results can typically be achieved by just several sessions over several weeks rather than a course of antidepressant drugs which may take several months.

Many people state that they feel better and have more energy after just the first treatment. And as acupuncture tends to treat the actual root cause of depression – there’s a good chance that the treatment may prevent a person from suffering from depression in the future. Those who have been treated for depression by acupuncture usually state that they maintain a feeling of well being after the treatment.

Most people – even those who have a needle phobia – tend to not be too bothered by the needles. The needles used in acupuncture are extremely fine and cause virtually no pain when being used – there may be a slight feeling of discomfort or pressure, when being treated with needles. Many people claim to experience a warm comforting feeling when the needles are inserted. Acupuncture needles are always sterilized and procedures are completely safe.

Research has also been done on the effects of electro-acupuncture. As the name suggests, this technique involves passing a very small electrical current through acupuncture needles. Initial results indicate that those who undergo this technique also benefit from a general feeling of well being and invigoration.

The techniques and the benefits of acupuncture are still a mystery to many people – to the uninitiated, it isn’t considered real medicine. However, acupuncture is becoming more and more acceptable – there are an estimated 9,000 practitioners throughout the US and around 15 million Americans have now benefited from this ancient technique.

About Author:

Craig Elliott is a freelance writer who writes about mental health topics including Community Support Services | Depression Anxiety Treatment

The Two Most Meaningful Issues to be Addressed in Adolescence

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The two most meaningful issues to be addressed in adolescence are intertwined. An adolescent’s relationship with God and his or her ability to apply biblical principles to daily life are crucial. As in every stage of the lifespan, eternal destination is of utmost importance. 1 Peter 1:3 says that God has given all that is needed for life and godliness. This means that as complex and confusing as an adolescent’s life can be, the answers to the questions that arise are all found in the pages of Scripture and through a relationship with God.

Consider some of the issues listed in this week’s assignment. God’s Word has much to say about peer group affiliation (Proverbs 17:9, 17, 22, 24-26; 22:21; 23:20; 24:1; 25:6), autonomy (Genesis 2:24; Exodus 20:12; Ephesians 6:1- 3; Colossians 1:3), substance abuse (Proverbs 23:20, 29-35; Isaiah 5:11-12, 22; Romans 13:13, 14; Galatians 5: 19-25; Ephesians 5:18), suicidal ideations (Genesis 1:27; Job 3, 6:8-11; Romans 8:35-39), and sexuality (Leviticus 18; Deuteronomy 22:3; Song of Solomon; Romans 1:26,27). The overall scope of Scripture can help an adolescent develop a true sense of self, the value God places on each person, and the responsibilities human beings have toward one another. A relationship with God can give purpose and meaning to life, especially during this time of “major changes in the ways in which individuals must deal with the world” (Feldman, 2008, pg. 408).

Several studies concur that adolescents who hold “religious” values are less likely to participate in delinquent behavior (Petts, 2009; Milot and Ludden, 2009), and be involved in substance abuse (Milot and Ludden, 2009; Berg, C. Choi, W. S., Kaur, H., Ahluwalia, J. S., 2009). These same adolescents are more likely to demonstrate high scholastic motivation and achievement (Milot and Ludden, 2009) and higher degrees of hope, joviality, psychological acceptance and mindfulness (Heaven, P. C. L., Ciarrochi, J., 2007).

References

Berg, C., Choi, W. S., Kaur, H., Nollen, N., Ahluwalia, J. S. (2009). The roles of parenting,          church attendance, and depression in adolescent smoking. Journal of Community Health, 34(1), 56-64.

Feldman, R. S. (2008). Development across the life span. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson

Prentice Hall.

Heaven, P. C. L., Ciarriochi, J. (2007). Personality and religious values among adolescents: A       three-wave longitudinal analysis. British Journal of Psychology, 98(4), 681.

Milot, A. S., Ludden, A. B. (2009). The effects of religion and gender on well-being, substance   abuse, and academic engagement among rural adolescents. Youth and Society, 40(3), 403.

Petts, R. J. (2009). Family and religious characteristics’ influence on delinquency trajectories        from adolescence to young adulthood. American Sociological Review, 74(3), 463-484.

Nick J Roy is the CEO and Creative Director for Galt Mile Media Group in Fort Lauderdale. He also runs several Celebrate Recovery groups for substance abuse counseling.