Why Growing Up Regular is a Good Thing

Bottom Line:

Constipation is a common issue many for children. It also stinks for parents. No one enjoys luring their child to the potty with a reward hanging in the balance for a job well done. But, for many families, the frequency of bowel movements with your child can have a significant impact on your quality of life. Fortunately, most cases of constipation aren’t a medical emergency and can be resolved without the use of medications.

Why It Matters:

Passing a large, dry stool isn’t fun. And if your child is fearful that it may hurt, then he/she may try a variety of tactics to avoid going. This becomes a vicious cycle that leads to more abdominal pain and constipation. So how do you break the cycle? A combination of high-fiber foods, plenty of fluids, exercise, and even Chiropractic care have been shown to improve the regularity of children.

·         High-Fiber Foods: foods that are high in fiber can help prevent gas and bloating.

·         Exercise: regular physical activity and exercise can reinforce normal bowel function.

·         Chiropractic: researchers have children may have an increased frequency of bowel movement after receiving Chiropractic adjustments.

Next Steps:

Encouraging your child to take time out from play and regularly use the toilet is an excellent first step towards overcoming issues with constipation. By keeping an eye on their diet, establishing daily routines, and using other forms of natural care (such as Chiropractic), your child should be on track to grow up regular!

Science Source:

Successful resolution of chronic constipation in pediatric patients with adjustments to sites of vertebral subluxation. Clinical Chiropractic. 2008. Constipation in Children. Mayo Clinic. 2018

The Truth About Ear Infections

Bottom Line:

Chronic ear infections, or otitis media, can be frustrating for both a child and their parents. While the child is dealing with the painful inflammation and fluid build-up in the middle ear, many parents find it challenging to decide the best treatment and course of action. 

Why It Matters:

Ear infections are the most common reason parents bring their kids to the doctor. Nearly five out of six children will experience at least one ear infection by their 3rd birthday. There are a few reasons kids tend to get ear infections. One is because the small tubes that are designed to drain the fluid in the ear are smaller and less angled than in adults. Also, a child’s immune system isn’t fully developed, so it’s more challenging to fight infections.

·         Congestion in the Eustachian tube between the middle ear and throat can lead to a buildup of fluid and pressure which can cause an ear infection. 

·         Antibiotics should only be prescribed when the ear infection has a bacterial cause. 

·         Researchers have found a correlation between Chiropractic adjustments and the resolution of ear infections in children.

Next Steps:

The American Academy of Pediatrics discourages jumping into prescriptions anti-antibiotics right now. By exploring natural remedies and treatments, many children can overcome ear infections without the side-effects associated with repetitive antibiotic use.  Be sure to visit our Facebook Page where we have devoted this week to providing information on how you can find natural relief from ear infections!

Science Source:

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Ear Infections in Children. 2017. The Role of the Chiropractic Adjustment in the Care and Treatment of 332 Children with Otitis Media. Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics 1997.

The ADHD Generation

Bottom Line:

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is commonly identified when a child has difficulty paying attention and controlling their behavior. Over the past ten years, we have witnessed the rate of children diagnosed with ADHD increase by 42%. The potential for over-diagnosis has caused a lightning rod of controversy within the medical profession as doctors have begun to speak out about the number of prescriptions that are filled each year for powerful stimulants such as Ritalin and Adderall.

Why It Matters:

Providing powerful psychoactive medications to children has a significant set of risks, without providing a cure. And while the medications can improve the symptoms, they don’t address any of the underlying causes of the disorder. This is why leading healthcare organizations have begun to encourage a more conservative approach to managing ADHD. Adding conservative care, such as behavioral therapy, has been shown to eliminate the use of medications for nearly 40% of kids.

·         The American Psychological Association has recommended behavioral therapy as a first line treatment for kids under 5.

·         Exercise elevates the levels of dopamine and serotonin which can increase focus and attention.

·         Reducing sugar intake while increasing protein and high-fiber foods can help stabilize energy levels.

Next Steps:

Our practice has worked with many families who have a child diagnosed with ADHD. We will happily direct you to additional resources that will help you find natural treatment options including our upcoming workshop: It’s All About Healthy Kids. 

Science Source:

Twenty-Year Trends in Diagnosed Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Among US Children and Adolescents, 1997-2016. Pediatrics. 2018. Time. Growing Up with ADHD. 2018.

Kids and Colic

Bottom Line:

There’s nothing like the sound of a colicky baby. If you’ve experienced this in the past, I hope that sentence didn’t send shivers down your spine. Colic is characterized by intense crying and fussiness for 3 or more hours a day, which conveniently starts just about the time you are getting ready to sit down and relax for the night! The symptoms associated with colic typically peak at around six weeks old and disappear by 3-4 months, but the time in between can be one of the most stressful for any parent.

Why It Matters:

The exact cause of colic is still unknown. The development of the gut, or digestive system, appears to be an important factor. Also, stimulation to their still-developing nervous system may play a role. While love and patience may be the best “medicine” for dealing with colic, researchers have also discovered that Chiropractic care may be beneficial.  One study found that Chiropractic adjustments provided over a 2-hour decrease in crying time per day.

·         Colic is defined by extreme crying or fussiness for more than 3 hours per day.

·         There is no known cause of colic, but the development of the digestive and nervous systems seem to be a key factor.

·         Chiropractic care may be beneficial in reducing the symptoms associated with colic.

Next Steps:

Dealing with colic isn’t easy, but try not to get too stressed out. Within a few months, the symptoms should naturally subside and all of those hours spent crying will be in your rearview mirror.

Science Source:

Colic. Mayo Clinic. 2018. The short-term effect of spinal manipulation in the treatment of infantile colic: a randomized controlled clinical trial with a blinded observer. JMPT 1999.