Kelly Owens, N.D.

With a little care and preparation, you can help your family avoid the slew of contagious diseases this holiday season. Enjoy the festivities, and be well!

 

Childhood fevers rank near the top of the list for reasons to call the doctor this time of year.Perhaps the most misunderstood immune response, fever is a major concern for most parents.It is important to remember, however, that fever plays an important role in the body’s natural immune response to infections, and most of the time, should be left alone to do its job.

Well, it’s back-to-school time again, and with it comes the return of the cold and flu season. After a summer tending to healthy kids with no more than the occasional bee-sting or sunburn, it’s time to prepare yourselves for the inevitable return of the runny nose, cough and likely ear infection. 

Are you wondering if your child’s health problems could be related to the foods he or she is eating? Have you found it difficult, or darn near impossible, to “cure” simple health issues with the available over the counter and prescription medicines offered by your pharmacist and/or doctor? If the answer to either of these questions is “Yes!” then it is possible that your child may be experiencing the symptoms of food intolerances or allergy.

As the primary providers of nutrition for children, it’s crucial that parents recognize that the foods their kids eat really do affect their health, even as adults! Ask your doctor or naturopath about ways to maximize your family’s intake of healthy foods, and try to resist that Drive-Thru. It really could kill you.

As a complex disorder, AD/HD often responds well to a varied treatment approach. Parents and kids facing or living with a diagnosis of AD/HD need to educate themselves about the many treatment options available and communicate openly with their health care providers about their needs and concerns. Choosing a well-rounded treatment approach helps to ensure that all potential causes are addressed, and that 3-6% of our kids emerge as patient, productive adults.