When you think of treating Attention Hyperactivity Deficit Disorder (or ADHD), many assume medicating the patient is the only option. However, effective ADHD management is possible without medication, or with the help of several lifestyle supports—which can include behavioral therapy, counselling, and child and parental education. ADHD treatments are both psychological and physiological in nature. They aim to curb impulsive behaviors, improve focus, and decrease hyperactivity while also eliminating unfair ADHD stigma. While each patient’s ADHD treatment plan will differ, many include a combination of the following diet, exercise, and social therapies to help decrease symptoms and anxiety while improving social behavior and personal relationships in all aspects of the child’s life. The most promising ADHD treatment options include: Behavioral therapy Therapy is often employed to help patients manage and curb their ADHD symptoms mentally. Common therapies include social skills therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and psychoeducation (or talk therapy) to identify ADHD triggers, and aim to replace negative reactions with healthy, positive reactions. ADHD support groups Support groups designed for both children with ADHD and their caregivers are effective for connecting via concerns, awareness, strategies, and shared experience. ADHD support groups can help teach coping techniques while building a healthy support network for both parents and ADHD patients.

Eczema is a very common skin disorder. In fact, the term “eczema” refers to any type of skin inflammation that results in itchy, red, inflamed skin prone to any type of peeling, weeping, or blistering. According to statistics from the National Eczema Association, eczema is a general term for dermatitis that affects over 30 million Americans, mostly babies and children who develop telltale patches of eczema on the cheeks and chin to start. However, eczema can develop in patients of any age, on various areas of the body. While the root cause of eczema is largely unknown, this skin condition is thought to trigger flare-ups due to a combination of environmental and genetic factors (i.e., immune system and allergens). While eczema is generally thought to be a chronic skin condition that typically causes itchy, red, and inflamed patches to develop on the skin, this skin disorder occurs in several forms, ranging from mild, moderate, to severe, including: Dyshidrotic eczema Nummular eczema Seborrheic dermatitis Atopic dermatitis Stasis dermatitis, and Contact dermatitis While eczema isn’t contagious, many of the common symptoms can often be aesthetically embarrassing and painful. Here’s what to look for: 1. Itchy skin The majority of eczema patients overwhelmingly agree that eczema is itchy.

Eczema is a broad term used to describe various types of dermatitis. The main aim of any eczema treatment is to reduce and manage the uncomfortable and unsightly symptoms of eczema (i.e., redness, dryness, swelling, scaling, and itching) by reinforcing a healthy skin barrier. First and foremost, it’s important for eczema patients to identify and steer clear of triggers that cause eczema to flare up. Eczema triggers can range from stress to temperature, exposure to fragrances and chemicals, and from environmental allergies to clothing materials. Once eczema triggers are identified, it’s essential to reduce contact in order to prevent future flare ups. In addition to avoiding known eczema aggravators, restoring moisture to affected skin can help restore much needed moisture, and lessen itching and irritation. Here are the most common topical creams and medications prescribed to treat eczema: 1. Dietary changes Like many chronic conditions, eczema can be affected by the foods we eat, which can trigger an immune-response, followed by inflammation, which leads to an eczema flare up. This is why most traditional and natural health practitioners recommend eczema patients avoid processed foods high in refined sugars and acids in favor of fresh, alkaline-rich foods. As well as foods high in vitamin C and healthy probiotics (i.e., yogurt, miso, sauerkraut or kimchi, and tempeh).

COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a very prevalent form of chronic inflammatory lung disease. In fact, it’s considered the world’s leading pulmonary disorder, affecting approximately 16 million Americans, according to research from Sciencedirect.com. COPD generally develops due to existing emphysema or chronic bronchitis, and chronic asthma, in rarer cases, all which cause the chronic obstruction of airflow to the lungs. Once patients develop COPD, they also have a heightened risk of developing other lung and heart related conditions (i.e., lung cancer and cardiovascular disease). The main risk factor for developing COPD is smoking cigarettes or pipe tobacco—with smokers making up roughly 30% of COPD cases. Additional risk factors include individuals who suffer long-term exposure to noxious fumes (i.e., poor ventilation), chemicals, and gases. Although COPD is treatable, the lung and heart damage caused by the disease is non-reversible. However, early detection paired with quitting smoking and adequate treatment can help control COPD symptoms, and significantly improve a patient’s quality of life. Here are the most common symptoms of COPD: 1. Chronic congestion The trouble with diagnosing COPD is that symptoms often don’t present until lung damage has progressed. However, a chronic cough that produces mucus and doesn’t subside for a 3 months is indicative of an underlying lung issue.

Hepatitis C (Hep C or HCV) is a viral infection that results in inflammation of the liver, primarily transmitted through blood contact with another infected individual (i.e., blood transfusions, tattoos, piercings, or sharing needles). Hep c is rarely a sexually transmitted disease. Although no vaccination exists to protect us from contracting the hepatitis C virus, both mild short term and chronic cases of hep C may be successfully treated with antiviral medications. The key is to diagnose hep C in the early stages, prior to any liver damage taking place. Leaving chronic hep C untreated significantly increases the risk of developing cirrhosis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified six different HCV types (of genotypes) of the hepatitis C virus: HCV genotype 1 exists globally, but is considered the most prevalent genotype in America, and makes up roughly 75% of all hep c cases in the U.S. HCV genotype 2 is found around the world, but makes up a minor portion of U.S. HCV cases. HCV genotype 3 is found worldwide, but can also account for less than 15% of U.S. hep C diagnosis. HCV genotype 4 primarily exists in central Africa, the Middle East, and Egypt.