Magazine Posts Table of Contents

Post title...

Posted 2014-11-13 12:14:18 | Views: 711
have major problems in one or more areas of their life, such as their career, finances, or family responsibilities.
• When did the symptoms start? Since ADHD starts in childhood, the doctor or therapist will    look at how early the symptoms appeared. If you are an adult, can you trace the                  symptoms back to your childhood?
• How long have the symptoms been bothering you or
   your child? Symptoms must have been going on for at
   least 6 months before ADHD can be diagnosed.
• When and where do the symptoms appear? 
The symptoms of ADHD must be present in multiple 
settings, such as at home and school. If the symptoms only appear in one environment, it is unlikely that ADHD is to blame (Grohol & Martin, 2013).
3 Types of ADHD in Children
Doctors may classify symptoms as the following types of ADHD:
• Combined type (inattentive/hyperactive/impulsive). Children with this type of ADHD show all three symptoms. This is the most common form of ADHD.
• Hyperactive/impulsive type. Children show both hyperactive and impulsive behavior, but for the most part, they are able to pay attention.
• Inattentive type. Formerly called attention deficit disorder (ADD). These children are not overly active. They do not disrupt the classroom or other activities, so their symptoms might not be noticed (Hallowell & Ratey, 2005).
What problems are faced?
ADHD is considered a common neuro-behavioral disorder in children marked by being overactive, trouble paying attention and problems controlling impulsive behaviors who often experience poor academic performance, behavior problems, and difficulties with social interaction.
Treatment of ADHD
Standard treatments for ADHD in children include medications, education, training and counseling. These treatments can relieve many of the symptoms of ADHD, but they don't cure it. Currently, stimulant drugs (psychostimulants) are the most commonly prescribed medications for 

Post title...

Posted 2014-10-29 10:30:20 | Views: 751
Diagnosing ADHD: What you need to know 

There are no laboratory or imaging tests available to determine a diagnosis; instead, clinicians base their conclusions on the observable symptoms and by ruling out other disorders. The specialist who conducts you or your child’s evaluation will ask you a range of questions that you should answer honestly and openly. He or she may also:
• obtain a thorough medical and family history
• order or conduct a general physical and/or neurological exam
• lead a comprehensive interview with you, your child, and the child’s teacher(s)
• use standardized screening tools for ADHD
• observe your child at play or school
• use psychological tests in order to measure IQ and social and emotional adjustment (Segal & Smith, 2014)

The mental health professional assessing the problem will also look at the following factors:
• How severe are the symptoms? To be diagnosed with ADHD, the symptoms must have a negative impact on you or your child’s life. In general, people who truly have ADHD have major problems in one or more areas of their life, such as their career, finances, or family responsibilities.
• When did the symptoms start? Since ADHD starts in childhood, the doctor or therapist will look at how early the symptoms appeared. If you are an adult, can you trace the symptoms back to your childhood?
• How long have the symptoms been bothering you or your child? Symptoms must have been going on for at least 6 months before ADHD can be diagnosed.
• When and where do the symptoms appear? The symptoms of ADHD must be present in multiple settings, such as at home and school. If the symptoms only appear in one environment, it is unlikely that ADHD is to blame (Grohol & Martin, 2013).

Post title...

Posted 2014-10-29 10:22:54 | Views: 788
The number of diagnoses of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder has ballooned over the past few decades. Many people label others with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder as people who are just hyper all the time and can’t sit still, let alone focus on anything. There are severities of ADHD ranging from mild to extremely severe. Children, adolescents and adults live with this disorder every day. It’s a serious public health problem. We know that ADHD causes problems in how well children do in school, in their ability to make and keep friends, and function in society. Although there are treatments to improve ADHD symptoms, less is known about managing ADHD as a child ages and reaches adulthood.

RELIEVING THE BURDEN

Post title...

Posted 2014-10-13 18:51:28 | Views: 783
Vicks Nature Fusion
Works for: Cough, chest congestion
Vicks offers a gluten-free and dye-free alternative to the usual cough syrup, flavored with real honey. The active ingredients are no different than other cough meds, but staying true to a strict nutritional regimen may make you sleep a little easier (Oz).

Remember that different OTC drugs may contain the same active ingredient. If you are taking more than one OTC drug, pay attention to the active ingredients used in the products to avoid taking too much of a particular ingredient. Know how to take drugs safely and responsibly.
Remember, the drug label will tell you:
• what the drug is used for
• how to take the drug
• how to reduce the risk of drug interactions and unwanted side effects (Administration)
It is important to take medicines correctly, and being careful when giving them to children. More medicine does not necessarily mean better. You should never take OTC medicines longer or in higher doses than the label recommends. If your symptoms don't go away, it's a clear sign that it's time to see your healthcare provider.

Post title...

Posted 2014-10-13 18:48:57 | Views: 823
Afrin
Works for: Stuffy nose
The advantage to topical nasal sprays with the active ingredient oxymetazoline (decongestant) is instant relief (orally administered meds can take up to an hour to work). Afrin lasts 12 hours. Don't use for longer than three consecutive days, otherwise, your sinuses may become dependent on the spray and lead to symptoms getting worse (Brooks).

Delsym Cough Suppressant
Works for: Dry cough
Any OTC medication with dextromethorphan (cough suppressant) will be helpful in battling a dry, hacking cough. Delsym offers sustained 12 hour relief (so you only have to take it twice a day). Plus, for those who dislike the taste of cough syrup, the adult dose is two teaspoonful’s versus one tablespoon for similar meds (Staff).

NyQuil Cold & Flu
Works for: Headache, dry cough and runny nose
The upside to multi-symptom products like NyQuil is that it simplifies dosages. However, make sure that you actually have all the symptoms that it treats, otherwise you run the risk of overmedicating and exposing yourself to unnecessary side effects (Michalopolous).

Post title...

Posted 2014-10-10 10:45:55 | Views: 789

Mucinex

Works for: Chest congestion
These extended relief tablets last 12 hours and contain a heavy dose of guaifenesin, which can help loosen phlegm and thin bronchial secretions to make coughs more productive.
Tip: Drink at least 8 ounces of water with each dose to help loosen up mucus (Cold).

Add some text, Yo! Click this text box to change the text, style, color and fonts.
Add some text, Yo! Click this text box to change the text, style, color and fonts.
Add some text, Yo! Click this text box to change the text, style, color and fonts.
Tylenol Cough & Sore Throat
Works for: Dry cough, sore throat
The acetaminophen calms your inflamed airways and 30 mg of dextromethorphan, which quiets a cough. The liquid acetaminophen coats your throat, and relief is faster than with a pill (Gardner).

Tylenol Sinus Severe Congestion
Works for: Stuffy nose, chest congestion, sore throat, headache, body aches, or fever
Unlike some other multi-symptom remedies that come spiked with alcohol and sleep-inducing antihistamines, this cocktail only contains pseudoephedrine, guaifenesin, and acetaminophen (Vann).

Post title...

Posted 2014-10-10 10:38:13 | Views: 834
Top 10 Over-The-Counter meds for this fall

Find your way around the cold medication aisle... without getting lost

        Uh oh, here comes fall. A smorgasbord of cold and flu symptoms, from fever and 
sore throat to muscle aches and pains. Every year, millions of people use over-the-counter (OTC) products to relieve nasal stuffiness and congestion, sneezing, runny noses, sore throat, and cough. The common causes of these symptoms include the viruses that cause the common cold, influenza virus, allergic rhinitis (hay fever), and sinus infections (sinusitis). Viral infections can also cause headache, body aches, fatigue, and sometimes fever (Health). Next time you’re in need of a medication, try one of these products. There's no cure for the common cold, but that doesn't mean you can't get relief from one of these products.



Sudafed Nasal Decongestant  
Works for: Stuffy nose  
Temporarily relieves nasal and sinus congestion due to the common cold, hay fever, or other upper respiratory allergies. Sudafed and other meds with pseudoephedrine can be made into crystal meth, you have to show your driver's license or state ID to buy them (Health).
Sudafed Triple Action
Works for: Stuffy nose, chest congestion, sore throat, headache and body aches
Like Tylenol Sinus, this is good for a three-pronged attack: guaifenesin as an expectorant, pseudoephedrine to clear nasal congestion, and acetaminophen to ease sore throat and aches—all in the most effective doses (Prescription drugs use in America).

Post title...

Posted 2014-09-19 10:39:09 | Views: 894
Editor's introduction

     When I was a little girl, I always had a passion for helping people. 

Usually it was my twin brother or younger sister. I assumed the mother role at a young age. I'd constantly make sure they were safe and assisted them with anything they needed. Sometimes that would lead to trouble, but I had a pretty honest face to get away with things with my parents.


     I was that kid that walked around with a little doctor's kit and would bandage up any 'owie.' After graduating high school, I joined the Army

and left three months later into what people referred to as "the real world." That was an experience in itself. At 18 years old, I had the privilege of knowing what I could handle physically, mentally and emotionally. It can take a person there whole life to realize and understand themselves.

Add some text, Yo! Click this text box to change the text, style, color and fonts.
    I had many accomplishments and defeats there on after. My life in a nutshell consisted of this: buying my first car, having a town home in the cities, getting married, having two beautiful children, handled three deployments of my husband's, surviving a nasty divorce, hitting rock bottom at the age of 23, moved back in with my parents, getting back on my feet when I was 25, finally meeting the man of my dreams, moved three more times and graduating from school as a LPN. Wow, right? In the midst of all this, I battled severe depression and uncontrolled anxiety. I wouldn't wish that upon anyone.

    I denied getting help when I desperately needed it. My mom, being a RN, begged me to go see a doctor and get on medication. My mentality of having too much pride got the best of me. I got fed up of being tired and feeling like my life was worthless. I finally reached out for help. I wouldn't be the same person I am today if I didn't. I consider myself lucky. With the help of medications and therapy, I survived one of the longest and toughest times in my life.

    This magazine is about life's accomplishments, the struggles, the joys, the ups, the downs and everything in between. Medicine isn't just pills to me, it was a way to help me with a burden.
Life situations led you to where you are today. I'm happy to say that I've succeeded in my goal of helping people professionally and in a field I love. I get to be that person that helps you through tough times, regardless what it may be. 
     To end this on a light note, I think of this quote everyday, " Nobody said that life would be easy, they just promised it would be worth it." -Harvey Mackay.
Amber Mettler

Post title...

Posted 2014-09-17 10:55:18 | Views: 931
Life & Medicine 101

Top 10 Over-the-counter meds for this fall!


ADHD: Relieving the burden



Age-specific management of asthma in children



Diabetes....will you have it?

Life and Medicine 101

October 2014