Mommage

Better Living Through Chemistry

Apparently I'm glowing.

It's quite noticeable and people at the office have commented on it.  There's rampant speculation as to whether there's a new man in my life and what it is that is causing me to be so incredibly happy this week.

I'll let you in on the secret and the reason ~ I haven't had a fight with my teenager since last Saturday.

Lorenzo Odone

Some stories stay with me forever, and the one told in the movie "Lorenzo's Oil" made an impression on me that will last a lifetime.  It left me with the knowledge that dedication, perseverance and sacrifice are important tools when facing challenging circumstances. 

When Augusto and Michaela Odone were told their six year old son, Lorenzo, had a rare inherited disease (ALD) that would cause him to lose all his functions and die within two to three years, they simply refused to accept that prognosis and set out on a mission that defied reason and clashed with doctors, scientists and support groups.  The Odones knew only one thing.  Their son needed someone to believe there was hope and to pursue that belief with the persistence and strength only possessed by a parent.

On May 30, 2008, after having lived more than twenty years longer than doctors predicted, Lorenzo died one day after his 30th birthday, but not without meaning and hope for other boys afflicted with the disease.

Reflux Medication for Infants?

Every time I think I've heard it all, I come across something that proves me wrong.  It's been a long time since a baby spit up on me, but I always thought it was a normal reaction after feeding.  Why would doctors suddenly think babies need medication for something they've been doing since the beginning of time?  What would make a pediatrician prescribe reflux medication to an infant who is simply doing what babies are supposed to do?

There are at least two possibilities.

Are We There Yet?

My son is hyperactive.  He was born that way.  In fact, sometimes I think it's the reason he was born four weeks early.  He simply ran out of patience and needed to get moving.  I don't hold it against him because I know exactly how he feels.  You see, I'm the same way.  When I was a kid, people jokingly told me I had St. Vitus Dance because even while sitting, one of my legs was always moving up and down.  I never knew St. Vitus Dance was a real thing until I heard about it on The X-Files. (What can I say? I love that show!)  Anyway, I have always had trouble sitting still and was the classic "Are we there yet?" kid, but I never thought of hyperactivity as a hindrance.  Quite the contrary... I think it's an asset.

I know that hyperactive people seem strange and annoying to those on the other end of the spectrum, and many people see it as a disability, but when handled properly, it can result in productivity, creativity and ingenuity, because a hyperactive mind never sleeps.  On the other hand, hyperactivity in children can be very disruptive at home and in school, can inhibit learning, and can even be misdiagnosed as ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).

Sleeping Pills for Children?

I found this information to be very disturbing.  How do six year olds develop insomnia?  Shouldn't their biggest problem be learning how to tie their shoes?  What could possibly be on the mind of a youngster to cause a sleep disorder?  Is this what the world is coming to?  I think it's time to give it some serious thought.  Don't you?

 

Of 18.6 million children's visits to the doctor for sleeping problems, 81% result in a prescription for medication.  In addition to sleeping pills, medications such as antihistamines, antidepressants and drugs for high blood pressure are being prescribed to children having difficulty sleeping, These medications are being used off-label, having only been approved for adults and having never been tested on children.  Certainly there must be a better solution.

 

There are alternatives to medications, such as diet and nutritional counseling, behavioral therapy, psychotherapy and stress management, all of which can be used alone or in combination with medication, if necessary.  Other strategies include setting up a healthy bedtime routine, making the bedroom conducive to sleep, consistent bedtime and awakening time, removing the television, computer, video games and cell phone from the bedroom, and cutting out caffeine after lunchtime.  These things might take a little effort on the part of the parents, and cause some minor inconvenience and resistance from the child, but if they help alleviate the problem, it's certainly better than resorting to medication.

~Contributed by Venice