Pediatrics

The Five Faces of ADHD: A Chinese Medicine Approach

By Erik L. Goldman | Editor-in-Chief - Vol. 8, No. 2. , 2007

What works for attention deficit disorder? Depends on the kid, says Dr. Stephen Cowan, a holistic pediatrician who uses the Five Elements concepts from traditional Chinese medicine in working with attention problems in children. He believes modern drug therapies, with their one-size-fits-all philosophy, are doing more harm than good for many of these kids. The Five Elements approach recognizes that children are different from one another, and opens up a healthier way of addressing this increasingly common problem.

To Ameliorate Seasonal Allergies, Choose Xylitol Washes Over Saline

By Janet Gulland | Staff Writer - Vol. 8, No. 1. , 2007

Nasal washes can be a big help for patients with seasonal allergies. Many people use salt water. But this not the best choice, as it is irritating and it inhibits natural defense mechanisms. Xylitol nasal washes are effective in stimulating allergen clearance without the risk of irritation, and with the added benefit of inhibiting bugs that cause upper respiratory and middle ear infections.

High-Veg, Low-Fat Diets Prevent Progression, Recurrence of Breast, Colon Cancer

By Janet Gulland | Contributing Writer - Vol. 7, No. 2. , 2006

New data from the Women’s Intervention Nutrition Study (WINS) and the Women’s Healthy Eating and Lifestyle (WHEL) trial show clearly that low-fat, high-vegetable diets can reduce risk of breast cancer recurrence in high-risk women. The findings should prompt a re-thinking of the negative diet data from the Women’s Health Initiative.

Physicians, Parents & Politicians Challenge Childhood Immunizations

By Erik L. Goldman | Editor-in-Chief

Once the epitome of public health success, childhood vaccine policies are under fire, owing to a growing concern that thimerosal, the mercury-containing preservative in many vaccines, may trigger autism, ADHD and other developmental problems. Federal authorities maintain vaccines are safe and thimerosal poses little threat, but an increasingly vocal movement of parents, politicians and physicians are unconvinced.

To Ease Chronic Pain in Children, Look to the Family

By Erik L. Goldman | Editor in Chief - Vol. 6, No. 4. , 2005

Chronic pain syndromes, including back pain, headaches, and abdominal pain are on the rise in children. Better nutrition, biofeedback and attention to family dynamics can make a world of difference.

Dietary Supplements in Children: Parents Rush in Where Researchers Fear to Tread

By Dana Trevas | Contributing Writer - Vol. 2, No. 2. , 2001

Don’t expect too much help from federal authorities when trying to figure out what supplements your child might need. Though there are mountains of scientific studies on childhood nutrition, there is little consensus on how to apply that data in a practical way for optimal childhood nutrition. Parents, undaunted by the lack f “official” guidance, are figuring it all out for themselves.

Dietary Supplements in Children: Children with Rare Disorders Benefit from Supplements, Suffer from Under-Regulation

By Dana Trevas | Contributing Writer - Vol. 2, No. 2. , 2001

A number of rare childhood metabolic disorders, such as Wilson’s disease, sickle cell anemia, cystic fibrosis, and short bowel syndrome, can be ameliorated with judicious use of various dietary supplements. But variations in quality of existing supplement products has made it difficult for many parents to provide these benefits to their children.