Back Issues: Must have School Supplement: Could Aid Concentration
Fall is around the corner and school bells are set to start ringing soon. The mad dash to buy school supplies and dress code appropriate clothing has everyone’s focus.
Although these things are essential to getting a good start to the school year, there is one thing that needs to be considered. What supplements should your child be taking that could help improve their school performance. One such supplement should be DHA.
DHA stands for "docosahexaenoic acid." It is a polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acid (22:6 n3) and is considered a beneficial fat. DHA is critical for the optimal development and function of the brain, eyes, and central nervous system during infancy and childhood. The brain grows rapidly throughout the first years of life, and DHA usage by the brain is significant during this time.
Babies get DHA from breast milk, where it is found naturally. Infant formulas are now being supplemented with DHA. But when young children are weaned from breast milk or formula to solid foods, their intake of DHA tends to decrease.
Natural sources of DHA are found in:
- Breast milk
- Organ meats
- Seafood, especially oily, cold-water fish such as salmon, herring, sardines, and anchovies
- Algae
Because DHA makes up a large portion of the brain and the retinas of the eyes, a deficiency could negatively impact the development or function of these organs. Studies revealed that babies with higher DHA levels have better mental and visual function. In addition, children who were breastfed tend to have higher IQ scores and better academic performance than those who were formula-fed; this is believed to be partly related to the high DHA content of breast milk. This Essential Fatty Acid is important factor in concentration. Furthermore, studies in 2004, boys who were diagnosed with ADHD had low levels of DHA present in their blood lipids.* Meanwhile, a study in 2008 who studied pre-children with high levels of DHA had higher cognition and vocabulary scores.*
In addition to diet, there are several choices of supplements available to help increase your child’s DHA levels. Care must be taken when purchasing any Essential Fatty Acid. Fish are similar to humans in the manner handling a toxic load. Those toxins that cannot be excreted are stored in fat. This is the key reason why there are limits on how much fish children and pregnant women should consume per week to limit the toxins ingested. Special care must be taken when these fish fats are processed to insure that the toxins have been removed.
Creative Compounds carry professional lines of Essential Fatty Acids from reputable companies. These companies provide a certificate of analysis proving the toxin levels are within low acceptable levels. Buying Essential Fatty Acids from a box store are sometimes more economical there’s no analysis of the composition available. The dollars saved is not worth the risk of your child’s long term health. Creative Compounds staff can make recommendation on the supplement that will fit your child’s needs.
ActaP – Benefits of oily fish and omega-3, increased IQ
Aberg MA, Aberg N, Brisman J, et al. Fish intake of Swedish male adolescents is a predictor of cognitive performance. Acta Paediatr. 2009;98(3):555-60.
2004-12-25 AJCN - Boys with ADHD have lower levels of key essential fats
Stevens L, Zentall S, Deck J et al. Essential fatty acid metabolism in boys with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Am J Clin Nut 1995; 62:761-768.
CP - High DHA blood levels are positively correlated to preschool children's listening comprehension and vocabulary.
Ryan A, Nelson E. Assessing the effect of docosahexaenoic acid on cognitive functions in healthy, preschool children: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Clin Pediatr (Phila). 2008;47(4):355-62
Tax Free Shopping, Training, Hours Set for Creative Compounds
There are a few new things going on at Creative Compounds. The online store is now open. With a click of the mouse, shopping has never been so easy! Most of the professional lines that we carry are represented in the store. However, due to agreements with Standard Process we are not able to list those products online. Should require some Standard Process Products in addition to your order, please leave a note with the order and we'll give you a call about the addition.
In the State of Texas, supplements are not a taxable items. In the spirit of both our new online store and the tax free weekend, through the end of the month receive a 10% discount when you shop online using "july10" code on checkout. Of course, free shipping is available for qualifying orders.
There are a couple of temporary hour changes to the schedule. Friday, August 21st, Creative Compounds will be closing at Noon for the staff to attend training resuming regular hours on Monday.
In observance of the Labor Day Holiday, September 7, and will be closed. Normal hours will resume on Tuesday.
Time for Fall Detox
With temperatures still threatening the triple digits it's hard to think about fall being around the corner. The temperatures will cool and the variety of fresh in season fruits and vegetables will decrease. Now's the time to contemplate a detox program before the holiday's are here.
How do you know if you might benefit from a good detox protocol? If you experience more than 3 of the following symptoms:
* Generalized fatigue
* Unable to lose weight
* Poor circulation, edema
* Poly-systemic complaints
* Recurrent infections
* Industrial or occupational exposure
* Chemical sensitivity
* Bizarre symptoms / history
* Autism, ADHD, cognitive difficulties
* Chronic Allergies
* Hormonal Dysfunction
* General Malaise
* Fatigue, headache, joint & muscle pain
* Chronic Mucous Production
* Poor Exercise Tolerance
* Skin Rashes, Peri-orbital edema
* Immune Weakness
* Environmental and Chemical Sensitivities
* Mental Status Changes
* Inability to concentrate, depression, mood changes, memory loss, sleep disturbances, anxiety, PMS, etc.
| Although we do have a 21-day detox program available, we do have an excellent 10-day detox program. CoreRestore by OrthoMolecular Products features a quick 10-day detox with all the supplements that facilitate the detoxing along with a helpful booklet that not only contains recipes but a shopping list. | |
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REFLEXOLOGY: THE HANDS,HEALTH BENEFITS & HOW IT WORKS
Ken Orr, LMT & Reflexologist
(Fourth of a Series on Reflexology: Ancient Healing Art & 21st Century Science)
The focus of the first three articles was a brief history of Reflexology (West and East); proven health benefits; how it works; the kinship/contrast between Zone Therapy and Meridians; Reflexology treatments and health issues; some body systems and the human organism. Contact the author to obtain a copy of any article.
The ideal Reflexology treatment includes both the feet and hands. The feet, hands, eyes and ears contain mapping of the entire body. Each has reflex points at locations that correspond to glands, organs and body areas. While the feet are one of the most highly energized areas of the body and almost always the main focus of a Reflexology session, an intense emphasis on the hands can promote similar health benefits. In many cases, it is effective to have a treatment concentrated exclusively on the hands. (SEE HAND MAPS & ANATOMY; FOOT ANATOMY)
The hand has 27 bones, 30 individual muscles, 1000 miles of nervous system, tendons, ligaments and numerous reflex points that correspond to glands, organs and specific body areas. By comparison, the foot has approximately 3,500 nerve endings, 28 small bones, 114 ligaments, 20 muscles and numerous reflex points.
Case histories of clients indicate that hand treatments are most effective for a variety of health conditions. For example, our massage business has worked with numerous companies, special events and other venues in the DFW area. Through giving Reflexology sessions (hands and feet) and combining Reflexology treatments with chair or table massages, thousands of clients have experienced the benefits of Hand Reflexology.
What are the most common health issues associated with the workplace? The obvious one is mental and emotional stress. A largely neglected issue is computer strain. Ergonomic measures (keyboards, work stations, posture, etc.) may help to some extent. However, even with the more body-mind-friendly office areas, severe computer strain and related health issues are prevalent. An exercise program, including stretches, is critical for dealing with computer strain. Sitting in front of a computer most of the day (on a mission) can distract us from taking care of ourselves. In some high achiever companies - motivated by lofty goals and intense pressure to produce - stress factors and computer strain often result in a higher percentage of employees with acute or chronic health issues.
An extensive body of research exists that links stress (primary or secondary cause) to almost 80% of diseases and illness. Computer strain encompasses a wide variety of health issues - from stress, carpel tunnel syndrome, nerve and disk damage, serious or chronic neck and shoulder pain/stiffness - to persistent lower back aches, eye strain, headaches, migraines and limited mobility. The computer-dominated workplace fosters a myriad of health concerns. One 30-45 minute session per week of Hand Reflexology (combined with chair massage) can liberate the hands (as described by some clients) -reducing pain and stiffness; improving mobility/dexterity. It can also provide significant stress relief and improve job performance.
Regular Hand Reflexology treatments, by themselves, or used in conjunction with individual wellness plans can help address these health issues; relieve pain and reduce inflammation; restore mobility and improve hand/finger movements; promote energy vitality (including mental alertness). Regular 90 minute table sessions, which include Hand and Foot Reflexology, are greatly enhanced therapeutic experiences. With 25-45 minutes of Reflexology blended with the table massage, the body’s natural healing processes are sparked like a body tune up. Tight muscles/stiffness are loosened. Neural pathways and Meridians are unblocked to allow a more uninterrupted flow of energy (Chi). Ideally, Chi (subtle energies flowing through the Meridians)and the electrical channels (neural pathways)in the nervous system help bring the body, mind and spirit more in balance to a higher vibrational level. Higher vibrations translate into better health and energy vitality.
Clients with broken bones (arm, foot, hand, etc.) or recent surgeries experience severe pain, inflammation and other health issues during the healing process. Hand Reflexology, along with other modalities, can help speed up the recovery process, increase blood flow, reduce swelling and inflammation. If your right foot is broken, working on the right hand in the corresponding or surrounding areas can provide relief and aid the recovery. Like Foot Reflexology, intense focus on the hands can induce a deep state of relaxation. Neurological issues affecting the hands, such as inflammatory conditions and nerve damage can be addressed through regular treatments.
Remember, when a client feels surges or currents racing through the body during a treatment, these gentle sparks are signs of stimulating the neural pathways and Meridians. From a holistic point of view, the body is a dynamic and ever-changing energy system. Harmony and imbalances are manifestations of the human organism (treat the whole person). The hands, much like the feet, are reflections of the body and its imbalances. When an organ, gland or body area is congested, this is a sign of disharmony. For example, an arthritic condition in the fingers (which has settled in for some time) causes serious inflammation/stiffness, poor circulation and hard crystallized deposits in affected areas. A severe case of carpel tunnel syndrome might reveal the forming of sheets, between the elbow and wrist areas,that feel razor thin. Often, it feels like the bone, muscles and support areas are not distinguishable.
When the hands are overused for long periods of time, sometimes soft pockets can be felt around the joints, fingers or wrist. This may indicate the support system surrounding the affected area, including connective tissue, has been compromised or loosened. (Think of a rubber band losing its elasticity.) One way to help relieve headaches and migraines (by treating it yourself) is to apply deep pressure to the web area of the thumb and at/near the tops of each finger. (SEE HAND CHART) Frequent and repetitive treatments are most effective. It can help mental stress/alertness and some lymph drainage.
Regular treatments can spur mental, emotional, physical health and well being within the entire body. Though the feet have been shown to be more effective for body tune ups and dealing with the entire body (larger reflex areas, heightened sensitivity and easier to pinpoint/apply deep pressure techniques), the hands are of paramount importance in the treatment process. Treatments focused solely on the hands can impact the body and its imbalances in ways similar to working the feet.
The most profound impact on the client comes from giving a treatment that combines both the hands and feet. Whether it be for general health maintenance, an integral part of your wellness plan or to address specific health issues - regular Hand Reflexology treatments can help improve your quality of life, sense of well-being and wellness strategies. Reflexology can be used in unison with other alternative health services (chiropractic, naturopathic, acupuncture, etc.); conventional and integrative medicine; and wellness plans.
(Next article will cover, "Reflexology: Where West Meets East". The Endocrine System, Reflex Points & Meridians, Wellness & The Human Organism. It will be published in two parts, the fifth and sixth articles of the series.)
Ken Orr is a local LMT and Reflexologist who has a practice in the Dallas area. He and his wife, Diane, have a massage business, MassagingDallas. Business phone: 972-238-5145.
On the Web: www.MassagingDallas.com Email: MassagingDallas@hotmail.com
2009 © Kenneth Orr All Rights Reserved.
The material contained in this article is provided for information and educational purposes. It is not intended as medical advice. Licensed Massage Therapists (LMTs) do not: (1) diagnose illness, disease, or any other physical/mental disorder; (2) prescribe medical treatment or pharmaceuticals; perform spinal manipulations. LMTs and Massage Therapy are not a substitute for medical examinations or diagnosis. Consult with a physician when you may have a disease, illness or injury. All client information is held in strict confidence.
