Ask The Experts: Kathy Rager, Executive Director, CARE
Q: My son, age 15, is way too involved with his girl friend. But unlike when I was a teen, most of their communication seems to be over cell phones. I must admit, I do not understand "texting" and now I just heard about "sexting." From what I understand teens are flirting by sending nude or semi-nude pictures to each other. I have also heard that it may be illegal. Aside from the moral issues involved, should I be concerned?
A: You should be concerned and while I tend to not be reactionary, this trend has some very serious implications. Media is increasingly reporting on the legal ramifications of sharing nude or almost nude pictures via technology. "Sexting" may be considered flirting by some young people. Other youth, and their parents, may consider it harassment and will report it to law enforcement. Senders, and in some cases receivers, can face prosecution for obscenity or child pornography.
Sexting
Does My Child Have an Attention Deficit Disorder?
Ask the Experts: Janet Reed, PhD, MHA
Q: What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?
A: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a developmentally inappropriate level of any combination of three hallmark symptoms, including inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
ADHD can occur without hyperactivity (ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive Type); with hyperactivity and impulsivity (ADHD, Hyperactive-Impulsive Type); or with all three symptoms (ADHD, Combined Type). From a neuropsychological perspective, ADHD has been found to be related to delayed developmental and neurochemical processes in the frontal brain regions, affecting "executive" functions such as organizing, prioritizing, initiating, focused attention, sustained attention, rapid processing, working memory and recall, multi-tasking, and impulse control.
Those with ADHD may also experience significant anxiety disorders, tic disorders, and learning disabilities. The long-term impact can include low self-esteem, underachievement, poor interpersonal relationships, and depression. Approximately 50% of those with ADHD will outgrow it, while another 50% will continue to experience significant inattention and life disruption as a result.
Who can diagnose an Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?
Medical professionals such as pediatricians, psychiatrists, psychologists, neurologists, and neuropsychologists may diagnose an ADHD. Symptoms must be present and interfere with a patient's functioning in one or more settings, and it is important to evaluate for the presence of learning disabilities, emotional and behavioral difficulties, and neurodevelopmental disorders.
How are ADHDs treated?
ADHD has been found to be effectively treated with stimulant medication, behavioral therapy, and a combination of these approaches. Strategies for addressing problems with executive functioning are recommended; and there are commercially available computer-based intervention programs that have promising efficacy in improving working memory and attention.
Resources
Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorders (ChADD)
http://www.chaddonline.org/
Dr. Russell Barkley
http://www.russellbarkley.org/
The ADHD Medication Guide is a resource for parents considering medication for their child with ADHD. See http://www.parentsmedguide.org/ParentGuide%20-%20English.pdf
Dr. Reed is a pediatric neuropsychologist and clinical child psychologist with over 20 years of experience and a member of The Family Center's Association of Professionals. She is a Senior Staff Neuropsychologist at Henry Ford Behavioral Health Division of Neuropsychology and Director of Clinical Programs in the multidisciplinary Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities. She sees patients at four locations in Detroit and West Bloomfield. Dr. Reed can be reached at 313-876-2526. To learn more about services visit http://www.henryford.com/body.cfm?xyzpdqabc=0&id=47822&action=detail&ref=155 or just www.henryford.com.
The Family Center, a 501(c) 3, non-profit organization, serves as the community's centralized hub for information, resources and referral for families and professionals.
To view more Ask The Experts articles, please visit our website www.familycenterweb.org.
To volunteer or contribute, visit familycenterweb.org or call 313.432.3832.
20090 Morningside Drive, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236
Expectant Mothers: Eat Healthy and Exercise for Healthy Babies
Ask the Experts: Anne Marie B. McCarren, M.D., chief, Obstetrical and Gynecological Services, Beaumont Hospital, Grosse Pointe
Q: My husband and I are thinking about having a child. I have always eaten poorly as weight has never been an issue for me. Eating healthy was never a priority - until now. Will my unhealthy eating and exercise habits affect my child?
A: You are smart to start thinking about good nutrition before you conceive. Now is the time to also kick up the exercise. A mother's health determines how healthy - and intelligent - the child will be. To help ensure a healthy child, women should give themselves at least six months to prepare.
Having a complete physical is at the top of the list. Many young women only see their gynecologist for birth control pills. The physical will indicate a clean bill of health or areas of concern that need to be addressed before conception. Simple blood tests will reveal conditions that could affect fertility, such as a problem with your thyroid. Your physician should also check your immunity to rubella and chicken pox as well so you don't have to worry about exposure during pregnancy. It is also the best time to check for Rhesus disease (an incompatibility of the mother and baby's blood) which can be easily treated during pregnancy.
You mentioned never having a problem with your weight. Are you sure you are a healthy weight? Just as being overweight may result in pregnancy problems, being underweight is just as risky. Birth defects such cleft palates can be influence when the mother is not of healthy weight. There is also a greater risk for diabetes and hypertension. If a woman is overweight (with a BMI greater than 25), losing just 5 percent of the excess weight makes an enormous difference in fertility and pregnancy outcomes.
If you smoke, stop! Babies born to mothers who smoke risk being born prematurely, with low birth weight and they have an increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome and asthma. Alcohol and drugs - even some over-the-counter type medication and vitamins - should be discontinued. Consult with your physician to determine which medications you should stop taking and what vitamins you should start taking.
Your physician may also recommend taking vitamins with folic acid. The March of Dimes reports that the risk of brain and spinal cord defects are reduced by as much as 50 to 70 percent when the mother is taking a daily dose of 400 micrograms of folic acid.
Taking six months to a year to prepare for your new baby is the best route to take. It gives you and your physician time to prepare and treat conditions that may have an adverse affect on your baby.
For more information contact: Anne Marie B. McCarren, M.D., chief, Obstetrical and Gynecological Services, Beaumont Hospital, Grosse Pointe. She can be reached at 586-771-4780. Beaumont Hospitals is a member of The Family Center's Association of Professionals.
The Family Center, a 501(c) 3, non-profit organization, serves as the community's centralized hub for information, resources and referral for families and professionals.
To view more Ask The Experts articles, please visit our website www.familycenterweb.org.
To volunteer or contribute, visit familycenterweb.org or call 313.432.3832.
20090 Morningside Drive, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236