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Maggie receiving treatment at the LIFE Program at Health in Motion. HOW TO RECOGNIZE IF YOUR CHILD HAS PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENTAL DELAY As a parent, it’s natural to worry about your child developing normally. Especially when comparing your child with other kids: For example, “Her brother was crawling by this time, why can’t she?” Please remember that every child is different, and will develop at different paces. However, it is important to be aware of the ‘red flags’ associated with developmental delay. Here are some warning signs to look out for: • At 2 months: When picking up your child, they should be able to bring their head forward. In a developmentally delayed child, their head will move backwards because they are not able to hold it up. • At 2 months: If they are arching their back and neck away from you while being held. • At 4 months: Watch how your child mimics others and if they react to people around them. If they don’t smile, react, or try to copy others’ expressions and movements, this may be a sign of developmental delay. • At 6 months: If your child is constantly keeping their hands closed and fisted. Also if they don’t try to grasp for toys and have difficulty opening their hands. • At 7 months: They are unable to support their head when they are helped into a sitting position. They don’t grasp or reach for their toys. • At 9 months: They are unable to sit without support. Normally developing children will generally begin crawling around this time and be able to stand up by holding onto something. • At 12 months: They are not crawling and can’t stand by holding onto something. You can find a more complete and detailed list of warning signs here: (http://www.babycenter.com/0_warning-signs-of-a-physical-developmental-delay_6720.bc). Please be aware that this is a very general timeline, and every child will vary in terms of when they hit their developmental milestones. If your child seems to exhibit any of these signs, then consult your doctor or a pediatric neurologist so they can be assessed. Even if there is no problem, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. “If your child happens to be diagnosed with developmental delay, you must understand that the diagnosis is not a label. This is just a title for the symptoms that the child is exhibiting. As a therapist, it gives me certain information to keep in my head so I can lead this patient out from what he has. CP and developmental delay is not a life sentence. No one can predict your child’s future.” –Natan Gendelman, D.O.M.P. 3 BENEFITS OF RAW, UNPASTEURIZED HONEY 1) Soothes throat irritation and cough: In one study, eating buckwheat honey was more effective than dextromethorphan (a cough suppressant) and diphenhydramine (an antihistamine) in helping 139 children in relieving their nighttime cough. It even improved their sleep! (http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/medicinal-uses-of-honey?page=3) 2) Anti-bacterial, anti-fungal & anti-viral properties: The enzymes found in honey produce hydrogen peroxide, which is a natural antibacterial agent. Honey has also been shown to effectively fight food-borne pathogens like E. coli and salmonella, as well as many other bacteria. Because of its unique properties, eating honey may also be a good treatment for stomach ulcers and food poisoning! 3) Allergy Relief: Exposure to small amounts of flower pollen naturally found in unpasteurized honey may help build up the body’s immunity to seasonal allergies. Try taking two teaspoons of honey daily up to 6 weeks before allergy season kicks in to help combat bad reactions. For serious allergic conditions, you should always consult your doctor. 2
3 TEAS THAT HELP REDUCE ANXIETY NATURALLY: Have you been under a lot of stress lately? Whether it’s meeting a new deadline at work, kids misbehaving at school, relationship troubles, or just general apprehension about the future, it’s perfectly normal for everyone to feel the anxiety jitters from time to time. However, if you find that your anxiety symptoms continue to persist, consider adding these natural herbal remedies to your diet to soothe your nerves. • Chamomile: For centuries, chamomile has been used as a medicinal herb to treat a variety of conditions such as eczema, rheumatic pain, indigestion, etc. It was also regarded as an effective sedative to treat anxiety, hysteria, and even sleep problems such as insomnia. A recent study has shown that chamomile significantly calms the human body by relaxing its blood vessels and smooth muscle fibers. Another 2009 study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that patients diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) who were treated with chamomile extract for 8 weeks experienced a significant reduction in their GAD symptoms compared to patients who did not receive chamomile extract treatments. • Lavender: Used in the ancient baths and homes of Greece and Rome, this herb has a long history of being used to help remedy a wide range of conditions including insomnia, anxiety, depression, upset stomachs, and headaches. Lavender is widely used as an aromatherapy treatment for its calming and sedative properties (this is why you may find some doctor’s office waiting rooms scented with lavender oil), but it can also be made into a tea. In a study published in the International Journal of Phytotherapy and Phytopharmacology, researchers found that lavender administered orally to adults with GAD effectively reduced anxiety symptoms just as well as lorazepam, a common medication used to treat anxiety disorders. Since there is no potential for substance abuse with lavender, researchers concluded that it could be a good alternative to using certain medications. • Peppermint: The menthol present in peppermint leaves acts as a natural muscle relaxant, which is excellent for soothing the body when it is under a lot of tension. It has been used to treat stress induced headaches and migraines, anxiety, nausea, diarrhea, indigestion, and even symp toms of the common cold and flu. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, some studies suggest that peppermint may have antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. When preparing these anxiety-reducing teas, always use loose tea leaves for best results! Also, consult your health care provider if you are on any medication before taking any herbal supplements to prevent unwanted side effects. And remember, it’s also important to treat anxiety disorders with a healthy lifestyle (nutritious diet & exercise); surrounding yourself with people who love and support you; and consulting a therapist to learn proper coping mechanisms. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? DID YOU KNOW? People whose diets are rich in potassium may be less prone to high blood pressure. Besides reducing sodium and taking other hearthealthy steps, eat potassium-packed picks such as bananas, cantaloupe, and oranges. Good Health News publishes articles about curent health issues. The material in this newsletter is not copyrighted, and may be reproduced and shared with family and friends. Articles in GHN are for informational purposes only. If you have a health condition, please consult your physician or health care provider before following any advice. Good Health News is published by the Health in Motion Rehabilitation Clinic, Toronto, Ontario, (416) 250-1904, info@healthinmotionrehab.com. Previous issues of Good Health News are posted at: www.healthinmotionrehab. com. If you would like a subscription, or a copy of past issues, feel free to contactu us. We hope you enjoyed this issue! -The Health in Motion Team 3
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