Weight Issues in Your Family? What You Can Do

Roughly two-thirds of Americans are overweight. Obesity results when body fat accumulates over time and as a result calories taken in exceed calories expended. It can run in families and is associated with diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and certain cancers.

Sociologists say evolution is partly to blame. Historically, food was scarce and our bodies fended off starvation by becoming effective fat storage machines. Losing weight was a stressor.

Today, food is relatively abundant, but we live much more sedentary lives. Gone are the long, tiring days of toiling in the fields. Many of us earn a living sitting in front of a computer screen and eating far more calories than we burn which could account for why obesity has reached epidemic proportions.

The science of weight loss is still emerging. Researchers are learning that other factors—including heredity—affect how the body responds to and processes food. Hormones seem to play a role and scientists are also investigating the naturally occurring bacteria in our intestines. (Apparently, some bacteria absorb more fat than others.)

Many genes are also associated with the development of obesity and seem to regulate how our bodies capture, store, and release energy from food. So an overweight person might be fighting more than his inability to control what he puts in his mouth and how much he exercises.

Recent studies suggest that varying satiety levels and the desire to eat higher-calorie foods may also be influenced by heredity. Unfair as it seems, some people are biologically protected against accumulating extra fat while others are prone to accumulating it.

Determining how much is genetic and how much is learned behavior (family eating habits, food preferences, seeking comfort or reward from food, etc.) is another complex piece of the puzzle.

Sweet Tooth? Blame It On Your Mother and Then Hit the Gym

Scientists first identified the FTO gene—"fat mass and obesity-associated" gene—several years ago. But according to Frank DiPino, PhD, a professor of biology at Misericordia University in Pennsylvania the picture isn't yet clear.

"The FTO gene does appear to increase appetite and preference for high calorie foods, but there's still a lot we don't know about it."

Erin Keen-Rhinehart, a neuroscientist at Susquehanna University explains that although the FTO gene is produced in the areas of the brain that are responsible for appetite regulation and increases in response to food deprivation, in human studies it resulted in an average of less than two pounds of weight gain.

"The FTO gene is merely a risk factor for developing obesity and responsible for only modest increases in body weight," says the Pennsylvania-based scientist.

Keen-Rhinehart, DiPino and other experts agree that the negative implications of having the FTO gene are well counteracted by physical exercise.

"It's not just about adding more exercise," says professor DiPino. "It appears that exercise alters the FTO gene in a good way. It turns down the volume so it does less damage."

Why Is Dieting So Difficult?

We all know that exercise is important for overall health and weight loss. The formula is simple: Eat less calories and exercise more. So what makes losing weight such a difficult task?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there is tremendous variation in an individual's response to fat, sugar, and carbohydrates. Plus, a number of biological and genetic factors are involved in determining how much food is too much for any individual.

Science is also starting to reveal some distressing news about the weight-reduced body. It appears that a dieter's body is metabolically different—in a negative way—than a similar-size body that has not dieted.

Changes that occur after weight loss can translate to a huge caloric disadvantage of 250 to 400 calories. In one study, muscle biopsies taken before, during, and after weight loss showed that in some people, muscle fibers undergo a transformation which makes them burn 20 to 25 percent fewer calories during everyday activity and moderate aerobic exercise than those of a person who is naturally at the same weight. In other words, it's possible that the person who is naturally at the same weight as a dieter can actually eat more and still retain his weight.

Dieters not only have to exert tremendous will power to avoid fattening foods, but they also have to work harder to burn calories. No wonder so many throw in the towel!

Until science comes up with more solutions to our weight-loss woes, watch what you eat, and always be vigilant about exercise. "Weight is a multi-factor, complicated issue," says DiPino.  "Science is on the right track but, all the parts have yet to come together. "

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Sources:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov

Interviews with professors Frank DiPino and Erin Keen-Rheinhardt

Overcoming Family Issues for Bipolar Parents

Parenting certainly has challenges. So when a parent has a mental illness such as bipolar disorder, it adds another whole dimension to the family dynamics

Bipolar Disorder can cause stress, guilt, anger, helplessness, and a range of other emotions, on top of the disease's signature manic and depressive mood swings. Children of parents with bipolar disorder are at higher risk for developing mood disorders. Part of the risk is genetic. Stressful life events, which may be related to a parent's mental illness, can further increase the child's risk.

 Learning to manage bipolar disorder in the family is critical.

As a parent, you need to know that bipolar disorder can be treated and managed. However, you must seek treatment and keep up with your medication and therapy to prevent bipolar episodes. Experts recommend you learn to recognize the warning signs that an episode is imminent so you and your family can prepare. They also suggest developing a daily routine. Creating structure and predictability in your life can minimize the likelihood of triggering mania or depression. Take care of yourself by eating properly and exercising regularly. Maintain a strict sleep schedule and minimize stress as much as possible.

Explain your condition in age-appropriate language and tell your child what you are doing to treat your mental illness. The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMC) in Canada suggests that parents and children make an action plan before the child sees mood changes. This helps children make decisions about what to do when they are scared.

Madeleine Kelly, who suffers from bipolar disorder, is the author of Bipolar and the Art of Roller-coaster Riding. Her number one tip for managing bipolar disorder in the family is for parents to keep the lines of communication open. This means acknowledging your child's feelings and fears, allowing him to express them, and inviting questions. In fact, the CAMC says that one of the most important things kids can do to stay mentally healthy and happy is to be open about how they feel so they can get help solving problems or dealing with stress when they need it.

Kelly recommends finding a trusted adult as a backup to care for your child when you're unable and to help create a consistent emotional environment.

Angela Grett, another author, wrote a book from the perspective of a child growing up with a Bipolar parent, My Mother's Bipolar, So What am I? Through her website, ChildrenofBipolar.com, Grett is organizing support groups for adult children of bipolar parents. Her book or a support group may help you make sense of, and peace with, your experiences if you were raised by a bipolar parent.

Sources

Brauser, Deborah. "Children of Parents With Bipolar Disorder at High Risk for Earlier Onset, More Comorbidity." American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry 56th Annual Meeting: Abstracts 18.2 and 18.1, October 31, 2009. Medscape Medical News. Web. 11 November 2009.processing....

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/712184

Two Trees Media. "Parenting with Bipolar Disorder." Web.

http://twotreesmedia.com/parents_with_bipolar.htm

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. "When a parent has bipolar disorder... What kids want to know." Web. 13 March 2008.

http://www.camh.net/About_Addiction_Mental_Health/Mental_Health_Information/when_parent_bipolar.html

Smith, Melinda M.A., Segal, Jeanne Ph.D., and Segal, Robert M.A. "Bipolar Support and Self-Help:

Living and Coping with Bipolar Disorder." HelpGuide.org. Web. February 2009.

http://www.helpguide.org/mental/bipolar_disorder_self_help.htm

ChildrenofBipolar.com. Web. http://childrenofbipolar.com/index.php

View the original article here

Long Term Health Issues Surrounding ADHD

For the last 20 years, the diagnosis of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)-and the use of the drug Ritalin for its treatment-have been steadily on the rise. In 2008, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevent (CDC) estimated 5 million children (ages 3 to 17), or 8 percent of that population, were diagnosed with ADHD. But recent research is raising new concerns about health issues associated with the condition.

Children with ADHD, a mental health disorder, suffer from inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. If you have a child with ADHD, he probably has trouble learning, making and keeping friends, and participating in after-school activities. Stimulants, such as Ritalin, do not cure ADHD but control the symptoms as long as the drug is taken.

Unlike many other medications, Ritalin is not dosed by weight. Most physicians start by prescribing a low dose and carefully monitor the child. Adjustments to the medication are made as needed. The best dose is the one that helps a child perform better in school with minimal side effects. Common side effects include: weight loss, sleeping difficulties, stomach ache, headaches, and anxiety. A small percentage of children develop tics, which are sudden, repetitive motion or sounds. Ritalin can be used for short periods (3 to 5 hours per day) or longer ones (8 to 12 hours) depending on the individual situation. Many families don't use the drug on weekends and during other times when school is not in session--in the summer, for example.

The Dangers of Stimulants

While Ritalin is an effective treatment for controlling undesirable behavior, critics contend that not enough is known about the risks and long-term consequences of the drug. Researchers at Harvard University conducted a study on rats, which concluded Ritalin can be harmful when used on children who do not have true ADHD.

According to the findings which were presented in December of 2004 at the annual meeting of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology, Ritalin can affect the brain in ways that will impact adult health--specifically, the inability to experience pleasure and increased feelings of despair. These characteristics are consistent with adult depression. More research is necessary to understand the implications.

Ritalin and other ADHD medications, have also been linked to cardiovascular (heart and blood) and psychiatric problems. Upon review of data, the FDA found that ADHD patients with existing heart conditions had a slightly higher risk of strokes, heart attacks, and/or sudden death when taking the medications. An increased risk in medication-related psychiatric problems such as hearing voices, having hallucinations, becoming suspicious for no reason, or becoming manic (an overly high mood) was also revealed. As a result, in 2007, the FDA started requiring all makers of ADHD medications to develop Patient Medication Guides with information about these risks. The FDA currently recommends that any treatment plan for ADHD include an initial health history and examination for existing cardiovascular and psychiatric problems.

In 2008, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) followed suit releasing new recommendations about the use of heart tests-including an electrocardiogram (ECG)-for children with ADHD before starting treatment with stimulant drugs. If a patient's medical history raises concerns, the AAP now recommends an ECG.

Proceed with Caution

These recent steps remind physicians of the need to be extremely cautious in diagnosing ADHD and treating it with stimulant drugs. If you have questions or concerns about your child's treatment strategy, or think he may be taking Ritalin unnecessarily, get a second opinion. ADHD is often misdiagnosed.

Dealing with ADHD affects the whole family. Behavior therapy can be effective for families dealing with the challenges of ADHD. A trained therapist can teach children coping mechanisms for when the medication wears off and parents stress-management techniques when their patience starts to wane. Unfortunately, therapy is not covered by most insurance plans but a short course of 8 to 12 weekly sessions can be enough to make a noticeable impact on the quality of life at home.

Sources:

AAP/Healthkids.org

http://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/adhd/pages/Understanding-ADHD.aspx

http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/data/108/4/1033/DC1/1

McLean Hospital

http://www.mclean.harvard.edu/news/press/current.php?id=65

KidsHealth/Nemours Foundation

http://kidshealth.org/teen/diseases_conditions/learning/adhd.html#

National Institutes of Mental Health
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/index.shtml

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/adhd.html

View the original article here

4 Common Causes of Bladder Issues

For many people, bladder issues arise in midlife or beyond. Unfortunately, a good percentage of sufferers never get help, either out of embarrassment or the belief that bladder problems are an inevitable part of aging. Fortunately, this isn't true-doctors say almost all people whose bladder gives them trouble can be helped. Bladder problems range from mild to serious, and there is a wide range of corresponding therapies available. For some people, the solution may be as simple as avoiding irritants such as caffeine or limiting fluid intake close to bedtime. For others, the problem is so severe that they must undergo surgery to block leakages or reposition the bladder. Here are some common causes of bladder trouble and typical treatment methods:

Pregnancy. What pregnant woman hasn't found herself dashing to the bathroom several times a night? Pregnancy means extra weight in the abdomen, which can press down on the bladder and pelvic floor muscles. There's also a lot more fluid in your bloodstream when you're expecting. Not surprisingly, bladder issues often resolve themselves after delivery. One simple way to help yourself: Perform pelvic-floor exercises called kegels, which involve repetitively squeezing the muscles that control the flow of urine.

Childbirth. Giving birth-particularly vaginally-can weaken even the strongest sphincter muscles. Episiotomies also may damage the nerves that help you control your bladder. Many women regain bladder control within the first few weeks after giving birth, but if the problem progresses more than six weeks postpartum, get help. According to experts, letting the problem go longer than this may result in bladder control becoming a long-term problem. Unless the problem is severe, kegels are often all it takes to regain control.

Enlarged prostate. The prostate, a small gland located under the bladder, grows as men get older. The result? Bladder problems as the prostate pushes against the urethra. Men with this condition may need to visit the bathroom frequently but fail to empty their bladders satisfactorily each time. Or they may have difficulty starting the flow of urine. While medication may help, it does not alleviate all cases of enlarged prostate. Minimally invasive therapies such as radiofrequency or ultrasound may provide relief without the complications of conventional surgery.

Neurological diseases. Abnormalities in the brain may interfere with the normal signals that control bladder function. As a result, it's fairly common for patients with multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's disease to deal with bladder issues. These may include an inability to completely empty the bladder, incontinence, or an inability to start the flow of urine. Medication may provide relief from symptoms.

Sources: American Urological Association Foundation, www.urologyhealth.org; National Institutes of Health; The Mayo Clinic, www.mayoclinic.com; National Multiple Sclerosis Society, www.nationalmssociety.org.

View the original article here

4 Common Causes of Bladder Issues

For many people, bladder issues arise in midlife or beyond. Unfortunately, a good percentage of sufferers never get help, either out of embarrassment or the belief that bladder problems are an inevitable part of aging. Fortunately, this isn't true-doctors say almost all people whose bladder gives them trouble can be helped. Bladder problems range from mild to serious, and there is a wide range of corresponding therapies available. For some people, the solution may be as simple as avoiding irritants such as caffeine or limiting fluid intake close to bedtime. For others, the problem is so severe that they must undergo surgery to block leakages or reposition the bladder. Here are some common causes of bladder trouble and typical treatment methods:

Pregnancy. What pregnant woman hasn't found herself dashing to the bathroom several times a night? Pregnancy means extra weight in the abdomen, which can press down on the bladder and pelvic floor muscles. There's also a lot more fluid in your bloodstream when you're expecting. Not surprisingly, bladder issues often resolve themselves after delivery. One simple way to help yourself: Perform pelvic-floor exercises called kegels, which involve repetitively squeezing the muscles that control the flow of urine.

Childbirth. Giving birth-particularly vaginally-can weaken even the strongest sphincter muscles. Episiotomies also may damage the nerves that help you control your bladder. Many women regain bladder control within the first few weeks after giving birth, but if the problem progresses more than six weeks postpartum, get help. According to experts, letting the problem go longer than this may result in bladder control becoming a long-term problem. Unless the problem is severe, kegels are often all it takes to regain control.

Enlarged prostate. The prostate, a small gland located under the bladder, grows as men get older. The result? Bladder problems as the prostate pushes against the urethra. Men with this condition may need to visit the bathroom frequently but fail to empty their bladders satisfactorily each time. Or they may have difficulty starting the flow of urine. While medication may help, it does not alleviate all cases of enlarged prostate. Minimally invasive therapies such as radiofrequency or ultrasound may provide relief without the complications of conventional surgery.

Neurological diseases. Abnormalities in the brain may interfere with the normal signals that control bladder function. As a result, it's fairly common for patients with multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's disease to deal with bladder issues. These may include an inability to completely empty the bladder, incontinence, or an inability to start the flow of urine. Medication may provide relief from symptoms.

Sources: American Urological Association Foundation, www.urologyhealth.org; National Institutes of Health; The Mayo Clinic, www.mayoclinic.com; National Multiple Sclerosis Society, www.nationalmssociety.org.

View the original article here

Long Term Health Issues Surrounding ADHD

For the last 20 years, the diagnosis of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)-and the use of the drug Ritalin for its treatment-have been steadily on the rise. In 2008, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevent (CDC) estimated 5 million children (ages 3 to 17), or 8 percent of that population, were diagnosed with ADHD. But recent research is raising new concerns about health issues associated with the condition.

Children with ADHD, a mental health disorder, suffer from inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. If you have a child with ADHD, he probably has trouble learning, making and keeping friends, and participating in after-school activities. Stimulants, such as Ritalin, do not cure ADHD but control the symptoms as long as the drug is taken.

Unlike many other medications, Ritalin is not dosed by weight. Most physicians start by prescribing a low dose and carefully monitor the child. Adjustments to the medication are made as needed. The best dose is the one that helps a child perform better in school with minimal side effects. Common side effects include: weight loss, sleeping difficulties, stomach ache, headaches, and anxiety. A small percentage of children develop tics, which are sudden, repetitive motion or sounds. Ritalin can be used for short periods (3 to 5 hours per day) or longer ones (8 to 12 hours) depending on the individual situation. Many families don't use the drug on weekends and during other times when school is not in session--in the summer, for example.

The Dangers of Stimulants

While Ritalin is an effective treatment for controlling undesirable behavior, critics contend that not enough is known about the risks and long-term consequences of the drug. Researchers at Harvard University conducted a study on rats, which concluded Ritalin can be harmful when used on children who do not have true ADHD.

According to the findings which were presented in December of 2004 at the annual meeting of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology, Ritalin can affect the brain in ways that will impact adult health--specifically, the inability to experience pleasure and increased feelings of despair. These characteristics are consistent with adult depression. More research is necessary to understand the implications.

Ritalin and other ADHD medications, have also been linked to cardiovascular (heart and blood) and psychiatric problems. Upon review of data, the FDA found that ADHD patients with existing heart conditions had a slightly higher risk of strokes, heart attacks, and/or sudden death when taking the medications. An increased risk in medication-related psychiatric problems such as hearing voices, having hallucinations, becoming suspicious for no reason, or becoming manic (an overly high mood) was also revealed. As a result, in 2007, the FDA started requiring all makers of ADHD medications to develop Patient Medication Guides with information about these risks. The FDA currently recommends that any treatment plan for ADHD include an initial health history and examination for existing cardiovascular and psychiatric problems.

In 2008, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) followed suit releasing new recommendations about the use of heart tests-including an electrocardiogram (ECG)-for children with ADHD before starting treatment with stimulant drugs. If a patient's medical history raises concerns, the AAP now recommends an ECG.

Proceed with Caution

These recent steps remind physicians of the need to be extremely cautious in diagnosing ADHD and treating it with stimulant drugs. If you have questions or concerns about your child's treatment strategy, or think he may be taking Ritalin unnecessarily, get a second opinion. ADHD is often misdiagnosed.

Dealing with ADHD affects the whole family. Behavior therapy can be effective for families dealing with the challenges of ADHD. A trained therapist can teach children coping mechanisms for when the medication wears off and parents stress-management techniques when their patience starts to wane. Unfortunately, therapy is not covered by most insurance plans but a short course of 8 to 12 weekly sessions can be enough to make a noticeable impact on the quality of life at home.

Sources:

AAP/Healthkids.org

http://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/adhd/pages/Understanding-ADHD.aspx

http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/data/108/4/1033/DC1/1

McLean Hospital

http://www.mclean.harvard.edu/news/press/current.php?id=65

KidsHealth/Nemours Foundation

http://kidshealth.org/teen/diseases_conditions/learning/adhd.html#

National Institutes of Mental Health
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/index.shtml

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/adhd.html

View the original article here