A new study is sure to make some parents giddy as it reveals a simple solution to treat kids with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). There is no more need for prescribed medication, just a change of lifestyle would be able to solve the child's behavioral and attention problems.
Healthy Lifestyle Habits Would Help Treat ADHD In Kids
Behavioral Neuroscientist Catherine Holton from the American University did a study published in the Journal of Attention Disorders that recommended strict incorporation of healthy lifestyle habits for children, prepared by the Department of Agriculture, American Academy of Pediatrics and National Sleep Foundation, to kids with ADHD. This is because out of Holton's study of 288 participants, 184 with ADHD and 104 without, the former group was found out to be lenient in observance of the suggested guidelines (via The Washington Post).
Parents should closely monitor their kid's sleeping habits, food diet and physical activity. No more than one to two hours of daily screen time is allowed, at least one hour a day should be allotted for physical activity, sleep should be complete with nine to 11 hours, and seven to ten cups of water a day must be drunk while skipping on beverages with high sugar content (via The Washington Post).
The Rise of ADHD Cases In America
As per Healthline, there has been a 42 percent increase in ADHD diagnoses for the past eight years in the U.S. and 6.4 million children from four to 17 years old have been diagnosed with the disease. Those children who are not diagnosed but show concentration problems, short attention span, and short-term memory are often called troublemakers so going to a physician once symptoms arise is a must to avoid mislabeling.
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the cost of medical care for ADHD patients is financially burdensome. The annual average direct cost per patient is $1,574 and the annual average payment per family member of an ADHD patient is $2,728. If Holton's study prove to be effective, thousands of dollars would be saved and directed to other ventures.
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