Children with ADHD: Health, self-esteem, and a playful sense of enthusiasm

As parents, we want our children to be happy — and to grow into happy, successful adults with attention deficit disorder (ADD ADHD).

So we do our best to provide them with comfortable homes, fun toys, good clothes, memorable vacations, and other nice things. And we balance that by signing them up for lots of ADD-friendly sports like swimming and other extracurricular activities, hoping to instill an appreciation of discipline and hard work.
There's nothing wrong with nice things or with hard work in the classroom or on the playing field. Indeed, exercise is vital for kids.

But when we try to set the stage for lifelong happiness, we should remember what research has shown: that what matters most in encouraging good ADHD health is helping children develop happiness-promoting traits, such as optimism, self-esteem, and a playful sense of enthusiasm.

How do we do this? It's easier than you might imagine. First and foremost, children need something I call "connection," which they get in the form of unconditional love from adults.

Connection gives children the confidence to try new things and to seek out new experiences. Once a child feels connected to important adults in his life, it is a short step to developing a can-do attitude, which, as we all know, is a defense against depression and despair at any age. Good ADHD Health emerges.
Play and practice are two other ingredients of lifelong happiness. It's been said that "the work of childhood is play" — and that is true. I'm not just talking about structured games and events. Children need time to engage in unstructured play, with others and on their own. Play hones the imagination and teaches problem-solving skills. It teaches children to tolerate frustration. And, of course, it is fun. Your keenest childhood memories probably involve playing. I know mine do. (When it comes to electronic play, however, it's best to set limits. An hour or less a day of TV or computer games means there's more time for experiences that are richer in imagination - and exercise.)
Children who play learn that doing something repeatedly helps them get better at it; in other words, that practice leads to mastery. (Did you learn to ride a bike on the first try?) Practice lets children learn to accept help and to benefit from good teachers and coaches. Mastering a skill begets confidence, leadership, initiative, and an enduring admiration for hard work.
Mastery usually leads to recognition from a larger group (friends and family), which, in turn, reinforces the sense of connection. We all know what happens when a child masters something new after long practice. We hear his cries of "I did it!" and "Wow." Few feelings are better — for a child or his parent.

Let me close by saying something about self-esteem. Some well-meaning parents seem to think that the way to boost our children's self-esteem is to shower them with praise. Not so. Self-esteem is rooted in mastery. If you want your child to have high self-regard, do not go out of your way to offer praise. Instead, make sure your child has opportunities to develop mastery. If your child displays an aptitude for cooking, for example, invite him to plan a special family dinner and then help you in the kitchen.

Next time you find yourself wondering whether to sign your child up for yet another activity, take a deep breath. Some free time might be exactly what she needs to be happy - both now and after she grows up and leaves home.

 

By  Edward Hallowell, M.D.

 

ENJOYING YOUR LIFE

Sometimes we just need to cry;

We just need to let for a little while;

Most of our days are spent being strong, being in charge, taking care of others;

But if we don't STOP for a while and allow ourselves' to feel;

Then we will become numb to our own selves';

So remember to take care of you;

And if crying is what you need to do;

Allow yourself to shed tears of healing;

For crying is one of the most therapeutic tools there are;

And it's one we need to practice on a regular basis;

Just because you cry doesn't mean you are weak;

It's how we were created;

It's a form of release;

So make sure you are taking care of you first;

For taking care of others is not possible;

Unless first you take care of yourself.

'PEOPLE SAY I SHOULD BE SHOT FOR HAVING A BEARD, BUT I'VE NEVER FELT SEXIER': MOTHER, 49, WHO SPROUTED FULL FACIAL HAIR AFTER BIRTH OF SON 28 YEARS AGO IS FINALLY READY FOR LOVE

 

Mariam, 49, gave up tweezing her facial hair in 2008, and has decided instead to let her beard grow and see how it would change her as a person

Source: Daily Mail

A mother who began sprouting thick facial hair after the birth of her son 28 years ago says she's feeling sexier and more confident than ever before, having finally stopped trying to get rid of her beard.

The German-born woman, identified only as Mariam, appeared on ITV's This Morning to discuss why she stopped tweezing the hair on her face which she had been plucking every day for almost two decades.

Mariam, 49, also explained to Holly Willoughby and Philip Schofield that she is happy with the way she looks and would not change her situation, despite being criticised for her behaviour by her own mother

She also said she is able to look past the comments of internet trolls who target her bearded woman blog to tell her 'people like me should be sent to Russia... or shot'.

Mariam - who has had tests to rule out serious medical problems more associated with excessive hair growth in women - told Phil and Holly, along with expert Dr Carol Cooper, that she had never had any facial hair before the birth of her son, after which it gradually began growing.

Ten years on, the hair was growing thick enough for a full beard, and Mariam would laboriously tweeze out each hair every morning.

'I asked my mother what to do and she told me to tweeze them, never to shave or wax. And then I visited my gynaecologist who said it happened to lots of other women so I shouldn't worry. But they didn't really give me a reason. Now I know it must be inherited

'My chin got really red and inflamed from all the plucking, and some of the hairs were ingrown, so it always looked like I'd fallen on my chin. But when people asked what had happened and I told them they couldn't believe it.'

In 2008, when she was living alone and unemployed, Mariam decided to give her beard a chance to grow. She said: 'I had no job so I had free time to give it a chance and see what happened, so I started a blog to inform other women about it, and to see what was happening every day and how I felt.

Mariam explained to Holly and Phil that prior to her 'experiment' plucking her beard had become an obsession, and that her son, who has not been named, used to remember it taking her hours to leave the house.

She added: 'I thought about it all the time. I had to double check before leaving the house that it was OK, and take a mirror in my pocket. That was life.

'When I decided to let it grow it didn't feel brave, it was more like a curiosity. I wanted to see hwat would happen to me. There was a big fear that everyone would turn away and nobody would talk to me anymore.'

Mariam, 49, appeared alongside Dr Carol Cooper on ITV's This Morning to explain her situation to Holly and Phil

And Mariam did meet some resistance - from her family.

'My mum said "do you have to shock people like this". Then she got used to it and thought that one day I'd finish it, and was patient, but now she's getting nervous and wants me to stop and become "normal".'

She received negative reactions from other people, too, especially on the internet: 'People can be cruel depending on where you go. 

'Some people say people like me should be sent to Russia or shot, but that's just one person on the internet writing horrible stuff. Other people say it's courageous and inspiring. So there are both sides.'

Mariam now travels with a circus as the bearded lady act, which she says she enjoys since she has studied acting in the past and also likes educating people about the issue.

'I want to give people the opportunity to talk to a bearded lady, because usually they are too scared in the street'

She said: 'I want to give people the opportunity to talk to a bearded lady, because usually they are too scared in the street.'

Mariam, who has been single for a decade, also says she is looking for a relationship now that she is feeling sexy and more confident. She told Holly that even if she could she would not change her situation.

Holly Willoughby and Philip Schofield asked Mariam how she felt about having a beard

'I know myself more now,' she said. 'There are always people with a fetish who might only be attracted by the beard, but that is the same with lots of things, even if I were a blonde woman.

'It is sometimes annoying when I go shopping but otherwise it has given me other opportunities'

'I tried electrolysis three times but it just grew back -  and now I'm happy with it. It is sometimes annoying when I go shopping but otherwise it has given me other opportunities.

Dr Cooper explained that it is fairly common for women to have facial hair they do not want, but if it comes on suddenly - especially if accompanied by other symptoms such as weight gain and irregular periods - you should see your GP since it could be to do with excessive of androgen hormones.

What triggers excess facial hair in women?

What causes excess facial hair?

It's estimated that one in ten women suffers from excess facial and body hair. But what causes it? 

'Sometimes race or just a family tendency to be more hairy is to blame, rather than any medical problem,' explains Dr Rina Davison, an endocrinologist from Whipps Cross University Hospital, London, with a special interest in excess hair. 

'People of South Asian or Mediterranean descent tend to have more hair than Caucasians or those with black skin, for example. It's also possible to be quite a “hairy” family regardless of race.'

But there are other factors that could be to blame. 

Women normally produce low levels of male hormones called androgens, but an excess can trigger unwanted hair growth known as hirsutism.

A common cause of hirsutism is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, which has accompanying symptoms of acne, weight gain and irregular periods.

Other, rarer, causes include a tumour on the ovary or adrenal gland as well as certain medicines including steroids.

Rarely, a woman will have normal androgen levels and the cause of the unwanted hair growth will not be identified.

BENEFITS OF EGGS

Health Benefits of egg

1- Egg contains 6 gram of proteins which r useful to body and all essential amino acids.

2- Regular use of egg prevents the women from breast cancer and woman which use egg regularly they have 40% lowered chances of breast cancer..

3- Egg is very important to treat macular degeneration because it contains caroteinoids and zeaxanthine and leutin which r present in excess amount in egg..

4- Egg is also used to treat cataract due to the presence of zeaxanthine and leutine..

5- Egg is the only source which contains naturally occurring vitamin-D...

6- Egg yolk contains 3 microgram of choline which is useful for brain, nervous system and cardiac system..

7- Regular use of Egg also prevents stroke and heart attack...

 

COOL OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT AREA DESIGN IDEAS

Cool outdoor area is the must have if you live in a private house. Depending on your needs that area could serve different purposes which mostly do the same to entertain. They could also be entertainment area as for only your family as for your friends. Any outdoor area usually has some seating places, some table where you can eat. It usually is protected from the sun and is quite private. Here is our roundup of cool outdoor design ideas that are gathered to help you to create your very own place to spend time outside of the house.

 

PHOTOS AND IDEAS

 

 

14 FOODS THAT CLEANSE THE LIVER

1. Garlic

Just a small amount of this pungent white bulb has the ability to activate liver enzymes that help your body flush out toxins. Garlic also holds high amounts of allicin and selenium, two natural compounds that aid in liver cleansing.

 2. Grapefruit

High in both vitamin C and antioxidants, grapefruit increases the natural cleansing processes of the liver. A small glass of freshly-squeezed grapefruit juice will help boost production of the liver detoxification enzymes that help flush out carcinogens and other toxins.

 3. Beets and Carrots

Both are extremely high in plant-flavonoids and beta-carotene; eating beets and carrots can help stimulate and improve overall liver function.

 4. Green Tea

This liver-loving beverage is full of plant antioxidants known as catechins, a compound known to assist liver function. Green tea is not only delicious, it’s also a great way to improve your overall diet. Learn more about the benefits of green tea.

 5. Leafy Green Vegetables

One of our most powerful allies in cleansing the liver, leafy greens can be eaten raw, cooked, or juiced. Extremely high in plant chlorophylls, greens suck up environmental toxins from the blood stream. With their distinct ability to neutralize heavy metals, chemicals and pesticides, these cleansing foods offer a powerful protective mechanism for the liver.

 Try incorporating leafy greens such as bitter gourd, arugula, dandelion greens, spinach, mustard greens, and chicory into your diet. This will help increase the creation and flow of bile, the substance that removes waste from the organs and blood.

 6. Avocados

This nutrient-dense super-food helps the body produce glutathione, a compound that is necessary for the liver to cleanse harmful toxins.

 7. Apples

High in pectin, apples hold the chemical constituents necessary for the body to cleanse and release toxins from the digestive tract. This, in turn, makes it easier for the liver to handle the toxic load during the cleansing process.

 8. Olive Oil

Cold-pressed organic oils such as olive, hemp and flax-seed are great for the liver, when used in moderation. They help the body by providing a lipid base that can suck up harmful toxins in the body. In this way, it takes some of the burden off the liver in terms of the toxic overload many of us suffer from.

 9. Whole Grains

Grains, such as brown rice, are rich in B-complex vitamins which are nutrients known to improve overall fat metabolization, liver function and liver decongestion. If possible, do not eat foods with white flour, instead try eating whole wheat alternatives.

10. Cruciferous Vegetables

Eating broccoli and cauliflower will increase the amount of glucosinolate in your system, adding to enzyme production in the liver. These natural enzymes help flush out carcinogens, and other toxins, out of our body which may significantly lower risks associated with cancer.

 11. Lemons & Limes

These citrus fruits contain very high amounts of vitamin C, which aids the body in synthesizing toxic materials into substances that can be absorbed by water. Drinking freshly-squeezed lemon or lime juice in the morning helps stimulate the liver.

 12. Walnuts

Holding high amounts of the amino acid arginine, walnuts aid the liver in detoxifying ammonia. Walnuts are also high in glutathione and omega-3 fatty acids, which support normal liver cleansing actions. Make sure you chew the nuts well (until they are liquefied) before swallowing.

 13. Cabbage

Much like broccoli and cauliflower, eating cabbage helps stimulate the activation of two crucial liver detoxifying enzymes that help flush out toxins. Try eating more kimchi, coleslaw, cabbage soup and sauerkraut.

 14. Turmeric

The liver’s favors spice. Try adding some of this detoxifying goodness into your next lentil stew or veggie dish for an instant liver pick-me-up. Turmeric helps boost liver detox, by assisting enzymes that actively flush out dietary carcinogens

HOME REMEDIES FOR BLACKHEADS

Lemon

 Lemon used in acne treatment can also be used to remove blackheads. The nutrients and vitamins present in lemon are good for all types of skin. With lemon you can make a nice face scrub. For this you will have to mix lemon juice with salt, yoghurt and honey. Use this mixture to scrub the area gently having blackheads. Else you can use fresh lemon juice mixed with milk to eliminate blackheads. Apart from milk, you can also mix lemon juice with rose water. Follow this remedy daily for ten to twelve days without any fail.

 2. Honey

 Honey is another common ingredient easily available at homes that can be used to treat blackheads. The balancing quality present in honey is good for both oily skin and blackheads. When honey is applied on the affected skin area, it hydrates as well as tightens the skin pores. This results in a clear complexion. Regularly apply some pure honey on the face for about ten minutes so that it can dry and then rinse your face with lukewarm water.

 3. Turmeric

 Turmeric that works well for minor burns can also be used to treat blackheads. Add some turmeric powder to two tablespoon of mint juice and mix it properly and apply it to the affected areas. Allow it to dry for a few minutes and then wash the area with lukewarm water. Else you can make a thick paste by mixing red sandalwood, turmeric powder and milk together. Apply it on the affected area and after ten minutes wash the skin with water. Regularly follow this remedy to treat blackheads naturally.

 4. Green Tea

 Your regular green tea can also be used to treat blackheads. Take one teaspoon of green tea and add a little water to make a paste. Use this paste to scrub the skin gently for two to three minutes. This scrub deep cleans oily skin and helps unclog pores. Rinse with lukewarm water with extra care. Do not treat your skin roughly as it can damage your skin. This remedy is good for the blackheads and at the same time your skin will have a natural glow.

 5. Baking Soda

 Acne can be treated with baking soda and so does your blackheads. Baking soda clears the skin from impurities such as debris and dirt from the skin. For treating blackheads, take two tablespoons of baking soda and mix it with mineral water to make a paste. Apply the paste generously on the affected skin area and massage gently. Allow it to dry for a few minutes before rinsing it well with warm water. Repeating this remedy once or twice a week can give you good results.

 6. Oatmeal and Yogurt

 The combination of oatmeal and yogurt is great to keep your skin free of blackheads. For this remedy, you need two tablespoons of oatmeal, three tablespoons of plain yogurt, small amount of lemon juice and olive oil. Mix all the ingredients properly and apply it to your entire face, including the infected area. Leave it for five minutes and then rinse your skin with normal water. This remedy must be repeated regularly if you wish to have a clear skin.

 7. Fenugreek

 One of the easiest and simplest natural remedies for blackhead is fenugreek. Make a thick paste from fresh fenugreek leaves by adding little water. Apply it on the affected area every day and allow it to dry for around ten minutes and then rinse it with lukewarm water. When repeated regularly, your skin will become free of blackheads and at the same time you will not have the problem of wrinkles also.

 8. Epsom Salt

 Another effective and natural way to treat blackheads is Epsom salt. Add one teaspoon of Epsom salts and few drops of iodine to little amount of hot water and mix it well so that all the ingredients dissolve in the water properly. Allow the mixture to come to room temperature. Now dip a cotton ball into the mixture and apply it to the affected area. Allow the mixture to dry properly and then remove it gently with the help of a clean washcloth.

 9. Cornmeal

 Cornmeal can also be used to treat blackheads as it can react abrasively on dirt blocking the pores on your skin. Take one tablespoon of powdered cornmeal and mix it with some of your regular facial cleanser. Before applying the mixture, go for steam therapy so that the skin pores open up. Now apply it on your face and gently massage it in a circular motion. Concentrate on the nose and chin area. After a few minutes, rinse your face with cold water. This will help the pores of your skin to close.

 10. Cinnamon

 Cinnamon can be used to remove blackheads and it will even prevent their future growth. For this remedy take one teaspoon of cinnamon powder in a bowl and mix it with honey to form a thick paste. Apply the paste on the affected area before your bedtime and leave it overnight. Next morning, wash your face properly with normal water. For best result, follow this remedy daily for about ten days. Else you can make a mixture by adding one teaspoon each of cinnamon powder and lime juice with a pinch of turmeric powder.

International Women's Day Celebration

International Women's Day is celebrated on March 8th every year. It is a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future.

As women all over the world are celebrating their day, blessingheartt presents to you 10 life Saving Tips Every Woman Should Know.

1.SELF DEFENCE MOVES: The knowledge of self-defense could mean the difference between life and death. Every woman should know how to protect herself effectively against attackers, rapists, or anyone else trying to do you harm. All you have to do is S.I.N.G. If you’ve ever seen the film Miss Congeniality, you may know what I’m talking about. S.I.N.G. stands for Solar Plexus, Instep, Nose, and Groin. Targeting any of these sensitive spots on the body will help hurt and eventually distract your attacker, giving you time to run away.

2. DEALING WITH CRAMPS: It’s that time of the month again and what presents do we get besides bloating and crankiness? Woman’s worst enemy: cramps. Luckily, there’s a few ways that us girls can cope with this pain, some things to try are a heating pad or hot water bottle on your stomach to help relax the muscles.

3. ACCESSORIES: The number one rule for accessories that every woman should know is that less is more. You can wear statement earrings or a statement necklace, but not both. Your accessories should compliment the outfit and the colour scheme of the outfit.

4. CHANGING YOUR OWN TIRE: Okay ladies, we can do this! It’s actually a very simple process. First of all and probably most obvious; make sure that your parking break is on and that the car will not roll.

Now, raise the jack so it is supporting the car. Remove the hubcap and unscrew and remove the lug nuts doing one then the one opposite of it until all are removed. Now you can remove the flat tire. Put the new tire onto the wheel studs with the air valve facing out. After that you can replace the lug nuts in the same pattern that you took them off (make sure they’re tight!). Put the hubcap back on and lower the jack. You’re finished!

5. FINDING THE RIGHT BRA SIZE: Did you know that more than 50% of women wear the wrong bra size? It’s very easy to find your right size. To start, wear a comfortable bra without padding. Take the measuring tape and measure around your chest right underneath your breasts. This measurement is your band size (if it’s an odd number then add 1"). Next, measure around your breasts at the fullest part. Take that number and subtract it from your band size. Every inch is a cup

SUNSCREEN IS YOUR BEST FRIEND: Ah, the magical powers of sunscreen. Not only does it protect against skin cancer, but it also helps anti-aging. Applying sunscreen every single day is what will help you have the beautiful young skin you want, forever. Doctors recommend wearing sunscreen every single day, even if it’s not so sunny out. Those nasty UV rays still get through, rain or shine.

 

7. STAYING SAFE ONLINE: Today, in the age of Facebook and Twitter and tons of other dating sites, it’s very easy to slip up and give away some precious information. Posting information, such as your address, where you are, or when you aren’t going to be home, can be remarkably dangerous. Be smart about what you say and what details you give on the web. Make your web page private and so only people you know can see what you post. If it’s not private always ask yourself, would I tell this to a complete stranger?

 

8. CPR: Be a hero, know your CPR. To start, check the person for breathing, by tilting their head back. If there is no breathing then you start mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Plug their nose and cover their mouth with yours and breath 2 breaths into them, each breath being about 1 second long. Now look for responsiveness; breathing, coughing, or moving should occur, if not, start chest compressions. Place your hands in the middle of the person’s nipples and pump your hands up and down 1 ½ inches to 2 inches with each pump being less than 1 second. Do this 30 times. Repeat both steps until help arrives.

 

9: PREVENTING HEART DISEASE: Heart disease is the number one killer of woman in the world. Luckily there are many ways to prevent it. Tobacco and stress contribute massively to heart disease so try your best to stay smoke-free and de-stressed. Having a good diet will help too, you are more likely to have heart disease if you have high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, or are obese.

 

10: SELF BREAST EXAM: Spotting breast cancer early on can save your life. You always do a self-breast exam lying down. When checking your right breast, place your right palm under your head and use the left hand to check. Use the pads of your three middle fingers and go in a circle motion overlapping to check for bumps. You’ll need to use different types of pressure; light for the tissue closest to the skin, a mild pressure for deeper and firm pressure to feel the tissue closet to the chest and ribs. To make sure you check the whole breast, go in a line down the breast then a line right next to that line and so on. Repeat on right side. Call your doctor immediately if you find anything.

 

Happy international women's day!

Close-Up Endorsed by Dentists… Gives Free Dental Health Checks

Close Up, the number one toothpaste brand in Nigeria recently partnered with Dentists to engage about 200 consumers in an oral hygiene exercise by giving out free dental checks in selected clinics in the Magodo and Surulere area of Lagos.

Prior to the Saturday on which the free dental check was executed, Close Up had created heavy awareness in these areas and invited many in need of this Dental Check. Consumers who attended the dental clinic were very grateful for the opportunity as many had dental issues they were unaware of, and were subsequently counseled on how to better care for their teeth.

Amongst the consumers present was Popular Comedian /MC Teju babyface, who stopped by the Surulere clinic and commended the brand for looking after its consumers.

Speaking on why this exercise was done, Dexter Adeola, Brand Manager, Close Up toothpaste, stated that from research, the accessibility to Dentists is extremely low in Nigeria, with only 15% of Nigerians visiting the Dentist on a yearly basis.  It was due to this statistics that Close Up chose this platform to reach out to families in need of dental help, and use this platform as an awareness campaign to sensitize people on the need for proper oral care and the importance of regular Dental check-ups.

Still speaking on the exercise, Mr Adeola continued that over the years, Close Up has given health protection to the teeth and gums of millions of Nigerian families, and the brand has also worked with Health professionals & Dentists Nationwide to educate Nigerians on the importance of oral care, and the free dental check is in line with their commitment to ensure Nigerians have the best solutions and care for their teeth and Gums.

The Close Up toothpaste brand was launched into the Nigerian market in 1975 and has kept fresh and protected the mouths and teeth of millions of families across the country. In other to meet different consumer needs, Close Up comes in variants such as; Deep Action Red, Deep Action Green, Menthol Chill, White Now, Herbal, Complete 8 and Complete 8 White .

Close Up continues to be Nigeria's No. 1 brand, and is set to ensure Nigerians get nothing but the highest level of Oral Care & toothpaste choice. Recently the Brand was extolled by the Consumer Protection Council of Nigeria and received a Product Excellence Award from the body.