Archive for November, 2009
I have been tasked with a unique job, which has proven to be very enjoyable and very rewarding. While doing my ‘baby’ thesis in Behavioral Psychology last academic year, I was amused – I think the better term is ‘charmed’ by my subject – a little boy who has ADHD, or known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. This condition is defined as a disorder beginning in childhood, manifested in the persistent inability to sit still, focus attention on specific tasks, and control impulses. Bobby (let’s call him Bobby), is a really charming boy who cannot keep still, and just watching him is a daunting task in itself. Really, you can get tired and weary just watching all his activities in a certain period of time. He was diagnosed at the age of 7, and according to his mother prior to the diagnosis there seems to be nothing wrong with Bobby, since hyperactivity is actually something seemingly normal in most kids. Nonetheless I was given the privilege to watch and observe Bobby and work with him and I find him such an endearing kid. That started my keen interest in matters related to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). My passion for it probably showed in my paper, which I really enjoyed doing, and for which I got an A, and a recommendation for the job I am starting now.
I am now working with kids diagnosed with ADHD. One of the activities they truly enjoy are those which involve a lot of physical activities, since that gives them satisfaction to move around a lot. I noticed the center I work for just recently acquired a needak rebounder that can be used for the kids’ activities. They are fun to watch and they are really adorable. Next on the list of acquisition is a needak softbounce rebounder, or a needak mini trampoline. This is because the administrators have noticed that the kids really love those trampolines.
Hypertension is a serious problem that is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke. In other words, it can be deadly. It is often referred to as the silent killer, because patients do not always notice symptoms. That’s one reason that regular checkups are so important.
If hypertension is also accompanied by high triglycerides (fats) in the bloodstream, then two risk factors for heart disease are present. While the fish oil blood pressure reduction benefits are modest, the effect that it has on high triglycerides is more impressive. In some studies, a 26% reduction in total triglycerides has been seen, as well as a significant increase in HDL cholesterol levels.
While LDL cholesterol particles are bad, contributing to clogging of the arteries, HDL particles are good. They help to gather up the LDL particles and take them back to the liver for reprocessing or disposal.
The 26% reduction has only been seen in groups receiving a relatively high dose of DHA or Docosahexaenoic acid, a specific omega-3 found only in some species of fatty fish. The DHA content of a supplement should be listed in the “nutrition facts”.
Stress and anxiety greatly contribute to hypertension. In some cases, it is difficult to get the pressures down, because the person is so anxious.
One of the advantages of DHA supplements is that they help reduce anxiety and stress. They are also beneficial for relieving depression and other emotional disorders.
So, taking fish oil for blood pressure could make you feel better, all over. Some researchers believe that the cause of the increased incidence of depression seen in the US and other industrialized societies is a dietary shift away from seafood and towards other foods that are low in total omega-3s and completely devoid of DHA.