Record numbers of children prescribed anti-depressants

July 26, 2007

Record numbers of children prescribed anti-depressantsBy DUNCAN ROBERTSON - More by this author » Last updated at 10:22am on 23rd July 2007

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=470235 & in_page_id=1770

The number of school children prescribed anti-depressants and mind-altering drugs has more than quadrupled in the last decade, it has emerged. New figures show GPs are prescribing pills in record numbers to combat stress, violent behaviour and even tiredness. Under-16s were given drugs for mental health problems more than 631,000 times in the last year, compared to just 146,000 in the mid-Nineties. The steady increase in the use of anti-depressants over the last 10 years has been blamed on family breakdown and high-stakes school exams. But there are fears doctors are under pressure to prescribe drugs such as Prozac as a "quick fix" solution when problems could be better solved by counselling.

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The findings come despite the publication of research showing that children given anti-depressants run a higher risk of self-harm and are more likely to attempt suicide. These figures, published by the Department for Children, Schools and Families, show a huge year-on-year increase in medication prescribed by GPs for depression, behaviour control and severe mental disorders. Behaviour-altering drugs soared ten-fold in a decade. These include Ritalin, for attention deficit huperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Modafinil, for daytime sleepiness. Academics say Modafinil is increasingly used by students to stay awake and boost short-term memory. Prescriptions for the drug for under-16s rose from 48,264 in 1996/97 to 454,797 in 2006/07. Among 16 to 18-year-olds in full-time education there was a rise from 2,058 to 40,339. According to the figures, prescriptions for anti-depressants have risen from 78,353 to 109,535 within the same timespan. The rise is relatively small because doctors are now recommended not to prescribe most anti-depressants to under-18s. Among the drugs effectively banned are Seroxat, which was taken by an estimated 50,000 British youngsters before guidelines ruled it out in 2003. Seroxat - also known as paroxetine - alters levels of mood-regulating chemicals in the brain. It was given to children as young as six but critics said young patients became more likely to commit suicide, and parents told how their children had mood swings, nightmares and personality changes. NCH, the children's charity, claims that one child in 10 has significant mental health problem and rates have doubled since the 1990s. A DCSF spokesperson said: "The Government's Every Child Matters agenda commits to supporting every child to have a happy and healthy childhood. "Just last week, Secretary of State for children, schools and families Ed Balls announced £60m to support schools to work with mental health practitioners and others to improve the emotional well being of pupils. "He also announced £396million for early intervention programmes to help children and their families."

July 30, 2007

OBESITY INTRODUCTION: The term " obesity " means very overweight. Health professionals define " overweight " as an excess amount of body weight that includes muscle, bone, fat, and water. " Obesity " specifically refers to an excess amount of body fat. Some people, such as bodybuilders or other athletes with a lot of muscle, can be overweight without being obese.

DEFINITION: Obesity is an abnormal accumulation of body fat, usually 20% or more over an individual's ideal body weight. Obesity is associated with increased risk of illness, disability, and death.

HOME REMEDIES FOR OBESITY:

* When you wake up in the morning, have a tablespoonful of honey mixed in an equal amount of water.

* Drinking hot water continuously throughout the day also helps to dissolve the excess fat in the body.

* Ginger is effective in dissolving fat. Have it twice or thrice a day in the form of tea.

* Every one day a week, have a totally liquid diet. Fasting entirely can also be done if it is physically tolerable. This helps to flush out the toxins and excess fats accumulated throughout the week.

* Regular exercise is one of the most important things. It helps to reduce the excess fats in the body and also keep the person fresh and active throughout the day.

NATURAL HERBS FOR OBESITY: Natural remedies that have been suggested for Obesity include: Fenugreek: Fenugreek is useful for dissolving fat within the liver. It is otherwise called Trigonella foenum-graecum.

Psyllium: Psyllium is a soluble fiber. It may increase the sensation of fullness (satiety) and reduce hunger cravings. For these reasons, incorporating Psyllium and other sources of fiber into the diet may aid weight loss. It is otherwise called Plantaginis ovatae.

Dandelion: It is one of the best herbal remedy for Obesity. It increases the metabolic rate and decreases desire for sugary foods.

Red Pepper: It increases a person's metabolic rate and also makes a person thirsty. It contains no calories.

Walnuts: This is a best herbal remedy for Obesity. It increase the level of brain chemicals that tell a person he or she is no longer hungry.

Aloe Vera: Aloe Vera juice is very effective in reducing the weight. Aloe Vera juice improves digestion and cleanses the digestive tract.

Bladder wrack: Bladder wrack contains iodine, which helps to enhance thyroid function.

Brewer's yeast: Brewer's yeast will help to reduce various cravings for food and drink.

Chickweed: This herb a great folk reputation for shedding weight.

Coconut oil: Coconut oil, extracted from coconuts, is a rich source for medium chain triglycerides. Medium chain triglycerides are special types of saturated fats separated out from coconut oil that range in length from six to twelve carbon chains. Unlike regular fats, MCTs.

Evening primrose: This herb is a good source for tryptophan which is believed to help in weight loss. Take a half-teaspoon of evening primrose oil three times a day.

Fennel: Fennel removes mucus and fat from the intestinal tract, and is a natural appetite suppressant.

Green Tea: Green tea enhances the ability of the body to burn fat.

Guggul: This is a popular herb used in Ayurveda. Guggul is frequently recommended by Ayurveda practitioners for weight control in addition to use in lowering cholesterol.

Malabar tamarind: The Malabar tamarind is a yellowish fruit that is about the size of an orange, with a thin skin and deep furrows similar to an acorn squash. The dried fruit of Malabar Tamarind contains about thirty percent hydroxycitric acid. It is a powerful lipogenic inhibitor. Lipogenic inhibitor is a substance which helps prevent the production of fat.

Pineapple: Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which helps digest both proteins and fats.

Guduchi: Guduchi is an indigenous Indian herb. It is a commonly prescribed herb in Ayurveda for the condition of obesity. It helps in the proper canalization of fats in the body and thus reduces obesity.

Guggulu: Guggulu is the Ayurvedic drug of choice for obesity.

Indian Gooseberry: It is a very effective herb for the treatment of obesity and related conditions. The amalaki is an integral component of Triphala, which is commonly prescribed in the treatment of obesity.

MEDICAL TREATMENT FOR OBESITY: Medical treatment of obesity focuses on lifestyle changes such as eating less and increasing activity level. There are medications that can promote weight loss, although they work only in conjunction with eating less and exercising more.

Ephedra: This natural substance is essentially an herbal phen-fen. It is the active ingredient in MaHuang and is used as a stimulant and appetite suppressant. Ephedra resembles the amphetamines - the popular " diet drugs " . But it develops more side effects.

Sibutramine: Sibutramine is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1996. It may be recommended for people who are more than 30 pounds overweight. It may also help to keep weight off. It works by making the person feel full and thereby decreases food intake.

Orlistat: Orlistat is a prescription medication approved by the FDA in 1999. It is one of the best weight loss diet. It works by reducing the absorption of fat from the intestine. Diarrhea and incontinence of stood may be side effects of this medicine.

Licorice: Licorice root strengthens the adrenal glands, thus helping to sustain a regulated blood-sugar level and reduce cravings for sweets. Licorice tastes sweet.

5-Hydroxytryptophan: (5-HTP) 5-HTP, a supplement made from the seeds of the African plant Griffonia simplicifolia, may help reduce binge eating associated with obesity and dieting. 5-HTP is thought to reduce hunger cravings by boosting serotonin levels in the central nervous system.

Fiber: Preliminary evidence suggests that dietary fiber may help lower insulin levels. Insulin controls the amount of sugar in the blood. It may contribute to excessive weight gain for several reasons, including increased appetite.

Chitosan: Derived from the shells of crustaceans, chitosan is promoted as a remedy for obesity in the United States and other countries. More studies are needed to determine if chitosan is a safe and effective treatment for obesity.

DIETARY TREATMENTS FOR OBESITY: There is a direct relation between the diet one eats and obesity. Controlling the diet is a sure method of controlling obesity. The following guidelines must be observed:-

* Foods that are excessively rich in carbohydrates must be avoided. These include rice and potatoes. Wheat must be used instead of rice. Barley and maize can also be used effectively.

* Fatty substances must be avoided. In obese people, the chances of cardiovascular problems such as atherosclerosis are high. Hence, people who consume lots of hydrogenated fats have greater risk of cholesterol buildup in their arteries.

* Obesity increases the chances of diabetes mellitus. Hence, people who are overweight must reduce their intake of sugars and other sweet foods.

* Bitter and pungent foods are found to be effective in the control of weight and also preventing the dangers of diabetes in obese people. The bitter gourd and the bitter variety of drumstick are beneficial in this aspect.

* Obese people must avoid preserved foods. The same applies to refrigerated drinks and cold foods.

* Among meats, avoid red meats as they have high fatty contents. While buying meats, ask for the lean cuts and get the fats trimmed from them before cooking.

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