1. QUESTION
My child has been diagnosed with ADHD and I have tried several prescription medications. Two of them made the problems worse and the third helped a little but changed my child’s personality in an unpleasant way. Are there any new approaches to my child’s ADHD problems that are effective and do not have side effects?

ANSWER
A diagnosis of ADHD is both frightening and heart breaking for many parents. We, as parents, want so much for our children and know that ADHD is a serious problem that can affect a person’s ability to learn both socially and academically now and into adulthood.

The bad news is that about 20 percent of our young people suffer with ADHD symptoms now and throughout their lives.

The good news is that medical science has provided us with extraordinarily effective solutions. In the late 1990s, medical treatment for ADHD took two distinct directions. The first used prescription medications (usually stimulants) to attempt to control symptoms. This direction has met with limited success and usually is associated with mild to severe side effects. The second direction of medical treatment took the stance that dealing directly with the causes of the problem is a better way to treat the problem. This approach was pioneered by Marty Hinz, MD in Duluth, Minnesota. He and his research team focused on providing the brain and nervous system with highly concentrated levels of targeted proteins (amino acids) to bring the brain to higher levels of functioning.  Our current research indicates that this approach is effective in over 81 percent of people with this problem. This predictably occurs within five to six weeks. The best news is that this occurs without side effects. Dr. Hinz suggests that we are providing the body with highly nutrient dense food that is difficult to get from food alone. Our on going research at NeuroWellness, Inc. verifies this. People are able to be more cooperative, to remember, to think, to learn, to sit still, to write better and so much more with Dr. Hinz’s developments.

The key here is protein. If your child has the symptoms of ADHD, there is hope. Many parents start their children’s day with a high sugar breakfast, not protein. For parents to begin to take charge of the situation it is helpful for them to make a list of the top five most troublesome behaviors their child is showing at school and/or at home. Rate each of these behaviors on a scale of one to ten with one being terrible and ten being the problem is resolved and no longer there.

The next step is to create a game for the entire family to play. The goal is to eat the most portions of protein per week. This does not mean quantity but rather age appropriate portions. For example, an adult should eat about 12 ounces of protein per day. Four ounces of meat is a portion about the size of the palm of your hand. Depending on age, a child should consume about six to nine ounces of protein per day. Every time someone in the family eats a portion of protein, they put a star next to their name on the family calendar. At the end of the week, the number of stars is counted and the person with the most stars gets a small prize. This is never a sugary treat like cookies or ice cream. Both of these actually hurt the body’s ability to create the correct protein levels.

This simple, fun game usually includes all adults living at home. Every one in the family begins to eat a better diet and everyone benefits. Bread, cereal, cookies, crackers and ice cream are replaced over time with meat, fish, eggs and cheese. For a number of children, the ADHD symptoms are alleviated. This is usually fun, helps many children and is a great first step.

If this is not sufficient to alleviate symptoms, the well-researched targeted protein program (amino acid replenishment also called neurotransmitter therapy) is the most effective next step for parents to try. I never get tired of watching children become symptom free and a positive parent-child interaction restored.

2. QUESTION
My husband is currently suffering from terminal cancer and this most probably will be his last Christmas. I wanted to make Christmas Eve dinner special for him and our children and baby grandsons. I don't want to bring sadness to the table, but wondered if it would be too much of a downer if we all took turns telling him what he means to us - or is this rushing things and putting a damper on what could be his last really happy holiday? I am in a quandary and cannot imagine completely what he is going through, even though we are very close. I try to imagine what I would feel, but I know I cannot because I am not in his shoes. My 2 kids are also going through very tough emotions. Any hints you can give me would be greatly appreciated.

ANSWER 
I understand that this may very well be the last Christmas your husband will celebrate with you and your adult children. If you single your husband out and have everyone talk about how much he has meant to them, he may receive this poorly. It is signaling his possible passing. If, however, you and your adult children select several photographs of your family that include your husband, you can all talk about them to the grandchildren and deliver powerful messages to your husband at the same time. For example, this is a picture of Grandpa and me and he is teaching me how to ride a bike. We had so much fun and I love him for being so patient with me when I was young. This allows your family to share family history and give loving appreciation to your husband in a way that he will feel totally comfortable with.

Dr. Ross Stewart is president and CEO of NeuroWellness, Inc., a Dallas based health and wellness clinic specializing in the elimination of ADHD, depression and obesity. Contact the office on line at Neurowellness.com or by calling 972.386.9776.