Why More Kids are on Prescription Meds Today: A Holistic Approach to Kids' Wellness
I am fully aware that as mothers, our kid's wellbeing is something that we are unceasingly OBSESSED with. I am just like you, I worry and care about my little one's health and happiness every single day.
And that's why I feel it's crucial for us to address a certain issue that's been bothering me recently. It seems like an increasing number of children are being prescribed medication these days, which is a significant change compared to the previous generation.
Recent data indicates a significant increase in the number of children being prescribed medication compared to the previous generation. For instance, a study by the Journal of Pediatrics found a 7% increase in the prescription of medications for children and adolescents over a decade.
This development can be quite alarming and intimidating. It can leave us feeling helpless, scared, and frustrated, not knowing what's the best course of action for our little ones. But I want you to know that you're not alone, second guessing the conventional standard of care.
I'm here with you, ready to guide you through this frustrating journey and into optimal kids wellness!.
A Trip to the Doctor's Office
If you are a mother already or are preparing to step into the beautiful journey of motherhood, there's a high probability that you've encountered this situation: You take your little one to the pediatrician for a regular check-up or perhaps because they've been a little under the weather. In just a matter of minutes, you find yourself holding a prescription paper, a new vaccine schedule, or a recommendation for over-the-counter medications.
But it's worth asking - is this rapid-fire approach to treatment truly the most effective and beneficial for our children?
Let me share a personal story and maybe you can relate.
A while back, following a routine visit, we know that my son had been exposed to a virus from another kiddo. Without any test results to confirm this, my doctor recommended a course of antibiotics for my son. This was before we had even received the results of any tests, merely as a preventative measure.
As you can probably guess, I was taken aback. This was certainly not okay with me, and I bet many of you would feel the same way. Giving antibiotics as a preventative measure can be harmful to kids wellness because it disrupts the gut microbiome, the community of beneficial bacteria in our digestive tract, which plays a crucial role in our overall health.
It's really common for moms to feel a bit frustrated with regular prescription medications. Often, these treatments don't get to the root of their children's symptoms, but just deal with what's on the surface. And, too often, those symptoms just keep popping up again, which can be really disheartening.
And then there's the side effects of the meds that aren’t good for kids wellness– sometimes, these can range from being a bit bothersome to pretty serious, needing even more treatment. This can mean more medicine for the kids, which just adds to their stress bucket (and to a mom's worries and stress).
The Root Cause
Prioritizing the health of our kids isn't just about catching a cold from classmates – there's more to it. The problem is a complex one, and it mainly boils down to two things: our surroundings and our way of life.
You see, our little ones are often surrounded by a world of processed foods. These meals, while quick and convenient, are usually packed with sugar, unhealthy fats, and sodium, but aren't so generous when it comes to nutrients. This can halt their growth, weaken their immune system, and affect their overall well-being.
A heap of scientific studies back this up. For example, a study in the journal 'Current Treatment Options in Pediatrics' pointed out that diets full of processed food can up the chances of obesity and serious health issues like type 2 diabetes and heart diseases in kids.
Then there's the issue of the environment. Our children are living in a world that's becoming more and more polluted with toxins. Whether it's the air they breathe or the water they drink, harmful substances like lead, pesticides, and particulate matter can hit their health hard. A WHO report revealed that these environmental pollutants are behind around 1.7 million deaths of children under the age of five each year.
We're also seeing a big drop in how much our kids are moving about. With screens dominating their time, they're playing less and staying indoors more. According to the 'American Journal of Preventive Medicine', this kind of lifestyle can lead to obesity and affect mental health in children.
And last, but by no means least, we have to consider the mental strain on our kids. With the rise of stress and anxiety from social media, they're dealing with new challenges. The need to always be online, comparing themselves to others, and dealing with cyberbullying, it's a lot for them to handle. The 'Journal of Abnormal Psychology' found that heavy use of digital media could lead to symptoms of ADHD and other mental disorders in teenagers.
So, it's clear that the health issues our kids are dealing with aren't just random occurrences. They're part of a bigger, systemic problem. To tackle these, we need to take a comprehensive approach: feed their bodies with nourishing food, protect them from harmful substances, encourage them to move more, and help create a supportive emotional environment.
A Better Way to Wellness
Nurturing our children's health and well-being is one of the greatest responsibilities we have - and it's also one of the greatest privileges! Sure, we might have to shake things up a bit and challenge what's considered 'normal', but for the sake of our kiddos, it's totally worth it.
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It all starts with us - we're the role models they're looking up to. Let's show them what it means to live healthily by embracing good habits ourselves. It's more than just leading a healthy lifestyle; it's about creating a legacy of wellness that we can pass down through the generations.
The road to keeping our kids healthy starts with something as simple as what's on their plate. Let's focus on whole foods - fresh fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and complex carbs. It's time to say goodbye to the processed stuff and hello to the nutrients our children need to grow and thrive.
But it's not just about the food they eat. Our children also need to experience the great outdoors - the sunshine, the beauty of nature, the joy of play. And let's not forget the importance of laughter, free time to let their imaginations roam, and a safe space where they feel loved and can open up about their feelings. These are the ingredients for a well-rounded, happy kid.
Now, imagine if our government and schools prioritized teaching about real self-care and health maintenance instead of just handing out prescriptions. What if they armed us and our children with the knowledge to take care of our bodies based on solid research? The effects could be game-changing. Let's aim for that world, shall we? Until then, we have the choice NOW of what we put in our bodies. I'm here to empower women and mothers with knowledge, enabling them to make informed choices for themselves and their families.
Easy Whole Food Swaps for Healthier Family Meals
Want to help prevent your kiddos from being on medication? Do you want to take control of you and your family’s health? It all start with your diet and the foods you eat.
Download my new ebook, "Easy Whole Food Swaps for Healthier Family Meals." It's full of practical strategies for integrating nutrient-dense foods into your daily meals that even the pickiest of eaters will love.
Remember, ladies, we're all in this together. Let's take a proactive approach to wellness and ensure we're well-equipped to nurture our health and that of our future families.
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