Massage for Children with Autism

For children with Autism, massage may provide relaxation, stress reduction and calm muscle spasms. Over time, touch therapy also helps the child to become more accustomed to tactile stimulation and aides in body awareness. Often by incorporating massage therapy into daily routines, children with Autism experience decreased issues with sleeping. Research has demonstrated that this type of intervention may promote more on-task and social relatedness behavior during play, they show less erratic behavior, and are more attentive after receiving massage therapy. This safe, nurturing touch, along with regular sensory integration, is beneficial in reducing inattentiveness, touch aversion and withdrawal.

Read more about The Benefits of Massage for Children with Autism

Prevent and Treat the Flu | Infant,Children & Families

The following was written by Dr. David Berger of Wholistic Pediatrics

used with permission

Note: This information is not intended to replace a physician/patient contact. It is for general purposes only. Please be aware that these therapies have not been evaluated in large, multi-centered studies.

One must always weigh the risks and benefits of each therapy on an individualized basis. Please contact your physician if you have further questions or concerns about the flu.


Influenza is a virus that typically begins to appear in the Fall and then recedes as Spring progresses. The H1N1 “Swine” Flu is apparently a typical influenza virus, in that it has many of the same symptoms as a common cold, but often starts with a high spiking fever, shaking chills, headache, muscle ache, and pain when moving the eyes. What is unusual is the time of year that it started, and that it is a new strain so not much is known about it.

Emergency warning signs in children include: fast breathing or trouble breathing, bluish skin color, dehydration, not waking up or interacting, and being very irritable. Emergency warning signs in adults include: difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness, confusion, and severe or persistent vomiting.

There is a possibility that the H1N1 flu will infect a larger percentage of our population than is usually seen, as is usually seen when a flu strain is not one of the three strains included in the annual vaccine. It is not believed that this past year’s flu vaccine will provide coverage against this strain of the flu. At this point there is no indication that this strain of the flu is more deadly than a typical flu virus.

The CDC has established a detailed webpage about the H1N1 flu and it is being updated regularly: www.cdc.gov/swineflu/general_info.htm

For more information about the signs of dehydration and how to prevent/treat it, please read this article: Treating Intestinal Illness

The best way to prevent the spread of flu is through good hand washing, avoiding people who have flu-like symptoms, for people who have questionable or definite symptoms to avoid being out in public, and to have a healthy diet, avoiding sugar, high fructose corn syrup, and processed food, along with adequate intake of vitamins and minerals. At the end of this article are some recommendations for supplements that can be used as a preventive measure. Please note the addition of the Vitamin D information; this is a new recommendation that was not included in previous editions of my flu article.

There are 2 anti-viral medications that appear to be effective against the H1N1 flu. Tamiflu can be used in adults and children over 1 year old, and Relenza is available for people over 7 years old. The effectiveness for both of these significantly declines if started after the second day of symptoms. These medications are not necessary to recover from the H1N1 flu, and most of the initial cases in the USA were not treated with these medicines and they recovered. If a family of one of our patients suspects the flu and wants to start an anti-viral medication, they should contact our office as soon as possible.

There are several supplements that I have found to be helpful in minimizing the effects of the flu. These therapies are most effective when started IMMEDIATELY upon the first signs or symptoms, and with the exception of the Vitamin A, should be continued for several days after symptoms subside. We have made these remedies available at Wholistic Pediatrics, and I recommend getting these products now as part of a “flu-preparedness kit”. One bottle of Elderberry and one box of Oscillococcinum is needed for each person to have a full round of therapy, but the other supplements come in larger amounts and can be shared within the family. Women who are pregnant should be able to take the dose listed for young children, though safety data is not complete.

Therapies for when coming down with Flu Symptoms:

1) ELDERBERRY- An herb that appears to have direct anti-influenza viral activity. Children as young as 6 months of age can use this (although some people have used the product in younger children). There are many elderberry products on the market. I have found good success with the encapsulated liquid extract (Phyto-Caps) from Gaia/Professional Solutions. The dose for older children and adults is 2 capsules 4 times a day. For younger children and people who do not swallow pills, I am recommending Sambucus, (by Nature’s Way) which is an updated version of Sambucol. Younger children should take 1 teaspoon 4 times a day, and older children and adults should take 2 teaspoons 4 times a day.

2) OSCILLOCOCCINUM - A homeopathic remedy that has been shown to be effective in small studies. I have personally had success with this product, although some families are concerned about the lactose/casein content. If it really seemed like flu was going through my community, I would strongly consider using it. Each small vial contains little sugar pellets (containing lactose) that are most effective if allowed to dissolve under the tongue. Three doses a day for 2 days is the recommended amount. Small children can chew the pellets if necessary. For the youngest children, give a few at a time to make sure they can handle it. Another alternative is to dissolve the pellets in about ½ teaspoon of warm water, and then give this slowly, a few drops at a time so that it there is more contact with the oral lining. As with any homeopathic remedy, it is most effective when given away from food, herbs, or strong flavors like mint or cinnamon in toothpaste.

3) VITAMIN A - in a mycelized natural or palmitate form, (instead of one that is mostly Beta Carotene) Vitamin A seems to have strong anti-viral activity. High doses should never be used for more than 2 days in a row. The liver can be damaged if used for long periods of time at these doses. The dosing provided here is anecdotal, based upon my and other doctors’ experience. Studies have not been done to confirm them. The amount give per dose: for children under 6 months, 10000 IU; children 6-12 months, 15000 IU; children 12-24 months, 20000 IU; children 2-3 years, 25000-30000 IU; children 5-7 years; 50000 IU; children 7-10, 75000 IU; children 11-14,100000 IU; and people 15 and older,150,000 IU. These doses are to be used twice a day for 2 days only. These high doses may be problematic for people with clotting difficulty or liver disease. It is advisable to give/take a ½ dose when not sick to make sure it is tolerated. There are both liquid drops and capsules available.

4) VITAMIN C - preferably as Ester C or Buffered C. Doses listed here are the total amount per day and should be divided in 3-4 doses. For children under 1 year of age give 100mg per month of age. For children up to age 5, 1000mg per year of age, and as much as possible for older children and adults, as long as the stool does not become loose.

5) ZINC - this mineral should be given divided into at least 2 doses spread through the day. For children under 2 -12 months old give 10-15mg a day, for children between 1 and 3 give 20-30 mg daily, for older children give 50 mg a day, and adults can take 75-100 mg a day. This should be divided into 2-3 doses throughout the day.

6) LARIX - This is an herb derived from the bark of the Western Larch tree. The active ingredient, arabinogalactan, is the same as Echinacea, which is believed to increase production of white blood cells. Larix has been found to be much stronger than Echinacea when using similar amounts, and can be used by patients over 6 months of age. For adults and older children, the dose is 2 tablets 3 times a day, and younger children who can swallow pills should give 1 tablet 3 times a day. There is also a powder available. Adults and large children should use 1 tablespoon 3 times a day, and smaller children should use 1 teaspoon 3 times a day. For children less than 6 months of age, there are alcohol free extracts of Echinacea that can be used. For children under 3 months of age use 5 drops 4 times a day and for children 3-6 months use 10 drops 4 times a day. Echinacea should not be used as a daily preventative.

Daily supplements to strengthen the immune system against Flu

These are doses of therapies that can be taken longer-term until the flu threat has been lessened:

1) Vitamin C: young children (under 5) can take 250mg twice a day and older children and adults can take 500mg twice a day

2) Zinc- younger children can take 5mg daily and older children and adults can take 10mg a day

3) Vitamin A- children 2-24 months can take 1250IU daily, children 2-5 years old can take 2500IU daily and people over 5 can take 5000IU daily

4) Larix – younger children can take ¼ teaspoon of the powder once a day, and older children and adults can take ½ teaspoon or 1 tablet once a day

5) Elderberry – Young children can take 1 teaspoon daily, and adults and older children can take 2 capsule daily.

6) Vitamin D – Vitamin D, while known for its use in calcium absorption, is also very important to help fight off infections. Quite possibly, part of the reason that the “flu season” occurs in the winter is because people do not spend as much time outdoors. If possible, people should get their 25-hydroxy vitamin D level checked and get the value above 50ng/ml. If not able to check a level, all adults can take 5000IU of Vitamin D3, children under 25 lbs can take 1000IU, children 25-50 lbs can take 2000IU, and children over 50 lbs can take 3000IU. We have capsules of 1000, 2000 and 5000IU as well as a concentrated liquid that has 1000IU per single drop. If a person is suspected to have a vitamin D deficiency, either revealed by testing or from lack of direct sun exposure (sunscreen blocks the formation of vitamin D), I would consider taking 5 times the dose mentioned above for 1 week in order to build up the body’s levels and then drop down to the maintenance dose. For more information about vitamin D, go to vitamindcouncil.com

Babies Born Almost Full Term May Face Delays

Thinking your baby is full term at 37 weeks, ready for your little one to come meet the world . . .

Scheduling a C-Section or inducing their arrival . . . you might want to think again!

According to a new study published in this month's Pediatrics Journal

Babies born up to a month early have been recently referred to as "near-term" infants, but recent studies have shown that they may develop problems shortly after birth that are similar to those affecting babies who have been born very premature, though not nearly as severe. These include breathing difficulties, problems regulating body temperature and jaundice.

Those problems usually require newborns to remain hospitalized for several days. The new study involved only late term babies born early, sent home within three days of birth, who were presumed to be otherwise healthy.

The researchers compared Florida public school records for 7,152 children born healthy but slightly preterm with those of 152,661 youngsters born full-term.

According to the study published in this month’s Pediatrics Journal, babies (in the study) born at 34 to 36 weeks were 36 percent more likely to have developmental delays including learning difficulties in kindergarten than those born during the 37th to 41st week of pregnancy, which is the range for a full-term pregnancy.

Besides more developmental delays, the preterm children also were more likely to be suspended from school and to be held back from first grade.

With all the other pressures our children face, isn't it best to give them the very best start! That means letting them arrive here when they are good & ready!

Children Rely on CAM Remedies

Source: the New York Times December 11, 2008

Many Children Now Rely on Alternative Remedies

By RONI CARYN RABIN

One of every nine children under age 18 practices yoga, goes to a chiropractor, takes a supplement like fish oil or uses some other alternative treatment, according to a new government survey that for the first time included questions regarding children’s use of complementary medicine.

Natural, non-vitamin products are the most common alternative therapies used by children, with almost 4 percent taking a supplement like echinacea, fish oil, flaxseed oil, herb pills, prebiotics or probiotics, according to the survey, conducted by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

Almost 3 percent of children see a chiropractor or an osteopath for manipulation, 2.2 percent do deep breathing exercises and 2.1 percent do yoga.

“It’s a substantial amount of use in children, given that children tend to be healthier than the adult population,” said Richard L. Nahin, acting director of the center’s division of extramural research and co-author of the report.

But some experts say the figures may be even higher and that as many as 40 percent of healthy children and more than 50 percent of children with chronic health conditions are using alternative therapies.

Dr. Lawrence D. Rosen, a pediatrician who has also researched use of these therapies by children said the survey results may depend on how questions were asked and how alternative therapy is defined.

“This is a wake-up call,” said Dr. Rosen, who practices integrative medicine in Oradell, N.J. “The main thing pediatricians and patients need to recognize is that we all need to be talking about this. Parents need to be comfortable discussing it, and pediatricians need to feel comfortable bringing it up.”

The survey’s findings will help shape research initiatives, Mr. Nahin said, adding that many products, especially dietary supplements, have not been rigorously tested in clinical trials in adults or children even as their use has become more widespread.

“In most cases, there is no clear recommendation one can make whether a child should use a product or not,” Mr. Nahin said. The survey results are based on data from more than 23,000 interviews with American adults and more than 9,400 interviews with adults on behalf of children in their households. The survey was conducted in 2007 as part of the annual National Health Interview Survey.

It included questions about 36 common alternative therapies, including 10 that are provider-based, like chiropractic care, and 26 that do not require a provider, such as meditation. The last such survey of adult use of alternative therapies was conducted in 2002.

Use of complementary therapies among adults has remained fairly steady in recent years, with 38 percent of adults using some form of alternative medicine in 2007, up from 36 percent in 2002.

But while adults tend to rely on alternative therapies for chronic conditions like back or neck pain, children more often use them for both chronic problems, like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and acute illnesses, like headaches and colds.

Adult use of complementary medicines for colds appears to have dropped significantly, to 2 percent in 2007 from 9.5 percent in 2002, while use of yoga, massage, acupuncture, meditation, deep breathing exercises and naturopathy has increased.

The single most influential factor driving children’s adoption of alternative therapies appears to be whether their parents also use them. Children whose parents or relatives use alternative therapies are five times more likely to use them than children whose parents do not.

Teens were more likely to use alternative therapies than younger children, with 16.4 percent of adolescents ages 12 to 17 using these therapies, compared with 10.7 percent of children ages 5 to 11 and 7.6 percent of children ages 4 or younger. White children were twice as likely as black children to use alternative therapies, the survey found.

But the lines separating the therapies considered mainstream from those considered alternative is constantly shifting, said Dr. Kathi Kemper, chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics section for complementary and integrative medicine and a professor of pediatrics at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, N.C.

“They included fish oil in this survey, but I’ve been asking psychiatrists if they use fish oil and it looks like 80 percent of psychiatrists are recommending it, as are cardiologists,” Dr. Kemper said. Massage for newborns, hypnosis and acupuncture for pain are also going mainstream, she added.

20 weeks' paid leave plan for Families

I know you were hoping to read this was happening n the U.S., but no, it’s in Australia.



Under the proposal, families would be given 20 weeks' paid leave to help them spend more time with their newborn babies. The Australian Productivity Commission recommended working mothers be given 18 weeks of paid leave and fathers two weeks. This proposal would allow parents to spend more time with their children without having to leave their jobs. The proposed plan should be finalized next year after a series of consultations.

Even with this plan taking another year to come into place, Australia families can expect greater support than those in the U.S.

And, what about the rest of the world?

Some International Paid Maternity Leave Statistics:

Africa Nigeria 12 weeks at 50% pay
Africa Somalia 14 weeks at 50% pay
Africa Sudan 8 weeks at 100% pay

Americas Canada 50 weeks at 55% pay (15 weeks maternity/35 shared parental leave)
Americas Mexico 12 weeks at 100% pay
Americas USA 0 weeks

Asia China 90 days at 100% pay
Asia Israel 12 weeks at 100% pay
Asia Saudi Arabia 10 weeks at 50% pay

Europe France 16 at 100% pay
Europe Russia 140 days at 100% pay
Europe Sweden 16 months at 80% pay

Did you take notice where the USA fits in with the international community? Yes, that’s correct we have no paid maternity leave.

Children's Massage can Decrease Aggression

In a recent research article published in Acta Paediatrica, research confirms that 5 to 10 minutes a day of Peaceful Touch practice significantly decreases aggression in children!

Photo: Peaceful Touch®

Aim: To evaluate the effects of massage in 4- to 5-year-old children with aggression and deviant behaviour at day-care centres.

Method: The children received daily massage in preschool at the midday rest (n = 60). The controlswere listening to a story (n = 50). The Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL) was used to rate thechildren’s behaviour by parents and staff before the treatment started, and after 3 and 6 months. Along-term evaluation was also carried out. It included all massaged children still in daycare after12 months (n = 34).

Results: Children with high scores of behaviour problems, receiving massage and/or extra attentionshowed significant decrease in aggression scores after 3 months, but after 6 months significantlylowered scores were only found in massage-treated deviant children. Parents of the children receivingmassage rated a significant decrease of somatic problems of their children. Staff rated that themassaged children’s social problems decreased, compared to the control children. Attention problems tended to decrease, especially at home. A continuous decrease in aggressive behaviourand somatic problems over a 12-month period was observed in the children receiving massage.

Conclusion: Daily touching by massage lasting for 5–10 min could be an easy and inexpensive way to decreaseaggression among preschool children.

source: Acta Paediatrica

New Study suggests fans reduce risk of SIDS

Simply turning on a fan in a sleeping baby's room can reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by 72 percent, a study says.

The study punctuates other findings that SIDS can be greatly reduced by changing a sleeping baby's environment, said the study's author, De-Kun Li, a reproductive and perinatal epidemiologist at Kaiser Permanente Research in Oakland, Calif. Li noted that a fan is an especially great benefit when there are other risk factors present such as an overheated room and soft bedding.

Li studied the cases of 185 babies who died from SIDS in California during a four-year period, and, through interviews with the mothers, compared their environmental circumstances to those of babies who did not die.

Li's study also found that simply having open windows reduces SIDS risk by 36 percent, even without a fan.

Li said it's unwise to depend on just one remedy, however.

Instead, do all the right things:

* Lay the infant on his or her back and make sure the room isn't overheated.

* Don't use soft bedding.

* Use a fan.

* Don't have the infant sleep with siblings or anyone else, except perhaps the parents.

SIDS is the leading cause of death among children from 1 to 12 months old, and the third leading cause of overall infant mortality in the U.S.

excerpted from Rocky Mountain News - October 7, 2008