This week we discussed the ever increasing number of pediatric prescriptions being written at an alarming rate. In December of 2010, The Wall Street Journal reported these shocking numbers. These numbers should leave you in disbelief. Sleeping pills for kids? What about exercising to the point of being tired first? Antipsychotics? Statins?
ADHD drugs: 24.357 million
Antidepressants: 9.614 million
Antipsychotics: 6.546 million
Antihypertensives: 5.224 million
Asthma drugs: 45.388 million
Sleep Aids: 307,000 million
Statins: 94,000
Non-insulin-dependent (type 2) diabetes: 424,000
While some children may need such prescription meds, so many can be avoided by looking at lifestyle habits. The most conservative measures should be exhausted first. The best way to ensure that your child doesn’t become one of these statistics, ask your physician for possible drug free choices before the prescription is written. You must be your child’s advocate.
In short, include all four pillars of health (physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual) and ask yourself if you are teaching your child to live a balanced healthy life.
Always research and read labels. Go to: www.fda.gov, www.pubmed.gov. There is an alternative way to approach just about every problem. For consultation contact me at 678-546-8400.
Skyrocketing Pediatric Prescriptions
This week we discussed the ever increasing number of pediatric prescriptions being written at an alarming rate. In December of 2010, The Wall Street Journal reported these shocking numbers. These numbers should leave you in disbelief. Sleeping pills for kids? What about exercising to the point of being tired first? Antipsychotics? Statins?
While some children may need such prescription meds, so many can be avoided by looking at lifestyle habits. The most conservative measures should be exhausted first. The best way to ensure that your child doesn’t become one of these statistics, ask your physician for possible drug free choices before the prescription is written. You must be your child’s advocate.
In short, include all four pillars of health (physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual) and ask yourself if you are teaching your child to live a balanced healthy life.
Always research and read labels. Go to: www.fda.gov, www.pubmed.gov. There is an alternative way to approach just about every problem. For consultation contact me at 678-546-8400.
With Gratitude,
Dr Evelyn Higgins