By Penelope A. Domogo, MD
When I go to mass, if I had the choice, I sit in front as it gives me the least distraction. If the church is in the barrio (meaning not the capital town or city), the mass would be so solemn and the congregation so quiet that in times of silence, you could hear the turning of the pages of the hymnal and service book. Kids would just sit still with their parents or in the front pews and just follow what the adults are doing. Just like when I was younger. I remember me and my siblings would tag along our parents and just follow what they did in church – kneel, sit, stand, say “Amen”, sing, etc.
Compare that to the capital town nowadays. Some kids would be running up and down the aisle, squirm in their seats and, because they are not allowed to play inside the church, they get out of church and play outside. When our children were small kids, they would walk to the altar and tug at their Daddy’s cossacks. Thus I would bring along kiddie books or quiet toys and cookies to keep them in their seats. Eventually, we had to organize Sunday school for kids as there were many more “alikuteg” children.
Children are, by nature, faster in motion than adults and abounding in energy. They seem tireless and hyperactive. But they can be told to sit still for some time and watch or view pictures or read. Hyperactivity in children, however, can reach a magnitude so great that it interferes with the child’s learning and relationships. Such is labeled as “attention deficit hyperactivity disorder” or ADHD. It is a development disorder and thus requires special interventions. Wikipedia states that globally, ADHD occurs in 3-5% of children under 19 years old, mostly in boys. ADHD is a chronic disorder, meaning it is not easily treated. We don’t have a figure for Mountain Province or the Cordilleras but we can see hyperactivity in children increasing in our town centers and cities. Just ask our day care and kindergarten teachers.
Hyperactivity in children is a recent development, just like hypertension and diabetes and cancer.
ADHD can be categorized into 3 subtypes – 1) predominantly inattentive type, 2) predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type, and 3) combined type if criteria for both subtypes are met.
Using DSM IV criteria, the following are the signs and symptoms of ADHD:
a) Predominantly inattentive type (6 or more of the following present):
– Often does not give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities.
– Often has trouble keeping attention on tasks or play activities
– Often has does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
– Often does not follow instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions)
– Often has trouble organizing acitivities
– Often avoids, dislikes, or does not want to do things that take a lot of mental effort for a long period of time (such as schoolwork or homework)
– Often loses things needed for tasks and activities (such as toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools)
– Is often easily distracted.
– Often forgetful in daily activities.
b) Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type (6 or more present)
Hyperactivity:
– Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat.
– Often gets up from seat when remaining seated is expected.
– Often runs about or climbs when and where it is not appropriate (very restless)
– Often has trouble playing or enjoying leisure activities quietly.
– Is often “on the go” or often acts as if “driven by a motor”
– Often talks excessively.
Impulsiveness:
– Often blurts out answers before questions have been finished
– Often has trouble waiting for one’s turn
– Often interrupts or intrudes on others (example: butts into conversations or games)
Studies show that around 30-50% of children with ADHD continue to show symptoms up to adulthood. But before we label that person as having ADHD, there are some other criteria that have to be met as follows:
1. Such signs are present for at least 6 months to an extent that is disruptive and inappropriate for developmental level or to a degree that is greater than other children of the same age.
2. Some signs that cause impairment were present before age 7 years.
3. Some impairment is present in two or more settings (such school/work, home, church)
4. There must be clear evidence of significant impairment in social, school or work functioning.
5. These signs are not accounted for by other mental disorders like schizophrenia or personality disorders.
What are the factors that bring about ADHD? Here’s from Wikipedia again:
1) Emotional/Relationship issues
Lack of physical touching, expressions of caring and love
Not touching with children often– sharing activities and interests
Not helping children to channel their energy in positive ways
2) Diet
Refined sugar products (soft drinks, candy, honey, dried fruits, fruit juice)
Processed foods with food additives, artificial coloring
Food allergens (the most common are pasteurized dairy products like milk, eggs, wheat, and nightshade family foods– i.e., tomatoes, eggplant, potatoes)
3) Other Environmental factors
Heavy metal contamination (like lead from house paint or mercury from dental fillings)
Artificial lighting
Strong electro-magnetic fields
Noise pollution
Analyzing the above factors, we would see that these are “modern” developments or effects of modernizing or urbanizing life. So it is no wonder that kids nowadays are developing this “impairment”. Observe whose child is the hyperactive child – usually parents with salaried jobs.
Meaning these parents or caregivers have cash to buy sugar, milk, chocolates, “juice”, bread,cookies, and all those foods from the factory which are rich in sugar and other food additives. If you remember our yin-yang scale, sugar is an extremely yin substance and best avoided. These families are also the ones who have TVs, computers, cellphones – meaning a lot of strong electro-magnetic fields and noise and light pollution in the home where young children nowadays stay most of the time.
When we know the factors leading to ADHD, then we know how to avoid them. While they are children, take time to cook nature foods for them, bring them outdoors to touch and play with soil, play with them and tell them stories. Carrying them using the “eban” (baby sling) keeps them warm and secure. There are countless doable things to do as investment for a healthy future of the child and family and society as a whole. Some wise person said “the child’s name is today”. You cannot turn back the clock when the child has grown. HAPPY CHILDREN’S MONTH! ***
“Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” Proverbs 22:6.”
