A Mother's Guide to Raising Healthy Children--Naturally (52 page)

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Authors: Sue Frederick

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BOOK: A Mother's Guide to Raising Healthy Children--Naturally
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there is any concern as to a particular diagnosis or severity of a condition, it is always recommended that the child be seen first by a pediatrician.)
Ear infections (especially the chronic ones)
·
Sinus infections
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Colds
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Cough
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Bladder infections
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Allergies
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Headaches
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Stomachaches
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Insomnia
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Asthma
In summary, Oriental medicine can, in many cases, be a viable alternative to conventional care and can be received without side effects and can often produce better, longer-lasting results. It is especially worth considering for those cases that have not responded well to conventional care and where a resolution to a more systemic type of problem is needed.
A further note regarding use of herbal formulas: In most cases, over-the-counter herbal formulas are safe and often effective, but caution should be used in purchasing formulas from China, as there has been some difficulty with ensuring the contents of some products. In general, it is advisable to seek the help of a qualified practitioner of Oriental medicine who can make a proper assessment of the condition and then recommend the appropriate formula with the appropriate dose for the individual child. Another common problem with over-the-counter formulas is that their labels tend to recommend lower than clinically used doses, which often results in undermedicating with little or no effect.
Finding a Practitioner
A number of qualities should be sought out in finding the right practitioner for you and your child. As in any field, the most important is experience. Some of it has to do with training, and some of it has to do with the type
 
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and number of children the practitioner has seen. In addition, if the practitioner has children of her own, she obviously will have a better understanding of children and their behavior and needs.
It is also important to know what kind of training a person has had. This can be stated in years of schooling, number of hours taken, years in practice, and additional educational training. The standard in California is basically the highest in the United States at the present time and has been fairly uniform for the last ten years, with most schools following the same or a similar curriculum. There is a fair amount of emphasis on Western medicine, which can be of benefit to understanding an already given diagnosis. Therefore, you can be assured that someone who has been educated in California in recent years will most likely possess the basic skills needed to be a competent practitioner. Besides the California standard, practitioners who have passed the exam in herbal medicine given by the National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) are designated Certified Herbologists. This is typically written as C.H. or Dipl. C.H.
The final quality in finding a practitioner is rapport. You and your child need to feel comfortable and confident in a practitioner no matter what his training. If you follow these basic criteria, you should be able to get the help you need.
 
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Chapter 14
Nutritional Supplementation for Kids
It's not easy making sure your child is getting all the nutrients she needs. The younger a child is, the more control we as parents have over what she eats. But as children grow older and begin attending school and spending more time away from home, we can't be sure they're getting all the important vitamins and minerals they require for a healthy, growing body that will support them into adulthood. That's why most parents turn to a quality multiple vitamin and mineral supplement that covers a child's recommended daily allowances (RDAs) as nutritional insurance to prevent deficiencies. Vitamins and minerals are mandatory not only for proper growth and development but also to keep children healthy and robust so they can fight off an illness before it can take hold. Many experts such as Jeffrey Bland, Ph.D., believe that much larger dosages than the RDAs are required for disease prevention and healthy maintenance.
Vitamin and mineral supplements come from either natural food sources or are manufactured synthetically. Synthetic and natural vitamins and minerals have identical chemical structures and are thought to act similarly in the body. There is controversy as to which is more effectively absorbed and used. Natural proponents such as Michael Murray, N.D., believe that natural food source vitamins are utilized more efficiently by the body.
Supplements destined for the mainstream market use refined sugars, artificial sweeteners, and artificial colors to appeal to children. If you decide that a multiple vitamin-mineral is right for your child, be sure to purchase a brand that uses only natural fruit juices and sweeteners, such as honey or rice

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