“Study Drug” Abuse by College Students: What You Need to Know

Approximately 2.5 million Americans are prescribed prescription stimulants such as Adderall or Ritalin to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). ADHD is a brain disorder that makes it difficult to concentrate and increases impulsive behavior. Prescription stimulants help to reduce these symptoms. However, many people use these drugs for non-medical purposes and without a prescription, especially college students who buy them from a friend with a prescription.

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Young Children and Screen Time (TV, Computers, etc.)

Very young children have nothing to gain and lots to lose from spending time in front of screens, instead of playing and interacting with friends and loved ones. Even when the TV is simply on in the background, infants and toddlers lose out. For older children (two and up), the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents limit screen time to 1-2 hours a day, and keep televisions in common areas — never in a child’s bedroom. TiVo, DVRs and other devices are terrific tools for parents, allowing them to record shows for children that can be seen by them at an hour that’s right for your family’s sleep schedule and without commercials!

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Health Risks of Not Enough Sleep: Why Z’s Matter!

How often do you get a good night’s sleep and wake up feeling totally rested? It’s hard to disconnect from work and technology, and it just seems like there aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done. As a result, sleep rarely makes our “to-do” list, but it is more important than you may realize.

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Helping Children Recover from Stomach Flu

“Stomach flu” is a common illness, but it can cause dehydration that can be serious, resulting in hospitalization. The good news is that a study of children with stomach flu shows that giving diluted apple juice is an effective way to prevent serious complications.

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