Comments (0)

By HealthWatch, April 29, 2011

Speciality pharmaceuticals group Shire just posted its first quarter earnings with an extremely strong increase in sales in their hyperactivity treatment group of medications especially in the US market. In fact, they’re making about 19% more than they were this same time last year (keep in mind thats $972 million dollars).

Quoting one of their representatives:

“Sales of our ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) treatments INTUNIV, VYVANSE and ADDERALL XR were all up and the overall ADHD market in the US showed good growth.”

It seems like just another example of drugs being over-prescribed to me. “ohh, johnny didn’t do well on his test? He probably has ADD, let’s talk to a doctor and get him some treatment.” Meanwhile what little Johnny needs is less Xbox 360 and more studying. Parents are now-a-days looking for quick fixes for just about everything and sadly this has become one of them. Let’s keep in mind what we’re prescribing our kids shall we:
Adderall is just a version of amphetamine salts. Remember amphetamine? If you’re old enough it was probably called Dexedrine back when you first heard about it, but that’s just the medical prescription form that they had back then. Even if you don’t remember Dexedrine, you surely remember what the drug called “speed” is right? Think of it as a medically toned down version of the same stuff that is sold on street corners and first became popular by the beatnik generation (who’d usually inject it).

Now, back to adderall, if you think just because it’s not Ritalin that it can’t be that bad you’re wrong. It’s actually (on the scale of how addicting not to mention harmfull if used over time) far worse. From growth stunting, death, heart problems and high blood pressure as starters, this one can be a real problem if taken improperly. These drugs were made to be a supplement to real treatment for their ADD/ADHD. By that I mean behavioral treatment. It’s not just something you get prescribed and then forget about it until each month when you have to go refill the prescription, it’s something you treat with education on how to better train your brain to focus. Whether that’s getting in the habit of taking excessive notes, using a stress ball or other one-handed object to occupy yourself as you engage in another task or any other of the hundreds of treatments that can easily be learned. This isn’t alternative medicine i’m talking about. No new-age, hippie, take some vitamin C and you’ll be fine stuff, this is actually how to treat ADD/ADHD. Just think twice about having your child be prescribed any ADD/ADHD medicine. You don’t want them to still be taking it 10 years from now….because I promise you not only will they have been affected negatively by the drug, they also will most likely be taking a dosage thats 4x higher due to a growth in tolerance.

For more information on the drug visit drugs.com or the WebMD.com section on the drug.

Comments (0)

By HealthWatch, February 24, 2010

Are you using anti aging products and treatments that may harm your skin? Look at this list of harmful ingredients and make sure to avoid them. They are not only risky but also useless for anti aging, so avoiding them is a win-win deal.

1. Acrylamide

This is an ingredient found in many products like face creams and hand creams. While the evidence is not yet conclusive, the studies say it may cause breast tumors.

2. DEA, MEA, TEA

These are often used to adjust the PH of skin care products, but they are actually restricted in Europe because of their known carcinogenic effects. TEA can cause dryness, allergic reactions and can be toxic if absorbed into the body regularly.

3. Dioxane

This is a widely used synthetic derivative of coconut, which often contains high amounts of 1,4-dioxane – which is easily absorbed into the skin. 1,4-dioxane is toxic and considered by the state of California to cause cancer.

4. Fragrances

Synthetic fragrances should not be in your anti aging products and treatments because you never know what they are made of. There are more than 4000 different ingredients it can be made of, many of which are toxic or carcinogenic.

This is not healthy to rub into your skin so instead look for a fragrance-free product or one with natural essential oil scent.

5. Petroleum By-Products

Ingredients like mineral oil, liquid paraffin, paraffin wax and petrolatum are all from the same source as the petrol for your car. They clog your pores which may cause irritation and acne, and they strip your skin of its natural oils causing premature aging.

6. Parabens

There is no conclusive proof that parabens are a health threat, but recent scientific studies say they may cause cancer. A lot of people avoid this unnecessary risk by choosing paraben-free skin care.

The easiest way to avoid all of them at once is to choose completely natural anti aging products and treatments. Natural products with proven effective ingredients are some of the most effective ways to get smoother and healthier skin.