It is suggested that 3% to 5% of all school-age children have Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder. ADHD is commonly treated with the psychostimulant drug, Ritalin. Ritalin is given to children as young as two years old. This is the same drug with the known side effects of headaches, reduced appetite, seizures, vomiting, and even death.
Whatever happened to children being children? While I will say that these drugs may be beneficial in some cases, I find it difficult to believe that every child in the US requires a little white pill. In fact Todd Elder, Michigan State University economist, had even suggested that over one million children are likely to have been misdiagnosed with ADHD purely because they were a year younger than other students or slightly immature for their age. Have we exchanged the words playful with hyperactive? Creative with erratic? Sensitivity with manic depression? Who are we when we say that we are encouraging our children’s creativity by enforcing our own programming to what is only a perception of what is considered to be normal by society? Are we saying, that you are to be nothing less and nothing more than what you are expected to be? I ask you to question yourself, have we become a society that relies on curing the symptom while rejecting the root cause? Is it possible that we are completely forgetting that many children are kinesthetic learners?
Food coloring dyes have been linked to ADHD in children, which has also been one of the leading contributors to the Attention Deficit Disorders in children for the US. Let us not forget that the most consumed food products directed towards children also contain these harmful chemicals; whether it be macaroni and cheese, apple juice, or gummy bears. While bright red, luscious strawberries and vibrant green brocoli florets may equally catch the attention of the color loving youngsters, the clear plastic casing stands no chance against their cartoon idol placed on bags of treats and sweets.
It is obvious that we have even lost some form of logic when school systems complain of their students erratic behavior, while placing soda vending machines in school hallways. May schools have resorted to fast food restaurants in replacement or as an alternative to the cafeteria.
In conclusion, I will in no way encourage anyone to stop the use of prescription drugs without consulting a physician. However, I will state that it may be wise to at least try to prevent the problem in the first place. It is essential that we take the time for understanding both the biological and neurological consequences associated with our dietary habits. Without understanding the consequences, it is likely that we are not only submitting ourselves to becoming the consumerist slaves to the pharmaceutical companies but endangering the future of our children.