2021 Sept Articles Archives

Is My Child Hyperactive or Just Energetic?

Some children are highly energetic, and while this is often perfectly normal, it can cause some parents to worry about hyperactivity. How do you tell the difference between hyperactive behaviour and healthy high-energy behaviour?

What does Hyperactive Mean?

Being hyperactive means being constantly, unusually active in a way that can be disruptive – both to the hyperactive child and the people around them (at school or in social situations). Symptoms of hyperactivity include:

Constant movement, fidgeting, trouble staying still
Being distracted easily
Impulsive or aggressive behaviour
Talking out of turn, interrupting others
Difficulty concentrating on tasks

Hyperactivity and ADHD

Hyperactivity is one of the more widely-known symptoms of ADHD. However, it’s important to note that other conditions can also cause a child to be hyperactive.

Hyperactive behaviour can be a symptom of:

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
A thyroid imbalance
Allergies or sensitivities to certain foods
Nervous system disorders
Emotional or psychological disorders

“Normal” or Not? Signs to Help You Tell the Difference

If your child is very lively and struggles to sit still, he or she might simply have a lot of extra energy to use up. It doesn’t necessarily mean there is an underlying problem.

Ask yourself the following questions about your child’s behaviour:

Do they struggle to control their impulses?
Do they get easily frustrated and overwhelmed by their emotions?
Do they struggle with social relationships?
Do they struggle with planning and organisation?
Do they take unnecessary risks?
Do sights and sounds distract them easily?
Do they struggle to fall asleep?
Do they have trouble keeping eye contact?
Are they unable to calm down after being excited?

If you answered “yes” to most (or all) of these questions, that could be a sign that your child is struggling with ADHD, a learning disability or an emotional problem. Speak to your paediatrician for advice on the best way to help your child with their symptoms.

Top Tips to Improve Your Memory

Experts have found that the extended lockdown periods, can contribute towards our minds playing tricks on us as well as making memories worse. Here are some tips to help you stay sharp and improve your memory.

Learn a New Skill

You need to “work out” your brain the same way you need to exercise your muscles. If you lift the same weight every day, you won’t get stronger. That’s why learning something new can help to strengthen your memory.

You can try something small, like learning to play a new game or dance move – or give yourself a bigger challenge, like learning to speak a new language or picking up a musical instrument.

Get Up and Get Moving

Speaking of muscles, physical exercise is important for a healthy brain as well as a healthy body. Regular, moderate exercise can help to reduce the risk of your memory declining as you get older.

Fix Your Sleep Schedule

Most adults need around 7.5 to 9 hours of sleep every night to function at their best. A regular sleep schedule helps with memory, problem-solving and creativity, so make sure you get enough sleep. Try to maintain a routine that involves going to bed and getting up at the same time every day – even over weekends.

Stretch Your Brain

Make time every day for some fun brain-teasers or games. These activities help to exercise your brain and keep your memory sharp. Many of them can also be enjoyed with the whole family, which is an added bonus.

Here are a few of the best brain-boosting activities to try out:

Do a crossword puzzle or Sudoku
Play a card game
Build a jigsaw puzzle
Play a board game
Play chess

Socialise

Isolation can weaken the memory, but interacting with others and building relationships stimulates the brain. Socialising, playing group sports or even just chatting with other people regularly is good for the health of your brain. Even in these times, make time to socialise with friends and family, even if it has to be over a video call and or where social distancing, as well as safety precautions, are maintained, if in-person.

Get Some “Brain Food”

Try to include foods in your diet that are good for brain health and memory. Oily fish like tuna and sardines are full of nutrients that help with learning and memory. Leafy green vegetables are also good for building brainpower.