Re: Nature and Hyperactivity

September 22, 2004

May I add the non-color of white?

Today, the first day of Fall, reminds us that changes they are a-

coming. Lush green here in WI has already begun its transition to

duller hues. Some grasses, deciduous leaves and forest ferns are

mellowed or browned. We await the one last kick of kolor brought by

chrysanthemums or a lingering impatien bloom protected from a frosted

night. Some take a long inhale as the barrenness of nature startles

with it's seeming death. No matter, it is only preparation to

commence the long exhale of winter when soft, silent, frozen flakes

of non-color ..falling from so high, yet making not a sound.. grant

our soul a calming.

>

> Hi Everyone,

>

> I'm always amused when science " proves' something that we all know

is true intuitively or from experience, but I couldn't resist passing

this on because of its importance. Our experience with Chelsey

completely confirms the importance of the earth and water connection

as part of her healing. That is one of the many reasons why living

in some kind of intentional community may be in the future for many

of us...

>

> Jack

>

> ************************

>

> Spending Time with Nature, a Natural Remedy for ADHD

>

> Children with attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) should

spend some quality time outdoors when they are not in school,

according to a nationwide study.

>

> Researchers observed the positive effects spending time outdoors

had on ADHD patients in different regions of the country.

Participants, ages 5-18, spent time in " green " areas, which varied

from big cities to rural settings. The results indicated a dramatic

reduction in symptoms. Researchers believe that simply incorporating

nature with regular after-school and weekend activities could be

widely effective.

>

> In the United States, ADHD affects one in every 14 children --

which is equivalent to one or two in each classroom. About 2 million

school-aged children and as many as 4 percent of adults experience

the symptoms of ADHD. Those with the neurological disorder usually

have problems in school, work and relationships. They often suffer

from depression and substance abuse.

>

> Researchers recruited the parents of 322 boys and 84 girls, all

diagnosed with ADHD, through ads in major newspapers and the

Internet.

>

> Activities were conducted in a variety of areas, including indoors,

parking lots, downtown areas, tree-lined streets, back yards and

parks.

>

> Researchers then asked parents, through online interviews, how

their children performed during a wide range of activities.

>

> Reports indicated that symptoms were reduced most in green outdoor

settings, even when the same activities were compared across

different settings.

>

> In 56 different comparisons, activities in " green areas " had more

positive responses than activities in other settings. In 54 of the

56, the difference was significant, signaling that the findings were

consistent.

>

> Those involved with the study are excited with the results and hope

they will lead to more research and potential treatment.

>

> While medications for ADHD work for most kids, experts point out

that they are expensive and can have serious side effects, including

loss of appetite and trouble sleeping. Society often places negative

labels upon children with ADHD. Even more disheartening, about 10

percent of ADHD children don't even respond to medication, which is

the most popular form of conventional treatment.

>

> Researchers said that exposing ADHD children to nature is an

affordable, healthy method of controlling symptoms.

>

> They suggest daily doses of " green time " can supplement medications

and other traditional treatments of ADHD.

>

> Spending time in ordinary urban nature -- a tree-lined street, a

green yard or neighborhood park -- may offer additional relief from

ADHD symptoms when medications aren't enough.

>

> Some kids might be able to substitute a " green dose " for their

afternoon pill, making it easier to get a good night's sleep.

>

> Increasing " green time " can be done by:

>

> Choosing a greener route for the walk to school

> Doing classwork or homework outside or at a window with a

relatively green view

> Playing in a green yard or ball field at recess and after school

>

> Science Blog August 28, 2004

>

September 22, 2004

When my son was little, he would have a strange response to being in the woods.

He seemed very aware of something and never wanted to leave, like he was really

content there. My husband and I used to joke that he was communicating with the

fairies!

Kathy

>