Household Cleaning Products Linked to ADHD, Asthma and Allergies

Bronxville, NY -- (ReleaseWire) -- 08/15/2013 -- Earlier this year, research from the enters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that cases of deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are on the rise, with one out of every five high school-aged boys diagnosed with hyperactivity, as reported in New York Times. Currently, it is estimated that 1 in 10 children between the ages of 4 and 17 are being diagnosed with ADHD. Additionally, one out of every 13 school-aged children has asthma. The numbers of children with allergies are also on the rise. Could there be a common denominator for all three conditions?

According to many experts, household cleaners give off fumes that may increase the risk of children developing asthma, as well as exacerbate hyperactivity symptoms in children. "Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), or gases emitted from various cleaning products, have a long rap sheet of nasty side effects- ranging from eye and nose irritation to central nervous system damage. These VOCs remain on "cleaned" surfaces long after the product has been used. In addition, Clorox/bleach, a cleaning product most commonly found in schools and daycare centers is among the worst of the culprits, being the chemical most frequently involved in household poisonings in the United States," says speech and learning expert, Meghan Ryan, M.S. CCC-SLP, a Westchester County, NY-based speech-language pathologist.

So what exactly does this really mean for our kids and the how they learn? "Think of it this way: At the very least, if a kid is sitting down trying to complete a task or focus on a new skill, whether in school or at home, the presence of these cleaning compounds can get in the way of his learning process. Allergies in and of themselves are distracting," advises Ryan.

Children with a pre-existing diagnosis of ADHD are even more sensitive to environmental toxins than others. Many studies have even shown that for these kids, mere exposure to Clorox or Lysol can send kids into a frenzy. "So the more you can 'clean up' your child's environment, the better your child will focus," suggests Ryan.

So, what can you do as a parent to set-up a toxin-free environment so that your child is able to focus and learn? Here are a few simple tips that everyone can follow:

- Switch out any toxic cleaning products you have in your home with safer, non-toxic products. This includes dish detergent, laundry detergent, and surface cleaners. There are many non-toxic solutions on the market today.
- Avoid exposure to pesticides, insecticides, anything containing formaldehyde, aerosol sprays, lighter fluid and air fresheners
- Use non-allergenic soaps, detergents, linens and glues
- If you feel the need to harbor one or more of these products in your home, keep out of reach of children and dispose of them according to the manufacturer's directions.

About SMART SPEECH INC
SMART SPEECH INC is a home-based and remote-consultation health- and language-coaching service for parents and children that is available throughout the United States and Canada. Providing a holistic approach to language development as well as parent and caregiver education on child and family wellness sets Smart Speech Inc. apart from its competition. For more information, or to schedule a free 30-minute "Get Your Kid Talking" consultation, visit http://www.smartspeechny.com

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Bronxville, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/03/2013 -- The first years of a child's life are all part and parcel to an emotional roller coaster. Parenting is, for the most part, a collection of trial and error scenarios and troubleshooting your way through tantrums, behaviors and illnesses. Occasionally parents need to be reminded to pay close attention to their children's development. Speech and language development, especially within the first three years is no different.

Sometimes and caregivers voice some concern about their children's speech and language delays, while other times parents are completely unaware that there is a cause for alarm until the pediatrician asks about their child's communication skills at a well visit. "Because parents are the first line of defense against speech and language delays, it is critical for parents to have an understanding of speech and language milestones at this time in their child's life,'' advises Westchester County, NY-based speech-language pathologist, Meghan Ryan, M.S. CCC-SLP,

According to Ryan, the lack of consistent babbling or when a child does not initiate a request for an object while gazing at the object, may be two red flags that indicate it is time to see a speech expert or consult your pediatrician. Other red flags include:

At 18 months:
- lack of communicative gestures
- little to no attempt to imitate words said by parents or other family members within their immediate surroundings
- seems to understand fewer than 50 words or phrases
- a vocabulary of less than 10 words

At 24 months:
- speaks fewer than 50 words
- does not use any two-word combinations
- largely unintelligible speech
- speech or language regression of any kind

At 36 months:
- has a vocabulary of single-syllable words only
- few or no multiword utterances
- does not ask questions
- is not understood by most people
- frequent tantrums when not understood
- echoing of words and sounds without intent or purpose

"Additionally, if your child has a history of feeding problems, nutrient deficiency or multiple ear infections within the first year of his life, it is important to seek the advice of a professional, as he or she could be at risk for speech and language delays," says Ryan.

For more information on speech, visit the Smart Speech Inc blog or to schedule a free 30-minute "Let's Get Talking" consultation, visit http://www.smartspeechny.com.

About Smart Speech Inc
Smart Speech is a home-based speech therapy service that is available throughout Westchester County, NY. Services include parent coaching with an expertise in speech and language and a therapist who comes to the home and works with children in their natural environment. Created in 2006, Smart Speech Inc has given many children with special needs the tools they need to enhance their communication skills. Several evidenced-based practices are used and all services are tailored specifically to meet the needs of individual students. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please visit http://www.smartspeechny.com or contact Meghan@SmartSpeechNY.com.

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Nutrition during the early years of a child’s life is linked to performance in later years. Many research studies focus on the relationships between breakfast and learning in school

Bronxville, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/10/2013 -- Many studies support the notion that nutrition, genes, and environment are three major factors impacting cognitive development in children. Because there are many factors that impact learning, scientists cannot say, "If you eat this, you will be smarter." However, the role of good nutrition in child development including speech and learning is important. Nutrition during the early years of a child's life is linked to performance in later years. Many research studies focus on the relationships between breakfast and learning in school-age children; other researchers identified the importance of nutrition at earlier ages.

According to Westchester County, NY-based speech-language pathologist, Meghan Ryan, M.S. CCC-SLP, what goes into a child's body has a direct impact on their cognitive growth at all times in their development and parents need to carefully consider their children's food choices at all time. "Babies, toddlers and children are constantly using their brains to process new information. However, when inadequate nutrition and environmental toxins are a part of the equation, many times these factors impact a child's ability to learn and may impact speech as well," says Ryan.

Neural pathways, the building block for brain development cannot be created when the brain is not being fed properly. According to Ryan, who consults with families through her speech therapy service, Smart Speech; many parents and caregivers are not aware of the impact that health, nutrition and environment have on their child's brain development and, ultimately, his or her ability to learn language and attend to new concepts. "The brain needs to be healthy and well fed in order for children to master new skills regardless of their age," advises Ryan. She offers the following recommendations:

- Limit the amount of fast foods including high fructose sodas, juices, and fried chips and snacks

- Incorporate protein and lots of leafy greens like alfalfa, kale and spinach.

- Omega-3 should be your child's fiend: look for foods rich with this nutrient including fish and chia seeds,

- Keep to the recommended daily amount of dairy. Overdoing it may lead to stomach ailments. Calcium is found in chicken and other foods. There is a misconception that it has all to come from dairy products says Ryan.

- If you have a picky eater, consider viable supplements such as chewable multi-vitamins and DHA chewable vitamins as well advises Ryan

About Smart Speech SLP
Smart Speech is a home-based speech therapy service that is available throughout Westchester County, NY. Services include therapists come to the home and work with children in their natural environment. Created in 2006, Smart Speech SLP has given many children with special needs the tools they need to enhance their communication skills. Several evidenced-based practices are used and all services are tailored specifically to meet the needs of individual students. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please visit http://www.smartspeechny.com or contact Meghan@SmartSpeechNY.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm