Eating Less Candy is Not a Radical Request

The FDA has finally decided to put even stronger warnings on stimulant medication used to treat Attention Deficit Disorder.

As usual, they've done so for many of the wrong reasons: Rare reports of heart problems and psychotic behavior.

There are over 2 million ADD med prescriptions written each month for American children and another one million written for ADD adults. I think that there are actually children who are out of time and out of chances in school and need a fast solution between now and September.

But, the vast majority of kids who receive monthly prescriptions for these medicines, with their huge known side effects, could be treated in other ways.

Unproven but reasonable plans of action could include a much better diet: Far less refined sugar and far less "bad" fat. More fruits and vegetables and beans and a dietary fat balance which promotes optimal brain function.

More sleep, less time with video games and TV.

More children would be helped if their parents (and their doctors) used their knowledge about how damaging grease and sugar and TV and video games are. A pretty large number of kids would actually lose the diagnosis of ADD with better care and fewer drugs.

Radical notions which work. The FDA should now begin putting "black box" warnings on the right things.

JNG MD