Honey I Shrunk the Kids with Ritalin

Researchers report that Ritalin stunts the growth of children. After 3 years on the drug they are a full inch shorter and almost 5 pounds lighter than their peers. The research was published in the August, 2007 issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

Methylphenidate , marketed under the name "Ritalin", is the controversial amphetamine drug used to treat ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Over the years, many voices have been raised accusing the pharmaceutical industry of conducting mass experimentation on children as the dangers of long term use have never been adequately determined. The industry has allowed the drug to be prescribed to millions of children and is only now discovering the effects of long term use by tracking the drugs effects on the children who have taken it.

Ritalin may be destined to follow in the foot steps of so many popular drugs of the past which have been recalled, banned, faced an onslaught of lawsuits only to be replaced by the next "miracle drug".

The following text is reprinted from the National Institute of Health:

Methylphenidate [Ritalin] may cause sudden death in children and teenagers with heart defects or serious heart problems. This medication also may cause sudden death, heart attack or stroke in adults, especially adults with heart defects or serious heart problems. Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking this medication.

Methylphenidate [Ritalin] may slow children's growth or weight gain. Your child's doctor will watch his or her
growth carefully. Talk to your child's doctor if you have concerns about your child's growth or weight gain while he or she is taking this medication. Talk to your child's doctor about the risks of giving methylphenidate [Ritalin] to your child.

Methylphenidate [Ritalin] may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

nervousness
difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
dizziness
nausea
vomiting
loss of appetite
stomach pain
diarrhea
headache
painful menstruation

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

fast, pounding, or irregular
heartbeat
chest pain
shortness of breath
excessive tiredness
slow or difficult speech
dizziness or faintness
weakness or numbness
of an arm or leg
seizures
changes in vision or blurred vision
agitation
abnormal thoughts
hallucinating (seeing things or hearing
voices that do not exist)
motor tics or verbal tics
depression
mood
changes
fever
sore throat
unusual bleeding or bruising
muscle or
joint pain
hives
rash
itching
difficulty breathing or
swallowing

Sources:
Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
National Institute of Health - Medline
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Assistant Wendy's son in Times-News

Congratulations to Wendy's son Brandon!

He has achieved so much so quickly. Brandon has used chiropractic care as his "secret weapon" to keep himself in better balance than the competition. He was recently featured in the Hendersonville Times News, read their story below:

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Harrison finishes fourth in the nation

By Jeremy Darnell Times-News
Staff Writer
Published Wednesday, July 4, 2007

Harrison finishes fourth in the nation
By Jeremy Darnell Times-News Staff Writer

Brandon Harrison lives to wrestle.

If his performance June 16-19 at the National High School Coaches Association Open in Myrtle Beach, S.C., is any indication, then life is pretty good.

The 15-year-old Harrison finished fourth in a 44-person bracket in the 119-pound classification to earn All-American honors. He also claimed All-American honors last year.

"I didn't expect to do as well as I did," Harrison said. "It was a goal to be an All-American and finish in the top eight, though."

Harrison put together a 37-7 record as a freshman this past season while at East Henderson. He was the Western Athletic Conference champion, finished second in the 112-pound division at the 1-A/2-A Western Regionals and finished seventh at the state tournament.

Harrison plans on attending West Henderson in 2007-08 as a sophomore, adding another outstanding wrestler to the defending WAC champions' fold.
Harrison, who wrestles with the Strong and Courageous club team, captured his first national championship in April of 2006 at the AAU Youth Nationals.

He credits his club coach, Norman Osteen, for much of his success. Harrison says he leans on Osteen to maximize his accomplishments.

"My coach has always been such a big help," he said.
Osteen himself credits Harrison with a newly acquired fire that has transformed him into a formidable competitor.

"Lately he has really got serious about the sport," Osteen said.

"He has improved more in the last three months than he had in the last two years."
And how far can Harrison's career go?

"I think he can wrestle in college as long as he continues his maturity both physically and mentally," Osteen said. "If he stays humble and hungry, he can wrestle and be successful in college."

reprinted from: http://www.hendersonvillenews.com/article/20070704/NEWS/707040349&SearchID=73287038847540