How does Facebook affect your life? Maybe more than you think!
The image shown depicts various facts regarding Facebook and internet usage in relation to attention span and addictive personalities. According to the chart shown and an article found here, the effects of Facebook and the internet can have similar effects to using abusive substances like heroin, meth and/or crack. Each notification you receive causes dopamine release that stimulates addictive behavior. Furthermore, internet addiction is now being recognized as a real disorder, and average attention of U.S. citizens has dropped 40% since 2000. Check it out for more interesting facts.
The novel coronavirus: 9 things you should know about MERS
This especially caught my attention since I’m currently finishing up the book “The Viral Storm: The Dawn of a New Pandemic Age” by Nathan Wolfe.
Vaccines and Autism: CDC Study Says No Connection
Vaccines and Autism: CDC Study Says No Connection
I am highly intrigued with the rising number of children diagnosed with autism and often find myself contemplating the causes. Although I do have opinions on what has caused the rise in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), that is a topic for another day.
I’ve never been sold on the idea that vaccinations were to blame for the development of ASD, and a recent study by the CDC has shown to support this belief. Although others will still find reason to question vaccinations, I would encourage call parents to vaccinate their children.
Information regarding CDC study obtained via http://www.medscape.com
Autism Program Effectiveness
A recent article on www.MedPageToday.com discusses evidence showing autism spectrum disorders are most effectively treated through early and intense intervention programs. The study is quick to point out the importance of educating parents as well in order to facilitate the needs of the child at home as well. Furthermore, researchers admit that the programs discussed will not work for every child so there is no guarantee of success. Further research is required in order to develop full conclusions about the children who would be most effectively treated through such programs.
Reading the article, a couple of core realizations grab my attention.
First, it seems to demonstrate the importance of parents recognizing and seeking treatment for autism related behavior with their children. Many parents try to reassure themselves and their spouses that their child doesn’t need developmental assistance, oftentimes neglecting signs of autism spectrum disorder. This type of behavior is nothing to be ashamed of but should be recognized since it is merely delaying possible treatment if indeed a problem exists.
Second, parents must be sure to dedicate a large portion of their daily lives to promoting the success of their child/children, something that is true for all kids. The article references the programs as being most effective when interventions took place for a minimum of 25 hours per week. . All parents should want the absolute best for their children, and 25 hours each week isn’t much when you consider the entire future of a child.
Although further research is required to validate the arguments presented in the article, it seems evident that early and intense treatment is most effective. The rise of children diagnosed with autism demonstrates the pressing need to further research its causes and treatments. Articles regarding autism have regularly caught my attention, and I will undoubtedly be discussing it in many future posts.
Source: http://www.medpagetoday.com/article.cfm?tbid=35710&topicID=135&subCat=135
Medical Minded 