African Cultural Competency Training was presented by Dr. Fenny Braide, sponsored by Delaware County health systems of Pennsylvania.
Family Based Therapy
A family is more than a group of individuals. A family is a special entity where people feel supported and able to pursue their dreams. Through family, we pass along values, teach and grow. Unfortunately, a family can also be a place of conflict. Conflicts and disagreements are normal part of the family life. They allow people to communicate their differences and express their feelings. Sometimes conflicts can over tough issues like: illness, injury, change of employment, changing schools, moving, and financial problems can spiral out of control.
At The Behavioral Health Center, we are committed to providing more than family based therapy. In the last few years mental health professionals have turned their attention to the relation between cultural awareness and the family system. We practice evidence based to stabilize family.
Family based therapy is one of a variety of possible therapeutic interventions that has proven to help African immigrants dealing with acculturation, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and adjustment problems. These contributions are part of the growing field of transcultural psychiatry. One of the contentious issues debated in the field of human services is the equitability of access of people from ethnically diverse social group like the Africans to different types of treatment especially psychotherapy.
Traditionally, most Africans see mental illness as taboo or curse. Therefore, counseling is not considered a healing methodology. A typical African client will first try alternative medicine before he or she consider a psychotropic medication. Some suggest that there is institutionalized racism, which reduces the chance of African immigrants being offered psychotherapy. Other possible explanations for the different kinds of treatment offered include the acceptability of the intervention to different groups; for instance some have suggested that there are particular difficulties in carrying out individual psychotherapy with African because the intimacy of the setting is perceived as very threatening, in part because of the African beliefs about causation of mental illness.
Family History
American know that family history is important to health. A recent survey found that ninety six percent of Americans believe that knowing family history is important to health and well-being. To help focus attention on the importance of family health history, U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Richard H. Carmona, in cooperation with other agencies within the U.S. Department of health and human services (HHS) has launched a national public health campaign, called The U.S. Surgeon General Family Initiative, to encourage all American families to learn more about their family health history.
YOU TOO CAN BE PART OF THIS CAMPAIGN KNOW YOUR FAMILY HEALTH HISTORY
Posted August 23, 2010
Dr. Fenny Braide, is a psychotherapist and mental health consultant @ The Behavioral Health Center, Philadelphia
Monday, August 23, 2010
Friday, August 6, 2010
THE TWELVE STEPS OF ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS
ALCOHOLISM AND THE COST OF HEALTHCARE
As a change agent, my mission in writing this article is to create public awareness about the impact of alcohol misuse and abuse and to provide a realistic solution that promote positive change.
WHAT IS ALCOHOL ABUSE ?
Alcohol abuse is a pattern of drinking that involves one or more of the following problems within a one year period.
1. Failure to carry out major responsibilities at work, school, or home.
2. Drinking in physically dangerous situations, such as drinking while driving or operating heavy duty machine.
3. Legal problems related to using alcohol / multiple relapse.
4. Continuing drinking despite ongoing problems in relationship with others.
Alcohol misuse and abuse impacts every facet of the way we live, work, play and do business. It is one of societal most urgent public health issues. According to National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), an estimated 14 million people in the United States alone are addicted to or abuse alcohol. In Nigeria that number can be double. For instance, in South-south, South-east and South-west parts of Nigeria drinking alcohol has become the norm of welcoming someone into a home.
Alcohol abuse kills more of our precious youths than all other illegal drugs combined and it is the leading contributor to violence, accidental death and injury, suicide and domestic violence, as well as unknown related health problems.
We all know someone who has been affected by Alcohol problems. So why are we afraid or unwilling to talk about it ?
SELF ASSESSMENT
Ask yourself: is the way or amount of alcohol I drink harming my health, my work, my relationship or the way I relate to others? Should I cut down on my drinking ?
Researchers use the term "alcohol problems" to any type of condition caused by drinking which harms the drinker directly, jeopardizes the drinker's well-being or places others at risk. Depending on the circumstances, alcohol problems can result from even--moderate to severe drinking. For example, drunk driving, drinking during pregnancy or drinking while taking certain prescribed medication. Alcohol problems exist on a continuum of severity ranging from occasional drinking to alcohol abuse or dependency (alcoholism).
TREATMENT:
TIPS FOR FORMAL INTERVENTION
THE TWELVE STEPS OF ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS
FIRST YOU (WE) HAVE TO DEMONSTRATE READINESS TO CHANGE ATTITUDE AND BEHAVIOR AND SUPPORT FROM FAMILY
1. We admitted we were powerless over alcohol-that our lives had become unmanageable.
2. We believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
3. We have made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understand Him.
4. Began searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
5. Admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
6. Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
7. We humbly asked God to remove our short-comings.
8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
10. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted.
11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and power to carry that out.
12 Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
GOOD LUCK !
Dr. Fenny Fenibo Braide
Psychotherapist @ The Behavioral Health Center, Philadelphia
As a change agent, my mission in writing this article is to create public awareness about the impact of alcohol misuse and abuse and to provide a realistic solution that promote positive change.
WHAT IS ALCOHOL ABUSE ?
Alcohol abuse is a pattern of drinking that involves one or more of the following problems within a one year period.
1. Failure to carry out major responsibilities at work, school, or home.
2. Drinking in physically dangerous situations, such as drinking while driving or operating heavy duty machine.
3. Legal problems related to using alcohol / multiple relapse.
4. Continuing drinking despite ongoing problems in relationship with others.
Alcohol misuse and abuse impacts every facet of the way we live, work, play and do business. It is one of societal most urgent public health issues. According to National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), an estimated 14 million people in the United States alone are addicted to or abuse alcohol. In Nigeria that number can be double. For instance, in South-south, South-east and South-west parts of Nigeria drinking alcohol has become the norm of welcoming someone into a home.
Alcohol abuse kills more of our precious youths than all other illegal drugs combined and it is the leading contributor to violence, accidental death and injury, suicide and domestic violence, as well as unknown related health problems.
We all know someone who has been affected by Alcohol problems. So why are we afraid or unwilling to talk about it ?
SELF ASSESSMENT
Ask yourself: is the way or amount of alcohol I drink harming my health, my work, my relationship or the way I relate to others? Should I cut down on my drinking ?
Researchers use the term "alcohol problems" to any type of condition caused by drinking which harms the drinker directly, jeopardizes the drinker's well-being or places others at risk. Depending on the circumstances, alcohol problems can result from even--moderate to severe drinking. For example, drunk driving, drinking during pregnancy or drinking while taking certain prescribed medication. Alcohol problems exist on a continuum of severity ranging from occasional drinking to alcohol abuse or dependency (alcoholism).
TREATMENT:
TIPS FOR FORMAL INTERVENTION
THE TWELVE STEPS OF ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS
FIRST YOU (WE) HAVE TO DEMONSTRATE READINESS TO CHANGE ATTITUDE AND BEHAVIOR AND SUPPORT FROM FAMILY
1. We admitted we were powerless over alcohol-that our lives had become unmanageable.
2. We believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
3. We have made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understand Him.
4. Began searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
5. Admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
6. Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
7. We humbly asked God to remove our short-comings.
8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
10. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted.
11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and power to carry that out.
12 Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
GOOD LUCK !
Dr. Fenny Fenibo Braide
Psychotherapist @ The Behavioral Health Center, Philadelphia
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Sex Therapy----Redefined
Frequent Healthy Sex Life with Orgasm Can Lead to Mental Stability---says your Therapist.
Sexual therapists have made it clear that orgasm experience helps burn out some amount of fat around the heart tissues and neural pathways in the spine. Regular orgasmic sex helps one's confidence, improves self-esteem, vitality, strength, energy and cardiovascular health.
So, Lets Talk About Sex - Baby!.
Lets Talk About You And Me - (have you heard that song...)????
According to research---in early 1950s a well known therapist defined orgasm as "explosive discharge of neuromuscular tension." Although, there are other definitions, but most of the time the word 'tension' is recurrent. This suggests that sexual intercourse is a normal activity between couples when engage in utmost satisfaction.
Beyond this, a lot of incredible things happen in the human body. For a man or woman to experience a sizzling and burning orgasm, the heart pumps faster while the individual breaths heavily to fuel the muscles. Then, hormones such as endorphins and oxytocin send instant messages about the sexual activity to the brain and other sensitive parts of the body. In a jiffy, blood is pumped into the genital region to create the tension that ultimately triggers a pudenda reflex (this is a muscular spasm of the genitals). The immediate reflex results in our pelvic-floor muscles, contracting between five and fifteen times at 0.8 seconds intervals. This is the wonder of orgasm we experience during sexual intercourse.
This explosive discharge of neuromuscular tension is not only peculiar to the male gender, it is also present in the female gender. The most prominent and sensitive female organ that could trigger orgasm anytime during sexual activity is the manipulation of the clitoris. This organ is about two inches above the vaginal opening, located in from and above the opening of the urethra or urine outlet.
The clitoris is the most sexually sensitive part of the female reproductive organ; it becomes slightly enlarged and erect in response to sexual stimulation. This is called the female 'sexual trigger.'
According to research, most women especially married women do not experience orgasm because their husbands hardly take quality time to lovingly and gently caress this organ during foreplay. Sufficient stimulation of this organ during foreplay produces the orgasm experience in nearly all women.
However, it should be noted that this must be done with utmost care, as many husbands had in the course of caressing the clitoris inflicted pains and injuries on their wives. What is recommended of such husband is merely a feather touch caressing, or better still by using tongue or fingers to stimulate the organ can produce orgasm within a twinkle of an eye (says Akin...).
Unfortunately, in most parts of Africa this wonderful structure that gives confidence to a woman is usually removed or mutilated during female circumcision. Female genital mutilation entails the removal of the vulva of a woman--either in part or whole. this is done to reduce her libido and prevent promiscuity. A woman who had undergone this type of local surgery at any level will probably take longer to experience orgasm depending on her willingness to reveal her G-spot to the husband. Say No! to female circumcision, it is cruel, old fashion and sometimes deadly.
Dr. Fenibo Braide, is a psychotherapist at the Behavioral health Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
IFSI Lead Clinician
July 8, 2010
Sexual therapists have made it clear that orgasm experience helps burn out some amount of fat around the heart tissues and neural pathways in the spine. Regular orgasmic sex helps one's confidence, improves self-esteem, vitality, strength, energy and cardiovascular health.
So, Lets Talk About Sex - Baby!.
Lets Talk About You And Me - (have you heard that song...)????
According to research---in early 1950s a well known therapist defined orgasm as "explosive discharge of neuromuscular tension." Although, there are other definitions, but most of the time the word 'tension' is recurrent. This suggests that sexual intercourse is a normal activity between couples when engage in utmost satisfaction.
Beyond this, a lot of incredible things happen in the human body. For a man or woman to experience a sizzling and burning orgasm, the heart pumps faster while the individual breaths heavily to fuel the muscles. Then, hormones such as endorphins and oxytocin send instant messages about the sexual activity to the brain and other sensitive parts of the body. In a jiffy, blood is pumped into the genital region to create the tension that ultimately triggers a pudenda reflex (this is a muscular spasm of the genitals). The immediate reflex results in our pelvic-floor muscles, contracting between five and fifteen times at 0.8 seconds intervals. This is the wonder of orgasm we experience during sexual intercourse.
This explosive discharge of neuromuscular tension is not only peculiar to the male gender, it is also present in the female gender. The most prominent and sensitive female organ that could trigger orgasm anytime during sexual activity is the manipulation of the clitoris. This organ is about two inches above the vaginal opening, located in from and above the opening of the urethra or urine outlet.
The clitoris is the most sexually sensitive part of the female reproductive organ; it becomes slightly enlarged and erect in response to sexual stimulation. This is called the female 'sexual trigger.'
According to research, most women especially married women do not experience orgasm because their husbands hardly take quality time to lovingly and gently caress this organ during foreplay. Sufficient stimulation of this organ during foreplay produces the orgasm experience in nearly all women.
However, it should be noted that this must be done with utmost care, as many husbands had in the course of caressing the clitoris inflicted pains and injuries on their wives. What is recommended of such husband is merely a feather touch caressing, or better still by using tongue or fingers to stimulate the organ can produce orgasm within a twinkle of an eye (says Akin...).
Unfortunately, in most parts of Africa this wonderful structure that gives confidence to a woman is usually removed or mutilated during female circumcision. Female genital mutilation entails the removal of the vulva of a woman--either in part or whole. this is done to reduce her libido and prevent promiscuity. A woman who had undergone this type of local surgery at any level will probably take longer to experience orgasm depending on her willingness to reveal her G-spot to the husband. Say No! to female circumcision, it is cruel, old fashion and sometimes deadly.
Dr. Fenibo Braide, is a psychotherapist at the Behavioral health Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
IFSI Lead Clinician
July 8, 2010
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Tips to Improve Your Mental Health---Every Day
AS A FUNCTIONAL HUMAN BEING YOUR STATE OF MENTAL HEALTH EVERY DAY MATTERS
These Are Tips to Improve Your Mental Health---Every Day
This is just a suggestion but...try the following tips to help plan a week that probably will leave you feeling good inside and out. If you are receiving treatment for mental health problem, these tips can help you manage your illness and support your treatment and possibly recovery.
SUNDAY: Relax. Try meditating, taking a walk in a natural setting, or reaching out spiritually through prayer. Quiet reflection---alone or in the company of others can improve your state of mind, strengthen your sense of self and community, and give you time away from a hectic schedule to collect your thoughts and re-energize for the week ahead.
MONDAY: Make a plan. Decide what task you need to complete for the week and make a plan for when and how to do them. If you are over scheduled, decide what can wait a week or two. If you don't have much on your schedule, plan some activities you'll look forward to.
TUESDAY: Surround yourself with supportive people (family, friends, loved ones, etc). Make plans with family members and friends, or seek out activities at which you can meet new people. Visit a community center, club house, class or support group. Reconnect with someone you have lost touch with and create new memories.
WEDNESDAY: Take care of your body. Taking care of yourself physically can improve your mental health. Be sure to eat nutritious meals (recommended everyday), avoid cigarettes and tobacco products, drink alcohol only in moderation (if need be). Drink plenty of water, get enough sleep and and exercise regularly.
THURSDAY: Make your self available for others. Volunteer your time and energy to help someone else. This is rewarding, you'll feel give about doing something tangible to help someone in need---and it's a great way to meet new people who share your interests and compassion.
FRIDAY: Broaden your horizons. Create a change of pace or expand your interests. Explore a new hobby, plant a garden, plan a road-trip, try a new restaurant, take dance lessons, or learn to play an instrument or speak another language.
SATURDAY: Value yourself. Treat yourself with kindness and respect, avoid self criticism. Take stock of the qualities you like about yourself, your accomplishments and abilities, and areas your need to make improvement. Take some time every day to relax, reflect and rejuvenate.
To learn more about your mental health---contact your Primary care physician or Mental Health Professional nearest to you.
Dr. Fenny Braide
Psychotherapist
Behavioral Health Center, Philadelphia, PA
These Are Tips to Improve Your Mental Health---Every Day
This is just a suggestion but...try the following tips to help plan a week that probably will leave you feeling good inside and out. If you are receiving treatment for mental health problem, these tips can help you manage your illness and support your treatment and possibly recovery.
SUNDAY: Relax. Try meditating, taking a walk in a natural setting, or reaching out spiritually through prayer. Quiet reflection---alone or in the company of others can improve your state of mind, strengthen your sense of self and community, and give you time away from a hectic schedule to collect your thoughts and re-energize for the week ahead.
MONDAY: Make a plan. Decide what task you need to complete for the week and make a plan for when and how to do them. If you are over scheduled, decide what can wait a week or two. If you don't have much on your schedule, plan some activities you'll look forward to.
TUESDAY: Surround yourself with supportive people (family, friends, loved ones, etc). Make plans with family members and friends, or seek out activities at which you can meet new people. Visit a community center, club house, class or support group. Reconnect with someone you have lost touch with and create new memories.
WEDNESDAY: Take care of your body. Taking care of yourself physically can improve your mental health. Be sure to eat nutritious meals (recommended everyday), avoid cigarettes and tobacco products, drink alcohol only in moderation (if need be). Drink plenty of water, get enough sleep and and exercise regularly.
THURSDAY: Make your self available for others. Volunteer your time and energy to help someone else. This is rewarding, you'll feel give about doing something tangible to help someone in need---and it's a great way to meet new people who share your interests and compassion.
FRIDAY: Broaden your horizons. Create a change of pace or expand your interests. Explore a new hobby, plant a garden, plan a road-trip, try a new restaurant, take dance lessons, or learn to play an instrument or speak another language.
SATURDAY: Value yourself. Treat yourself with kindness and respect, avoid self criticism. Take stock of the qualities you like about yourself, your accomplishments and abilities, and areas your need to make improvement. Take some time every day to relax, reflect and rejuvenate.
To learn more about your mental health---contact your Primary care physician or Mental Health Professional nearest to you.
Dr. Fenny Braide
Psychotherapist
Behavioral Health Center, Philadelphia, PA
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Be Proud of Your Skin Colour
Be Proud of Your Skin Colour
Beware of "Skin-lightening Creams."
This write up was updated and published after watching CNN investigative study on Race in America, presented by Anderson Cooper and Solidad O'Brian, on May 17 and 18, 2010 @ 10 PM EDT/USA. In that study 40% of children of black race in America identified "black" as mean, wicked and less acceptable. About 60% of White children of the same age group also sees "black" in the same category.
No matter what! we are one as human beings uniquely created differently by God. In my travel I see some people in Africa, Southern Asia, the Caribbean, and the Middle East associate a lighter complexion with prosperity, acceptability, beauty and fashion. As a result, a considerable number of men and women in these places use products to lighten their skin tone without knowing the danger and sometimes at a higher cost to their health.
Some skin-lightening creams contain hydro-quinone, a bleaching agent that suppresses the production of melanin, thus reducing the skin's natural protection agent against damaging ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Hydroquinone / mercury in a bleaching cream is not friendly to human skin, it is a lead toxin, and therefore considered poison to the human skin.
When hydroquinone or mercury penetrates the skin, it may cause irreversible damage to connective tissue. As a result may cause pre-mature aging or cancer in some cases. Continuous use of such products can cause disfiguring rashes, unsightly blotches and weaken skin. THE QUESTION IS: HOW FAR...HOW LONG CAN YOU CONTINUE TO MAINTAIN YOUR SKIN...?
Ironically, while some dark-skinned people wants to lighten their complexion, many fair and light-skinned people go to great length to get a deep "Tan" to look dark in colour. For vitamin D and (UV) moderates exposure to the sun can be helpful.
For questions about health and skin disease consult your doctor or Dermatologist.
Dr. Fenibo Braide, is a Psychotherapist at the Behavioral Health Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (May 19, 2010).
Beware of "Skin-lightening Creams."
This write up was updated and published after watching CNN investigative study on Race in America, presented by Anderson Cooper and Solidad O'Brian, on May 17 and 18, 2010 @ 10 PM EDT/USA. In that study 40% of children of black race in America identified "black" as mean, wicked and less acceptable. About 60% of White children of the same age group also sees "black" in the same category.
No matter what! we are one as human beings uniquely created differently by God. In my travel I see some people in Africa, Southern Asia, the Caribbean, and the Middle East associate a lighter complexion with prosperity, acceptability, beauty and fashion. As a result, a considerable number of men and women in these places use products to lighten their skin tone without knowing the danger and sometimes at a higher cost to their health.
Some skin-lightening creams contain hydro-quinone, a bleaching agent that suppresses the production of melanin, thus reducing the skin's natural protection agent against damaging ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Hydroquinone / mercury in a bleaching cream is not friendly to human skin, it is a lead toxin, and therefore considered poison to the human skin.
When hydroquinone or mercury penetrates the skin, it may cause irreversible damage to connective tissue. As a result may cause pre-mature aging or cancer in some cases. Continuous use of such products can cause disfiguring rashes, unsightly blotches and weaken skin. THE QUESTION IS: HOW FAR...HOW LONG CAN YOU CONTINUE TO MAINTAIN YOUR SKIN...?
Ironically, while some dark-skinned people wants to lighten their complexion, many fair and light-skinned people go to great length to get a deep "Tan" to look dark in colour. For vitamin D and (UV) moderates exposure to the sun can be helpful.
For questions about health and skin disease consult your doctor or Dermatologist.
Dr. Fenibo Braide, is a Psychotherapist at the Behavioral Health Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (May 19, 2010).
Friday, April 23, 2010
Lead Poisoning Leading to Aggressive Behavior
Children Exposed to Lead Poisoning Exhibits Aggressive Behavior - Fact
Some symptoms of lead poisoning in children could be abdominal pain, attention problems, aggressiveness, anemia, constipation, fatigue, headaches, irritability, loss of appetite and energy, loss of developmental skills and slow growth.
In my practice over the years as a psychotherapist I have investigated and observed children with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD). I observe children in the office, in the classroom and group setting and found out that the effect and symptoms of the diagnosis (ADHD) varies from child to child.
Lead poisoning can result from the accumulation of lead in the body. There is evidence that the toxic can also affect a child's cognitive ability and behavior. According to a study by John Hopkins Bloomberg school of Public Health, lead inhibits a protein that is important for the brain development and cognition. Studies shows that children absorb up to 50 percent of the lead ingestion, whereas adult usually absorb only 10 to 15 percent.
Recent research has suggested that even levels of lead that fall under some government-issued toxicity limits may cause harm. The problems, according to the National Safety Council in the United States, can include: learning disability, attention disorders, behavior problems, impaired hearing and kidney damage in children. It is highly recommended that women who may become pregnant or pregnant should take extra precautions to avoid exposure because lead can harm the fetus.
Lead can also contaminate food and drink prepared in lead-glazed earthware. In recent years we have seen governments issuing emergency recalls of such consumer products as toys and jewelry. Why? Dangerous level of lead have been detected in some of these items, and young children tend to suck or chew on these products. Lead poisoning can be especially dangerous for children under six years of age since their central nervous system is still developing.
Sources of Lead Poisoning
Leaded gas / gasoline; Contaminated lead-based paint; Lead-soldered copper pipes for water. Lead levels in the blood greatly decreases when the source of the exposure to lead is removed. People who are concerned about lead in their blood may wish to have blood test. Health care should be sought if harmful levels are detected. Family matters.
Dr. Fenny Braide, is a Psychotherapist at the Behavioral Health Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Dr. F. Fenibo Braide
Academic Consultant, Zion Health Institute, Baltimore, MD
Some symptoms of lead poisoning in children could be abdominal pain, attention problems, aggressiveness, anemia, constipation, fatigue, headaches, irritability, loss of appetite and energy, loss of developmental skills and slow growth.
In my practice over the years as a psychotherapist I have investigated and observed children with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD). I observe children in the office, in the classroom and group setting and found out that the effect and symptoms of the diagnosis (ADHD) varies from child to child.
Lead poisoning can result from the accumulation of lead in the body. There is evidence that the toxic can also affect a child's cognitive ability and behavior. According to a study by John Hopkins Bloomberg school of Public Health, lead inhibits a protein that is important for the brain development and cognition. Studies shows that children absorb up to 50 percent of the lead ingestion, whereas adult usually absorb only 10 to 15 percent.
Recent research has suggested that even levels of lead that fall under some government-issued toxicity limits may cause harm. The problems, according to the National Safety Council in the United States, can include: learning disability, attention disorders, behavior problems, impaired hearing and kidney damage in children. It is highly recommended that women who may become pregnant or pregnant should take extra precautions to avoid exposure because lead can harm the fetus.
Lead can also contaminate food and drink prepared in lead-glazed earthware. In recent years we have seen governments issuing emergency recalls of such consumer products as toys and jewelry. Why? Dangerous level of lead have been detected in some of these items, and young children tend to suck or chew on these products. Lead poisoning can be especially dangerous for children under six years of age since their central nervous system is still developing.
Sources of Lead Poisoning
Leaded gas / gasoline; Contaminated lead-based paint; Lead-soldered copper pipes for water. Lead levels in the blood greatly decreases when the source of the exposure to lead is removed. People who are concerned about lead in their blood may wish to have blood test. Health care should be sought if harmful levels are detected. Family matters.
Dr. Fenny Braide, is a Psychotherapist at the Behavioral Health Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Dr. F. Fenibo Braide
Academic Consultant, Zion Health Institute, Baltimore, MD
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)