By Dr. Christine Gonzalez (PharmD, CHC)
From probiotic lined straws to fruit flavored echinacea drops, I am not surprised to see the plethora of new kid-friendly products available each time I cruise the dietary supplement section of my favorite natural foods store. I am evenly more pleased to see yoga studios offering kid yoga classes, meditation as part of youth empowerment programs, and acupuncture for issues like bed wetting. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is gaining popularity among children. This can clearly be seen in the myriad of new products and services specifically targeted to this demographic. With the increasing acceptance of CAM usage among adults, it is not surprising to see the same trend in children.
A recent nationwide government survey conducted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the CDC showed that about 38% of adults and 12% of children use CAM. Children of parents who used CAM were five times more likely to use these therapies (24%) than children of parents who did not. To me, this is a sign that the tides are turning for true wellness for all generations. Children commonly get treated symptom by symptom, rather than from a mind-body-spirit perspective. But by introducing them to a healing holistic foundation during their formidable years, we can set the stage for optimal wellness that will carry them into adulthood. I honestly believe that happy and healthy children grow into happy and healthy adults. I would love to hear any of your experiences in using CAM in children...
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From probiotic lined straws to fruit flavored echinacea drops, I am not surprised to see the plethora of new kid-friendly products available each time I cruise the dietary supplement section of my favorite natural foods store. I am evenly more pleased to see yoga studios offering kid yoga classes, meditation as part of youth empowerment programs, and acupuncture for issues like bed wetting. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is gaining popularity among children. This can clearly be seen in the myriad of new products and services specifically targeted to this demographic. With the increasing acceptance of CAM usage among adults, it is not surprising to see the same trend in children.
A recent nationwide government survey conducted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the CDC showed that about 38% of adults and 12% of children use CAM. Children of parents who used CAM were five times more likely to use these therapies (24%) than children of parents who did not. To me, this is a sign that the tides are turning for true wellness for all generations. Children commonly get treated symptom by symptom, rather than from a mind-body-spirit perspective. But by introducing them to a healing holistic foundation during their formidable years, we can set the stage for optimal wellness that will carry them into adulthood. I honestly believe that happy and healthy children grow into happy and healthy adults. I would love to hear any of your experiences in using CAM in children...