1. October2012
KIDS BE AWARE, INC.
Volume 1, Issue 7
Sleep Deprivation in Children
established before the onset of a new
school year, parents may have a
The focus
difficult time ensuring adequate sleep
of Kids Be during school. It is always an
Aware is adjustment to developing a new
to teach routine to accommodate a new school
children year but when sleep eludes us, even
and as adults, we are generally not at our
best. For children, they are still
parents
developing in numerous ways and
how to they must have quality sleep to Table of Contents
prevent or manage infectious and continue to do so. Every child must CEO’s Corner ...............2
chronic diseases. One very important have a certain amount of
uninterrupted sleep in order to Highlights .........................2
aspect that is often overlooked is
sleep. Most parents set schedules that develop and function normally. The
recommendations for children’s sleep
afford a child the recommended Featured Articles:
vary depending on age. However,
hours of sleep each night. Obtaining children who attend school need Healthy Recipes..............3
quality sleep each night is an approximately 10-11 hours of sleep
essential component to maintaining per night for optimal functioning.
Body Wellness ................4
physical and mental functions
When children do not obtain quality
...........................................5
necessary. With the onset of another
sleep, they can become moody, have
school year, establishing new
trouble learning, and often exhibit
routines may take time. However,
changes in their behaviors. This lack
with the increased demands placed
of quality sleep is known as sleep
on the child to remain focused and
deprivation. Sleep deprivation has
alert during school, acquiring good
been considered as a factor leading to
quality sleep each night is often
obesity and diabetes in children
overlooked. So why is sleep so
(Jones, Johnson, & Harvey-Berino,
important anyway? Basically, sleep
2008), bruxism or grinding teeth and
allows us to recharge and to allow
breathing problems (Spruyt et al.,
recuperation from the day’s activities
2005), and daytime drowsiness with
and demands. It is this “recharging”
inability to focus (Dewar, 2008). Our Mission and Vision
that often gets shortchanged due to
poor sleep habits, too many If your child has, or is, experiencing To increase disease
demands, or physical issues leading changes that could be related to sleep awareness among children
to a decrease in the number of hours deprivation, as the parent, you should and parents; To promote
devoted to quality sleep. discuss this with your child’s healthy behaviors, reduce
pediatrician. It is never too late to the spread of infections,
Sleep habits are easily adjusted start making changes to your child’s and to reduce health-
during summer as families enjoy sleep schedules. related issues in our
each other and often take advantage nation’s children.
of the great outdoors. If sleep
schedules for children are not (Cont. pg 5)

2. Page 2
KIDS BE AWARE, INC.
CEO’s Corner...
Howdy! your health fundraising.
The current need of this
This month, we have been organization is to open a
striving to bring you a new health and wellness
center next to your homes. facility . Together, we can
raise disease awareness help us decrease health
We have been working with
among children and disparities among our
a consultant to help us
parents. children.
shape our organization
vision and mission and
bring it to another level. On Behalf of KBA, we are “Teach me about health so
asking for in-kind that I may teach others”
I’m always pleased to bring
donations. All donations Together we can!
more good news to you all
each and every month and are tax deductible. We seek Cheers and Peace to You!
hope that you enjoy reading to acquire a facility with
us as much as we enjoy approximately 1200 to 1500
Jeannette Bryant, CEO
writing these articles for square footage of space to
Kids Be Aware, Inc.
you. house our program.
We have been working
overtime getting ourselves From our humble
ready for a capital beginnings, and with only a
campaign that our little bit of help, we are
organization is launching growing and now we are in
to help us raise needed the position to make our
funds to open our children’s dream a reality but to do
this, we need your financial
health and wellness center .
support that will enable us
We are eagerly working to expand our Kids Be
with the Woburn public Aware mission, and to
schools and Woburn mayor uphold our vision for
to see how we can introduce children everywhere.
our program into Woburn You may donate by going
public schools. While we at our website: http://
are delighted in the “We strive to partner with
www.kidsbeaware.org or schools, churches, and
progress that KBA is simply by mailing in your organizations to focus on the
making, we have envisioned checks. health and well-being of our
much more for our families.
children”
We are now reaching out to I thank you in advance for
schools so we can secure a your support and hope that We are seeking NEW Enrollment!
venue for our Dance for you find it in your heart to We are seeking Volunteers for various roles.
Contact us and Volunteer!

3. KIDS BE AWARE, INC. Page 3
Best food Choices for kids
For example, foods in the milk Whole grains are the best
group, such as yogurt, cheese, choice because they contain
and milk, are all good sources more fiber, vitamins, and
of protein, calcium, and minerals. Both kids and adults
vitamin D. Eating foods from should aim for at least half of
each group every day provides their daily servings to be from
most of the nutrients that kids need. whole-grain sources
http://www.cookinglight.com/food/lunch-box-
http://www.cookinglight.com/food/lunch-box- recipes-kids-00412000072333/page5.html
recipes-kids-00412000072333/page5.html
The vegetable
group is where you Naturally sweet and
find many of na- juicy, fruits are also low
ture’s healthiest in calories, fat, sodium,
foods. Vegetables and cholesterol and are
are full of fiber, vi- bursting with an array of
tamins, and miner- vitamins and minerals.
als and are low in Fruit may already be a
calories, fat, so- staple in your house, so if
dium, and choles- that’s the case, keep it
terol. Vegetables are divided into five sub- up! Remember to intro-
groups based on nutrient content—dark-green duce kids to all types of fruit because each offers its
vegetables, orange vegetables, beans and own assortment of nutrients. And try to choose whole
peas, starchy vegetables, and a group for all fruit or cut-up fruit over fruit juices to get more fiber
others. Serve your child a variety of vegeta- and fewer calories per serving. Be sure to cut fruit
bles from all the subgroups each week. into appropriately sized pieces for younger children.
Nutrients: Carbohydrates, fiber, folate, vitamin C,
Nutrients: Fiber and abundant vitamins and potassium
minerals, which vary by vegetable Servings: Approximately 1 to 1 1/2 cups for kids and
1 1/2 to 2 cups for adults
Servings: Approximately 1 1/2 to 2 cups for
kids and 2 to 3 cups for adults http://www.cookinglight.com/food/lunch-box-
http://www.cookinglight.com/food/lunch- recipes-kids-00412000072333/page5.html
box-recipes-kids-00412000072333/
page5.html

4. Page 4
KIDS BE AWARE, INC.
Body Wellness
“ADHD in Children and Adults”
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC, 2010), 5.2 million children
between the ages of 5 and 17 have been diagnosed with Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The National Institutes of Mental Health
(NIMH, 2009), describe ADHD as the most common childhood disorder that
persists through adulthood. The three hallmarks of ADHD include
hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention.
The three subtypes of ADHD are: ADHD, Hyperactive-Impulsive, ADHD, Inattentive,
and ADHD, Combined Hyperactive-Impulsive and Inattentive, the most common type and
involves problems in all three areas. ADHD, Inattentive Type (formerly called ADD) includes
impairments in attention and concentration and ADHD, Hyperactive-Impulsive Type involves
problems with hyperactivity and impulsiveness without inattentiveness. General misconceptions
about children with ADHD include: “they just need to be disciplined and then they wouldn’t act
like that!”; “this is just a “lazy” child who doesn’t want to pay attention!” The truth of the matter
is that a child with ADHD cannot control his/her behavior because of brain development. The
frontal lobe, the part of the brain that controls the higher-order processes (i.e., thinking,
reasoning, problem-solving and impulsiveness) is the last part of the brain to fully develop (NIMH),
leading to the characteristics of ADHD, particularly in sensory processing and motor control.
Although the cause of ADHD is currently unknown, Wiley-Blackwell (2009) described
ADHD as a “complex condition with genetic and environmental causes.” Wiley-Blackwell pointed
out that more than 600,000 genetic markers were discovered in a study of 900 families. This was
the largest genome wide study of ADHD, the International ADHD Multicenter Genetics
(IMAGE) project led by Stephen V. Faraone of SUNY Upstate Medical Center. Although the
results of the study indicated that one genetic marker may be associated with ADHD, many
genes contribute to the disorder. As scientists continue to research for the cause, the fact
remains that “8-12 percent of children worldwide have been diagnosed with ADHD, thus making
it one of the most common, yet treatable, psychiatric diseases” (Wiley-Blackwell).
ADHD is typically diagnosed during childhood but carries over into adulthood (CDC,
2010). Many symptoms are present before the age of 7 (DSM-IV-TR, 2000) but are sometimes not
fully noted until a child begins school and participates in a more structured daily setting.
Common signs and symptoms of ADHD can include: daydreaming, not paying attention, fidgeting,
excessive talking, inability to remain seated, interrupting others or talking out of turn, acting and
speaking without thinking, easily distracted, inability to play quietly, and constantly moving (CDC).
Although one of most conducive treatments for ADHD is the combination of medication and
behavioral therapy, some parents are concerned about medicating their children and very few
receive behavioral therapy even when medicated. Medications include both stimulants (i.e.,
Ritalin) and non-stimulants (i.e., Concerta). Although 70-80 percent of children respond
successfully to stimulants, the non-stimulants have fewer side effects and lasts up to 24-hours
(CDC). When combined with behavioral therapy, children will learn how to manage their

5. KIDS BE AWARE, INC. Page 5
Providing Safe Drinking Water for Your Family
Sleep Deprivation in Children(cont.)
KNOW YOUR WATER SOURCE
Dewar (2008) suggests that •Find out if the pipes in your home or apartment building are
parents evaluate the current made of lead or contain lead solder.
sleep habits of their children. •Send tap water samples to your local EPA-certified labora-
Parents are encouraged to start tory for testing, or buy a water test kit.
the following: •If your water is supplied by a public system:
◦ Ask your supplier what chemicals and parasites are tested
1. Have your child wake up
for and how the water is treated.
the same time each morning. ◦ Obtain a Consumer Confidence Report on your water
2. Establish a set time or bed each evening. quality from your public water authority.
•If your water supply is a private well: ◦ Test your water
3. Avoid any stimulating activities right before bed. yearly for pesticides, metals, coliform bacteria and other possi-
4. Avoid stimulating energy drinks and any foods ble contaminants.
likely to have an energizing effect on the child. ◦ Avoid using pesticides, fertilizers and other chemicals near
your well's supply source as they can pollute your ground-
By taking a renewed look at how you the water.
parent model good sleep habits, you can help to
establish a commitment to obtaining a restful sleep IMPROVE YOUR WATER SUPPLY
each and every night. When the whole family •Install water treatment filters or conditioning systems.
commits to improving overall health, there would be ◦ Several types are available, depending on what contami-
little wiggle room for diversions. Children who nants are present.
acquire the appropriate amount of sleep each night •Consider buying a water distiller.
are more alert and their immune systems function •Flush your pipes by running cold water for at least one min-
better. Improved daily functions both physically and ute.
•Do not use hot water from the tap for cooking or drinking,
mentally, help to establish quality sleep habits as an
as toxins are more likely to leach into hot water.
adult. •Make sure formula is prepared with safe water since boiling
References: increases the lead concentration. Infants are at particular risk
of lead poisoning because of the larger amount of water they
DeWar, G. (2008). Signs of sleep deprivation in consume relative to their body size.
children and adults: A guide for the science-minded •If necessary, install shower/faucet filters since babies can swal-
parent. Retrieved from: http:// low water when bathing.
www.parentingscience.com/signs-of-sleep- •Immediately dispose of household chemicals like batteries,
deprivation.html fluorescent bulbs, used motor oil, etc., at your municipal haz-
Jones, K., Johnson, R., & Harvey-Berino, J. (2008). ardous waste depot. (Do not leave them around your home
where they may contaminate your water supply.)
Is losing sleep making us obese? British Nutrition
Foundation Nutrition Bulletin, 33(1), 272-278. IMPROVE YOUR WATER SUPPLY
www.nationwidechildrens.org/sleep-in-school-aged •Read the label of your bottled water. "Spring" water comes
-children from one or more underground sources and some bottled
water may come from a "municipal source" or from a
www.pediatrics.about.com/od/sleep/a06_pt_slp_d "community water system," and may have had additional treat-
pvd.htm ment.
•Avoid plastic bottles with the following recycling codes #1
PET, #3 PVC, #6 PS, and #7 Polycarbonate, which may leak
Susan Ruiz, Chair suspected carcinogens and hormone disruptors.
Kids Be Aware, Inc. •Look for safer plastic bottles, such as #2 HDPE, #4 LDPE,
and #5 PP.
Read more: http://www.healthychild.org/live-healthy/checklist/
providing_safe_drinking_water_for_your_family/
#ixzz1sbN9gsgz

6. symptoms by establishing and following daily routines, creating
schedules, and becoming more organized. Parents can benefit from the
support of therapy as well and will learn how to encourage a child to
follow his/her treatment goals by using goals, rewards, and effective
discipline (CDC). In addition, therapists will encourage the parent to
help their child find his/her own unique talent (i.e., sports, arts, music,
dance, etc.) to enhance his/her overall self-esteem and social skills
(CDC). Parents can further help their child by sharing information they
learn in therapy, particularly tips on organization, time management and
maintaining attention by corresponding with the child’s teacher and/or other school personnel.
One excellent suggestion to help a child manage his/her anxiety and thus improve listening skills is
to allow the child to hold a small amount of Silly Putty or Play Dough during lectures. Parents
should also know that they are not alone and may find comfort in joining support groups for
parents of children with ADHD such as C.H.A.D.D. (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder).
Parents who are concerned about placing their children on medication, often opt for more
natural approaches, such as dietary and nutritional control. One of the most common diets for
ADHD, as well as other disorders, is the Feingold diet (Feingold, 2012). This and similar diets are
often recommended by physicians and nutritionists as it reduces foods with artificial dyes,
additives, preservatives, and sugar. When using restrictive diets, it is necessary to supplement by
using various vitamins and minerals as well. Some parents have found it to be effective,
particularly when combined with behavioral therapy. The downside is that the diet is very
restrictive and as a child gets older, it becomes more difficult for a parent to control what he or
she eats when the parent is not available to monitor their dietary choices.
Neurofeedback is also an alternate choice for ADHD. A certified neurofeedback provider
uses the EEG to monitor a child’s brain waves while the child plays a series of video games that are
designed to increase attention and concentration. Although neurofeedback can be very effective
in managing symptoms of ADHD, it often takes between 30-40 sessions that last between 45-60
minutes to reach maximum desired results. It should be noted that although alternative
treatments for ADHD (i.e., nutrition and neurofeedback) are very popular choices for some
parents, there is a lack of scientific evidence to support efficacy.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH, 2009), because children
between the ages of 3 and 6 often exhibit normal behaviors that often mimic ADHD (i.e.,
distraction, impulsivity, lack of concentration), it can be difficult to provide an accurate diagnosis
until the child is older. Physicians sometimes make the diagnosis of ADHD themselves but in most
cases, the child will be referred to a licensed psychologist who will use a variety of psychological
assessments to provide a definitive diagnosis (NIMH). This can include a psychologist in private
practice or a school psychologist. Teachers are often the first to notice symptoms of ADHD and
may refer students to the school psychologist for an evaluation. Because the role of a school
psychologist has traditionally focused on issues that impede academic performance, their goal has
not been to focus on psychological disorders per se. However, if the parent is in disagreement
with the report of the school psychologist, he or she may elect to have their child tested more
thoroughly by a psychologist in private practice.
If you think your child suffers from ADHD, get help immediately. An earlier diagnosis
means earlier intervention and thus a better overall quality of life. Because ADHD begins in
childhood and continues forward into adulthood for 60 percent of those diagnosed, if left

7. untreated, it may lead to significant problems to include impulsive behaviors and an ongoing
inability to concentrate and focus which may cause failure at the college level, multiple jobs and
even, multiple relationships. More severe symptoms can include difficulty controlling anger,
boredom, depression, mood swings, procrastination, low self-esteem, impulsiveness, poor
organization and decision-making abilities, substance abuse or addiction, chronic tardiness or
forgetfulness, and a low frustration tolerance just to name a few (WebMD, 2012). Because ADHD
is a childhood disorder, it is possible that many adults have ADHD but are unaware due to the
lack of awareness and detection 20 or 30 years ago. If you smoke, have had multiple jobs due to
poor performance or attendance, multiple relationships, including separations and divorces or
relationship problems more than others, have a history of speeding, using illegal substances, have
social difficulties, including legal problems and, as a child, you repeated a grade, dropped out of
school, received frequent discipline referrals or were labeled as an academic underachiever, it is
possible that you may have ADHD and not know it. If you suspect this to be true, it would benefit
you to contact a physician or psychologist in your area for a psychological assessment for further
treatment. Once you have been diagnosed and you begin participating in behavioral therapy, you
will learn a variety of techniques that will help you to manage your symptoms more effectively so
you can enjoy a happier and more productive life.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2010). FactStats. Retrieved on October
7, 2012 from http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/adhd.htm.
C.H.A.D.D. (2012). Parent to Parent Training. Retrieved on October 15, 2012 from http://
www.chadd.org/Content/CHADD/Conferences_Training/ParenttoParentProgram/default.htm.
Feingold Association of the United States (2012). Feingold Diet. Retrieved on October 15,
2012 from http://www.feingold.org/.
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH, 2009). What is Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder? Retrieved on October 7, 2012 from
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder/what-is-
attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder.shtml.
Rabiner, D. (2009). New study supports neurofeedback treatment for ADHD. Retrieved on
October 15, 2010 from http://www.sharpbrains.com/blog/2009/03/11/new-study-supports-
neurofeedback-treatment-for-adhd/.
WebMD. (2012). Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in adults. Retrieved on October
15, 2012 from http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/guide/adhd-adults.
Wiley-Blackwell (2009, January 13). Genetic Determinants of ADHD Examined ScienceDaily.
Retrieved October 15, 2012 from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090107134541.htm.
Wright, J. (1995). Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A school-based evaluation manual.
Retrieved on October 15, 2012 from http://www.jimwrightonline.com/pdfdocs/adhdManual.PDF.
Renee Sullivan, Co-Chair
Kids Be Aware, Inc.

8. Page 8
KIDS BE AWARE, INC.
Kids Be Aware, Inc.
Dance for your Health fundraising event coming up
P. O. Box 123456 soon. Details will be available as soon as a venue is
Boston, MA 01100 located. Stay tuned!
Monthly Highlights
We are seeking NEW “We strive to partner with schools, churches,
Enrollment! and organizations to focus on the health and
We are seeking Volunteers for
well-being of our children”
various roles.
Contact us and Volunteer! We welcome any donations to help us with the
leasing of a space and equipments for our center
Kids Be Aware, Inc
Wellness and Health We are on the Web!
Center coming soon
around You Be on the Visit us at: www.kidsbeaware.org
Lookout!!!
To donate to our organization please use this link:
http://www.gofundme.com/wwwkidsbeawareorg?utm_medium=wdgt
KBA Board Members
Jeannette Bryant CEO kidsbeawarenow@gmail.com 781-535-2448
Tiffany Henderson Treasurer donald_and_tiffany@yahoo.com 678-431-6543
Susan Ruiz Chair susan.ruiz@waldenu.edu 301-302-4215
Teresa Godley-Chase Co-chair teressa.godley-chase@waldenu.edu 240-515-4222
Renee Sullivan Co-Chair renee.l.sullivan@gmail.com 478-718-1306
Regina Rainey Board Member reginarainey@ymail.com 864-303-2151