Medication can help people with ADHD focus, learn, and control their impulses. However, taking it for an extended period can cause physical and mental side effects.

According to a 2016 study, about 75–80%Trusted Source of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) will benefit from taking stimulant medications. These drugs can reduceTrusted Source ADHD symptoms, leading to improvedTrusted Source academic performance, fewer difficulties at work, and better relationships.

People should also consider the potential side effects of medication. Although long-term side effects can occur, the risk is low. Many people stop experiencing side effects once they stop taking the medication.

Nonstimulant ADHD medications are also available, but doctors most commonlyTrusted Source prescribe stimulants. Therefore, this article will focus on stimulant medications for ADHD.

Read more to learn about the long-term effects of ADHD medication, when a person should change medication, and more.

Side effects of long-term ADHD medication use

All medications come with possible side effects, and ADHD medication is no exception. However, although the short-term effects are well-researched, there is limited information on how the medication affects those who take it for an extended period.

The reason for this is that carrying out a controlled study for years and years is neither realistic nor ethical.

Therefore, experts need to rely on observational studies to understand the long-term side effects. They cannot control for variables in these studies, so the results will never be completely accurate.

However, they can still give people an idea of the long-term side effects of certain medications.

Effects on physical health

Most of the physical effects of stimulant medications are short-term and go away when a person stops taking the drug.

Some potential long-term physical health effects include:

• lack of appetite
• weight loss
• delayed growthTrusted Source in adolescents
• sleep disturbance
• tics

Effects on development

ADHD medications may affect childhood development, although the research is not conclusive.

One of the most heavily studied areas is the potential for ADHD medications to stunt or slow growth. Stimulants can temporarily slow growth in children, whose growth does not later accelerate.

A 2021 systematic review found that the long-term use of stimulants in children correlated with a reduction in height and weight but that the overall decrease was small.

It is important to note that the medications may not directly cause growth reduction. Instead, this effect may be due to inadequate nutrition, as stimulants can decrease a person’s appetite.

Effects on mental health and behavior

Several studies have tested the effects of ADHD medications on mental health, but the results are often contradictory and inconclusive.

AnxietyTrusted Source is one of the most well-documented symptoms. Stimulants increase activity in the brain and central nervous system, which can cause a person to feel anxious or jittery.

Other people may appear less emotional, though. For these individuals, the medication can have a “blunting” effect, which can mimic depression.

Researchers are still unsure whether ADHD medication influences depression, but research suggests that it does reduce a person’s risk of suicide.

Effects on ADHD symptoms

Although stimulant medication can cause side effects, it is also an effective way to manage ADHD symptoms. As a result, it can significantly improve a person’s quality of life.

The potential benefits include:

• reducing the risk of suicide
• lowering the rate of substance-related events
• promoting better performance in school
• reducingTrusted Source the likelihood of motor vehicle accidents
• lowering criminality rates

In some cases, a person may continue to see improvements in their symptoms even after they stop taking the medication.

An older study involving more than 500 children with ADHD compared those who took medication with those who did not. Those who took medication continued to experience improved symptoms of ADHD for up to 3 years after they stopped the treatment. After that, there were no additional benefits.

Long-term effects of ADHD medication: What to know (medicalnewstoday.com)

Medically reviewed by Alexandra Perez, PharmD, MBA, BCGP — Written by Zawn Villines on November 29, 2021

Welcome to my new Mommy Blog!

I am so excited to start this new chapter with all of you.

As a mother or as mothers, we all have experiences. Most of them wonderful, some hard and some can pretty much take you to your breaking point.

Well this blog is here for just that. However, you may be asking what makes my blog different from all the others? Well mine is coming from my point of view of having two children with special needs and/or learning differences but also including my latin background.

I hope you will join me by commenting. I would love to hear from you in how you have faced different issues with your children. However, I want to hear from all parents from all over the world. That’s my goal in this. One parents viewpoint can be all that another parent needs to hear to help them understand a situation they could be facing right now. I can’t tell you how many times, i have been dealing with a rough situation with my children needing answers of what to do next, on my knees praying to God for help and low and behold I speak to a parent and my answer is laid right there on my lap. Sometimes the answer is so simple yet so poignant for their needs at the moment.

I hope to grow this blog and have guest bloggers speak on the issues they face as parents or ways they have found to be successful in hard times.

I also want to take this moment to give thanks to my mother, my sister and my best friend. These women are phenomenal mothers. Their hearts are pure and their love is great! To them I say thank you. I dedicate this entire blog to my son and daughter.

I will be posting my blogs on my Instagram and Facebook accounts. My blogs will be weekly. I hope you enjoy them!

What Is Hispanic Heritage Month?

Composed of 56 contingents including 26 mariachis in countries like Costa Rica, Venezuela, Peru, Colombia, United States and Mexico, the parade of the XX International Mariachi and Charreria was held in Mexico on Sept. 1, 2013. Mariachi groups or ensembles Mariachis are typical of Mexico, while the music and clothing are famous worldwide. Hugo Ortuno—Getty ImagesBY RACHEL LEWIS SEPTEMBER 15, 2017 12:17 PM EDT

What Is Hispanic Heritage Month? | Time

Hispanic Heritage Month is an official celebration of American citizens whose ancestry can be traced back to Spain, Mexico, Central and South America and the Caribbean.

When is Hispanic Heritage Month?

The festival now lasts from September 15 to October 15 every year, but it first started out as just a week long celebration of in 1968. Twenty years later, in 1988 it expanded to dedicate a whole four weeks for the celebration of being Hispanic.

The celebration starts in the middle of the month, as opposed to the end, because the 15th marks the independence days of five Latin America countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico, Chile, and Belize follow shortly after, on the 16th, 18th and 21st.

Who does it celebrate?

Hispanic Heritage Month “pays tribute to the generations of Hispanic Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our nation and society,” according to the official website.

It particularly celebrates Hispanic arts and culture and is therefore supported by: The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.

Dolores Huerta the activist, Roberto Clemente the baseball player, and Sonia Sotomayor the Supreme Court Justice, are just three of the Hispanic figures celebrated throughout the month.

Happy #HispanicHeritageMonth This is our month so let’s embrace our culture and remember that no matter what, we’re here to stay 🌎❣️— SEHS OLAS (@SEHSOLAS) September 15, 2017

What is happening?

People up and down the United States put on events and festivals to honor Hispanic culture. The El Barrio Latin Jazz festival takes place in the Bronx, N.Y., from September 15 to 25, and the Northwest Arkansas Hispanic Heritage Festival in Fayetteville, Ark., are just a couple of the local celebrations.

The Smithsonian Institute tweeted that they were sharing memories of Mexican-American entertainer Selena by displaying one of her costumes at the National Museum of American History, and throughout the month they are hosting Hispanic dance performances, art and natural history exhibitions.

Tomorrow marks the start of #HispanicHeritageMonth. Today our @amhistorymuseum shares memories of Selena, whose outfit is now on display. https://t.co/VTOSlQ90s0— Smithsonian (@smithsonian) September 14, 2017

How big is the U.S. Hispanic population?

Almost a fifth of the total U.S. population is Hispanic, according to the Pew Research Center. At a population of 57 million, they are the second-fastest growing racial or ethnic group behind Asians. Hispanics made up just 5% of the population back in 1970.

Of that population, around two-thirds, or 35.3 million, are people of Mexican origin. Those of Puerto Rican heritage are next at 5.3 million, and around 1 million each of Salvadorans, Cubans, Dominicans, Guatemalans and Colombians are living in the United States.

Today marks the 20 year anniversary of September 11, 2001, the day our lives in America were changed forever. A day which shocked the world. Most of us remember where we were that day. However, most children born after 2000, do not.

Even though news reports and videos are available of the Twin Towers crumbling, the planes before they hit, first responders running into the burning buildings, the Pentagon on fire and the crash site of United Airlines flight 93. It is still hard for children to understand the impact of that day. Yet, with the many sad reports of trauma and death, emerged stories of courage, unlikely friendships formed, resilience and the true American spirit.

So the question is how do you explain to your child the significance of this day? Well, to help you out, I have taken the liberty of choosing 4 children’s books available here in Barnes and Nobles. Here are the suggestions below:

They say friends come into our life for a reason, a season or a lifetime…I can say I have had all three but I don’t regret the friends I have or had due to seasons or reasons .I think of them all! Because they all have a special place in my heart. AND if they are four-legged friends, then you know that love is unconditional and for a lifetime.

Reach out to your friends. Check on them even if you didn’t end things well. If the reason isn’t worth the silence then something needs to be fixed. Time heals all wounds. I am certainly going to apply that counsel to myself.

That said, Choncho and I would like to wish everyone a Happy National Best Friends day! #NationalBestFriendsDay #ellechonchoncho #childrensbookillustration #fourleggedfriend #bestfriends #friendship #friends #friendsforlife

Becky’s Bocaditos Gourmet (@beckysbocaditosgourmet) • Instagram photos and videos

My sister, Becky Lopez is a talented florist, cook, decorator and most of all a beautiful mother of 3. She is also the new face behind BBG – Becky’s Bocaditos Gourmet!

Why Bocaditos Gourmet? Well in Miami, bocaditos reminds us of little bites, little sandwiches and parties! We can’t now, but we can make special occasions even more special even though we are in a Pandemic!

She enjoys making Boards and special platters. Embark on this new journey with her! Help her create a custom charcuterie board. Themes are welcomed! She can also create letters, numbers along with Bocaditos boxes. Click on her Instagram link above and she can create that special snack boxes for you or that special someone!

You can email or DM for your orders.

Bon Appetit!

Happy National Teacher Appreciation Day!

Where would we be without our teachers? Even if you didn’t like to go to school, I am sure most of us have that one teacher who touched our lives and from time to time we continually remember them.

For me it was two teachers. Mrs. Butler of kindergarten and Mrs. Easley of third grade. Both my teachers have been and will always be my favorites. They were so kind, patient, funny and didn’t expect anything more but our bests. Even if that meant, I got a bad grade.

My children both had those one of a kind teachers too. School has not been a favorite subject of my children. It is not easy when both your children have learning differences and I will not get into details to protect their privacy. It is their story to tell. However, when you are able to find a teacher who sparks that little bit of clarity and open a little mind, that day…is a good day.

Thank you to all the teachers who wake up every school morning to be ready to help children get an education. Even though there are those who leave alot to be desired, it cannot be easy to teach children every day.

How many times did we hear parents complaining, crying, yelling, venting about having to home school during the pandemic? Teachers were a lifeline to us. It was a new normal for everyone but not one we wanted to have.

My son’s favorite teacher before and during the pandemic gave him the spark to give him a better outlook in his education. He changed and was happier. And then school ended and we had to hold our breath for the new school year. We sent him to school physically worried if he took his mask off, got out of his designated square, washed his hands good. But our biggest concern was how would his teacher be? What would she be like?

Well, it turned out so much better than expected. My son advanced faster than before and it was so wonderful to watch. My daughter has been her own success story and she is turning into a beautiful young lady.

As a parent, you want to make sure your children are happy and healthy (mentally, physically and emotionally). Thanks to our teachers, they are one of the biggest ingredients in helping our children do just that.

To all teachers around the world, THANK YOU!

Happy National Teacher Appreciation Day!!

#happynationalteacherappreciation #happynationalteacherappreciationday #teachers #bestteachers #education #loveourteachers

Happy Earth Day!

I wanted to take this opportunity to share this wonderful new company and natural art design.

I want to introduce to you a company called, MOSS BY DANIS! They help you design your own moss art experience connecting with the essence of nature.

Their product is nothing more than preserved natural moss that maintains all the properties of moss, without maintenance. This preserved moss is for decorating natural and at the same time aesthetic.

The Moss Art designs are exclusively for indoor use, do not require watering or light and are recommended not to be very close to a heat source or exposed to the sun for a long time, even through a window.

You are given a 5-8 year guarantee, always limiting that the exact duration depends on many factors, exposure to sunlight, percentage of humidity, manipulations but has been proved that ideals conditions the moss extend its quality of life more than 10 years.

How long can the frame plant last? The piece is made in a frame of wood and preserved moss, these are the fixed elements of framed art. On the other hand there is the living plant such as orchids or others that are in a removable pot and that is inserted in another that it is fixed to the frame. This allows you to always exchange the living plant and also give it the care it requires separately from the frame.

If you are a lover of nature and of unique designs to decorate your home, office or love to give authentic gifts, then this is a company to check out.

Be sure to check out their website below, their products and sign up for their newsletter! ! have provided some samples below.

https://mossbydanisllc.square.site/

#earthday #EarthDay2021 #moss #plants #giftsforthenaturelover

https://www.npr.org/2021/04/12/985726774/a-picture-book-about-children-at-the-border-aims-to-spark-family-conversations

April 12, 20217:00 AM ET

In March, the number of migrants encountered at the U.S.-Mexico border hit a 15-year high, according to NPR’s reporting. That included nearly 19,000 children and teenagers traveling without a parent — double the levels from February and the most ever in a single month.

Binford hopes that families “actually have enough energy at the end of reading the book that they’re like, ‘What can we do?’ And, you know, ‘We’ll write to political leaders, maybe volunteer to be a sponsor or maybe volunteer to be a foster family.’ “

She says the purpose is to center the narrative back on the people most directly affected — the children.

https://www.project-amplify.org/

Our New Book is A True Labor of Love!

The team at Project Amplify is thrilled to announce that on April 13, 2021, we released our new book, Hear My Voice / Escucha Mi Voz, compiled by Warren Binford, with a foreward by Michael Garcia Bochenek of Human Rights Watch. This illustrated book is a beautifully crafted mosaic of stories from children detained at the border in the full authenticity of their own words, along with the powerful artwork of 17 Latinx artists. This book offers an opportunity to better understand human migration and children’s rights by compassionately introducing this difficult topic while providing an urgent call to action and simple steps to help. 100% of the royalties go to Project Amplify, which is largely volunteer run. We remain committed to amplifying the voices of children arriving in the U.S. until they are cared for in a manner befitting their dignity and human rights. To order your copy and learn more, please click here. Thank you.

Family history can make for some of the most delightful bedtime stories. Sisters Anna and Antonia Ortiz are too excited to sleep. In the morning, they will get on an airplane with their family to visit their Abuela on her farm in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico for the very first time. While their baby brother Miguel gets his diaper changed, the girls implore their Mami to recount the story of El Lechón Chencho, a dear friend from Mami’s childhood. Mami finally acquiesces, filling the girls’ minds with visions of Abuela’s farm in preparation for their upcoming trip.

Cheerful, digitally rendered illustrations set the stage for this delightful story. Using intentional color and design, readers are transported to a Puerto Rican farm surrounded by a verdant landscape and native flora. While most of the images utilize blocks of solid color, shading and occasional textures add depth to the pictures.

The excitement the girls feel in anticipation of visiting their Abuela is palpable in their demeanor as they jump unabashedly on their beds with their suitcases lying in wait on the floor nearby.

Each spread is divided, featuring a large image on one side with ample dialogue and narration on the other. Due to the quantity of text, this story is best suited to readers with longer attention spans, but its direct and action-focused presentation increases the book’s accessibility.

Spanish words are included frequently within the narrative and stand out in italics from the surrounding text. While there is no glossary included, these words are immediately translated into English as an innate element of the story. No matter a reader’s understanding of Spanish, this tale of a heroic, larger-than-life pig is an enjoyable addition to libraries for young children.

Grades 1-4

About Us – Children’s Literature’s company history