Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has become an epidemic, with an estimated 5 percent of American children now on prescription drug regimens and the numbers increasing at a rapid rate. Meanwhile, the average child gets less exercise than in past generations, thanks to television, video games, and other inactive pastimes.
Putnam, in testing his theories, brought together a wide range of studies, anecdotal evidence, and laboratory research, reaching a firm conclusion that for many ADHD children, an exercise regimen controls the condition as well as drugs-without the unwanted side effects. The result of that research is the new book, Nature's Ritalin for the Marathon Mind: Nurturing Your ADHD Child with Exercise (Upper Access Books, $9.95). The findings include the following:
? Laboratory experiments have established that aerobic exercise has a chemical effect on the brain similar to that of Ritalin and other psychostimulant drugs, and the same ability to help people to focus their minds.
? ADHD has a variety of symptoms and causes, and neither exercise nor drugs is effective in treating all cases. However, in general, the children who respond the best to medication also respond the best to exercise.
? Psychostimulant drugs reduce a child's desire for rough-and-tumble play, thereby decreasing exercise and increasing the dependence on drugs. This can be turned around if activities involving aerobic exercise are worked into the child's schedule.
? While children usually need help from parents and others to become motivated to take up a regular exercise routine, the motivation-once it starts-is self-perpetuating. In other words, once children understand that the exercise regimen makes them feel better, improves social life, helps them with school, and provides other benefits, they pursue it with enthusiasm.
Putnam emphasizes that "This is not an anti-Ritalin book. The benefits of Ritalin and other medications for many children have been well established." He also notes that any change in treatment must be undertaken in consultation with the child's physician. Yet in case after case, he notes that by adopting a regular exercise routine, children have been able to reduce, and often eliminate, medication while improving social and academic life.
In addition to explaining the scientific issues, the book provides details on how to determine the optimum amount of exercise and the optimal schedules, plus numerous suggestions of ways to motivate your children to take up appropriate activities. "Motivation is the tricky part for most kids," Putnam says. "They're not going to exercise just because a parent is nagging them. But once they start feeling the benefits, they'll want to keep it up. Parenting is never easy, and every situation is different. In researching and writing the book, I tried to cover the wide range of situations that parents face. "
This makes so much sense that it is hard to believe that it isn't more often prescribed. Putnam hints at the reason: (1) It's not easy for a busy parent to supervise the exercise program, and hiring a personal exercise coach is expensive. (2) "[I]nsurance will more likely cover medication" than therapy or a coach. (p. 13) It should also be noted that Big Pharma is not motivated to conduct research into the effects of exercise on ADHD-labeled children since a positive finding would not favorably affect their bottom line.
Personally, I am highly suspicious of these new "disorders" like ADHD that HMO-driven doctors treat with drugs. There are legitimate cases, no doubt; but most of the time I suspect there is nothing wrong except that this is a child that needs a lot of physical activity and a lot of body/mind stimulation. That is that child's strength. He (most of those diagnosed with ADHD are boys) can be active and effective at a high energy level and take in a lot more from the environment than other kids can. He needs to be up and doing. Putnam sees "movement" as satisfying "the wanderer, hunter, farmer, and gatherer in all of us." This is the message from evolutionary medicine. We evolved in an environment that had us up and doing all day long. The child that craves activity and stimulation is perhaps the truly natural child; and it is the modern environment with its restrictive classrooms and exercise-stealing tools and vehicles that is unnatural. Perhaps the environment ought to be labeled as having PADD (Physical Activity Deficit Disorder).
Consider the program of the typical "soccer mom." Despite all her good intentions, her child really doesn't get enough exercise. First there's the ride to the soccer field, then there's sitting on the bench during perhaps most of the game, then the ride to Chuckie Cheese's afterwards, and then the ride home. Perhaps a couple of hours or more have passed and how much of that time was the child actually exercising? Maybe twenty minutes, maybe ten.
How about at school? How long does recess last? Putnam cites studies that show even a little exercise tends to allow the child to focus better. He even suggests that the very lack of movement forced on the child in the typical classroom situation is contributing to the symptoms of ADHD. He uses the term "proprioceptive feedback" to refer to a mind/body phenomenon that allows us "to adjust our arousal level as well as our sense of tranquility." (p. 22) By the way, I would like to see the amount of time devoted to physical education in our schools doubled. Not only would this help the child that feels trapped in the classroom, but would work against the growing problem of childhood obesity.
Putnam discusses what he calls "optimal stimulation" and analyzes the role of dopamine in an exercise program, and "the runner's high." He considers the wide range of needs that children may have and offers suggestions on how parents may help their child find the right exercise program. He considers motivation and the family dynamics that either foster or hinder the child's opportunity to exercise.
Putnam clearly believes that the use of drugs to treat a hyperactive child should be the treatment of last choice, and I couldn't agree more. Who knows what the long-term effects might be? Read this book and see how you as a parent might be able to make a healthy choice for your child.
In "Nature's Ritalin for the Marathon Mind" Steve Putnam has gotten the word out on the body-mind connection and the effect of exercise on the brains neurochemical system. More importantly, this is done in an easy to read manner making it possible for those in need to understand and to be able to develop a plan that is workable for them.
There is no one treatment for these children. A combination of medication, therapy, and a consistent daily routine is needed. Often exercise is completely neglected but can, as is pointed out in Putnam's credible book, address a number of psychiatric diagnoses while building self esteem, developing consistency in daily routines, and enhancing the general health of our youth. All of these issues need to be seriously addressed in our culture. The rationale to use the "marathon mind" in this positive, healthy way is completely plausable and could greatly decrease or make more manageable these problems for many children and their families. In some cases it may even eliminate the need for medication or placement outside the family home.
I hope the general public and the professionals working with our youth heed this important message. The book is an essential read for anyone living or working with children with these issues.
It's the simple and obvious that is so often forgotten or dismissed. Putnam effectively outlines how exercise impacts behavior, mental acuity, attitude and pleasure. While the book is intended to address the issues associated with ADHD, it is applicable to any parent, child, teacher or adult seeking possible avenues for relief and release. His casual writing style, anecdotal fodder and how-to approach makes this book an easy read and useful resource for anyone who deals with kids (or is a kid at heart).
Given the increasingly sedate nature of our culture, this book is an inexpensive and valuable resource for anyone trying to balance attitudes, actions and performance.
Of course, parents dealing with ADHD children have tremendous challenges. I've witnessed the trauma an ADHD family faces, particularly when medication is not effective and/or accepted. This book provides some wonderful possibilities for these frustrated, exhausted parents, to redirect and focus their child's intellect through exercise. Putnam doesn't claim (and carefully cautions readers to seek expert input) to offer a panacea, but does provide some interesting, documented and easily implemented ideas for encouraging and monitoring regular physical activity in the ADHD child with the goal of minimizing symptoms and encouraging excellence.
