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Adults Get Adhd Too

SELF-CARE CORNER

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is not just a childhood condition. Some people had it as a child and now have it as an adult. But if they never got a diagnosis of ADHD as a child, they may not know they have it.

People who have ADHD find it hard to pay attention. They can also have trouble controlling impulses.

Trouble with attention

Everyone has trouble focusing sometimes. But a person may have ADHD if they often:

* Ignore details or make careless mistakes

* Have trouble staying on task

* Are easily distracted

* Don’t listen when someone talks to them

* Don’t follow instructions or complete tasks

* Are disorganized, messy or can’t manage their time

* Lose things like keys, wallet or phone

* Forget to do tasks and activities

* Avoid or dislike tasks that require attention and focus

Hyperactivity & impulse control

People with ADHD may also have hyperactivity and impulsivity. Signs include:

* Blurting things out or interrupting

* Fidgeting or squirming

* Inability to wait in lines

* Talking too much

* Being restless or unable to sit down for long

* Inability to enjoy quiet, leisurely time

Self-care

Adults who have ADHD may be able to improve their symptoms with home care. Try these tips:

* Keep a routine each day, including consistent wake and bed times.

* Make lists for tasks and activities you want to get done each day and check them off as you do them.

* Have a special place for your keys, wallet and other important items.

* Break down large tasks into small, manageable steps.

* Consider joining an online or in-person ADHD support group for adults.

Seeing a doctor

ADHD appears during childhood. You would only be diagnosed with ADHD if you had symptoms before age 12. If symptoms only happened during adulthood, it is not likely to be ADHD. There are treatments available for adults, including therapy and medicine. If you have ADHD, it’s important to see your doctor regularly. They can help you manage symptoms and the demands of daily life.

Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians, National Institute of Mental Health

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
A Heavy Load For Kids’ Backs

FAMILY LIFE

We may think of back pain as an adult problem. But back problems can happen to kids, too. Many times, it’s because kids’ backpacks are too heavy.

Kids often carry backpacks to school or activities. They may have books, lunch, clothes or equipment. This all adds up. Backpacks that are too heavy – or that a kid uses incorrectly – can strain the back. It may cause headaches or even damage the spine.

How heavy should it be?

Weigh your child both with and without the full backpack. Then subtract your child’s weight alone from his weight with the backpack.

Kids should not have a backpack that weighs more than 10% of their body weight. If your child weighs 80 pounds, their backpack should be less than 8 pounds. If they weigh 67 pounds, their backpack should be less than 6.7 pounds.

Measuring matters

It’s important to find a backpack that fits your child. If you go to a store, have them try on the backpack. Make sure it is not wider than their back. The pack also should not sit more than 4 inches below the waist.

If you buy online, pay attention to the measurements. Measure your child’s back and see if the pack is too wide or too long for them.

Finding a good pack

Look for these features when shopping for your child’s backpack:

* Two shoulder straps that are wide and padded

* Padding in the back

* Waist strap

* Multiple pockets

* Lightweight material

Show them how to carry

Kids should carry a backpack with the straps over both shoulders. Carrying on one shoulder can hurt their muscles and joints. Tighten the shoulder and waist straps so that they are snug against the body. The backpack should rest over the middle of their back. Put heavy items in the bottom, like books.

Finally, keep it light! See if they can keep certain items at home to lighten their load.

Source: American Academy of Family Physicians

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
988 Crisis Lifeline

SUCCESS OVER STRESS

In response to the changing mental health climate, the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act designated 988 as the new crisis and suicide hotline. This important step forward makes help available 24/7 to anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, or a substance use crisis.

* You can call or text 988 anytime day or night and reach a live person.

* If you have access to a computer, a live chat service is available at988lifeline.org/chat

* Anyone can call 988, whether you are experiencing a crisis yourself or you call on behalf of a loved one.

* 988 connects you with a trained counselor at a local call center who can listen, understand, and provide immediate support.

* A 988-trained counselor can recommend additional local resources for ongoing support.

* Dialing 988 is free and confidential. You do not have to provide any personal information.

* Spanish language service and interpreting services for an additional 250 languages are available.

* Veterans who call 988 can press 1 to be connected to the Veterans Crisis Lifeline.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
6 Ways To Help New Parents

FAMILY LIFE

New parents need the support to weather all the challenges & changes. Try these practical ways to help the new parents in your life.

1. Drop off freezer meals. A fresh meal is greatly appreciated, but having a stash of freezer meals is extra insurance for future tough days.

2. Clean the house. Whether you roll up your sleeves yourself or hire a service, a clean, tidy home can be a big load off a new parent’s mind.

3. Help with yard work. Rake, mow, prune, mulch, water, and weed so mom and dad can focus on the baby.

4. Hold the baby. Sometimes, all new parents need is someone else to snuggle and comfort the baby while they take a nap.

5. Give them a night out. Once the baby is old enough, the greatest gift you can give new parents is a chance to get away on their own and reconnect.

6. Provide a listening ear. New parents spend all day engaging with their baby. They need time to relax and chat with adults too!

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
6 Ways To Boost Productivity

WORK LIFE

When you feel productive, getting tasks done can seem effortless. But, productivity often doesn’t happen on its own. Boost productivity and crush your to-do list.

Cut out distractions

Silence your phone and turn off email notifications. Give yourself 15 to 30 minutes of uninterrupted work at a time. Check your phone or take a stretch break every time you finish a work block.

Write goals down

Take a moment in the morning to write a clear to-do list. Focus on the things you must get done, not wishful thinking. A clear goal is more likely to be achieved.

Break tasks up

Instead of trying to tackle the whole project at once, break it up into smaller tasks. Each piece should feel manageable, making the entire project easier to achieve from start to finish.

Collaborate

Team meetings may seem like a time-waster, but in reality, collaborating with others boosts productivity. Regular check-ins keep everyone on track and hold you accountable for getting positive results.

Take a break

Working pedal to the metal is a recipe for burnout. Regular breaks refresh and energize you making you more productive in the long run. A 10-minute break every hour is a reasonable goal.

Move more

Physical activity during the workday can make you more productive. Movement increases alertness and energy. Try a standing desk, stretching, or walking breaks to get the blood flowing.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
5 Ways To Change Habits

WELL-BEING

Our habits influence our health in many ways. You might have habits that help you stay healthy, such as taking a walk every day. Or you might have some habits you want to change, such as smoking or eating too much sugar.

Changing a habit takes time and effort, but you can do it. These tips will help you stay on track as you work toward healthy change:

1.Change only one thing at time.Trying to overhaul many parts of your life is hard. It can cause stress and make you worry about failure. Don’t change too many things at once.

2.Know why you’re making the change.If you don’t have a good reason, it can be hard to stay motivated. Keep a reason (or two) in mind as you work toward change. For instance, maybe you want to be able to run in a race. Or perhaps you want to lose weight so you can feel healthier or manage a health problem.

3.Get the support or skills you need.If you need help to quit smoking, your doctor can help you find tools to help. If you need help with changing eating habits, ask your doctor about nutrition help. Look for community resources and support groups.

4.Expect setbacks.Nearly everyone has setbacks when they try to change a habit. This is normal. When this happens, remember why you’re making the change. Then put the setback behind you and start again.

5.Avoid tempting situations.Certain things in your immediate environment can make you want to go back to your old habits. Figure out what these things are, and stay away from them. If you know you have trouble with “all you can eat” restaurants, don’t go to them. If you’re trying to quit smoking, avoid situations that make you crave cigarettes.

Finally, make sure your goal is realistic.

Healthy goals should be SMART:

* Specific: Avoid vague statements like, “eat healthier.”

* Measurable: Track milestones and know when you have met them.

* Action-oriented: Commit to your change and take action to meet it.

* Realistic: Avoid lofty, difficult changes.

* Time-based: Give yourself a deadline to meet certain steps toward your goal.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
5 Things About Natural Anxiety Remedies

SELF-CARE CORNER

Nearly everyone has anxiety at times. Stressful situations and important events can make you feel edgy or anxious.

Sometimes, however, anxiety becomes a health problem. It happens frequently and it interferes with your life. This is called an anxiety disorder. If this happens to you, see your doctor. Treatments can help, including therapy and medications. Don’t try natural remedies for an anxiety disorder unless your doctor recommends it.

People who have mild anxiety or occasional stress may look for “natural” or complementary health remedies.

1. Acupuncture is a popular natural anxiety treatment. It involves placing thin needles into the top layer of skin in certain points on the body. If you decide to try acupuncture, see a licensed practitioner who uses sterile, single-use needles.

2. Massage therapy can be relaxing and can feel good on tight, tense muscles. It may help some people with mild stress or occasional anxiety.

3. Mindfulness meditation is a practice of focusing on the present moment. It involves breathing, guided imagery and other methods. It may benefit people who have occasional stress or anxious feelings.

4. Relaxation techniques like deep breathing or relaxing music can lower anxiety before stressful events like medical procedures.

5. Don’t try herbs or dietary supplements without talking to your doctor first. Most of them haven’t been proven to help with stress or anxiety. And some can cause health problems or have dangerous interactions with medications.

If you have anxiety or stress, talk with your health care provider. Together, you can find treatments or options that will help you live a healthy life.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
4 Ways To Save Money At Home

FINANCIAL HEALTH

Homes come with costs. Rent, mortgage, utilities and other expenses can add up. Here are some ways to save right at home that can help your wallet.

Unsubscribe from advertising.

Getting emails from stores and companies can tempt you to buy things you don’t really need.

Cool down the water heater.

Turn down the water heater 10 degrees and you can save 5 percent on water heating costs.

Check your insurance.

Shop for homeowners insurance every year or two. You may find a cheaper plan with the same coverage.

Source: American Academy of Family Physicians

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Four Ways To Develop Empathy

WELL-BEING

The ability to empathize with those around you is essential to healthy relationships. Empathy is essentially the act of understanding and sharing someone else’s feelings.

The more you can empathize, the easier it is to connect with other people.

While empathy may come naturally to some people, for others, it is more difficult. Thankfully, there are ways you can practice empathy and get better at seeing the world from another’s point of view.

*Be curious about others.Get in the habit of asking questions and really trying to understand what someone else is experiencing.

*Learn to listen.If you want to share the feelings of others, you first have to truly hear what they are saying.

*Practice acts of kindness.When you do something kind for another person, it creates an opportunity to imagine what their life is like.

*Step out of your comfort zone.Experiences like traveling or meeting new people let you see the world in a new way.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
4 Tips For Lunchtime Walking

WORK LIFE

Sometimes lunchtime is the only time you have to exercise. That’s OK! Walking at lunch can boost your health. Here’s how to succeed:

1. Keep walking shoes and clothes at work. Then you don’t have to remember them each day.

2. Ask others to go with you. Having a friend can make walking more fun.

3. Put it in your calendar. If it’s scheduled, you may be more likely to do it.

4. Pack a lunch each day. Have healthy food ready to eat when you’re done.

Source: American Heart Association

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026