KIDS' MEDICINES

GLENCOE -- Regarding the Nov. 22 article "Medicine in kids' hands," I was
astounded our schools have allowed children to dispense their own
medications. Despite cutbacks in spending, under no circumstances should
children dispense their own medications.

But what is even more alarming is the quote by Bettye Endicott, a principal
consultant for school health services at the Illinois Board of Education,
who said, "Years ago, a nurse could expect maybe two children all year long
to have medication in school. Now it's almost like being in a hospital ward."

These are chilling words on the type of health care we are giving children.
Is it any wonder we have a drug problem in this country? Children are given
medications to calm them down, to suppress their colds, coughs, fevers,
suppress their emotions and take away their pain. But is this all good?

Symptoms are the body's attempt to tell us there is a problem and, in some
cases, to rectify the problem. A fever is an excellent example. Fever
increases the body's defense by making the body inhospitable for bacteria
and viral invaders. Moreover, fever increases the activity of white blood
cells, the body's army against foreign invaders.

Many children's symptoms of hyperactivity are the manifestation of a poor
high-carbohydrate diet and a nervous system that is stimulated beyond
normal. They are also acting out in a desperate attempt to get the
attention they need. Ritalin is not the answer for all. Ritalin is a
stimulant that can suppress a child's appetite and affect his growth.
Furthermore, there is a higher rate of cocaine addiction later in life of
children who have been given this stimulant for years and years, sometimes
beginning as early as age 3.

I believe we can solve this dilemma in the schools by changing the methods
in which we are attempting to care for our children. The solution is not
having more nurses; the solution is giving children less medication. But
until this happens, I am not in support of self-administered medication
among children.

Warren Bruhl

Diplomate, International Council Chiropractic Pediatrics.

Checked-by: Mike Gogulski