RITALIN IS A DANGEROUS, UNNECESSARY DRUG

The News recently published an article claiming that Ritalin was
useful in helping children with "learning disorders." This is false.
Whole-scale drugging of our future generation is becoming widely
accepted in society.

Based upon fraudulent diagnoses, normal children are being fed drugs
classified by the Drug Enforcement Administration as Schedule 2 drugs
- - - the same classification as morphine, opium and cocaine. Such
drugs set up dependency that can lead to drug abuse later in life.
These drugs are denying normal lives to millions of children.

Psychiatrists convincingly pass off these addictive drugs as
"medication," a word that eases the parents' minds by conjuring up
images of a harmless cough syrup prescribed by a kindly family doctor.

Pediatric neurologist Dr. Fred A. Baughman Jr. says no laboratory
tests have been established as diagnostic for Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder. For all the fear instilled in parents about
chemical imbalances in the brain, no test exists to support the claim.
Baughman believes that if the majority of children labeled with such
disorders had learned to read properly, they would never have been
labeled as having a disorder.

If children are exhibiting unexplained behaviors, such as
hyperactivity, inappropriate behavior or depression, they should be
seen by a medical doctor and tested for allergies or other underlying,
undiagnosed physical problems, which often manifest as psychiatric
symptoms. Adverse reactions to common prescription drugs can also
create unwanted behavior.

Parents should ensure that their children are learning all the basics
in education. Phonics and simple dictionaries can help them fully
understand the words, symbols and terminology used in books and
lessons. If this doesn't correct the problem, consider one-on-one tutoring.

Children do not need labels. They need proper help. If an "expert"
believes a child has a "brain disease" and should be on addictive
drugs, the parents should look elsewhere for solutions.

Mary L. Reile Elma

Checked-by: Patrick Henry