Back to School

Wouldn’t you like to give your children a head start in the coming school year? Dr Jason Mallia shows you how.

- Jason Mallia

Going back to school, or the first day at a new school, can be a stressful time for children. They have a lot to deal with, including new teachers, new friends, new rules and a bombardment of new information. And all this has to be taken in and dealt with in a very short space of time! It’s therefore not unusual for excitement and anticipation to be combined with a certain level of anxiety, and even dread, about the tasks and situations that lie ahead. Fortunately there are some great solutions in naturopathic medicine.

GET THE BRAIN FIRING ON ALL CYLINDERS!

It is well documented that certain herbs can support brain function and help in dealing with stress. These include Bacopa monnieri (brahmi), Ginkgo biloba and gotu kola. These medicinal herbs have been shown to improve memory and learning in children by balancing brain neurotransmitters such as dopamine, acetylcholine and serotonin. Balancing brain chemicals goes a long way towards improving focus, concentration and memory.

DEALING WITH STRESS AND ANXIETY

It’s important to address any stress or anxiety that a child is experiencing at the beginning of a new school year, as these have been shown to interfere with confidence, attention and behaviour.