"Pesticides: Now More Than Ever"

Dr. Melillo has long recognized pesticides as one of the underling factors affecting children in the "perfect storm" that has led to the marked increase in incidence of neurodevelopmental disorders. Now pesticides are being called out by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) a factor in neurodevelopmental disorders as well as cancer and other significant health issues. The New York Times published an op-ed piece today citing pesticides on our produce affecting our children "now more than ever." From a neurodevelopmental perspective, this is "including lowered I.Q., autism, attention disorders and hyperactivity." Below find the article, "Pesticides: Now More Than Ever" written by Mark Bittman of the New York Times. 

By MARK BITTMAN

Mark Bittman on food and all things related.

How quickly we forget.
After the publication of “Silent Spring,” 50 years ago, we (scientists, environmental and health advocates, birdwatchers, citizens) managed to curb the use of pesticides[1] and our exposure to them — only to see their application grow and grow to the point where American agriculture uses more of them than ever before.
And the threat is more acute than ever. While Rachel Carson[2] focused on their effect on “nature,” it’s become obvious that farmworkers need protection from direct exposure while applying chemicals to crops[3] . Less well known are the recent studies showing that routine, casual, continuing — what you might call chronic — exposure to pesticides is damaging not only to flora but to all creatures, including the one that habitually considers itself above it all: us.
As usual, there are catalysts for this column; in this case they number three.

I was impressed by a statement by the American Association of Pediatrics — not exactly a radical organization — warning parents of the dangers of pesticide and recommending that they try to reduce contact with them. The accompanying report calls the evidence “robust” for associations between pesticide exposure and cancer (specifically brain tumors and leukemia) and “adverse” neurodevelopment, including lowered I.Q., autism, and attention disorders and hyperactivity. (Alzheimer’s, obviously not a pediatric concern, has also been linked to pesticide exposure.)
This reminded me of recently disclosed evidence showing that pesticide exposure in pregnant women may be obesogenic — that is, it may cause their children to tend to become obese. The mechanism for this is beginning to be understood, and it’s not entirely shocking, because many pesticides have been shown to be endocrine disruptors, changing gene expression patterns and causing unforeseen harm to health.
And that in turn prompted me to recall that genetically engineered crops, ostensibly designed in part to reduce the need for pesticides, have — thanks to pesticide-resistant “superweeds” — actually increased our pesticide use steadily over the last decade or so. (In general, fields growing crops using genetically engineered seeds use 24 percent more chemicals than those grown with conventional seeds.)
Although these all caught my attention, the most striking non-event of the last year — decade, generation — is how asleep at the wheel we have all been regarding pesticides. Because every human tested is found to have pesticides in his or her body fat. And because pesticides are found in nearly every stream in the United States, over 90 percent of wells, and — in urban and agricultural areas — over half the groundwater. So Department of Agriculture data show that the average American is exposed to 10 or more pesticides every day, via diet and drinking water.
This shouldn’t be surprising: pesticide drift is a term used to describe the phenomenon by which almost all pesticides — 95 to 98 percent is the number I’ve seen — wind up on or in something other than their intended target. (This means, of course, that in order to be effective more pesticides must be used than would be necessary if targeting were more accurate.)
Much damage has been done, and it’s going to get worse before it gets better. The long-term solution is to reduce pesticide use, and the ways to do that include some of the typical laundry-list items that find their way into every “how to improve American agriculture” story: rotate crops, which reduces attacks by invasive species; employ integrated pest management, which basically means “think before you spray”; better regulate pesticides (and both increase funding for and eliminate the revolving door policy at the Environmental Protection Agency) with an eye toward protecting the most vulnerable — that is, farmworkers, anyone of childbearing age, and especially women in their first trimester of pregnancy
[4]; give farmers options for “conventional,” that is, non-genetically engineered seeds (around 95 percent of all seeds for soy, corn and cotton contain a pesticide-resistant gene, which encourages wanton spraying); and in general move toward using more organic principles.
Note, please, that only this last strategy helps us protect ourselves and our families now. But although there’s the usual disclaimer that not everyone can afford organic food, at a time when organic food has been under attack it’s important to remember that part of the very reason for its existence is to bring food to the market that, if not free of all traces of pesticides — remember drift — at least contains none that have been applied intentionally. Charles Benbrook, in his excellent 2008 report “Simplifying the Pesticide Risk Equation: The Organic Option” estimates that organic food production would reduce our overall exposure to pesticides by 97 percent; that is, all but eliminate it.[5]
If I were of child-rearing age now, or the parent of young children, I would make every effort to buy organic food. If I couldn’t do that, I would rely on the Environmental Working Group’s guide to pesticides in produce. (Their “Dirty Dozen” lists those fruits and vegetables with highest pesticide residues, and their “Clean Fifteen” notes those that are lowest.) But regardless of age, we need to stay awake, and remember that the dangers of pesticides are as real now as they were half a century ago.

The Ten Principles of Brain Balance, By: Dr. Robert Melillo

Buy Disconnected Kids Today! The Brain Balance Program is the most comprehensive approach to the treatment of autism, ADHD, Asperger's syndrome, dyslexia, and the host of other neurobehavioral and neuroacademic disorders. It is a totally holistic program that has proven to achieve measurable changes in behavior and academic performance. At best, it can permanently correct these disorders -- meaning symptoms totally disappear. At least, symptoms will markedly diminish so that a child can resume or begin to function in the real world, both socially and academically. The success of Brain Balance Program is based upon ten unique principles that we simply call The Ten Principles of Brain Balance.

1. Childhood neurobehavioral and neuroacademic disorders are actually one condition with different sets of symptoms. Brain Balance recognizes the majority of childhood neurological conditions as one disorder, Functional Disconnection Syndrome[FDS]. Children display different symptoms depending on the part or parts of the brain affected. 2. The underlying problem is a dysfunction in either the left or the right hemisphere that puts the brain out of sync. All human functions are distributed in either the left or the right side of the brain, not both. To function properly, however, the brain must work as a whole. Symptoms of FDS differ depending on whether the dysfunction is caused by a reduction of function on one side or an exaggeration of function on the other. 3. The problem and the dysfunctions must be accurately identified. Brain Balance is specialized to assess, document and objectively quantify FDS though the use of state-of-the-art testing in specific areas of function. 4. The only way to correct the problem is to fix the imbalance, not treat the symptoms. Fix the functional imbalance and the symptoms go away. Treat the symptoms with medication -- the current and most popular approach -- and brain function will never improve. Symptoms will return as soon as the medication wears off. 5. All functional problems in the brain must be addressed individually. If all the dysfunctions in the brain are not corrected, the symptoms will return and the problem will continue. Each function must be addressed one at a time.

6. Success is achievable through a hemispheric-based program. The only way to correct the imbalance is to stimulate the side of the brain that is out of balance without directly affecting the other side. Brain Balance uses a three-pronged program that includes sensory motor, academic exercises [with behavioral techniques] and a nutrition program. 7. Same Time Integration gets the brain back in sync. The Brain Balance Program addresses each impaired function individually at first and gradually integrates exercises to achieve balance in the timing and rhythm between the left and the right sides of the brain. Same Time Integration incorporates all modalities simultaneously within the same time frame to get the left and the right brains working in synchronization. 8. The brain and body must grow together. Brain Balance is based on new science that shows that if the body is out of balance, the brain is out of balance, and vice versa to an equal degree. 9. The problems are not primarily genetic and are therefore permanently correctable. Brain Balance is based on the scientifically backed belief that the various symptoms of FDS are primarily the result of environmental factors. Genetic predisposition is the result of environmental factors that only alter the way a gene or genes are expressed. In other words, genes are not destiny.

10. Parents play a crucial role in a child's individual success. Parents have the power to achieve success using the Melillo At-Home Brain Balance Program. To this end, they must be motivated and fully involved in the motivation of their child to complete the required tasks. Correcting a behavior and/or learning disability through professional guidance and school involvement alone is not enough. However, using them in conjunction with the program can be a great help to parents and can even help enhance results.

Change Your Child's Developmental Trajectory -- call your nearest Brain Balance Center today to schedule an Assessment for your child.

Schedule of Events: Dr. Robert Melillo

 

Dr. Melillo in Summit NJ
11/13 & 11/14

 

Please join us the 13th and 14th of November as Brain Balance of Summit hosts 3 different events with Dr. Melillo. Details below.
RSVP for all events to:
(908) 517-1101 or bbacsummit@brainbalancecenters.com

Book Signing Event: Disconnected Kids

Where: Barnes and Noble – Livingston Mall
When: 10:30am 11/13
Address: 112 Eisenhower Parkway, Livingston, NJ 07039

Free Lecture for Parents and Professionals

Where: Summit High School Auditorium
When: 7:00pm 11/13
Address: 125 Kent Place Boulevard, Summit, NJ 07901

Book Signing Event: Disconnected Kids

Where: [words] Bookstore
When: 10:30am 11/14
Address: 179 Maplewood Avenue, Maplewood, NJ 07040

Testimonals

Below please find three testimonials from very happy parents of Brain Balance of Summit graduates! 
We are so proud of each and every one of our graduates, and we wish them all the best of luck! 

1. Our first young man, came to us about a year ago. He brought a smile to each one of our faces, and his hard work and determination was an inspiration to all of us:

Joseph is a sweet, very active 10 year-old boy. Joseph was diagnosed with Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAP), and he had difficulty focusing and attending in the classroom. It wasn’t until the summer going into the 4th grade that I noticed his auditory processing was getting in the way of his keeping up with conversations among his peers. It was heartbreaking for me to watch him and know he wanted to contribute, but just couldn’t get the words together in time. I knew I had to do something, and more tutors were just not the answer. We needed to make a change from within.

We were referred to Brain Balance (BB) by a fellow soccer mom. We used to share our concerns for our boys sideline every Saturday, and when she enrolled her son, I began to learn more about BB. My curiosity was peaked: After reading extensively about BB we decided to have our son, Joseph, tested. The test validated many issues and behaviors and actually made a lot of sense in terms of why Joseph would react to certain situations. As it turned out Joseph was holding onto many primitive reflexes.

We enrolled Joseph with the main goal of improving his oral expression, ability to focus and attend in the classroom, and his reading comprehension. At first, the program was very daunting, but as my mother always said, “you eat an elephant piece by piece,” and we did. We embraced all the demands and routines immediately as there was no time to waste if we wanted to get the most out of this program. Within two weeks, we had our routine down: we did exactly what was recommended as far as exercises, class attendance and diet. Oddly enough, I thought Joseph would give me a problem going to sessions 3 times/wk, but he loved it! I always got an “Awesome!” when I asked, “How was your session?” He loved each instructor, and they really seemed to keep the kids engaged and motivated.

We started seeing positive and negative changes a third of the way through the program. One big positive change was that Joseph started asking more questions about everything, almost like a switch was turned on and he began to notice his surroundings in a whole new way. His teachers noticed a better focused Joseph, and his eye contact was improving. As we had been warned, there was also some regressive behavior (the negative) that was very evident and persistent for a good 4-5 weeks. He became argumentative and obstinate as if he was revisiting his terrible 3’s. We weren’t too worried as we were advised to hang in there while his right hemisphere was actually playing catch up with the other side, and it eventually did. Since Joseph has completed the program he has achieved increased focus and attention in class and at home, is better able to follow written directions, his eye contact is fantastic, his oral expression has greatly improved, and he increased multiple grade levels in areas more specific such as math and reading. He is also more willing to share his experiences with other adults and friends and isn’t as shy. Although we were not looking for increased athletic ability, his hand eye coordination and balance have greatly improved.

It is too difficult to pick just one, single-most-important change because there are so many. However, I would say it is Joseph’s overall awareness of where he is and his ability to follow the conversation or topic in the room. In the past he would either drift off or simply walk away as it was too overwhelming. Now he get’s it! We can really see he is following the conversation and shows sincere interest.

The best advice I could give anyone considering the program: it is a lot of work, but do exactly what is recommended for your child. There are no excuses for 12 weeks: do the exercises, don’t cheat (you are only cheating your child), stick with it and you will see the results. It really works. This is one of those many commitments in life that truly is you only get out of what you put in. Remember, it’s only 12 weeks! I remember our last session riding up the mountain to Summit and Joseph said “Wow I can’t believe this our last time, this went really fast!” As parents, we will do anything to help our children, and this program pushes the limit, but the reward is priceless.

We got so lucky to find such a great program that works, but we also were very fortunate to work with Betsy and her very professional staff. Betsy’s thorough knowledge and experience was always a great source of support. Erin who runs the office was always pleasant and knowledgeable and if she didn’t know the answer she would always get back to me in a timely manner. Sara Ann and Chrissy are wonderful educators who were tough but kind and supportive and always motivating Joseph to try harder. Lastly, Casey went over the top to help with Joseph’s elimination diet, and my endless nutrition questions. She was always suggesting new foods or web sites and couldn’t have been more supportive. Overall, it was very obvious the Summit Brain Balance staff truly cares for their students and they were integral in Joseph’s success at Brain Balance.

2. Our next young man came to us over the summer. He traveled a very long way to see us three times a week. We are so proud of the success that he was able to achieve:

My son was an easy-going loving boy until he turned 3.  Then something changed. He couldn’t stay still and would get very aggressive and abusive.  We started getting phone calls from school. That’s when we started looking for a reason and a solution. A Psychologist evaluation, occupational therapist evaluation, neurologist evaluation, the list is never ending. By the time he turned 7, we finally got an ADHD and Sensory Disorder diagnosis. When I was browsing the bookstore, I came across “Disconnected Kids”. I read the first 10 pages in the store, went home, found the closest Brain Balance Center to us and called them.  We started the program 2 months later. Can I say he’s a completely different child now that he’s done with the program- no, he’s not. But the small changes that happened throughout the program are amazing. 

The child, who would only eat one meal a day, forcefully, because he was never hungry, now eats 3-4 times a day. He experiments with his food, and eats foods I never thought he would touch.  

The child, who never liked to be hugged or kissed (couldn’t stand the skin to skin contact), now hugs and kisses me every day.

The child, who used to have tantrums because he couldn’t get what he wanted, now rationalizes, and asks me what he can do to earn what he wants.

The child, who I used to spend 2 hours trying to catch so he could do his homework, now comes home and sits down to do his homework all by himself.

This is just a small portion of the changes we see. If you look at each change separately- it doesn’t look like a big deal, but all of them together have made our life so much easier. Now I have a mature 8-year old boy, who I can have full and interesting conversations with, who understands his responsibilities, and follows through with his promises.

The Summit Brain Balance Center has people who really care about your child and kids feel that. My son loved going there, and not once complained that he wouldn’t go.  Would I do it again, now that I see the results? In a heartbeat.

3. Our third testimonial is from one of our few young ladies that have gone through this program. She worked so hard, and in the end left with an amazing experience:

Our daughter “Sam” had been suffering with a multitude of issues from a very young age that were getting worse and worse with each passing year – severe anxiety, phobias, frequent temper tantrums, poor eating and sleeping habits, sensory issues, and learning disabilities.  In the fall of 2009, she began pulling out her eyelashes at the age of seven, and we began a three-year journey into a disorder called trichotillomania.

We sought help for our daughter from numerous health care professionals such as psychologists, social workers, neurologists, and psychiatrists, trying cognitive behavioral therapy, habit reversal training, and ultimately, medication.  They all kept saying, “it’s anxiety…” but we felt it was deeper-rooted than that.  Anxiety lived inside something else going on in her brain. 

I read a lot of information online and came across Dr. Melillo’s book, Disconnected Kids.  It caught my eye as a revolutionary new approach to treating kids with emotional, social, and academic problems – all issues we were dealing with! At that time, I put the book aside and continued conventional measures, but still saw no real improvement.  After a meeting with her IEP team last spring, after a year of her being pulled out to a resource room for her learning disabilities, we decided we needed a new plan. 

After seeing an add in a Kid’s Guide booklet in my pediatrician’s office for the Brain Balance Center in Summit, I was brought back to a feeling that Dr. Melillo’s approach might be the answer we were looking for.  The owner, Betsy, and her staff of coaches there were so knowledgeable and supportive.  Everything made sense – we were impressed with the testing process and the in-depth individualized instruction we received there.

Most importantly, Samantha thrived with each passing week!  She became more focused, calm, and confident.  At some point during the course of the program, it was like a light switched on and eyelashes began to come in!  By the end of the program, the eyelashes are fully grown in, and we have not seen any evidence of the trichotillomania returning.  We had tried everything before, and have no other explanation than that Brain Balance works!  We now have a confident, thriving, ten-year-old daughter. As in all parts of life, there is always room for improvement, but we have to say that Brain Balance changed our family’s life and we are forever grateful. 

 

Who we are: Brain Balance Achievement Center

Brain Balance Achievement Center is a multi-modal, non-medical approach that addresses the root cause of behavioral, academic, and social challenges.Our program is based on the work of Dr. Robert Melillo, who has been working with children with neuro-developmental issues for 20 years. Not only is he a ground-breaking neurologist, but he is also the best-selling author of both Disconnected Kids and Reconnected Kids. Based on his research we focus on the underlying "functional disconnection". Functional Disconnection is an imbalance in the connections and functions between and within the hemispheres of your child's brain. When a child has a functional disconnection, information is not allowed to be processed the way it should be, creating a complexity of hemispheric weaknesses. Our goal is to correct the imbalance by stimulating the weaker hemisphere to achieve inter-hemispheric communication, improve functionality, and lay the groundwork for future development. 

To gain a full understanding of your child’s functional disconnection we must first "meet your child where they are." This means that we want to find out at what level your child is working, so we can build upon that. We can not ask an 8 year old to read a word problem and then do the multiplication to find the answer before that 8 year old can first master reading comprehension.  And we cannot ask that same 8 year old to successfully ride a bike, if we don't first figure out if they can feel how their body is in space, so that they can maintain the balance and synchronization that they need to ride down the block. 

In order to do this, we must first conduct a 2 part comprehensive assessment of your child's brain and body function. Your child will first partake in a 2 hour sensory motor evaluation, and then come in and participate in a 2 hour cognitive evaluation. After that we will schedule for you to meet with our center director to discuss the strength and weaknesses that your child displays. Then, by integrating physical and cognitive exercises we are able to correct the underlying imbalance, improve function, and reduce/eliminate negative behaviors. 

Brain Balance also integrates a comprehensive nutrition component to the program. The brain and gut are directly connected, which means that when a child has a deficit in one of their hemispheres, they consequently have a deficit in their stomach. This deficit causes "leaky gut." Leaky gut, in short, allows what the child is eating to leak into the body and cause inflammation. That inflammation, caused by food sensitivities, then manifests itself in negative outward behaviors. To address this all of our children are required to have blood drawn in order for it to be tested for food sensitivities. The nutrition coach then works very closely with each family to help them develop a individualized elimination diet for their child.

Brain Balance believes that the brain can change it's self. Once we understand where your child is coming fromwe can then custom design physical and cognitive activity plans and easy-to-follow dietary guidelines to establish proper connections and improve rhythm and timing. This multifaceted approach helps your child achieve optimum body and brain function.