According to Healthline.com, males are almost three times more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than females. During their lifetimes, 13 percent of men will be diagnosed with ADHD. Just 4.2 percent of women will be diagnosed.
Angela Stephens wanted to help her son in school and life, as he had been diagnosed with having ADHD when he was in the fifth grade. She did extensive research, read articles on ADHD, watched many webinars, and participated in seminars. She listened to ADHD experts discuss different ideas that could help her son do better in school, with his friends, nutrition and more.
Stephens spent years having conversations with health experts and individuals to find out which struggles were prevalent, and learned that organizational products, such as print calendars, address books or files, did not work well. Although there were numerous options, many products were usually more frustrating then helpful.
Along the way, Stephens even found herself struggling with remembering usernames, passwords, and security questions. She spent hours visiting websites and office supply stores for something that could help her and her son remember such information.
Thus, the idea and vision of “RE-Focus–The Creative Office” was formed. Stephens is also the president and founder of A. Stephens & Associates, LLC, a 25-year old global executive search firm with a large nutraceutical industry following.
Stephens realized that many of the ideas that could help her son would also help her and her team in their business. She immediately started implementing many of the ideas with the help of her spouse, Darold Sauber.
“Darold, a mechanical engineer by training, has an ability to look at this area with a unique eye to see what was missing and what could work differently,” said Stephens.
Stephens’ son Drake Stephens, who is also a RE-Focus co-founder, helped create products to make school, work and life easier and less taxing for individuals who may struggle with ADHD, ADD, dementia and or just daily struggles.
“Many individuals of all ages have difficulty remembering the smallest things every day,” said Stephens. “They misplace or lose their phone, their keys, a file they have been looking for, a password, and more. This can also be caused by stress, emotional issues in life, or the overall aging process.”
Since not everyone is tech savvy, RE-Focus offers password books for right- and left-handed people, legal and magnetic paper pads, calendars and pillboxes.
Nutritional Help
From a nutrition standpoint, ADHD experts recommend eating fruits, vegetables, complex carbs and lean protein. “But even then, our bodies may need additional nutrients best delivered via supplements,” said Stephens. Her research found the following vitamins and minerals are the most popular for mitigating ADHD symptoms.
- Omega-3s may help with behavior, cognitive skills, and focus. Studies suggest that ADHD-optimized doses are roughly 40 percent as effective as stimulant medication.
- Zinc supplements may reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. Low levels of zinc also correlate with inattention. Very high levels of zinc may be dangerous, so consult with a doctor before taking.
- Some experts believe that iron deficiencies may contribute to ADHD symptoms and that a supplement may improve behavior. Again, check with a doctor as high iron levels may be dangerous.
- Healthy levels of magnesium in the blood can help relax individuals with ADHD and calm a busy brain.
- Vitamin C, according to research is important in modulating the neurotransmitter dopamine at the synapses in the brain. “But do not take vitamin C within an hour of taking ADHD medications,” said Stephens.
- And melatonin is a natural hormone produced in our bodies that promotes sleep. This supplement can help calm racing brains that do not get sleepy on their own.
“At the end of the day we can all reflect on how busy we are and sometimes we just need to stop, take a moment, and RE-Focus,” Stephens said.
Sheldon Baker is a senior member of Baker Dillon Group LLC and has created numerous nutraceutical brand marketing communications and public relations campaigns for well-known supplement and food industry companies. For brand marketing consulting, contact him at [email protected].
