🧠✨ Therapy Thursday: What You Should Know About Red 40 ✨🧠

February 19, 2026

Have you ever noticed your child becoming more hyper, emotional, or unfocused after certain snacks?

One ingredient that may play a role for some children is Red 40 (Allura Red).

🔎 Where does it come from?

‼️Red 40 is a synthetic dye derived from petroleum. It is chemically processed and approved for use in U.S. foods — but it is not naturally occurring.

📚 Research has shown artificial food dyes may contribute to:

• Hyperactivity
• Difficulty focusing
• Mood swings
• Irritability
• Sleep disturbances

This can be especially noticeable in children with:
✔️ ADHD
✔️ Sensory processing challenges
✔️ Autism
✔️ Emotional regulation difficulties

Not every child reacts — but some absolutely do.
If you’re working on improving focus, mood, or behavior, a simple 2–3 week dye reduction trial can be a helpful step.

✔️ Read ingredient labels
✔️ Watch for Red 40, Red 3, Yellow 5, Yellow 6
✔️ Observe behavior changes

Small changes can sometimes create big improvements.

At Carter Healthcare, we look at the whole child — nutrition, sleep, sensory input, medical factors, and emotional support all matter. 💙

If you have questions about your child’s behavior or want guidance, we’re here to help.

#TherapyThursday #WholeChildCare #CarterHealthcare #PediatricWellness #artificialdye

Carter Telehealth’s Appointment Cancellation Policy

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1. Please note that Carter Telehealth requires a 24-hour notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, this includes same day appointments. This will allow us the opportunity to provide care to another patient. Failure to cancel or reschedule your appointment prior to this time will result in a $25 cancellation fee, charged to the card on file.

2. Unfortunately, a “No-Show” or missed appointment, without the proper 24-hour notification will also result in a $25 cancellation fee. We apologize for any inconvenience.

3. If you are 15 or more minutes late for your appointment, you will be considered a “No Show” and the appointment will be cancelled. If you are having trouble logging in and/or know you will be late, please call or text the office at 606-225-4443 to let the provider know and see how they can assist you.

4. As a courtesy, you will receive an appointment reminder call/text/email one day prior to your appointment. Please note, if a courtesy reminder is not received, the cancellation policy remains in effect. The reminder is a courtesy, not a condition to the cancellation policy.

5. Providers at Carter Telehealth are licensed to practice within the state of Kentucky ONLY. For this reason, the patient must be in the state of Kentucky at the time of the telehealth visit or the appointment will be cancelled. A $25 processing fee will be applied to the card on file.

6. If the provider must cancel for any reason, you will be refunded the full amount of the prepayment. Please understand that if/when it happens, we are regretfully cancelling and apologize for any inconvenience it may cause you.

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