Keeping Your Teen Healthy
Teen health is a complicated situation for many parents; it may be hard to address, hormones play a role, and more simply, teens may be difficult to communicate with. Nevertheless, it’s important for parents to discuss health issues and preventative measures with their teens to prepare them for adulthood and better their overall wellbeing.
There are a number of issues teens must be aware of. The most common teen health concerns include:
There are a number of issues teens must be aware of. The most common teen health concerns include:
- Acne
- Depression, anxiety, and stress
- Obesity and weight issues
- Drug abuse
- Menstrual disorders
- Sleep disorders
Healthy Diets
Parents should encourage healthy eating habits all the time, but teens often have more freedom to access whatever they want to eat—including fast food. Unless your teen is particularly opposed to junk food, you should share evidences about how unhealthy it is and encourage them to eat smaller portions if it is unavoidable. Teens are rational and may actually take interest in food facts.
Teens should try to eat 3 full meals a day, full of veggies, fruit, and protein. Their activity level decides how many calories they should receive daily; the more active they are, the more calories they should consume. Females should receive 1,600 to 2,400 and males should receive 2,000 to 3,200.
Teens should try to eat 3 full meals a day, full of veggies, fruit, and protein. Their activity level decides how many calories they should receive daily; the more active they are, the more calories they should consume. Females should receive 1,600 to 2,400 and males should receive 2,000 to 3,200.
Exercise in Creative Ways
Exercising isn’t just great for keeping fit, it’s also beneficial for the brain. It is proven that exercise improves moods, reduces stress, and helps maintain regular sleep patterns. Parents should encourage teens to join classes or sports clubs that promote physical activity, occupy free time and help make friends.
If your teen isn’t into group activities, there are still ways to promote exercise right around the household. If your teen does chores, come up with a few that require additional physical activity; washing the car, mopping or vacuuming, or giving the dog a bath and walk are great ideas.
While chores usually provide incentive to get moving, privileges like watching television and playing on the phone often promote sedentary habits. Parents can buy yoga balls, weights, treadmills, and other exercise equipment that teens can use while watching their favorite shows. The monotony of exercise won’t be what your teen is focused on anymore.
If your teen isn’t into group activities, there are still ways to promote exercise right around the household. If your teen does chores, come up with a few that require additional physical activity; washing the car, mopping or vacuuming, or giving the dog a bath and walk are great ideas.
While chores usually provide incentive to get moving, privileges like watching television and playing on the phone often promote sedentary habits. Parents can buy yoga balls, weights, treadmills, and other exercise equipment that teens can use while watching their favorite shows. The monotony of exercise won’t be what your teen is focused on anymore.
Mindful Decisions
Teens may not always make the best decisions, but parents can help by simply implementing rules that are age appropriate; or provide teenagers with helpful information. For instance:
- Curfews not only keep kids safe and out of trouble, they encourage an appropriate bedtime. Teenagers should sleep 9-10 hours a night to promote cognitive functioning and stay healthy.
- Technology is great, but too much exposure can be a bad thing. It often distracts from things like homework and sleep, exposes kids to unsuitable material, and reduces socializing. Limited electronic use will also encourage teenagers to be more active.
- Sexual education is important. While abstaining from sex guarantees teens will not contract STD’s or become pregnant, knowledge of safe sex is essential.
Visit AGC Pediatrics
Teenagers should always have regular checkups with their primary care provider. It is recommended that teens see their doctor at least once a year. Not only will your physician monitor behavioral conditions, other elements of overall health like weight and immunizations will be checked consistently.
AGC Pediatrics specializes in children’s health services, including teen weight loss and the prevention of childhood obesity. You can now schedule appointments online! For more information, call (706) 625-5900.
AGC Pediatrics specializes in children’s health services, including teen weight loss and the prevention of childhood obesity. You can now schedule appointments online! For more information, call (706) 625-5900.
