|
[back]
|
Your
teen's good health depends on so many things: Avoiding peer pressure
to drink alcohol and smoke cigarettes, getting enough sleep, exercising
and eating nutritious foods. You can teach your teen many of these
behaviors by being a healthy role model yourself. By being straightforward
and by encouraging open communication, you can help keep your teen
healthy. Be sure to check out the many resources available to parents
to learn more about teen health. Consider these tips for helping
your teen establish a healthy lifestyle:
| 1. |
Emphasize
the importance of responsible self-care, including regular
exercise, nutrition and good oral and skin hygiene. Be a role
model for good-health practices. |
| 2.
|
Talk
to your health care professional if you're worried that your
teen is overweight. Arrange for an obesity assessment and
for an evaluation for the medical conditions that can be associated
with obesity, such as Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. |
| 3. |
Don't
criticize your teen's weight or body shape. Before starting
any weight-loss plan for your teen, discuss your concerns
with your teen's health care professional. He or she may refer
you to a registered dietitian or to a weight-management program
designed for teens. |
| 4. |
Answer
your teen's questions about sex honestly and provide resources
to help him or her make safe and healthy decisions about sex.
Bring the topic up if he or she doesn't. |
| 5.
|
Make
age-appropriate rules and enforce them. |
| 6.
|
Encourage
your teen to get at least nine hours of sleep each night. |
| 7. |
Instruct
teens on how to use over-the-counter (OTC) medications safely
and appropriately and how to follow labeling instructions.
Be a role model for using all prescription medications as
prescribed and OTCs as directed on the label. Never use more
medicine than instructed. |
| 8. |
Engage
in regular discussions about the powerful influences of peer
pressure. |
| 9. |
Keep
the lines of communication open and avoid judging or preaching. |
| 10. |
Help
your teen learn how to roll with the punches and put life's
stresses into perspective. |
Sources:
American Medical Association, The Nemours Foundation and the Consumer
Healthcare Products Association
Resources
KidsHealth
The Nemours Foundation
www.kidshealth.org/
Web site presents health information and resources for children,
teens and parents.
Advocates
for Youth
2000 M Street NW, Suite 750
Washington, DC 20036
202.419.3420
www.advocatesforyouth.org
Offers range of information for teens, parents and educators on
adolescent reproductive health issues.
|
