Important Questions to Ask Teens About Health and Fitness

Teenagers with good health practices will have good health and practices later in life. To start kids off right, keep the lines of communication open. While teens may not want to talk about health or fitness, it is an important topic that often gets overlooked. When you talk to your teenager about health and fitness, try to find ways to talk to him that will make him understand the importance of this topic and what can happen if he doesn't keep his health under control. Always stay open with your child, and keep asking questions and answering his.

How much weekly exercise are you getting?

• According to the American Heart Association (AHA), stressing the benefits of exercise is extremely important; however, it is also important to make it fun for kids. Find ways to get your child involved in exercise that will be fun for him, such as dance or sports. The AHA says that teens should get at least a half an hour of exercise most days of the week. If your teen can't seem to schedule 30 continuous minutes of exercise, it can be broken down into two 15-minute sessions of more intense physical activity. The AHA reports that getting this regular exercise helps to maintain a healthy weight, keeps blood pressure and cholesterol under control, aids in preventing diabetes and boosts a teen's self-esteem.

Do you eat a balanced diet?

• The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) reports that among the top causes for childhood obesity are poor eating habits and overeating. Substituting nutritious, low-fat foods, such as apples, baby carrots, a handful of nuts or grapes, for the more fattening chips, cookies or cakes that your teen may be eating can have a tremendous impact on her seeing changes in weight, energy and mood. Five servings of fruits and vegetables a day is recommended for teens. To get your teen involved in the family's nutrition, the AACAP recommends taking her grocery shopping and having her help with preparing meals.

Are you getting enough sleep?

• The National Sleep Foundation recommends that teens should get eight and a half to nine and a half hours of sleep per night. However, it estimates that only 15 percent of teens get that amount. Insufficient sleep leads to a drop in energy, which can result in disinterest in extracurricular activities and inattention in school, as well as changes in metabolism and mood.