Teen Health Tips

The life of a teenager is hectic, at best. You have to deal with classes in school, club meetings, after-school sports, family outings and sometimes even work. While your life is getting busier and busier, it is important that you take some time out to keep track of your own health and well being.

Eat Breakfast

• Start every day with some sort of breakfast. Studies have shown that students who eat breakfast every day do better scholastically than those who skip it. Make sure you pick up something to take with you on the run if you can't eat before you leave the house. Fruits, bagels and juice boxes are easy to carry and can be enjoyed on the bus or in the car on the way to school.

Carry Healthy Snacks

• You probably have a busy schedule, running from school to club meetings and then to sporting events. Resist the urge to curb your hunger cravings in fast food restaurants. Carry a few healthy snacks (such as unbuttered popcorn, pretzels or dried fruits) to tide you over until you can have a proper meal.

Sleep

• Try to get at least seven to nine hours of sleep every night. Your metabolism will slow down if you are tired, resulting in weight gain, and you won't be able to concentrate, resulting in lower grades.

  Don't fool yourself into thinking you have to stay up until the wee hours of the morning cramming for an exam, either. You'll do better if rely on the information you've already studied and get a good night's sleep than you will if you stay up all night and attempt to take your exam on only two to three hours of rest.

Stretching

• If you're like most students, you spend a lot of time on school buses, carrying heavy book bags and sitting in uncomfortable student chairs. Take some time between classes to stretch your neck, back and legs. Doing so will help you to keep your body flexible and will eliminate some of the aches and pains associated with prolonged sitting and the carrying of those heavy books.

Smart Weight Loss

• It's no secret that the media has had a huge influence on the way teens perceive their bodies, and many are preoccupied with their weight and appearance. It's important to take a sensible approach if you legitimately need to lose weight. Talk to your parents or doctor about the best ways to modify your diet and exercise programs to ensure you remain energized and healthy while eating the most nutritious foods possible.

  Don't try starvation or fad diets. They don't work and if used over long periods of time they could have severe impacts on your health.