Healthy Living Tips for Teenagers

For many teens, health and wellness issues may not be high on their list of concerns. The daily pressures of dealing with school, friendships, dating and part-time jobs may cause some teens to neglect their health. The habits people adopt as young adults, however, can have an impact on their future health and well-being.

Nutrition

• According to MayoClinic.com, teenage obesity is on the rise in America. This may be due to an increase in sugar consumption. A new study published in "Circulation: The Journal of the American Heart Association" showed that teens consume an average of 120 g of added sugar per day, the equivalent of 480 additional calories. The high levels of sugar consumption among teens could put them at risk for developing heart problems or diabetes later in life, according to the study. Parents can help by talking to their teen about proper nutrition and encouraging healthy eating habits at home.

Sexual Health

• Parents may not want to think about their teen having sex, but the reality is that many teens will become sexually active by high school. Although talking to teenagers about sex may not be easy, MayoClinic.com recommends that parents begin discussing both abstinence and contraceptive options with their teens as soon as possible. This will help them to make an informed decision about whether to have sex and learn how to protect themselves from pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases when they do. If parents are having trouble talking to teens about sex, MayoClinic.com recommends speaking to the family doctor. He can answer any questions the teen may have or offer advice on how parents can broach the topic.

Mental Health

• Depression is very common during the teen years, which may be due to all the physical and mental changes that take place during adolescence. Teens may feel pressured to do well in school, have trouble fitting in with their peers, or struggle to assert their independence. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry says that the best way for parents to protect their child's emotional well-being is by creating a stable, loving home environment where teens feel comfortable talking to their parents about what they are feeling or experiencing. Parents should also watch for signs of depression, such as unexplained weight loss or gain, loss of energy, lack of interest in activities and a sudden drop in grades. The family doctor can help parents and teens find a mental health professional if one is needed.

Risky Behavior

• Many teens also feel compelled to experiment with drugs or alcohol, which could lead to addiction or cause physical harm. Often, teens experiment as a way to relieve stress or anxiety. This is another area where trust and an open, honest relationship between teens and parents is key. Teens should feel comfortable talking to their parents about stress or challenges they are facing in their lives, and parents should be able to help their teens find ways to deal with those feelings in a way that isn't self-destructive.