Teen Health

Menstuff® has compiled information and books on the issue of teen health. Healt!hCentral.com wants to provide you with all your health news at www.healthcentral.com or editorial@healthcentral.com Visit the Teen Health Center at www.healthcentral.com/Centers/OneCenter.cfm?Center=TeenHealth

Newsbytes

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Newsbytes


Vitamin D And Teens


Doctors say vitamin D deficiency is an often overlooked problem that may affect millions of U.S. adolescents. Often undetected and untreated, vitamin D deficiency puts them at risk for stunted growth and debilitating osteoporosis later in life. Read the story and comments from a Harvard physician.
Source: www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/EMIHC274/333/8015/368863.html

Young Minority Women Don't Get Enough Folic Acid


(merican Academy of Pediatrics - Despite mandatory fortification of foods with folic acid, young minority women do not get enough folic acid and should be counseled to take a daily multivitamin.
Source: www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/EMIHC274/333/8015/368889.html

Caffeine Tied to Sleepless Students


Study raises questions about presence of soda machines in schools.
Source:  www.healthcentral.com/news/NewsFullText.cfm?id=511139

Generation X-Tra Large: Americans Getting Fatter Younger


Americans are getting fatter at younger ages, and the percentage of adults who are actually obese doubled since the 1960s, according to a new study of 9,179 U.S. adults.
Source: American College of Physicians-American Society of Internal Medicine www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/333/9247/351443.html

Autism


Do you know someone who has autism? Autism is a developmental disorder that affects a person's ability to communicate and interact with others. Read this article for teens to learn more.
Source: http://www.kidshealth.org/teen/health_problems/diseases/autism.html
 

Are You Getting Enough Sleep?


Is your backpack weighing you down? There are lots of simple things you can do to take good care of your body. Check out TeensHealth's Body Basics section to find out more.
Source: www.kidshealth.org/teen/body_basics/index.html

How Much Sleep Do I Need?


Until recently, teens were often given a bad rap for staying up late, oversleeping, and sleeping in class. Thanks to new studies, however, adults are beginning to understand - and sympathize with - these patterns.
Source: www.kidshealth.org/teen/body_basics/how_much_sleep.html

Understanding Anemia


Anemia is common in teens because they undergo rapid growth spurts, when the body has a greater need for nutrients like iron. Read this article to understand more about anemia, including how to lower your risk of getting it and how it is treated.
Source: http://www.kidshealth.org/teen/health_problems/diseases/anemia.html

Varicocele


If you've ever had a testicular exam, your doctor may have mentioned that he was looking for swollen veins, or varicoceles. Varicoceles are generally harmless and nothing for guys to worry about.
Source: www.kidshealth.org/teen/health_problems/diseases/varicocele.html

What Are Soy Foods?


You may have heard about soy foods in the news, including claims that soy prevents diseases such as cancer and heart disease. What is the story on soy? Read this article to take a closer look at soy and soy foods.
Source: www.kidshealth.org/teen/nutrition/menu/soy.html

Urinary Tract Infections Common in Teens


Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the second most common reason that teens visit the doctor. If you experience symptoms such as pain or burning during urination that might indicate a UTI, you'll need to visit your doctor. Learn more about dealing with common illnesses in TeensHealth's Infections.
Source: www.kidshealth.org/teen/health_problems/index.html

Have a Chronic Illness? You're Not Alone


If you've been diagnosed with a chronic illness like diabetes or asthma, you may worry about being different from other teens. It's important to know that you are not alone. TeensHealth's Diseases and Conditions section has lots of helpful information.
Source: www.kidshealth.org/teen/health_problems/index.html

Dealing With a Chronic Illness


If you suffer from a chronic illness or know someone who does, you know it can be anything but fun. But you have the opportunity to be better informed and more involved in your care and wellness than ever before. Read on for information and resources to help you deal.
Source: www.kidshealth.org/teen/health_problems/diseases/deal_chronic_illness.html

Dealing with Your Parents' Divorce


Are you dealing with your parents' divorce? Are you trying to adjust to life in a blended family? If you're coping with family problems, you're not alone. Check out TeensHealth's Mind Matters section for some extra help and support.
Source: www.kidshealth.org/teen/mind_matters/index.html

Compulsive Exercise


Compulsive exercise can lead to serious health problems. Many teens don't know when they've crossed the line from healthy activity to unhealthy compulsion. Find out how to tell in this article.
Source: www.kidshealth.org/teen/nutrition/move/compulsive_exercise.html

Kidneys and Urinary Tract


The kidneys are bean-shaped and are each about the size of a child's fist. They perform several functions that are essential to health, the most important of which is to filter blood and produce urine.
Source: www.kidshealth.org/teen/health_problems/library/kidneys.html

Smokeless Tobacco


Chewing, dipping, pinching: these terms are familiar to the millions of teens who use smokeless tobacco. If you're ready to quit or you want to learn more about smokeless tobacco, read this article.
Source: www.kidshealth.org/teen/body_basics/smokeless.html

How can I tell if I'm depressed?


If you've ever asked yourself this, you're not alone. TeensHealth gives the answers to questions that teens like you ask us all the time. Check to see if we've answered one of yours in Q & A.
Source: www.kidshealth.org/teen/question/index.html

How to Make Homework Less Work


Having trouble getting a handle on all of your homework? Get your work space set, your schedule organized, and your studying done using our article for teens.
Source: www.kidshealth.org/teen/mind_matters/school/homework.html

What Is Cholesterol?


Before you start chomping on those cheese fries or that greasy burger, you might want to take a closer look at whether you're getting too much cholesterol.
Source: www.kidshealth.org/teen/nutrition/menu/cholesterol.html

Physical Changes Mean a Balanced Diet


As a teen, you're going through a lot of physical changes. The fuel your body needs should come from a balanced diet that contains the proper nutrients. Check out TeensHealth's vitamin and minerals charts to get the scoop on what you should eat to look and feel great.
Source: www.kidshealth.org/teen/nutrition/menu/vitamins_minerals.html

5 Ways to Heal a Broken Heart


If you feel like your heart has broken, you're not alone. Just about everyone experiences the type of grief we call heartbreak at one time or another.
Source: www.kidshealth.org/teen/mind_matters/feelings/broken_heart.html

Why Are My Breasts Sore?


Just because breast soreness is common among teens doesn't mean you're not worried when it happens to you. Read this article to find out why your breasts are sore and what you can do about it.
Source: www.kidshealth.org/teen/sexual_health/girls/sore_breasts.html

Hygiene Basics


As you've probably noticed, puberty causes all kinds of changes in your body - and some may not make you feel very desirable. Read this article for information on some hygiene basics - and learn how to deal with greasy hair, perspiration, and body hair.
Source: www.kidshealth.org/teen/body_basics/hygiene_basics.html
 

Why Do I Need Testicular Exams?


If you're a guy, you may be wondering why the doctor needs to do a testicular exam. Find out why - and how - the doctor does this in our article.
Source: www.kidshealth.org/teen/sexual_health/guys/testicles.html See also www.tcaw.org

Is Exercise Safe for Teens?


Many teens wonder whether regular exercise might stunt their growth or have other harmful effects. Read this Q & A to ease your mind and get the skinny on growing teens and exercise.
Source: www.kidshealth.org/teen/nutrition/move/safe_exercise.html

What You Should Know About Date Rape


About 80% of people who have been raped knew the person who violated them. This article for teens explains what date rape is, tips for protecting yourself, what to do if you've been raped, and more.
Source: www.kidshealth.org/teen/mind_matters/feelings/date_rape.html

Teens who use herbals more likely to abuse drugs


High school students who use herbal products may also be more likely to use cigarettes, alcohol and illicit drugs, researchers reported at the Society for Adolescent Medicine annual meeting. The 1999 survey of a random sample of more than 2,000 high school students living in Monroe County, New York found that about 29% of students said they used herbal products to either feel better or perform better in sports or school. Those students were almost six times as likely to use cocaine, almost seven times as likely to use methamphetamine, almost nine times as likely to use heroin, and about eight items as likely to use other illegal drugs.

It is suggested that youth keep open the lines of communication with their parents and with all of their sources of healthcare, including their conventional physician. Let the adults know what you are using, and how it is affecting you, so physicians can provide the best source of care possible. (Editor: Caution: All three studies were done at the same University. Know that many studies are conducted by vested interest groups, especially the "conventional" medical system. See where the money flows.)

Source: www.healthlinkusa.com/getpage.asp?http://www.reutershealth.com/cgi-bin/frame2?top=/tops/eline.html&left=/elinel.html&right=/archive/2002/03/11/eline/links/20020311elin017.html

Adults should get more involved with kids in community


While adults know it is important to interact and encourage children in their community, all too often that interaction does not occur, a survey shows.
Source: www.healthcentral.com/news/newsfulltext.cfm?ID=47040&src=n43

Wrestlers may Leave the Mat with Fungal Infection


You might expect that wrestlers swap blood, sweat and tears during a match. However, new research shows they may walk away from the mat with yet another unwanted 'prize' -- a fungal infection.
Source: www.healthcentral.com/news/newsfulltext.cfm?ID=46704&src=n43

Study suggests Ritalin abuse occurs on campus


A new survey of students at a small college in Massachusetts suggests that recreational use of the prescription stimulant methylphenidate--known also as Ritalin--may be happening on campuses across the country.

Source: www.healthcentral.com/news/newsfulltext.cfm?ID=46457&src=n43

Kids say sports, hobbies help them avoid drugs


When asked what anti-drug efforts work, American children point to family ties, sports and hobbies as their personal "anti-drugs," according to survey findings released by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP).
Source: www.healthcentral.com/news/newsfulltext.cfm?ID=46423&src=n43

'Sweet 16' Birthday Gift Causes Concern in Britain


Jenna Franklin is only 15 but she thinks she knows the secret to a successful future -- bigger breasts. Jenna's parents want their daughter to be happy, so they've agreed t!o pay for breast enlargements as a 16th birthday present. The unusual gift grabbed tabloid headlines Thursday, as Britons debated what kind of society places such a high value on appearance, particularly for young women.
Source: www.healthcentral.com/news/newsfulltext.cfm?ID=46625&src=n43

Nose jobs are okay, but implants aren't?


While I agree that the British teenager whose mother wants to give her breast implants is too young for the surgery, I question all the fuss about this particular operation. Many teens get nose jobs or breast reductions -- why are those okay to do?
Source: www.healthcentral.com/drdean/DeanFullTextTopics.cfm?ID=46633&src=n43

Alcohol-abusing teens risk long-term problems


Most teenagers who are problem drinkers are not simply going through a "phase," new research suggests. Instead, kids who abuse alcohol often see their drinking problems and mental health worsen as they age. www.healthcentral.com/news/newsfulltext.cfm?ID=46359&src=n49

Program helps young girls accept their body size


Bombarded by media images of rail-thin celebrities and preyed upon by advertisers who use these images to set cultural standards of beauty, many girls are already veterans of the war on body fat by the time they reach puberty. www.healthce!ntral.com/news/newsfulltext.cfm?ID=46522&src=n49

Pain relievers are overused by high school athletes


High school football players may! be putting themselves at risk for serious kidney damage. According to results of a recent study, most players take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are available over the counter, as often as every day without realizing that chronic use may cause serious gastrointestinal and kidney damage. www.healthcentral.com/news/newsfulltext.cfm?ID=45835&src=n43

Teen drug use holds steady in Y2K


Illicit drug use among teen-agers held steady in 2000 for the fourth straight year, and cigarette smoking declined significantly, the government reported Thursday. www.healthcentral.com/news/newsfulltext.cfm?ID=45878&src=n43

Teen ecstasy use bucks positive overall drug trends


Rates of illegal drug use among American teens remained stable between 1998 and 1999, continuing a plateau reached after a rise in drug use seen in the early 1990s, according to an annual national survey released Thursday by the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). www.healthcentral.com/news/newsfulltext.cfm?ID=45910&src=n43

Young marijuana smokers at highest addiction risk


People who begin using marijuana early are more likely than others to become dependent, new findings show. In a study of over 2700 marijuana users in Ontario, Canada, those who started smoking at 17 years or later were twice as likely to eventually quit compared with those who started at 14 years or younger. www.healthcentral.com/news/newsfulltext.cfm?ID=45774&src=n43

Getting involved in school is good for teen health


Teens who feel more connected to their schools report better health and less risky health behavior than those who do not feel involved, according to results of a survey. www.healthcentral.com/news/newsfulltext.cfm?ID=44853&src=n43

Meningitis vaccine recommended for college students


The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Meningitis Foundation of America are recommending that college students living in dorms be vaccinated against meningitis, a potentially fatal infection of the brain and spinal cord. www.healthcentral.com/news/newsfulltext.cfm?ID=45333&src=n43

School failure, peers predict high-risk teen behavior


Failing school, having too much free time and hanging out with the "wrong crowd" are better predictors of whether or not a teen will smoke, drink or be violence prone than race or income, according to Minnesota researchers. www.healthcentral.com/news/newsfulltext.cfm?ID=45291&src=n43

US report tackles youth obesity epidemic


In an effort to slim the burgeoning waistlines of America's youth, government agencies delivered a report to President Clinton outlining strategies to get children away from the television and into the playground. www.healthcentral.com/news/newsfulltext.cfm?ID=45221&src=n43

To sleep, perchance to do better on mid-terms


According to this Harvard study, sleep helps solidify our memory. I often thought, when I was in school, that I was better off studying a little and getting a good night's sleep than staying up all night to study. This research seems to support that. www.healthcentral.com/drdean/DeanFullTextTopics.!cfm?ID=45174&src=n43

What to do about skipping school meals?


Teens, are your school meals less than desirable? Parents, are you worried about your kid's nutrition? Active kids need to eat a solid breakfast and healthful foods or snacks during the day. Here are some ideas to keep teens in the game. www.healthcentral.com/FitorFat/FitorFatFullText.cfm?ID=44944&src=n43

How Do I Avoid The Freshman 15? (10/5/00)


Q: I am a freshman at the University of Pennsylvania. I have been here for about a month and I am unhappy with how I'm feeling. I’m having a very hard time limiting what I eat. I find myself snacking all of the time. It’s also very hard to find good, quality food to eat in the campus dining halls.

I am a soccer player, so exercise is usually not the problem because I really enjoy it. The problem is I eat too much, I fully admit that. Do you have any tips for curbing the dreaded "munchies”?

A: Thanks for your letter. It sounds to me like you are doing great with your exercise -- like you said -- you like it and so it is easy. How fortunate you are. I am a soccer player too, and fully believe that it is one of the greatest exercises. It really builds up the stamina and strength. But, your question is about food. Dorm food is a dilemma. Here are some tips:

If you eat cafeteria style -- go through the line first without the tray to see what is being served. Decide what you want and then go back to select the food. This way you don't just pick up everything that looks good and end up with a tray full of too much food.

If nighttime munchies are a problem -- find a food that you like which is also low in fat and low in calories. You can keep yourself busy without filling up. How about rice cakes -- I know, yuck, but at least you are chewing and they are virtually air.

Or have a big glass of water with ice and lemon. Drink away.

Get your mind off the food. Take a step back and ask, "why." Are you really hungry? Are you just munching? Is there something satisfying that you could eat and be done with it.

I remember when I used to sit and study for hours I would look for any excuse to get up and do something else. And I would usually end up in front of the fridge. It was really bad when I lived in a sorority and we had creamy peanut butter and honey out all the time! I had to learn to avoid the temptation and to choose a healthier alternative.

But, the biggest thing in your favor is that you are recognizing the situation and you are exercising. So for you -- I am not worried. Hang in there.

Written by Christina Bailey www.healthcentral.com/fitorfat/fitorfatfulltext.cfm?ID=42169&storytype=CBQuestions

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'Tis healthy to be sick some time. - Henry David Thoreau

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