Healthy Memphis: Teenagers need guidance amid challenges of modern culture
Posted By Admin on January 11, 2012
What you should know
It seems that all parents back to the ancient Greeks have worried about their teenagers. Todays parents are like the parents of yesteryear but have unusual challenges that come with new technology and our modern culture.
The former US Surgeon General said that we may see the first generation that will be less healthy and have a shorter life expectancy than their parents. Teens in the early 21st century have been called the sedentary generation. A fast-paced life fueled by convenient processed foods compounds the health problems tied to the inactivity generated by their cyber worlds of cell phones, computers and games.
Social stress is still a big deal for teens. Social networks (like Facebook), cell phones, passwords and electronic tools can isolate parents from the lives of their teens. Cyber-bullying and inappropriate online friends are common.
Todays teens have also been called the fatherless generation. More than 60 percent of births in Shelby County are by unmarried females. One in six births in Shelby County is to a mother in her teens. A significant number of teens grow up in households headed by young single mothers or by their grandmothers. Teens who live away from their biological fathers are more prone to suffer from neglect, be poor, use drugs and engage in criminal behavior. They are also more likely to be victimized, become teenage parents, and experience health and emotional problems.
Poor teens, especially African-Americans and Hispanics, are more likely to run into obstacles to maintaining healthy lifestyles. Crime, poor school attendance, and limited access to healthy foods and safe activities can be big factors. Schools lunches and physical activities along with health insurance help to offset barriers to good health.
Kids who volunteer and have positive after-school and weekend activities are far less likely to exhibit negative behaviors or abuse alcohol, tobacco and drugs. These teenagers tend to be more likely to graduate, make good grades and become productive citizens who work, vote and help others.
Teens have some adult rights as of their 18th birthday. Parents are not legal representatives unless they have durable power of attorney. Thus, your teens health record can be kept just between her and her care provider — even if parents provide health insurance. Health expenses charged to her credit card or bank account are private just like yours.
What you should do
Guide your teen to make good choices in foods, beverages, recreation and friends.
Praise your teens good decisions. Try not to nag.
Encourage positive relationships. Be a model on how conflicts can be resolved without violence and yelling. Promote participation and companions involved in constructive after-school activities. Suggest activities that help others.
Know your teens friends and their parents. Discourage unhealthy friendships.
Regularly express your values. Discuss the benefits of responsible behavior. Remind your child about your expectations concerning drinking, smoking, drug use and sex. Do not tolerate unsafe driving — speeding, texting, loud music and drinking. Insist that your teen buckle up. For teens younger than 18, know where they are at all times.
Be a role model. Parents should exercise, eat healthful small portions, and not sit most of the time at a TV, computer or game console. Persuade your teen to get at least an hour of vigorous physical activity each day.
Create a safe environment. Dont keep guns in your home. Lock up alcohol. Dont display knives and swords.
Make time to be engaged in your teens life, and really listen to him or her. This is especially true if you are divorced or live in a different household. This can often be done by attending the same events: exercising and eating together, sports and school events, performances, award ceremonies and volunteer activities.
Check the school website regularly or with teachers about your childs school progress and grades.
Make sure that your teen keeps appointments with his or her doctor and dentist. By age 18, it might be time for your teen to visit a primary care provider who cares for adults, not just children.
Focus on small, long-term changes in eating habits. Make healthful foods and beverages easily accessible. Pay special attention to calcium needs. Limit access to foods and beverages high in sugar, salt, caffeine and fat.
Support programs, policies and locations that keep kids safe and provide positive activities.
For more information
Visit 2020 Topics amp; Objectives: Adolescent Health at healthypeople.gov/2020 and cdc.gov/yrbs.
Better Health: Take Charge! is provided by the Healthy Memphis Common Table: healthymemphis.org. This article supports the care and advice of your doctor.
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