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August 2016 Features 8 School of Rock 11 Kid Snapshots 12 Cover Story: Fit for the Whole Family 15 Life of a Modern Teenager 19 Overcome Childhood Obesity 20 Surviving Social Media 22 Choose This Not That
Departments 4 Editor’s Letter 5 KidFit: Anna Calvo 6 Beat the Heat: Summer Essentials for Kids 10 KidFit: Noah Bailey 18 KidFit: Alex Robinson
photo by Brandon Dill
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Fit. Family. Fun.
Memphis-area moms have fun doing physical activities with their children, while also teaching them the importance of health and fitness.
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W from the editor
HOLLI WEATHERINGTON Good Health Editor
hen I think of my childhood, I always remember the times of play and silliness and laughter. I also remember the harder times of struggling with body image insecurities and being bullied. Nobody gets out of childhood without some bangs and bruises (both physically and mentally), but we can use our heartaches to be better mentors to our children. We know we can’t shield them from everything, but we can help them make sense of the world by sharing in it with them. In our August issue, we delve into the lives, concerns and activities of children. There is no doubt today’s kids have many more layers of communication and information to contend with; more so than any other generation. It seems their lives are ruled by devices, screens, apps and profiles. In our story, “Surviving Social Media,” hear from experts on the benefits and dangers of social media, and how to manage your child’s digital life. Being a teenager is no easy task, but being a teenager in 2016 is even harder. As they explore independence, there are many modern-day risks that can hold teenagers back from their full potential. In our story “Life of a Modern Teenager,” we explore the realities of teen life and touch on ways to help teens cope with the world around them. Our cover story showcases some fit and healthy families in Memphis who love to be active together. From games to dancing to Crossfit, these families know how to keep from getting bored while keeping in shape in the process. As summer comes to a close, it’s back to school and back to reality. It’s important to encourage a child’s interests, and sometimes that may not include athletics or a particular physical activity. But that doesn’t mean children can’t be stimulated in other ways. Our feature on School of Rock shows just how rewarding music can be for children, and how encouraging a passion for music can inspire passion in other areas. Plus, these kids really do rock! We hope you are enjoying your summer and are ready to get the kids back to school. Stay active and eat well. Be sure to follow us on social media for more great info and fun pictures. To good health,
Editor Holli Weatherington holli.weatherington@ commercialappeal.com
Good Health Memphis magazine is a healthy lifestyle publication from The Commercial Appeal. Good Health is published monthly, with distribution in the newspaper as well as in strategic rack locations. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Copyright 2016.
Contributors Erinn Figg Emily Adams Keplinger Lance Wiedower Designer Jasmine Hunter
Photographers Brandon Dill, cover art Troy Glasgow Jason R. Terrell
Niche Executive Editor David Boyd (david.boyd@commercialappeal.com) For information on advertising, contact Amy Mills at 901529-2213 or amy.mills@commercialappeal.com.
Good Health
#kidfit
girls run faster
Anna Calvo11 White Station Middle School
SPORT OR WORKOUT Yoga, running, cardio and bike SUPPORT My family and friends WHY I RUN/WORK OUT It’s healthy, fun and because I love it.
FAVORITE THING ABOUT EXERCISE The best thing is knowing it’s helping me.
PHYSICAL ACCOMPLISHMENT I ran a 5K in 23 minutes. I placed second in Shelby County for track in 2014.
ROLE MODEL Michelle Obama WHO DO YOU WANT TO BE LIKE WHEN YOU GROW UP I want to be like my parents because they are always encouraging us.
BRAGGING RIGHTS This year at Overton Park, I ran the Latino Memphis Cinco K Mayo 5K and won third place overall for females. Also, when I was about 7, two boys told me girls were slow. My dad overheard, so he set up a sprint for the three of us. We ran and I beat them all.
FITNESS GOAL I want to run a half-marathon. POWER SONG “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten FAVORITE GEAR Tennis shoes, socks and sports clothing FAVORITE SNACK Plain, organic popcorn, an apple and water
NEXT UP To try to get into cross country in middle school. PARENTS SAY We strongly believe in promoting a healthy lifestyle. We all are super busy, but we are very intentional with Anna, Carolina and Santiago about daily exercise, making sure that we have healthy meals, limit the use of electronics, encourage a good night sleep as well as developing good communication and personal skills.
photo by Troy Glasgow
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Skincare
BEAT THE HEAT
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Summer essentials for kids by Erinn Figg
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ven though school is coming back in session, it’s still summer out there. Sunny days mean fun outside in the fresh air. But before you hit the local swimming pool, park or neighborhood block party, be sure your family is prepared for the great outdoors. We recommend you pack your bags with the following essentials:
Stick it to them
Many moms agree that sunscreen sticks are easiest to use on squirmy kids. However, be sure to apply liberally, evenly and often for full protection. Also, choose products formulated specifically for children with an SPF of 30 to 50. We recommend: Aveeno Baby Natural Protection Face Stick Sunscreen with Broad Spectrum SPF 50 This stick-based sunscreen is formulated with skin-soothing oat extract and 100 percent naturally sourced, mineral-based titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. It’s hypoallergenic, fragrance free, oil free, non greasy and water resistant for 80 minutes. Get it: At food, drug and mass retailers, $9.99
Watch your head
Purvisha Patel, dermatologist at Advanced Dermatology and Skin Care Associates in Germantown and Olive Branch, says the head, usually unprotected, is one of the top skin cancer danger zones on the body. She recommends giving it a good spray with a decent sunscreen or, at the very least, wearing a hat. The same rules apply to kids. We recommend: Coolibar’s Surf’s Up Bucket Hat This unisex hat is coated with UPF 50+ for ultimate sun protection and includes an adjustable Velcro tab to ensure a perfect fit. Coolibar, which offers a complete line of sunprotective clothing for adults, kids and tots, is the first clothing company to earn the Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation. Get it: At coolibar.com, $26
Cool shades mean bright futures
The sun’s rays can damage the eyes and surrounding skin, sometimes leading to vision loss. Sunglasses with UV protection are important at any age, and it’s never too soon to start wearing them. Grab a pair for your little ones while you’re shopping for your own stylish shades. We recommend: Babiators These durable, shatter-resistant, award-winning sunglasses for kids and babies feature flexible rubber frames and offer 100 percent UVA and UVB protection. Get them: At babiators.com, prices vary per style
Stay body-conscious
While you’re donning your sun-protective gear, don’t just stop with head protection. There are a number of great companies out there that offer a range of shirts, shorts, swimsuits, socks and even shoes with built-in sun protection for kids and adults. And they’re cute, too. You can find them at companies such as Land’s End and REI or on the websites of many companies that specialize in sunprotective clothing, such as the previously mentioned Coolibar. (A Google search for “sunprotective clothing” will help you navigate the vast selection.) We recommend: UV Skinz’ UV Sunzie for baby girls. Not only is it adorable, it features long sleeves for optimal sun protection, lightweight fabric and snap closures at the legs and back for easy changing. It’s available in several patterns and colors. Get it: At uvskinz.com, $24.95.
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Take shelter
Umbrellas and tents aren’t just for rainy days and camping. They also can provide welcome shade during long hours in the sun. Even better, many of them are available with an SPF coating to further prevent sun damage. Depending on size and use, you’ll want to shop around for the best fit for your family. We recommend: One Step Ahead’s Family Beach Cabana This fun pop-up hideaway includes a carry bag, along with UPF 50+ protection, adjustable panels that flip up and down, front and back zippered flaps, mesh windows and built-in flooring. Get it: At onestepahead.com for $99.95
Avoid uninvited guests
Insect repellent is a must-have for outdoor excursions. For healthconscious parents, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) released an updated guide this year to address any situation that might require an insect repellent. Find it at ewg.org. The organization strongly advises not to use repellents on infants who are 6 months or younger — use fine netting over strollers and baby carriers instead. Some products to consider, recommended by Lucie’s List (lucieslist.com): Cutter All-Family Mosquito Wipes: Repels mosquitoes that may transmit the Zika virus; contains about 7 percent DEET as its active ingredient; requires frequent applications; about $5 for a pack of 15. Cutter Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent: Pump spray form; contains natural oil of lemon eucalyptus; not recom-
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For more information on ways to live healthy, inside or outside, check out the EWG’s Healthy Living app. It provides health, safety and nutrition ratings for more than 200,000 food, personal care and cosmetics products and includes a scanner function so you can scan and evaluate a product before you buy it. Available for Android and iOS devices. Free. ewg.org/apps mended for kids younger than 3; about $9. Natrapel 8-Hour Wipes: Contains 20 percent Picaridin and repels almost all disease-transmitting mosquitoes, along with other biting insects and ticks; about $7 for a pack of 12.
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SCHOOL OF ROCK
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Franchise proves successful in Memphis area
by Erinn Figg
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n the popular 2003 movie “School of Rock,” actor Jack Black plays an impostor substitute teacher who transforms a classroom of awkward sixth-graders into a high-voltage, crowd-pleasing rock band. That film was loosely based on the real School of Rock franchise, a performance-centered education program aimed at helping students grow as musicians while teaching them about teamwork and, throughout the process, bolstering their confidence. Carson Ware, 12, of Collierville, sums it up from a budding guitarist’s perspective. “It’s so fun and it’s an amazing place to go every week,” said Ware, a student at School of Rock Germantown, who started there last August and now wants to be in a professional band someday. “It’s definitely a welcoming place that just makes you feel at home if you love playing an instrument.” Founded in 1998 as a single school in Philadelphia, School of Rock took a distinctive approach to music instruction. It set aside stuffy lessons and adopted the philosophy that the best way to teach music to students is to get them playing songs as soon as possible. The formula proved successful: the company has since grown to be an international franchise with more than 170 schools across the globe, including one in Memphis and another in Germantown.
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Provided by School of Rock, Germantown
Marc Gurley, owner and general manager of School of Rock Memphis, says the school uses a two-pronged method in its teaching. The first is to engage students — who range from age 5 to adults, depending on the program — in learning a song right off the bat during customized one-on-one sessions. Pentatonic scales and other details come later, he said. “Our goal is to instill and nurture a passion for music in our students, and we feel that if you lead with concept and music theory, that’s where you tend to kill the passion and, more often
than not, run the kid out,” said Gurley, who opened the Memphis school in January 2013. “So we’re all about putting the context first. We get them playing songs and then — kind of like you might sneak the vegetables into a kid’s meal — we sneak the theory in there.” The second key to the school’s success is the performance piece of the instruction, he said. School of Rock students have 45-minute individualized lessons once per week and then come back later in the week for a group rehearsal with fellow students on other instruments and vocals. They
Sc w w in th th all work on the same song, and w meanwhile they learn the imac portance of teamwork, account- m ability, hard work and practice — sp skills that will help them succeed of in life, even if they don’t choose a fe career in music, Gurley said. w “Music, particularly rock and roll, is not meant to be an isosa lated endeavor, so we certainly re understand the need to put them with groups,” Gurley said. “We fo also rotate multiple kids on every en instrument within those groups, tr so it gives them a much broader an experience of playing with differ- ‘W ent kids all the time. The whole Ro system really fuels the music Th
development.” The rehearsals ultimately lead to actual shows, either in front of family and friends or, depending on the skill level, at popular music venues around town, such as Minglewood Hall or B.B. King’s Blues Club. Since he opened his school in August 2012, Ken Hall, owner and general manager of School of Rock Germantown, has seen huge transformations in many of the aspiring musicians there, not just in their skill levels, but also in their personalities. “When they come in for the first time, some of them won’t even really look you in the eye, they’re so shy,” he said. “But as they start gaining their ability to play, you see these kids also gaining confidence. And then to see them six to eight months later, stepping up to a microphone in front of a couple hundred people to play a solo when before they could barely talk to you, it’s the coolest thing in the world.” Both Gurley and Hall describe School of Rock as a “safe place” where students don’t have to worry about bullying or feeling like they don’t fit in. Many of these students just hadn’t found their niche yet, Hall said. In a world where so many school activities revolve around sports, - many of his students don’t play — sports, but they do have a spark ed of interest in music and want to a feel that same “team” connection with other like-minded kids. Carson Ware’s mother, Kari, said that as a parent, she can relate to that hurdle. m “We’re so glad we finally found something Carson really ry enjoys,” she said. “Carson had , tried sports, but it just wasn’t him and he got bored. So we thought, r- ‘Well, we’ll check out School of Rock’ and he absolutely loves it. This is his thing now.
Good Health
Provided by School of Rock, Memphis
About the School of Rock Each School of Rock location has several programs to meet the needs of varying skill levels and age groups: l Little Wing: Where preschool-aged students enjoy a variety of music-based games created for growing minds. l Rookies: Designed for first- and second-graders to provide a fun introduction to music. l Rock 101: Designed for beginners and focused on making the first steps of a student’s music journey fun and successful, not tedious. l Rock 102: The next level of lessons and slightly more advanced than Rock 101. l Performance Program: For students who have polished their music skills and are ready to perform with fellow bandmates in real music venues. l House Band: Audition-based groups that hit the road on regional tours to perform while learning about the touring experience. l Adult Program: Customized private lessons and all-adult rehearsals to prepare for performances in local venues. l Camps: Fun, creative, high-energy camps and workshops for a condensed School of Rock experience. l AllStars: Students can audition for a spot in School of Rock’s AllStars, representing the cream of the crop among School of Rock’s global network of schools. Every summer, AllStars embark on an authentic concert tour, performing at renowned music festivals and high-profile venues. Program availability varies with school location. For more information, a tour of the school and a free music lesson, contact the Mid-South schools: School of Rock Memphis, 400 Perkins Ext.; 901-7304380; locations.schoolofrock.com/memphis School of Rock Germantown, 9309 Poplar Ave, #102; 901-209-4170; locations.schoolofrock.com/germantown
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#kidfit mini yogi
Noah Bailey 10 Snowden Elementary School
SPORT Basketball and yoga SUPPORT My parents because they take me to camps and practices.
WHY I PLAY BASKETBALL It’s fun and good exercise.
PHYSICAL ACCOMPLISHMENT Being able to do arm balance yoga poses and shooting 3-pointers in basketball games.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT EXERCISE It’s fun and it wears you out.
ROLE MODEL Stephen Curry BRAGGING RIGHTS Riding my bike 15.5 miles when I was 8-years-old.
FITNESS/ATHLETICS GOAL Become an NBA player.
FAVORITE GEAR Nike basketball shoes, Jordans, KDs, Kyries.
FAVORITE SNACK Apples NEXT UP More basketball camps at Rhodes College and with the Memphis Grizzlies.
MOM SAYS ABOUT HAVING A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE We all participate in cooking at home, including Noah. He has his own cutting boards and knives. This helps create pride in what he makes and develops cooking skills for later in life. We have a garden and eat local produce. We always make physical activity fun and part of our everyday routine. photo by Jason R. Terrell
SNAPSHOTS
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Meg Bender with daughter Ellie photo by Troy Glasgow
Noah Bailey photo by Jason R. Terrell
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Meg Bender and daughter, Ellie, 7, at CrossFit.
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photo by Troy Glasgow
FIT Whole for the
Family
Two Memphis-area moms make exercising with their children a priority by Holli Weatherington
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t may seem harder than ever to get kids to unplug and engage in physical activity, but it’s vital to their health. The American Academy of Pediatrics states the daily recommendation for physical activity for children ages 6 and up is at least 60 minutes. Active play is the best exercise for younger children. Families are demanding healthier choices for food and play, and
are even utilizing devices to be active together (such as with apps like “Pokemon Go”). For two Mid-South families, working out together (or at least in the same facility) is making the biggest impact. Several days a week, local mother Samilia Colar brings her two children with her to The Salvation Army KROC CenterMemphis where she teaches TRX and Fit Mommy classes. Her little ones, Liam, 6, and Constance, 3,
photo by Brandon Dill Samilia Colar with daughter, Constance, 3, and son, Liam, 6, at the Salvation Army KROC Center.
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have plenty of activities to keep them occupied while she sculpts and tones. Her husband, Ben, plays basketball there, too. “I’ve always been athletic,” said Colar, a handbag designer. “I grew up doing sports and exercising at our YMCA. It has always been an important aspect of my life. I knew I wanted them to be active and keep them motivated to exercise.” That they are. As soon as Liam runs onto the indoor kids play
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area — a soccer turf area that has been fenced off inside a large basketball court — he’s a burst of energy. In this room, kids play soccer, run, exercise and the littlest tots have plenty of space to wiggle around and play, all while parents are free to attend exercise classes and workouts. “Watch how fast we can go.” Constance said as she ran around in a circle. “Do me,” Liam said to the photographer snapping pictures of
photo by Brandon Dill
tphoto by Troy Glasgow
Constance. “Again,” Constance said, switching the lens back on her. At the KROC Center, families can enjoy a wide range of activities from classes to camps, pool time and playground. During summer months, kids can attend Kroc Camps which are week-long sessions focused in one area of sport or activity. Everything from basketball to theatre, for all ages. This summer, Liam has taken advantage of several sports camps, including a basketball camp where they worked on shooting and dribbling. “Our team won,” said Liam, referring to the summer camp finale game. He added, “Our soccer team has never lost. We always win.” At the time of our interview, Liam was starting theatre camp. His mom said he was really pumped after singing and dancing in the show, “The Aristocats.” “Just getting them comfortable in their bodies is important, just
to move,” Colar said. “As a mother I want to introduce different activities and see what they grab on to.” By exploring different activities, kids can gain a sense of accomplishment when they find something they like. Sometimes they may even stumble onto exercise by boredom. That’s what happened to Meg Bender and her 7-year-old daughter, Ellie. Bender was bored with her workout routine and decided to start a CrossFit class in January. She found a convenient location, one where kids are welcome. “I was looking for something new and fun,” said Bender, a registered dietitian at DaVita Dialysis. “I wanted to lift heavier. Since January I’ve definitely gotten a lot stronger. I’m very satisfied about the results.” Then, before she knew it, her daughter showed an interest in trying some of the dynamic exercises. “Planks started the whole
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Strength Training for Kids
Is strength training safe for children and teens? Will it help them stay fit and compete in sports? Or will it hamper their growth and pose an injury risk? According to the American Academy of Exercise, it is a myth that strength training stunts a child’s growth. However, there is an age limit for when a child should use weights. Before the age of 7 or 8, a child’s balance and body control skills are not yet developed, so it’s best to not start weight training before then. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) instructs that strength training — which includes lifting free weights, using weight machines or doing exercises that use elastic tubing or one’s own body weight for resistance — can be safe, if these rules are followed: l Wait until the child is old enough. l Get a check-up first. l Don’t overdo it. l Make sure the child’s workouts are supervised by a qualified trainer who emphasizes safety and correct technique. Source: WebMD
photo by Brandon Dill
thing,” Bender said. “She watched us and at the last minute joined us to do planks and everyone cheered her on, saying, ‘Way to go, Ellie,’ and she got really excited.” Before then, Ellie kept herself occupied with homework, iPad games and her favorite toy, The Littlest Pet Shop, but that soon changed. “I got bored here,” Ellie said. “I thought it was cool.” Since then, they tailored a smaller version to Ellie. Her mom won’t let her lift weights just yet, but she can handle doing the core moves like squats, wall balls, lunges, planks and box jumps. She has her own, smaller box for box jumps and in place of a barbell or weights, she uses PVC pipe. Instead of using a weighted ball, Ellie uses a volleyball. “I’m better than mom on box jumps,” Ellie said matter of factly. Ellie writes her workout on a white board, just like the adults do. Wall balls, 15; box jumps, 10; and so on. Upon completing each move, she runs back to the board
to erase them. “It was a very nice surprise,” Bender said. “Crossfit was not on my radar for her. I could not believe how interested she was in it.” Especially, she said, after a failed attempt at getting her to join a running club. Ellie did a good job, she was just, well, bored with the monotony. “Now that she’s doing it, I’m hoping she will really stick with it,” Bender said. “She’s got a personality that’s got her determined and once she gets something in her mind that she can do it, then she’s going to do it.” And, don’t make her laugh, mom said, because she has discovered that her abs get sore from all those planks! “I think that doing Crossfit could carry her so far on so many different levels,” Bender said. “I think it’s helping build her confidence. CONTACT krocmemphis.org crossfit.com
tphoto by Troy Glasgow
Good Health
LIFE OF A MODERN TEENAGER
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Coping tips for teens, parents by Erinn Figg
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t’s a dangerous world out there, but closer to home, many of our teens are facing a world of danger that’s all their own. They grapple with peer pressure, performance anxiety, cyberbullying and other age-specific sources of stress on a daily basis. Worse, their parents may not even be aware of it. Michael Barnette, a licensed professional counselor with New Hope Family Counseling in Olive Branch, says many parents come to him for guidance on how to help their children develop better coping skills. He also works oneon-one with teens who are dealing with issues like sexting (the
pressure to send sexually explicit photos or text messages), cutting (self-harming behavior) and social media harassment — modern problems that can be completely foreign territory for parents. Teens also seem to be experiencing more anxiety in general these days, he said. “I’m seeing teenagers coming in who are making good grades in school, but they’re feeling anxious. There’s definitely performance anxiety. A 90 isn’t good enough — they have to make a 94,” Barnette said. “They may make a B in a class and, before long, they’re believing they’re a failure and they’re not going to get into college. They’re basically having what’s called a
Top Health Risks for Kids Following are the Top 10 U.S. Health Concerns for Kids, in order, as reported by the 2015 National Poll on Children’s Health. Start a conversation with your teen using any of these topics, and try the approach “What do you think about [topic]?” or “Are any of your friends having problems with [topic]?” Most importantly, reassure them that they can always talk to you or a professional — safely and confidentially — about any of these issues: l Childhood Obesity l Bullying l Drug Abuse l Internet Safety l Child Abuse and Neglect l Sexting l Smoking and Tobacco Use l School Violence l Teen Pregnancy l Stress
misbelief, so I try to help them process those thoughts. I tell kids don’t believe everything you think.” Parental involvement is key to helping teens navigate whatever dangers they’re facing, Barnette said. Sometimes busy parents
don’t catch signs of stress. Generation gaps may also prevent them from understanding the technological threats teens face today. And often parents don’t realize that teens actually do want to talk about their problems — it just
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needs to be approached the right way, with lots of listening on the parents’ part. Whatever the solution, the key to success starts with parents opening their eyes and ears, he said. “Parents have to be very watchful, alert and paying attention to what their kids are doing and looking for that opportunity to speak to them,” said Barnette, who specializes in coaching parents through difficult family times. “The opportunity will be there but you have to recognize it. Sometimes you have to create it.” If starting a conversation seems too difficult, Barnette said in his experience, teens respond well
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to speaking with a therapist or a trusted adult with an objective perspective. “If it’s done well, the teenagers really seem to like counseling because somebody’s listening to them,” he said. “They know it’s confidential, and that’s another big thing they worry about: gossip. Yes, they can go talk to their friends, but there’s always that fear that their friends will tell someone and it’ll get all over school.”
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CONTACT: Michael Barnette, New Hope Family Counseling, 901-466-8101, newhopefamilycounseling.org
Signs your teen may be struggling When teens act moody, many parents chalk it up to “just being a teen.” And yes, changing hormones and the path between childhood and adulthood can make for a rough transition and some reactions can be perfectly normal. However, sometimes a teen may be struggling with a more serious problem, such as addiction, depression or extreme pressure at school. If you see the following behaviors persisting, speak with your teen and, if necessary, a doctor or mental health professional: l Frequent fighting with friends, family members or authority
figures l Changes in grades or performance at school or frequent absence from school l Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much l Excessive weight loss or gain; changes in appetite l Withdrawal or isolation from friends or family l Neglected appearance or a dramatically changed appearance l Frequent crying spells or feelings of sadness l A loss of interest in activities your teen once enjoyed l A change in friends that causes concern (hanging out with “a wild crowd”) l Signs of self-harm (excessive piercings or tattoos, cuts, burns) or attempts to conceal these signs l Agitation or restlessness l Slowed thinking, speaking or body movements l Inability to focus or concentrate Sources: Mayo Clinic, American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
How to connect with your teen If you’re feeling stumped about how to communicate more effectively with your teen, you’re not alone. Family counselor Michael Barnette at New Hope Family Counseling in Olive Branch says many parents come to him with the same problem. Here are some ways to start a dialogue. l Family meals. It sounds old-school, but sitting down together as a family for a meal whenever possible opens the door to communication. It also demonstrates that, regardless of hectic schedules and work and school pressures, family relationships remain a priority. “I encourage parents to try to have a family dinner with their kids at least three times a week,” Barnette said. l Find a hobby. “We need to make sure our kids have hobbies, and that doesn’t mean having a
cellphone in their hands,” Barnette said. “Many problems like sexting and cyberbullying come from the phone, and the phone seems to be taking over our kids’ free time.” Barnette advises parents to find a recreational or volunteer activity that allows them to “jump in” and participate with their kids, both for the quality time and the opportunities for more communication. l Back off on the topic of school a little. Sure, parents want kids to succeed in school, but unceasing discussions about grades can make the pressure larger than life in a young person’s head. “I think a lot of parents now are measuring how well they’re parenting by how well their child is doing in school. And I think some of these kids are picking up on that,” Barnette said. Find other topics. Pick a book to read together and discuss, a
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sports team to follow or even a TV show to watch together. l Ask questions and listen. More than anything, teens just want their voices to be heard, Barnette said. They want to know someone is listening and paying attention to them. Try engaging them when they’re most likely to open up — such as while they’re riding in a car with you — and ask more questions to get answers beyond “yes” or “no.” But don’t interrogate — keep it casual. Let them know you’re genuinely interested in their lives and opinions. l Google is your friend. If your teen is using new terms and language that goes over your head, make a mental note and Google it later. Many parents write off slang and other trendy phrases as “the way kids talk
these days,” but the way kids talk these days is important and can tell you quite a bit. Urban Dictionary (urbandictionary.com) can also be a useful resource. l Don’t be afraid to pull a James Bond once in a while. Barnette believes in monitoring kids’ phones. “As a parent, our job and our privilege is to guard our kids’ hearts, and by that, I mean guard their minds, guard their lives, guard everything they’re doing. Be their protector until they’re able to be out on their own.” Other ways to stay engaged: Invite their friends over or to events and activities and watch and listen to your teen’s interactions with them. And keep an eye on what they’re posting on social media.
Additional source: Child Development Institute
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#kidfit swim life
SPORT Swimming
Alex Robinson Memphis University School17
SUPPORT My dad, mom, my stepmother and my friends and coaches I have had for many years.
WHY I SWIM I love swimming and it is a great way to stay in shape.
FAVORITE STROKE Backstroke GREATEST SWIM ACCOMPLISHMENT I qualified for the U.S. Olympic Trials in 2016.
WHAT KEEPS YOU MOTIVATED TO STAY ON TRACK My goal of making the Olympic team keeps me on track and motivated to swim.
ROLE MODEL Gil Stovall BRAGGING RIGHTS I am a very versatile athlete. I can swim very short races and very long open water races and do extremely well at both. I am also a triathlete. I finished first in the 15-19 age group and 13th overall in my first triathlon, the 2016 Memphis in May Sprint Triathlon.
POWER SONG “Surface” by Aero Cloud FITNESS/ATHLETICS GOAL Make the U.S. Olympic swim team in 2020.
FAVORITE GEAR Tech suits for swimming and hoodies after.
FAVORITE SNACK Carrots and hummus NEXT UP I am going to the U.S. Open national swim meet in Minneapolis in early August.
DAD SAYS I was an athlete growing up. It’s more that I can see the potential and you hope (your kid) embraces it. But they have to want to do it. Swimming is hard; it’s a sacrifice, but it teaches discipline and time management, and you can see the results quickly.
photo by Jason R. Terrell
Good Health
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Overcome childhood obesity by Lance Wiedower
T
he decline in physical activity in America’s youth and the growth in childhood obesity is more than a troubling trend. Childhood obesity has more than doubled in children and quadrupled in adolescents in the past 30 years, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Obese children are more likely to be at risk for cardiovascular disease, as well as to have pre-diabetes, a condition in which blood glucose levels indicate a high risk for developing diabetes. Long term, obese children are likely to be obese adults, which means a greater risk for heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, stroke, several types of cancer and osteoarthritis. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends ages 6-17 participate in at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily. As the amount of recess for elementary children decreases, the trend continues in high school, when the CDC reports less than half of students attend physical education classes during an average week. But even while children and young adults spend more time in front of screens, it doesn’t mean all is lost in the fight to create healthy habits for tomorrow’s adults. Chantis Mantilla, director of Community Health Outreach and Research Translation for the Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital Healthy Lifestyle Clinic, said less than one-fifth of Memphis children meet recommendations for physical participation. Mantilla said sometimes the best way for children to get to the 60-minute threshold in a day is 10 minutes at a time. Some of those
ways include doing squats or marching in place while watching TV, taking stairs when possible or have a family dance-off at home. “For younger children, their parents are role models,” Mantilla said. “We encourage them to take walks together. If they live in a neighborhood that is unsafe during commercial breaks while watching TV, do dance breaks. We encourage game nights with families to do something active they can do together. They’re small ways but have a huge impact for the family.” When choosing activities, it’s important to pick something that’s enjoyable. It doesn’t make sense for someone who hates running to take up jogging. It won’t last. “The key thing when we talk to parents is, if you don’t like it, why would you do it? Choose an activity you like,” Mantilla said. “Explore things.” The Common Table Health Alliance addresses the broader health of the community, and has led the conversation with childhood obesity since its inception 15 years ago. Part of addressing the broader issue of childhood obesity includes involving schools, and encouraging districts to offer more healthy
choices. Menu labeling to show what is in a food choice is one step. Good eating habits include limiting processed foods in the house. Have a bowl of fruit on the
table so when children come home from school they are exposed to a healthy snack option. The fewer junk food options that’s available for after-school snacks, the less chance there is of choosing a bad option. Basically, limit poor food options so children don’t have the ability to make the unhealthy choice. Water is always a better choice than soda. And even fruit juices that contain 100 percent juice still aren’t as good of a choice. Taking exercise breaks during TV commercials is a good idea. But a better one, Mantilla said, is to limit the number of TVs in a home. Plus, limiting screen time in front of TVs and tablets to no more than two hours per day encourages healthier living.
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20 Good Health
Surviving Social Media Managing your teen’s online habits
by Erinn Figg
A
ccording to the 2012 report, “Social Media, Social Life,” by the nonprofit child advocacy group Common Sense Media, 75 percent of American teenagers have profiles on social networking sites, and 68 percent of those teens use Facebook as their primary method for social networking. And those statistics don’t even address the other digital influences that seem to rule our kids’ lives these days. Personal computers, tablets, gaming devices, MP3 players, activity trackers, smartphones and smartwatches also belong in that lineup. Sure, all these devices deliver a constant stream of information and offer multiple ways to connect with others – which can be a good thing – but how are these gadgets affecting teens emotionally and intellectually? Moderation and balance seem to be the keys to helping young minds navigate the digital age. Regardless of preference, parents should be aware of both the benefits and the dangers of digital devices. BENEFITS Following are some of the ways social media and digital tools have a positive effect on young minds: l Learning
Tanya Mitchell, vice president of research and development for LearningRx, an education center that specializes in one-on-one
ev W su old me in me co of it m Ad so mo wh so fri so wh tiv
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brain training to strengthen cognitive skills, says her company’s research shows that a mix of digital tools and face-to-face training can be a highly effective way to help kids learn, particularly during a time when young people are surrounded by digital stimuli. “There are things digital training can do that would be difficult for a trainer to do and there are plenty of things that digital can’t do that you need a trainer for, so the combination works – digital alone does not work.” l Modern survival
“When new types of things come
into our culture or society, you’ll see a shift in the types of cognitive skills that are needed. If everyone’s using tablets, smartphones and social media, I want to make sure my kids can be productive in this type of society,” said Mitchell, a mother of four. “If you keep kids away from these things, it creates a weakness for them in that these are certain skills they’re going to have to compete against.” l Communication
Mitchell says she allows her children to have their own smartphones, a common decision today’s parents must make. “I get
As in ch ad se th an va mo cr phones for my kids because I like “re to know where they are. How- sh ever, I make sure I have parental str watch over what my kids are ou doing and how much time they’re tie spending on the phone. I use My m Mobile Watchdog (mymobilepr watchdog.com), which allows me to block major amounts of time l off their phones when they can only call me or their dad.” th on l Confidence and connections bu Some studies show social me- th dia can have damaging effects on or a teen’s confidence, depending on pr the circumstance, and interper- ca sonal relationships. Teens, how- pr
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ever, have a different perspective. When Common Sense Media surveyed 1,000 13- to 17-yearolds on their views about social media and their digital lives, one in five of those teens said social media makes them feel more confident, compared to 4 percent of all surveyed teens who said it made them feel less confident. Additionally, 28 percent said social networking made them feel more outgoing versus 5 percent who said it made them feel less so. Regarding relationships with friends, 52 percent of teens said social media has improved them, while 4 percent said it has negatively affected them. DANGERS Following are just a few of the digital threats to our teens: l Disconnecting from reality
The American Psychological Association addressed this issue in the June 2011 Monitor on Psychology. Social media can cause a disconnect from reality in several ways. Teens can immerse themselves in gaming, texting and online interaction, stealing valuable time that could be spent more productively, engaging in creative activities or forming ke “real-life” interpersonal relationships. Teens also often “friend” al strangers on social media without validating the true identire ties of their new friends. Some y may be liars; some may even be predators. e l Lasting digital footprints Sure, you can always delete that embarrassing post you made on a blog or a social media site, ns but the internet can preserve - these comments forever in caches on or archives. Consequently, inapon propriate photos or comments - can pop up later at equally inap- propriate times, such as during
job searches or the college application process. l Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying can be anything from unpleasant or threatening emails to anonymous harmful comments on social media sites. Thirty-two percent of online teens say they’ve been at the receiving end of cyberbullying in some form. l Sexting
Sexting, or the “act of sending sexually explicit materials through mobile phones,” as defined by the U.S. court system is becoming more common among teens. According to a report last year by the National Institute of Justice, 11 percent of teen girls ages 13-16 have sent or received sexually explicit messages. And per the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, 61 percent of all sexters – boys and girls – who have sent nude photos admit they were pressured to do so at least once. l “Facebook depression”
Studies on the emotional effects of spending too much time on Facebook vary. Some say social media boosts confidence (see our
Benefits column), while others say it can have a negative effect. For those teens struggling with selfimage or mental health issues, many studies agree Facebook can propel them into “comparison mode” – judging their own lives by others’ posts. The type of post that can trigger this depression can even vary. Positive posts may prompt the thought “My life isn’t good enough,” while too many sad or depressing posts can trigger equally sad or depressed emotions. What Parents Can Do Here are a few things parents can do to keep a balance between technology and real-life experiences in the lives of their kids (not to mention their own): 4 No phones or screens during dinner. Make it a practice to eat together regularly and make it a rule that screens aren’t invited. Just good old-fashioned talking, please. 4 Create technology time-outs. Designate a window of time each day (or baby steps: several times a week) when everyone unplugs. Confiscate devices if necessary. Televisions fall in this category as well – many of them have the same internet access, gaming
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capabilities and chat functions as a personal device does. 4 Plan an occasional technology-free weekend. That’s right. Get out into the world and do something as a family. If outdoor activities aren’t your thing, try a local festival, sporting event or museum. You can do it. We believe in you. 4 Monitor your kids’ phones. There’s a reason why many of us have heard “If you’re living under my roof, you’re living under my rules” as kids. Our parents cared about our safety, health and well-being. And regardless of technological advancements, that protectiveness and responsibility hasn’t changed. You’re not violating privacy rights by monitoring your child’s phone; you’re being an authoritative parent. (And also, you probably paid for that phone, correct?) If you’re not familiar with texting, ask a customer service rep to teach you how to check your teen’s phone. 4 Parental controls are your friends. There’s a wealth of apps, programs and services out there that help parents monitor their kids’ phone and internet use. Start by Googling “parental controls” for suggestions and reviews. Apple’s iPhone already has features like Family Sharing built in to assist with this task, although additional services, like Norton Family Premier and PhoneSheriff, get high rankings from reviewers. PC Magazine also has done a great job of rounding up and reviewing parental control apps for Android devices here: pcmag. com/roundup/342731/the-bestparental-control-apps-for-yourphone. CONTACT: LearningRx, 4680 Merchants Park Circle, Suite 214, Collierville; 901620-2150, learningrx.com/memphis-germantown
22 Good Health
Choose THIS Not THAT by Emily Adams Keplinger
S
chool will be starting soon and the schedules are becoming more hectic, but there’s always room for some downtime. Too much free time, however, can lead to boredom and a sedentary lifestyle. We’ve asked two local medical experts to weigh in on better activities for kids during their down time.
Choose THIS: Games
Books
Choose THIS: Water
Not THAT:
Sports drinks, sugary drinks
Not THAT: Gaming
“Childhood obesity is the No. 1 problem for our youth, both in our local community and across the nation,” said Dr. Landon Pendergrass of Pediatric Consultants. “Overweight teens have a 70 percent chance of becoming overweight or obese adults. To help youth develop a heather lifestyle, get away from all screens. Get children engaged and physically active. Help them explore life, rather than virtual world.”
Choose THIS:
healthy choices for kids
Not THAT: Movies
The saying “The book is always better than the movie” has a different meaning when it comes to children’s activities,” explained Dr. Marion Elizabeth Hare of UT Le Bonheur Pediatrics Specialists. “Watching movies is a much more passive pursuit that allows kids to ‘zone out.’ While reading is not a physical activity, it engages the mind and helps develops children’s imaginations.” Additionally, all Memphis Public Library locations offer interactive learning programs throughout the year. Their summer program called “Explore Memphis,” encourages families to read, attend library events and programs and explore numerous city attractions free of charge.
“Hydration is key to good health, especially when playing outdoor sports on the summertime,” Dr. Pendergrass explained. “But sports drinks have a surprising amount of sugar, as well as salt, in them, which can make you feel thirsty. It is better to drink water to truly hydrate the body.”
Choose THIS: Biking or walking
Not That: Riding in the car
Memphis now offers over 60 miles of bike lanes to help promote recreational biking, as well as biking as an alternative mode of transportation. Instead of getting in the car, hop on a bike and explore neighborhoods and public greenlines. The city recently compiled a 24-page guide to help families identify low-cost/no-cost summer activities for youth, including area bike routes. Visit memphistn.gov for more information.
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