Smart Living Weekly - November 13, 2013

Page 25

Your Health

Navigating Three Key Teen Health Issues W

hile teens face many health-related issues, experts recommend that parents focus on three key areas. 1. Stress Extreme stress isn’t good for anyone, and today’s teens have more on their plates than ever before. In addition to short-term physical symptoms like increased heart rate and breathing, headache, neck stiffness and pain, and stomach upset, stress can create long-term problems. One simple solution is more exercise. Getting off the couch or away from the computer screen and engaging in physical activity is a great stress buster. 2. Oral Health Parents and teens know that brushing and flossing are essential , but they may be unaware that crooked teeth, if left untreated, can lead to periodontal disease and premature wearing of the teeth. It’s easier than ever to straighten teeth, with choices like Invisalign Teen

(invisalign.com) that eliminate many of the negatives associated with traditional braces. The plastic, removable appliances are nearly invisible, and easy removal of the aligners allows wearers access to teeth for brushing and flossing. 3. Diet and weight More than a third of American children and teens are obese or overweight, but strict diets are not the answer. Good nutrition is just as important for teens as it is for young children, since teenagers’ brains and bodies are still developing. The single most important way parents can teach teens about health, diet and lifestyle habits is to model those habits themselves, experts agree. Involve teens in meal-planning and preparation, focusing on good nutrition and healthful choices. Encourage physical activity by engaging the entire family in fun, healthful exercise such as cycling, hiking or playing sports together.

Just talking about weight is not only inadequate, but also detrimental to teen health, reports the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. When parents focus on weight, size and appearance when talking to teens, they may actually increase a teen’s risk of engaging in unhealthy weight-control measures - such as fad diets or binge eating. (Source: BPT) Get SLW Health Ä‚ĆŒĆ&#x; Ä?ĹŻÄžĆ? ÄžÇ€ÄžĆŒÇ‡ Ç ÄžÄžĹŹÍ˜ sĹ?Ć?Ĺ?Ćš EtY^ĹľÄ‚ĆŒĆš>Ĺ?Ç€Ĺ?ĹśĹ?͘Ä?Žž ĂŜĚ Ć?ĆšÄ‚ĆŒĆš LJŽƾĆŒ Ͳ ÄšĹ?Ć&#x; ŽŜ ĆšĹ˝ÄšÄ‚Ç‡Í˜

F H N F E S T I VA L O F T R E E S G A L A

Join us at FHN’s Casino Loyale...and place a bet on the power of pet therapy! FHN’s 2013 Festival of Trees Gala, Casino Loyale, will raise funds for FHN’s first therapy dog program and depression treatment efforts overall, and 10% of the proceeds will be donated to the Friends Forever Humane Society! The benefits of pet therapy are well-documented and have become integrated in mainstream medicine. In treating depression, for example, pets lend a strong therapeutic effect both in provider offices as well as at patients’ homes. With depression directly affecting 10% of us every year (indirectly impacting up to 25% of a community), the human health value of a furry friend shouldn’t be underestimated! As man’s – and woman’s – best friend joins clinical practices from cancer treatment to psychological therapy, we invite you to our annual Holiday Gala to benefit the first therapy dog program at FHN. Enjoy a huge hors d’oeuvres buffet, complimentary beverages and cash bar, music, and a holiday silent auction while trying your hand at Vegas-quality casino games from roulette to blackjack. Holiday party attire – if you would like, feel free to glam it with your best casino garb! 6DWXUGD\ 1RYHPEHU ‡ S P Freeport Masonic Temple Ballroom, 305 West Stephenson Street, Freeport $50/person Reserve your spot on the Velvet Rope list online at KWWS IKQ RUJ )HVWLYDORI7UHHV FDVLQRBOR\DOHBSXUFKDVHBWLFNHWV DVS or through Jill McKenna at 1-877-6000-FHN (1-877-600-0346) ext. 901. You may also purchase tickets at the door. We look forward to welcoming you to Casino Loyale!

Payment for purchases at the Gala may be made by cash, check, and Visa or Mastercard credit cards.

Smart Living Weekly

Nov. 13

25


Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.