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A Maryville man is dead after a fiery wreck on Saturday morning, according to a Tennessee Highway Patrol accident report.More >> A Maryville man is dead after a fiery wreck on Saturday morning, according to a Tennessee Highway Patrol accident report.More >> First lady Michelle Obama has some advice for some Tennessee high school graduates: strike your own path in college and life and work to overcome inevitable failures with determination and grit.More >> First lady Michelle Obama has some advice for some Tennessee high school graduates: strike your own path in college and life and work to overcome inevitable failures with determination and grit.More >> Prior to Saturday's $600 million Powerball jackpot drawing, people in Knoxville were talking about how they would spend that kind of money if they were to win.More >> Prior to Saturday's $600 million Powerball jackpot drawing, people in Knoxville were talking about how they would spend that kind of money if they were to win.More >> The International Biscuit Festival made its way to Knoxville this week, wrapping up on Saturday.More >> It's one of the most delicious times of year once again, as downtown Knoxville is transformed into a biscuit-lovers paradise. The International Biscuit Festival made its way back to town this week, wrapping up on Saturday.More >> A judge has sentenced a Clarksville woman convicted of assault for pouring hot oatmeal on her husband to diversion.More >> A judge has sentenced a Clarksville woman convicted of assault for pouring hot oatmeal on her husband to diversion.More >> U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander says the Tennessee Valley Authority will help keep a federal fish hatchery in East Tennessee stay open for at least three more years.More >> U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander says the Tennessee Valley Authority will help keep a federal fish hatchery in East Tennessee stay open for at least three more years.More >> Kenny Hall, former Vol basketball player is talking about his dealings with a University of Tennessee administrator in trouble for possible inappropriate relationships with student athletes.More >> Kenny Hall, former Vol basketball player is talking about his dealings with a University of Tennessee administrator in trouble for possible inappropriate relationships with student athletes.More >> A Kentucky veteran who was working as a civilian contractor in Afghanistan has died in an explosion in Kabul that killed at least 15 people including six Americans.More >> A Kentucky veteran who was working as a civilian contractor in Afghanistan has died in an explosion in Kabul that killed at least 15 people including six Americans.More >> A gang leader has been sentenced to serve more than 78 years in a federal prison for his role in three armed home invasion robberies in Nashville.More >> A gang leader has been sentenced to serve more than 78 years in a federal prison for his role in three armed home invasion robberies in Nashville.More >> A traffic crash in Memphis has thrown several children out of vehicles near a school.More >> Officials say a morning traffic crash in Memphis injured children who were ejected from a vehicle.More >>
Your teen's good health depends on so many things: Avoiding peer pressure to drink alcohol and smoke cigarettes, getting enough sleep, exercising and eating nutritious foods. You can teach your teen many of these behaviors by being a healthy role model yourself. By being straightforward and by encouraging open communication, you can help keep your teen healthy. Be sure to check out the many resources available to parents to learn more about teen health. Consider these tips for helping your teen establish a healthy lifestyle:
- Emphasize the importance of responsible self-care, including regular exercise, nutrition and good oral and skin hygiene. Be a role model for good-health practices.
- Talk to your health care professional if you're worried that your teen is overweight. Arrange for an obesity assessment and for an evaluation for the medical conditions that can be associated with obesity, such as Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.
- Don't criticize your teen's weight or body shape. Before starting any weight-loss plan for your teen, discuss your concerns with your teen's health care professional. He or she may refer you to a registered dietitian or to a weight management program designed for teens.
- Answer your teen's questions about sex honestly and provide resources to help him or her make safe and healthy decisions about sex. Bring the topic up if he or she doesn't.
- Make age-appropriate rules, and enforce them.
- Encourage your teen to get at least nine hours of sleep each night.
- Instruct teens on how to use over-the-counter (OTC) medications safely and appropriately and how to follow labeling instructions. Be a role model for using all prescription medications as prescribed and OTCs as directed on the label. Never use more medicine than instructed.
- Engage in regular discussions about the powerful influences of peer pressure.
- Keep the lines of communication open and avoid judging or preaching.
- Help your teen learn how to roll with the punches and put life's stresses into perspective.
Sources: American Medical Association, The Nemours Foundation and the Consumer Healthcare Products Association
Resources:
KidsHealth
The Nemours Foundation
http://kidshealth.org
Web site presents health information and resources for children, teens and parents.
Advocates for Youth
2000 M Street NW, Suite 750
Washington, DC 20036
202.419.3420
http://www.advocatesforyouth.org
Offers range of information for teens, parents and educators on adolescent reproductive health issues.
Presented by the National Women's Health Resource Center, Inc.
