How To Help Your Teenagers Stay Healthy: Physical Health

Teenagers have different health needs than children and adults, but they are not always aware of what makes a good health decision. The issue is further complicated by changing moods and temperaments, which could leave your steak-loving teen declaring they are now a vegetarian at any time. Fortunately, parents can take steps to help their teen stay healthy.

Physical Health

The physical health needs of a teenager are different from both younger children and adults. Between physical changes, hormonal changes, and lifestyle changes, teenagers encounter a variety of influences that have bearing on their physical health. The following can help you ensure that your teen stays physically healthy:

Discuss sexual health. Granted, this is a difficult topic for any parent to discuss with their child, but it is of vital importance. According to statistics, sexually active teens are more likely to drop out of school, as well as being more likely to use drugs and alcohol. They also face the possibility of teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, some of which are treatable but not curable. Discuss abstinence, condom and birth control use, and sexually transmitted diseases with your teen. Don't leave it to the health teacher to explain things or you run the risk of your teen getting all of their knowledge from their friends.

Help with food choices. Most teens do not get enough calcium or iron, but they get too much fat and sugar. Their food choices not only affect them now, but they can lead to high blood pressure, diabetes, anemia and osteoporosis later. Make sure you have healthy food choices, like fruit for snacks, available in the home. While talking to them about future risks can help them choose wisely, you will get more results if you show them how healthy choices will help them now. For example, point out that a healthy diet and plenty of water will help them have clearer skin.

Give them vitamins. Sometimes, teens simply have less-than-ideal diets. Make sure you keep a good multi-vitamin, preferably one with calcium, available for your teen. While it is a good idea to suggest or encourage taking vitamins, remember that pushing the issue will only cause your teen to refuse.

Encourage exercise. Teens need more physical activity than pushing buttons on a cell phone. Encourage your teen to be physically active. For some, the easiest way to ensure exercise is to allow them to participate in team sports. Another method of getting your teen moving is to have family activities, like volleyball, basketball, or bicycling.

The physical health of your teen influences their physical health as an adult, so it is important that you help them maintain their physical health. Remember that one of the best ways of helping your teen stay physically healthy is to set a good example with your own choices.