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Show A PRACTICAL GUIDE To Better Health How To Talk WithTeenagers About Their Health More often than not, a teenager's health problems healthful behaviorlike exercise,” says Dr. Marks, Promote the idea of a strong, healthy body, not primarily one that looks a certain way. have to do with nutrition, sleep or exercise, says Dr. Andrea Marks of New York City, co-author of Healthy Teens: Body and Soul and president-elect of the Society for Adolescent Medicine. Parents need to take a broad view of their teens’ health and not focusjust on sexuality and drugs. Here are some additional suggestions: @ Avoid lectures. Rather than a big talk, convey brief health messages routinely. “You communicate about health not just with words but also by serving a healthy meal or by modeling a confidence in the doctor whois taking care of the health issues that a child may not share with them," says Dr. Marks. Ask teens whether theystill feel comfortable with their pediatrician or if they want to switch to an @ Express a general opinion rather than telling teens whatto do or notdo. instead of saying, adolescent specialist—a physician with specialized training—or a family practitioner. “| don't want you to smoke,” you might point out someone coughing and say, “Smoking is such a horrible thing.” Your goal is to prepare teens to make good health decisions on their own. ® Don’t dismiss health complaints. Headaches @ Make sure teenagers have a physician both of youtrust. "Parents need to feel and other symptoms may bea sign of something more serious—physically or emotionally. If you don’t pay attention, Dr. Marks notes, you lose an opportunity to find out whatis really going on. © State your beliefs aboutrisky behaviors. “Some parents forbid kids to drink, use drugs or have sex,” says Dr. Marks. “Others are most concerned abouttheir kids’ safety if they try any of these things.” Be honest about how you feel. If you think it’s wrong for teens to have sex, say so. If your major concernis safe sex, stress the importance of using condoms and birth control. @ Trust your gut. Significant psychological problems are very commonin adolescence, and it’s your job to say, “I think something is wrong— let's get more information,” says Dr. Marks. Insist, if necessary, that a teenager meet with a mental-health professional for an assessment. @ Don’t assume your teenisn’t listening. Kids may not do exactly what you say, butif you say nothing, you leave them in the lurch. ONLINE RESOURCES @ Society for Adolescent Medicine:Tips for parents as well as referrals via the phone to adolescent specialists in your area. @ American Medical Association Program on Child and Adolescent Health Parenting Resources; Downloadable handouts on nutrition, physical activity, depression and more. ®@ Adolescent Health Center at Keep Kids Healthy: A pediatrician provides health information as well as a customized e-mail newsletter based on a child’s age. For links to all of the above resources, visit www .parade.com andclick on “Health.” —DianneHales Sharing your views and knowledge does not mean giving a lecture. be. ~ gv like real eggs, because they are real eggs. without the has all cholesterol and the great fat. ta Guaranteed, al If re looking for ch ey Ls egas. a healthier So vou get all ch ege, ge fF Egg Beaters” Dw "li sa ov They tas te PAGE 10 * SEPTEMBER 14, 2003 » PARADE MAGAZINE |
