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Newsletter>
Health Tip: Teen Health
Teen Health by Jennifer Galea
The teenage years are often when it ’s most difficult to
achieve and maintain optimal health, both physically and
mentally. Teens still have increased nutritional needs due
to growth and maturation, and yet, due to predominantly
social factors, they are less likely to meet their needs.
This age span is a challenge, as adolescents are neither
children whose actions and dietary intake can be controlled
by their parents nor adults who are likely to have the
knowledge and experience to make appropriate decisions. To
positively impact a teenagers ’lifestyle decisions, parents
need to start early, constantly encouraging both physical
activity and healthful diet choices.
For teenagers, who are heavily influenced by social
atmosphere, martial arts is a perfect “athletic ”choice.
Participants engage in physical activity in a social and
yet supportive “family ” atmosphere. And according to
recent studies, the mental health of this age group is
dramatically affected by physical activity. So by
participating in a martial arts program, teens can obtain
all the physical benefits of exercise (improved caloric
balance, heart and circulatory health, flexibility,
balance, etc.) along with this important psychological
benefit. And with martial arts, teens are more likely to
“stick with it,” as there plenty of achievement incentives
built in.
In terms of diet, the most difficult nutrients for this age
group to consume appear to be those from dairy products.
Although calcium needs remain high for teens, this age
group tends to reduce their liquid milk intake. If there is
one food that you should encourage your teen to consume it
is milk. Skim milk, even when flavored, is an excellent
source of both calcium and vitamin D, not to mention
protein. And studies show that with higher dairy intake,
even adults do not have higher overall intakes of fat or
cholesterol. So for a nutritionally sound diet, encourage
milk and dairy product consumption from a very young age.
Because you may not be present for most of your teen ’s
meals and snacks, be sure to always offer a nutritious meal
in the evening. Remember that being nutritionally balanced
doesn’t have to mean a laborious meal. In addition, keep an
ample stock of healthful snack choices available in your
home to encourage healthy between-meal snacks.
Don ’t forget that you are your child ’s most important
role model. If you are regularly physically active and make
healthful food choices for yourself and your family, your
child or teen is more likely to mimic these behaviors, and
in fact, see them as “the usual.”
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