Teen Health Issues|Just another WordPress weblog

Chewing Tobacco in Teens
Tobacco which is another word for smokeless cigarettes is not harmless. According to facts, chewing tobacco is as dangerous as smoking is. The three most dangerous by products of tobacco are nicotine, tar and carbon monoxide. There are some stratling facts about teens and their use of tobacco.
Teens and Smoking

Cigarette smoking during childhood and adolescence can lead to many health problems, including cough and phlegm production, an increase in the number and severity of respiratory illnesses, decreased physical fitness, high cholesterol and very often lung cancer. Things become worse when an addiction forms, which often continues into adulthood.

Why do teens take up smoking?
Most teenagers donot know why they smoke. However, some of the common reasons to turn to tobacco is for a variety of reasons. Teenagers Smoke as a form of rebellion, the ‘I don’t care attitude’,. They somoke because they just want to associate themselves with a particular friends group or just sinply because of peer pressure.

Alcohol Consumption in Teens
Underage alcohol consumption is one of the most grave problems among teenagers, and it can have serious, often lifelong consequences for them, their families and their communities. Apart from being illegal, underage drinking poses a high risk to both the individual and society. For example, the rate of alcohol-related accidents is greater for age group 16 to 20 than for 21 and above. Adolescents also are vulnerable to alcohol induced brain damage, which can contribute to poor performance at school.

In addition, teen drinking is connected with an increased risk of developing alcohol dependence later in life. Early intervention is important to prevent the development of serious alcohol problems in the later stages of life.

Alcohol Poisoning in Teens
Alcohol poisoning is a form of extreme physical reaction to an overdose of alcohol or binge drinking. Even after the victim stops drinking, alcohol in the stomach continues to enter the bloodstream and circulate throughout the body.

Alcohol poisoning is lethal, alcohol flows up to the brain, depriving it of oxygen. The brain then struggles to deal with an overdose of alcohol and lack of oxygen. It starts to gradually shut down the voluntary vital functions that regulate breathing and the heart rate. A fatal dose of alcohol can eventually stop these functions. Alcohol poisoning can result when large amounts of alcohol is consumed in a short period.

Is Kava Tea Bad For Teens?
Kava is a member of the pepper family called “Piperaceae”. It is a natural root extract that is generally consumed as a herbal supplement or drink. The root of the kava plant is made into a powder, then mixed with water and consumed as a beverage.

Kava beverages are a popular social drink in the South Pacific region. Now there are many kava bars springing up in the United States offering a variety of kava teas, juices and coffees. Read on to know more on drugs and alcohol among teenagers.

When parents decide to live separately, it is a very traumatic situation for a child. How upset the child feels can vary depending on how their parents separated, the age of the child, how much he understands, and the support he gets from family and friends.

The most difficult question – How to tell the child?

It’s best if both parents tell the child about the divorce together. Make sure the children understand that you both still love them and will take care of them. Speak honestly and simply.

Many children have miconceptions about having to choose a parent or even having to go to court. So it is important that you both educate your children together about what to expect in the coming months and reassure them that you will always be a family, although not living together.

Listen to you children’s concerns. Encourage your children to talk so you can remove mis-perceptions.
What you as a parent must do to help your child?

Listen and Talk. Just listening to your children’s concerns and feelings is enough to provide them great relief – you don’t have to be a solver of all problems. Sometimes just listening is enough.

Good communication with your children is important. Explain as much as possible about the situation and provide them information about:

• Where they will stay.
• Where they will go to school.
• When they may see the other parent.

Parents must:

• Make sure that children know they still have two parents who love them, and will continue to care for them protect their children from adult responsibilities
• Make it clear that the responsibility for what is happening is the parents’. Children need to be reassured that the divorce was not their fault.
• Don’t speak negatively to your child about the other parent or extended family, or friends. Support the child’s love and relationship with the other parent. Children need continuous contact with both parents to increase their adjustment.
• Do not advocate, either with words or actions, that your child is disloyal if he enjoys time with the other parent.
• Children often feel “stuck in the middle” when they are expected to carry messages, make phone calls, or spy on the other parent. Don’t make children carry out these roles.
• Keep the routine the same in both homes regarding bedtimes, meals, visits with friends or relatives, and discipline. This reassures children they are being well cared for. Children need consistency and stability. This will help your child feel that, in spite of the difficulties, loved ones still care about them and that life can be reasonably normal.

If you and your spouse live happily separately, your children are also more likely to be happy. Be optimistic about a happy future for everyone – optimism is contagious. If you cope well with the changes, your children will likely follow your lead.

Many psychiatric drugs have not been satisfactorily tested in paediatric patients, and some drug combinations occasionally prescribed for children – particularly stimulants and antidepressants – have not been fully tested even in adults. So, we don’t know for sure the risks or the benefits of these medications.

Children’s bodies do not absorb drugs and eliminate toxins similarly as adult bodies, and their brains may get affected also. Depression and other conditions for which the drugs are prescribed may have long-lasting deadly effects on the psychological and social development of a kid.

Children with depression are more likely to have other health problems and engage in risky behaviour, such as promiscuity, smoking, drugs and alcohol. Risks of medicating and the risks of not medicating are greatest in the early years of life.

The thumb rule is caution in prescribing antidepressants to children. They should be neither a first nor a last resort. If given, anti-depressants should not be stopped abruptly, because it may lead to a withdrawal syndrome that includes dizziness, nausea, seizures and anxiety.

Side effects of anti-depressants:

Children can continue to take the drug if it seems to be helping, but they should be watched closely for side effects.

The side effects vary depending on the drug, but can include:

• Insomnia
• Sleepiness
• Increased anxiety
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrohea
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Weight gain or loss

Beware! Anti depressants can trigger off suicidal behaviour!

Signs that a child is at risk of suicidal behaviour while taking an antidepressant

The highest risk of suicidal thinking occurs during the first few months of treatment or when a medication dosage is increased or decreased.

Possible signs of worsening depression include:

• Agitation
• Anxiety
• Insomnia or other sleeping problems
• Hostility
• Unexplained declines in academic performance
• Withdrawing from relationships
• Spending more time alone

Suicide due to depression is the third leading cause of death among children between ages 10 to 19.

If your child is on anti-depressants, when should he discontinue?

This decision should be made on an individual basis with advise from doctor. Suddenly stopping medication can leave them without appropriate treatment and increases the risk of withdrawal-like symptoms. A doctor can help your child taper off medication to minimize withdrawal.

What is the alternative to antidepressant?

Warnings on anti-depressants don’t prohibit their use in children, nor are they meant to frighten people away from treating their children.

But if you’re not comfortable with antidepressants, counselling is an option. However, counselling (individual as well as family) alone may not be sufficient to effectively treat depression, especially in more severe cases. A combination of medication and psychotherapy offers the best treatment approach for youngsters down with depression.

Do you know?

Currently, Prozac (fluoxetine) is the only approved medicine to treat major depression in children and adolescents, while Prozac, Zoloft and Anafranil are approved for obsessive-compulsive disorder in paediatric patients. No other antidepressant drug is FDA approved for treatment of any psychiatric condition in children.

Earlier it was believed that only adults developed depression and that children and teens could not. We now know that even a young child can develop serious depression that requires treatment to improve. However, symptoms of depression in children and teens can be difficult to recognize.

What causes depression in kids?

Causes are still unknown, however it can be triggered by:

• Stressful life events, such as a loss of a family member or relative.
• Having a parent or immediate family member who is depressed.
• Having a long-term medical illness such as diabetes or epilepsy.
• Having another mental disorder, such as anxiety disorder.
• Being physically or sexually abused.
• Having problems with alcohol or drugs.
• Genetic (inherited). Children with a family history of depression are much more likely to become depressed, especially if they have a parent who is presently depressed.
• Being a girl in early puberty. After puberty and as adults, females are twice as likely as males to become depressed.
• Family conflicts, especially between parents.

How to diagnose depression in kids:

• Always tired, plays sick
• Drops out of favourite activities – social withdrawal
• Has more arguments with parents, friends and teachers
• Refuses to do homework or loses interest in school
• Engages in harmful behaviour, such as cutting himself or herself
• Has suicidal thoughts.
• Physical symptoms e.g., stomach aches and headaches, hallucinations, and extreme fears.

What happens, if left untreated?

Depression in children, if untreated, can affect:

• school performance and learning,
• social interactions and development of normal peer relationships,
• self-esteem and a child’s sense of bonding and trust,
• can lead to drug abuse, disruptive behaviours, violence and aggression,
• even lead to suicide

Childhood depression is a serious problem that demands a serious medical approach. However, you need to first recognize what is causing it.

How to treat depression in kids?

Treatment for childhood and teen depression includes a combination of professional counselling, medications, and family co-operation.

Home treatment and family involvement:

Do everything possible to provide a supportive and understanding family environment to your child. Love, understanding, and regular communication are some of the most important things you should provide to help your child cope with depression. Make him feel that you are there for him always.

Good lifestyle habits can help reduce your child’s symptoms of depression. Encourage your child to:

• * Get regular exercise, such as swimming, walking.
• * Avoid alcohol and illegal drugs.
• * Get enough sleep
• * Eat a balanced diet.
• * Be optimistic about feeling better. Positive thinking is very important in recovering from depression.

Some symptoms of depression in children and teens may remain, even with medication and other treatment. Early treatment of depression may bring about the best results for your child. Think positive, recovery will happen, but gradually.

Depression in Kids

Earlier it was believed that only adults developed depression and that children and teens could not. Now know that even a young child develops serious depression that requires treatment to improve. However, symptoms of depression in children and teens are difficult to recognize.

Causes of stress is unknown, however it can be triggered by: Stressful life events, such as a loss of a family member or relative. Having a parent or immediate family member who is depressed can also trigger it. Having a long-term medical illness such as diabetes or epilepsy.

Children And Antidepressants

Many psychiatric drugs have not been satisfactorily tested in paediatric patients, and some drug combinations are occasionally prescribed for children, especially stimulants and antidepressants that have not been fully tested even in adults. So, we cannot completely asses the risks or the benefits of these medications.

Children’s bodies do not absorb drugs and eliminate toxins similarly as adult bodies, and their brains may get affected also. Depression and other conditions for which the drugs are prescribed may have long-lasting deadly effects on the psychological and social development of a kid.

Helping Children to Cope With Parents Divorce

When the parents decide to live separately, it is a very traumatic situation for a child. How upset the child feels can vary depending on how their parents separated, the age of the child, how much he understands, and the support he gets from family and friends.

The most difficult question – How to tell the child?

It is best if both parents tell the child about the divorce together. Make sure the children understand that you both still love them and will still take care of them. Speak honestly and simply.

Many children have miconceptions about having to choose a parent or even having to go to court. So it is very important to educate your children together about what to expect in the coming months and reassure them that you will always be a family, although not living together.

Obesity in kids and teens is a global epidemic gradually on the rise. It brings with it a plethora of lifelong problems – both physical and emotional.

These include Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, breathing trouble, sleeping disorders and degenerative joint disorders.

On the psychological side, teens tend to have lower self-esteem and can develop depression, anxiety and neurotic disorders. Studies show that the majority of children and teens who are obese remain obese as adults.

Weight-loss surgery is an option for some severely obese teens who have been unable to shed weight using conservative weight-loss methods.

But how safe and effective is this method is questionable? As with any type of surgery, there are potential risks and complications. The long-term effects of weight-loss surgery on a child’s future physical development are also not clear.

Weight-loss surgery in kids is still not very popular and recommended. It may be advised if the kid’s weight poses a greater health threat than the potential risks of surgery. It is very important that the child being considered for weight-loss surgery meet a team of pediatric specialists, including a pediatric endocrinologist to understand the pros/cons.

Who are recommended for this surgery?

• Teenagers between the age of 14-18 who have been obese for more than five years and have not been able to lose 20 percent of their weight through diet and exercise in six months, may be advised surgery (laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding).
• His BMI should be greater than or equal to 35 percent with associated co-morbidities (e.g., Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, weight-related orthopaedic problems).

The positive aspect is that it is minimally invasive, adjustable and reversible.

Lets check out the cons

• Weight-loss surgery isn’t the absolute answer for weight loss. There is no guarantee that your kid will lose all excess weight or that he will keep off the weight in the long run.
• Weight loss surgery alone will not suffice. It doesn’t replace the need for a healthy diet and regular physical activity.
• Bypass surgery at times mutilates a key organ such as the stomach, and complicates the digestive system.
• Surgery can also lead to mal-absorption, which deprives the body of essential nutrients which can lead to teenage osteoporosis and immunity-related diseases.
• Other accompanying complications can be painful gastrointestinal, leakage of gastric juices into the chest cavity, erosion of teeth enamel caused by repeated vomiting, flatulence, uncomfortable bowel movements.
• The surgical procedure itself can be very risky and challenging if the kid has other complications such as diabetes, high blood pressure and joint problems which is very likely in obese kids.

According to the U.S. National Institute of Health, weight loss surgery has a 40% complication rate, a 50% weight regain rate.

The International Size Acceptance Association (ISAA) discourages the practice of performing weight loss surgery on teen and pre-teens. It advises kids to become involved in physical activities such as sports while reducing time spent in front of television and computer. It also suggests reducing family intake of fast foods in favor of healthier food.

Surgery might not be the best answer, it may not be absolutely safe, but if you are going for it, be sure to complement it with exercise and diet control so that the process might not have to be repeated.

Give a thought…..Why do you want to gain weight?

Everyone is a different individual, it may take 2 to 4 years to fully develop and gain all the weight and muscle mass you will have as an adult. Most teens experience delayed puberty, you’ll eventually develop weight and muscle normally.

Your body is customised; there are certain things you can’t speed up or change. But one thing you can definitely do. Work to keep your body healthy so that you can develop properly.

What should matter is healthy growth, not size:

You as a teen should have no reason – medical or otherwise – to try to gain weight. An effort like this will simply not work and at worst increase your body fat, putting you at risk of health problems.

So focus on growing strong, not gaining weight. Keep your body healthy and fit so that it grows well. Here are some tips you must follow:

• Have a good nutritious food: High-fat foods won’t help you gain weight. Eat a variety of healthy foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains. Eating right at this stage in your life is important because it’s the key time of normal growth and development.
• Keep moving: Incorporate regular exercise. Try to get an hour or so of activity daily
• Weight training: If you are in the adolescent stage, the right kind of weight training will help your muscles become stronger and bulk up a bit. But work with a certified trainer as overdoing strength training during teen years increases risk of injuring bones that haven’t finished growing yet. Keep in mind that genes influence body shape and weight. If your parents and siblings are lean, you’re likely to be thin too. If you still think, that you need to put on weight, you can try out the following formulae. But your focus should be on a healthy and not flabby body.
• Eat more: You need to eat more calories than you burn. Carefully plan your meals with foods that will help you gain lean mass, not fat. Go for a weight gain high protein diet.
• Weight lifting: If you do not go for strength lifting, the majority of the gained weight will be fat – that means a loose floppy body. When trying to gain weight, you need to work out three times a week especially exercises that will turn extra calories into muscle. Since you have high metabolism, you need to train with more intensity, but less frequently.
• You can try out supplements: To gain weight, you do not require supplements, but they help gain weight quicker. That’s what they are. Just stick to the basics; like whey protein, egg whites.

Remember, changes in weight and body shape take time.

If you want more individualized advice on gaining weight, consult a dietitian. Sometimes being “too skinny” can be as difficult a problem as being “too fat.” Achieving a desirable body weight involves changes in diet, exercise and behaviour that supports health.

An eating disorder is an obsession with food and weight that harms a person’s well-being. Although it is a good idea to worry about weight, but people with an eating disorder go to extremes to keep from gaining weight.

Eating disorders usually begin in a teenager trying to deal with a major physical, emotional or biological problem. Sufferers experience bouts of depression. The eating disorder is an attempt to regain and raise their self-esteem.

Many teens suffer from any of the following types of eating disorder – anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating and compulsive eating. About 95 percent of them are females.
Anorexia Nervosa:

People with anorexia have an intense fear of being fat.

He/she is usually 15% below ideal weight and still considers himself overweight. He hardly eats at all, may even weigh food before eating it.

Symptoms:

• Excessive exercise
• Fatigue and muscle weakness, headaches
• Obsession with calories
• Unusual eating habits (ie. cutting food into tiny pieces, picking at food)
• Mood swings
• Evidence of vomiting, laxative, diet
• pills or diuretics to control weight Irregular menstruation in women
• Amenorrhea(loss of menstruation)
• Fainting and dizziness
• Pale complexion, dehydration

Medical Complications

• Amenorrhea
• Skin problems
• Bloating
• Constipation
• Hair loss
• Kidney and liver damage
• Osteoporosis
• Anaemia
• Infertility

Bulimia Nervosa:

Known as purge behaviour, this person eats a large amount of food, then gets rid of it quickly by vomiting or taking laxatives. After a purge, some bulimics fast or over-exercise to avoid gaining weight. Bulimics are usually close to normal weight.

Symptoms of bulimia:

• Binge eating
• Bathroom visits after eating
• Vomiting, laxative or diuretic use
• Weight fluctuations
• Harsh exercise regime
• Depression and severe self-criticism
• Fear of not being able to stop eating voluntarily
• Self-deprecating thoughts following eating

Medical Complications

• Amenorrhea and irregular menstruation
• Dizziness
• Constipation, diarrohea and dehydration
• Shortness of breath
• Erosion of teeth enamel
• Chronic sore throat
• Low blood pressure
• Development of peptic ulcers

Binge Eating disorder:

Like bulimics, binge eaters have episodes of uncontrolled or compulsive eating. During such episodes, binge eaters consume large quantities of food in a short time without the intention to stop or purge later.

Binge eating is a way of managing anxiety through the use of food. It occurs secretively.

Symptoms:

• weight gain and fluctuations in weight
• out of control regarding food
• Low self-esteem, anxiety
• loss of sexual desire
• going on many different diets
• avoidance of situations where food will be present

Medical Complications

• obesity
• menstrual irregularities
• diabetes and heart problem
• high blood pressure and cholesterol
• osteoarthritis
• decreased mobility

Compulsive Eating Disorder:

Compulsive overeaters usually feel out of control and are aware their eating habits are abnormal.

Compulsive overeating usually starts in early childhood when eating habits are formed. They were never taught the right way to cope with stress and used food as let out.

Symptoms:

• Binge eating
• Fear of not being able to stop eating voluntarily
• Withdrawing from activities because of embarrassment about weight
• Eating less in public, while overweight

Medical Complications

• Weight gain
• Hypertension
• Heart ailments
• Arthritis
• High blood pressure and cholesterol
• Shortness of breath.

Every problem has a solution. You have to try hard to get over your problem.

The most important aspect of being normal, healthy weighted is feeling good and staying fit. Too much body fat is harmful to the body; and teenage obesity is a dangerous problem – on the rise.

The good news is that it’s never too late to make changes in eating and lifestyle habits to get to a healthy weight, and those changes don’t have to be as drastic as might scare you. So, read on……this article might work magical for you.

Top ten steps for healthy weight:

• Get moving: Do not be a lousy couch potato! The most effective weight loss strategy is exercise. Do any physical activity that makes you feel healthy – gardening, swimming, jogging with your dog, playing any outdoor and not computer games. You will also notice a positive change in your behaviour.
• Eat small and right: Eating should be based on three main meals and few healthy snacks. Eat small quantities at one go. Do not skip meals, especially breakfast. Go for vegetables, fruits, grains, low-sugar cereals, low-fat dairy foods. High-calorie, low nutrition snack foods no-no.
• Snack wisely, and go for only occasional treats: Replace one packet of chips with a healthier apple or low fat yoghurt. A shared snack is better than a full order. You can go for an occasional treat if you are confident that you would be in control.
• Drink lots of water and other nutritious fluids: Do not go in for empty calorie liquids such as colas, sweetened beverages. A glass of fresh water or natural juice will satisfy you, keep your body hydrated and bring that magical glow on your face.
• Don’t aim for quick goals of losing weight: Do not emphasise on quick weight loss This can actually cause harm. Focus more on health and its positive aspects. Healthy weight is a lifetime commitment. Fad diets may rob you of essential nutrients.
• Think positive and healthy: A positive and healthy goal is easier to fight for. If you fail to lose weight as fast as you had thought, don’t slow down the process by helping yourself to a pizza. Just go for a brisk walk, and remember to use a sweetener in your drink rather than sugar.
• Take adequate rest: It will freshen up your body as well as your brain. When your body is tired, certain chemical changes take place and substances are released that contribute to weight gain.
• Get together with someone with similar goals: Both of you can be motivating catalysts for each other. Take a walk together. Losing and maintaining weight would be fun. Believe me, you will not miss out on exercises also.
• Make healthy weight programme a family affair: Overhaul your kitchen. Stock healthy food, and dispose off high calorie snacks. Shop healthy food, because what you buy is what you eat. Eat together in a family. You will cut down on the number of times as well as extra calories.
• Don’t give up and don’t quit at any time: Healthy weight is a life long continuous process. You have to be patient and regular. Exercise in moderate form, change your sedentary lifestyle and eat healthy. You will succeed.

Be happy with your results. Reward yourself for your gains and give extra effort for non-gains.

Top Ten Steps For Healthy Weight

The best thing about being normal and healthy weighted is that you feel good and stay fit. Too much of body fat is harmful to the body; and teenage obesity is a very grave problem which is on the rise.

The good news is that it is never too late to make changes in eating and lifestyle habits to get healthier, those changes don’t need to be to a very drastic measure. So, read on……this article might work magical for you.

Teen Eating Disorders

An eating disorder is basically obsession with food which leads to weight that harms a person’s well-being. It is a good idea to worry about your weight, but many people with an eating disorder go to the extremes to avoid gaining weight.

Eating disorders are common among teenagers as they try to deal with major physical, emotional or biological problems. Some teenagers also experience bouts of depression.

Many teens suffer from any of the following kinds of eating disorders called anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating and compulsive eating. Around 95 percent of these teens are females.

Helping Teen to Gain Weight

Everyone of us is a different individual, it may take around 2 to 4 years to completely develop and gain all the weight and muscle mass you will have as an adult. Most of the teens experience delayed puberty,but will eventually develop weight and muscle normally.

Your body is customized and there are certain things you cannot speed up or change. But there is one thing you can definitely do. Work and keep your body healthy so that you can develop properly.

Is Weight Loss Surgery Safe For Kids?

Obesity in kids and teens has become so common that it has almost equalled a global epidemic and still on the rise. Obesity comes with a huge list of lifelong problems which are both physical and emotional.

Some of the common problems are Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, breathing trouble, sleeping disorders and degenerative joint disorders.

Psychologically, teens develop lower self-esteem which could lead to depression, anxiety and neurotic disorders. Studies also show that the many children and teens who are obese continue to remain obese as adults. Read on to know more on Diet and Weightloss among teenagers.