This great list of tips came from Dr. Celeste Allen and our partners at the Children’s Hospital and Research Center in Oakland – 10 things you can do to be a healthy teen:
- Eat healthy. Eat fewer high-fat foods and more fruits and vegetables. A healthy diet has many health benefits. Several medical conditions can be directly linked to what you eat. Women should get 1200-1500mg of calcium per day to prevent bone loss/osteoporosis. All women who have a chance of becoming pregnant should be sure they are getting enough folic acid to prevent birth defects (a daily multivitamin will have enough folic acid).
- Get regular exercise. Make a structured plan to get exercise (join a gym, get together with a friend to get exercise). Cut down screen time (TV, computer) and get more active!
- Avoid too much sun. Sun exposure is linked to skin cancer which is the most common type of cancer in the US. Limit sun exposure and wear sunscreen with SPF of at least 15 and one that blocks both UVA and UVB light. Avoid the tanning booth.
- Safety. Always wear your seatbelt, use a helmet on bikes/motorcycles, have a working smoke detector and do not swim alone.
- Don’t smoke or use tobacco. Smoking causes 440,000 deaths in the US every year. It is the cause of other preventable illnesses such as emphysema, mouth/throat/lung cancer and heart disease. The sooner you quit the better. Call 1-800-NO-BUTTS for help!
- Don’t forget your check up. Get your general check up and your hearing and vision checked once a year. Make sure to visit the dentist every 6 months
- Get your vaccines. Everyone under the age of 19 should get a flu vaccine yearly. It’s also important for you to get TB (tuberculosis testing) almost yearly. You’ll need it for jobs and school.
- Be aware of your family’s health history. If you are overweight, have a family history of high cholesterol or diabetes, you should get a blood test every 1-2 years.
- Take care of your reproductive health. If you are sexually active, you should be tested for sexually transmitted infections at least every 3-6 months. Don’t be afraid to talk to your doctor about birth control options.
- Think about your health goals. Do you want to run marathons, join a team sport, or just be generally a little healthier? Think about your goals and what you should take on as your next steps to make them happen.
