Adolescent health

Concern about the amount of sugar in kids’ diets has led the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Heart Association to encourage the consideration of steps to reduce the consumption of sugary drinks among children and teens.

The recent college admission scandal has raised the issue of parents helping their children succeed. Regardless of where (or whether) someone goes to college, parents and other caregivers can help children learn the traits and skills that will help them learn how to find their way in the world.

The presence and influence of smartphones in our lives has benefits, but it also creates hazards. For children and teens, too much attention to phones is not just a safety risk, but also deprives them of opportunity to gain life experience and understanding of the world.

The life of a teenager can be filled with drama, real or imagined. But while parents may think their teen overreacts too much, parents themselves might under-react to indications that a teen could be contemplating suicide.

Women who have experienced sexual violence or trauma are more likely to have anxiety about medical visits, particularly seeing a gynecologist and receiving a pelvic exam. Open communication in both directions is crucial for women to feel safe during these visits.

Acne is common during adolescence but for many people the condition lingers well into adulthood. The question of whether there is a connection between diet and acne has not been adequately answered–however, there are a variety of treatments available including over-the-counter and prescription products.

What do the new government guidelines for exercise and physical activity mean for you? It depends on your age and ability, but overall, move more, sit less.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps people learn how to overcome negative thought patterns and behaviors. Now an emerging variant on CBT aims to concentrate treatment into a more compressed time frame.

The ongoing concern about the effects of concussions has prompted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to evaluate research and issue concussion recommendations intended to guide parents, coaches, and doctors in concussion care.

The adjustment from summer vacation back to the structure and demands of the school year affects many students, but some experience so much anxiety that they avoid going to school. Understanding the reasons for school refusal can help parents identify problems and act quickly.