HEALTH

The Big Risks When Teens Are Sleep-Deprived

Lori Freson

As a teen, you are likely familiar with staying up late finishing homework or talking to your friends. Whether you’re staying up late by choice, or because you are extremely busy with sports, extra-curricular activities and schoolwork, the reality is that most teens are simply not getting enough sleep. Between busy schedules and the biological […]

HEALTH

Who Are You – And How Do Others See You?

Lori Freson

Do you ever wonder who you really are? Maybe you feel like many different people all trapped in one body. Sometimes, you enjoy being very social, fashionable and extroverted, while other times you might think this really makes you feel uncomfortable and realize you’d rather be with people that are more mellow, quiet and chill. […]

HEALTH

Why Exercise Is So Important For Teenagers

Katie Malinski

Professional advice from licensed therapist Katie Malinski

HEALTH

The Sugar In Soda: Not So Sweet

Jill Castle

Imagine taking your sugar bowl out of the cabinet and swallowing a cup of sugar! Would you let your child do that?

HEALTH

If I Can Laugh When I’m Happy, Why Can’t I Yell When I’m Angry?

Lori Freson

Someone recently said to me, “If I laugh when I’m happy, why can’t I yell when I’m angry? It’s the same thing. People smile and laugh when they’re happy and they frown and yell when they’re mad.” When people get very angry and start yelling at others, they often hear, “Stop yelling at me” or […]

HEALTH

Things Teenagers Say When They’re In Trouble

Lori Freson

Multiple times each day, we ask our friends and ask us, “How are you?” It is as common as saying hello. We even ask total strangers how they are doing when go to Starbucks or the mall. Rarely, however, do we answer this question honestly, even when asked by our closest friends and family members. […]

HEALTH

I Hate the Way I Look

Dr. Patricia Nan Anderson

You are the one who gets to say if you like how you look. If you don’t like your appearance, well, you’re the only one who gets to decide. But keep in mind that you just might be wrong. Most likely, you look just fine. Little kids don’t much care how they look. They run […]

HEALTH

Why Forgiveness Is Difficult (But Important)

Lori Freson

Forgiveness is the intentional and voluntary process by which a victim undergoes a change in feelings and attitude regarding an offense, lets go of negative emotions such as vengefulness, with an increased ability to wish the offender well (wikipedia.com). Another definition (Merriam-Webster) is forgive: to stop feeling anger toward (someone who has done something wrong) : […]

HEALTH

One Proven (Free!) Way to Help Teens Deal with Stress

Katie Malinski

Imagine a pill that helped children cope with stress better, improved mood and physical health, had no serious negative side effects, and didn’t cost a penny. We would all want one, right? Well, it’s not a pill, but there is something that does all those things:

HEALTH

Why Sleep and Nutrition Are So Important For Teens

Lori Freson

The issues of teen sleep and nutrition are far more important than many people may realize. While they are sometimes discussed, they don’t seem to get the attention they actually deserve, and therefore, the importance of these issues is often minimized. As teenagers, you are gaining independence and making more and more of your decisions […]

HEALTH

Feel Your Pain, Don’t Push It Away

Lori Freson

Let’s face it…nobody likes to feel pain. By definition, pain is extremely unpleasant and uncomfortable to suffer through. It is also a normal and natural part of life. Teenagers are experiencing a lot of different types of pain at this stage in their lives, sometimes for the very first time. Whether it’s a first heartbreak […]

HEALTH

Your College Gym Membership May Be Essential

Dr. Patricia Nan Anderson

Although paying for access to the campus fitness center may seem like an added expense and an unnecessary frill, it actually may make the difference between being successful at college and being less successful.