Teenage years are the period when your children are getting accustomed to this world. They are maturing, developing new habits, learning new things and coming in contact with different types of people. This is also the period when they learn to cope with stress.

Parents need to be very watchful and keep an eye on their children to notice anything suspicious. There are few health issues that also warrant the attention of the parents. Here are some views on three such health issues of teenage children.

Obesity

Obesity has spread like an epidemic among teenage Americans. A recent study has revealed that more than 33% of teenage are now obese in America. Most of these children are vulnerable to diabetes, heart diseases, high blood pressure and high cholesterol leading to premature death. The worse thing is – most obese teenagers grow up to be obese adults.

Obesity in teenagers may be taken seriously when the bodyweight exceeds 10% above the suggested bodyweight determined by the height and frame of an individual. Gaining extra weight may happen in absence of adequate physical activity, overeating or as side effect of any drug. Family history, food habits and stress are some crucial factors that may lead to obesity. Parents should be caring, and help their children to overcome obesity. Consulting with doctors or dieticians, imposing restrictions on diets and most importantly teaching the ill effects of obesity may help solve the crisis.

Depression

Most teenagers experience stress and depression when they perceive a situation to be dangerous and do not have enough resource or support to manage it. Some probable sources of depression may include negative thoughts, body image, and problems with friends. Family woes like separation or death of parents, peer pressure and chronic illness may lead to stress and depression. Sometime changing schools or pressure to perform in school may trigger depression. When such stresses remain unattended or untreated they can lead to withdrawal, physical illness, anxiety, aggression or drug abuse.

Drug Abuse

Drug abusing is a rampant problem among teens. Some try drugs for fun and get addicted; others are provoked by friends or peers. Teens taking drugs to overcome stress or depression fall easy prey and may ultimately ruin their life from drug abuse. Different types of dangerous drugs include narcotics like heroin, morphine and codeine. These are also known by code names like Cash, Tango or cody. Drugs like hashish and marijuana fall within cannabinoids and code named as ‘weed’, ‘herb’ or ‘pot’. Some medicines like Benadryl and Sudafed that contain alcohol are taken as drugs.

Teens need attention and the care of parents or guardians to overcome various problems during these crucial years of life. Parents should guide their teens and spend time with them. Communication channel between parents and children should always be open and parents should help them in solving or overcoming all kinds of problem. Monitor the changes and talk with them when anything is found to be abnormal. Encourage physical and mental exercises, socializing and participation in different sports. Involve them in some creative pursuits like painting or music.

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