The teenage years are, for nearly all young people who go through it, a time of transition bridging childhood with adulthood. As both boys and girls reach puberty, their body characteristics begin changing internally as well as externally and they begin facing situations they may not have had to face earlier; skin complexion, for example.
Acne, if potentially left untreated, may be a cause of unnecessary negative emotional and physical issues in teenagers. Luckily, there are solutions today. Here is a list of five of the top foods for teenagers to help fight blemishes, as well as help them build strong bones, teeth and immune systems.
(Click here to see the five essential foods for teens.)
FOR BODY PLAN WEBSITE
Developing Heart-Healthy Kids
Parents, if you want to help your children develop good physical activity habits at an early age you need to start by setting a good example yourself. The American Heart Association recommends that you practice these heart-healthy habits with your kids:
Limit screen time (television, movies, videos and computer games) to less than 2 hours a day. Substitute the rest of leisure time with physical activity.
- Plan family outings and vacations that involve vigorous activities such as hiking, bicycling, swimming, etc.
- Give your children some household chores that require physical exertion, keeping in mind their levels of strength, coordination and maturity. Mowing lawns, raking leaves, scrubbing floors and taking out the garbage not only teach responsibility but can be good exercise.
- Observe sports and activities your children like, then find out about lessons and organized teams. Some children thrive on team sports; others prefer individual activities. Some activities, like tennis and swimming, can be enjoyed for a lifetime and are much easier to learn during childhood.
- If it's safe to walk or bike rather than drive, do so. Use stairs instead of elevators and escalators. Increase the distances you and your children walk.
- Stay involved in your child's physical education classes at school and be aware of the activities offered in those classes.
- Be flexible on your child’s homework. Don’t force them to do it immediately after school, but rather let them have some activity between the time they get out of school and the time they eat dinner.
- Choose fitness-oriented gifts -- a jump rope, mini-trampoline, tennis racket, baseball bat, a youth membership at the local YMCA or YWCA. Select the gift with your child's skills and interests in mind.
- Take advantage of your city's recreation opportunities -- from soccer leagues to fun runs. Check out the various camps or organizations like the Sierra Club that sponsor outdoor activities such as camping, hiking trips and bird watching.
For more healthy tips and recipes for your kids check out my website, www.bodyplanforkids.com or order my book, MACKIE SHILSTONE’S BODY PLAN FOR KIDS through the site.
For more helpful information on top foods in various categories go to my website, www.mackieshilstone.com. To download a free copy of my Performance Fuel Guide in .pdf format click on this link: http://www.ejgh.org/thefitnessprinciple/images/mackiefuelguide.pdf
