Partners in Pediatrics

Information overload affects us everyday of our lives. This wealth of information can be a benefit as well as a curse. You need to be fully informed to raise children and keep them healthy. Our website can give you the information you need.



	Healthy Habits When practiced regularly, these are life enhancing: • Get plenty of rest; you still require at least eight hours of sleep at night. • Exercise three to five times a week for 20 to 30 minutes. • Review personal hygiene habits. • Do athletic conditioning and weight training under proper supervision. • Limit your television viewing and recreational computer time. Social These are some behaviors that promote healthy interactions: • Regularly spend time with your family doing something you all enjoy. • Talk to your parents—share with them how your day and your life is going. • Your parents will listen if you listen to them. • Participate in social activities, community groups and team sports. • Respect limits and consequences your parents have set for unacceptable behavior. • Listen to, respect and care about your siblings and peers. • Review strategies for handling peer pressure. • Learn to say “no” to social pressures you feel are inappropriate. • Follow legal and parental curfews. • Do something special that you like. Responsibilty • Respect the rights and needs of others. • Serve as an ethical role model. • Follow family rules. • Share in household responsibilities. • Learn new skills such as CPR, first aid or peer counseling. • Be a volunteer—help someone less fortunate or in need. Safety Injury prevention is proactive. Consider the following: • Use seatbelts and follow speed limits and traffic laws. • Don’t accept a ride in a car if the driver has been drinking. • Don't drink and drive. • Don’t ride unrestrained in the back of a pickup truck. • Use helmets, mouthguards and protective sports gear. • Listen to your body during sports; don’t overuse muscles or play while fatigued. • Maintain a smoke-free environment. • Test smoke detectors. • Use sunscreen with a SPF of at least 15 and avoid tanning booths. • If you get a part-time job, learn rules for job safety and emergencies. • Don’t use tobacco, drugs, alcohol or carry a weapon. • Review swimming skills. • Learn to protect yourself from abuse. • Learn to deal with anger and resolve conflicts. • Learn CPR. Oral Health Health maintenance is essential to a child's well-being. • Brush teeth for two minutes at least twice a day and use a fluoride toothpaste. • See the dentist regularly—at least twice a year.		Mental Health • Take on new challenges to build confidence. • Clarify your values. • Recognize your strengths. • Listen to good friends and valued adults. • Talk with someone you trust (a parent, friend, clergy or your doctor) when you are nervous, sad or feel things are not going right. Nutrition Good nutrition is essential to a growing body. Tips include: • Eat a good breakfast which is important for alertness and energy at school. • Eat three healthy meals a day and nutritious snacks. • Whether eating at home or out, eat as a family as often as possible. • Limit high fat, high sugar foods and choose appropriate alternatives. • Eat a variety of grains, fruits, vegetables and lean proteins. • Eat lean meats rich in iron and low-fat milk products or other foods rich in calcium. • Manage your weight through appropriate eating habits and regular exercise. • If you follow a vegetarian meal plan, make sure it is balanced with adequate nutrients and calories. Sexuality • Ask questions you have about sex, birth control and sexually- transmitted diseases. • Sexual feelings are normal. • Having sex should not be confused with having sexual feelings. • Talk to your parents or doctor about sex. • Learn how to say “no” to sex. • Abstinence is the safest way to prevent pregnancy and sexually-transmitted diseases including HIV/AIDS. Substance Abuse Education • Do not smoke, chew tobacco, use diet pills or steroids. • Do not use alcohol or drugs. • Do not sell drugs. • Avoid situations where drugs and alcohol are present. • Support friends who choose not to use drugs. School • Be responsible for school attendance, homework completion and course selection. • Discuss with parents or valued friends frustration with school. • Participate in school activities. • Identify talents, interests or skills for future career direction. Resources There are some wonderful books put out by the Rosen Publishing Group each dealing with a specific problem encountered by teens. The following is only a very short sampling: • Kane, June Kozak. Coping with Diet Fads. 1990. • Nelson, Elizabeth Ann. Coping with Drugs and Sports. 1995. • Simpson, Caroly. Coping with Asthma. 1995.