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Top Issues for Tweens
How to Keep Your Preteen Healthy By Kendeyl Johansen
The tween years are full of challenges, but parents can lessen or avoid many health issues with knowledge. Candid health information allows tweens to make wise decisions about their bodies.
"During preteen years parents and physicians begin to teach the child that their health is their responsibility and things they do now can affect their health later in life," says Dr. Kathy Franchek-Roa, community pediatrician for Texas Children's Hospital and assistant professor of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine. Parents can create a healthy legacy with family discussions about good health.
"Obesity is the most common nutritional disorder in American children today, and overweight and obese children are more likely to be overweight and obese adults," says Dr. Franchek-Roa. Fortunately, a healthy diet can prevent and reverse medical problems associated with obesity.
For more information on healthy eating consult your pediatrician or visit your local library. And use your knowledge to teach your children to make healthy choices during meals at school and at home.
In addition to eating well, kids need exercise for good health. Dr. Franchek-Roa suggests biking, hiking or playing in the park with your family instead of watching TV. Exercising together teaches kids about quality family time and instills a value of exercise children take into adulthood.
Single mom Jill Simonson, of Newport Beach, Calif., hated watching her overweight 11-year-old twin girls come home from school sad because they were teased. And the girls weren't happy with their plump appearance and lack of energy.
After sitting down for a frank discussion about weight and health, the Simonsons decided to try exercise videos and healthy eating. "We started working out two to three times a week, and we replaced after-school chips and cookies with veggies and low-fat dip or fresh fruit," she says. "We also drink mostly water instead of sodas or juice." On weekends the family rewards healthy behavior with a movie or fun outing. "We've been doing this for six months and it's paid off: The girls have lost weight and we're all in great shape," says Simonson.