During the teenage years, adolescents go through many physical changes and emotional changes. Oftentimes teenagers can feel invincible, that nothing bad will happen to them. This feeling can lead them to make inappropriate or unhealthy decisions. Teenagers are faced with peer pressure to do drugs, have sex and participate in reckless behaviors. Knowing how to combat those feelings and how to handle peer pressure can result in a healthier and safer life for teenagers.
Step 1
Say no to drugs and alcohol. According to Students Against Drunk Driving (SADD), half of high school students try an illicit drug before they graduate. In 2005, 9.9 percent of adolescents ages 12 to 17 were using illegal drugs. Drugs can cause damaging affects to your mental and physical health. Underage drinking can impair your judgement and cause your kidneys and liver to stop functioning. In 2005, about 7.2 million adolescents ages 12 to 20 were binge drinkers and 2.3 million were heavy drinkers.
Step 2
Practice abstinence. SADD reports that in 2005, 46 percent of high school students had intercourse. Abstaining from intercourse, anal sex and oral sex is the only way to prevent contracting a sexually transmitted disease. If you are a female and are going to participate in sexual activity, talk with your doctor about a prescription for birth control. Birth control will not prevent any sexually transmitted diseases, only pregnancy. If you are a male, wear a condom every time you participate in sexual activity.
Step 3
Eat healthy foods instead of junk foods. Processed carbohydrates such as chips and candy can contain high levels of salt and sugar which can lead to the development of diabetes. Cutting down or eliminating fast foods from your diet will help decrease your risk for being overweight or obese. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adolescents who are obese are more likely to be obese as adults and increase their risk for high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, low-fat diary products and whole grains are healthy additions to a teenager's diet. These healthy foods can help boost the immune system and keep teenagers healthy.
Step 4
Participate in exercise. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends that teenagers participate in 60 minutes of physical activity every day. If you are not currently participating in physical activity, begin slow and start with 10 minute intervals. Every week, add 5 more minutes to your workout until you have reached 60 minutes.
