The teenage years are a period of growth and transition that can present unique challenges. Automobile accidents, sexually transmitted disease and substance abuse are among the many health and safety issues facing teens. Fortunately, you can reduce the risk of unnecessary harm by making healthy lifestyle choices.
Eat Right
Food provides the nutrients needed for growth, energy production and other bodily processes. Proper nutrition is especially important during your teen years when your mind and body are developing rapidly. Teens should eat a variety of foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean protein while reserving sweets and high-fat foods for occasional treats. Daily multivitamin supplements -- not a substitute for healthy eating -- can help you meet your nutritional requirements when added to a well-balanced diet.
Exercise
Exercise is essential for weight management, physical fitness and overall health. While fine in moderation, sedentary activities like watching TV and playing video games contribute to obesity when they take the place of more active hobbies. A combination of cardiovascular, strength training and flexibility exercises is required for optimal fitness. Aim for at least 60 minutes of aerobic exercise each day. Choose activities you enjoy, such as mountain biking or team sports, to make exercise a pleasure instead of a chore and to increase the likelihood that you'll keep exercising.
Safety
Today's teen faces many potential safety risks. Accidents, sexually transmitted disease and unwanted pregnancy are a few of the potential pitfalls during your teen years. Avoiding drug and alcohol use is a good way to reduce these risks. Teenagers who drink alcohol are more likely make poor choices like having unprotected sex or driving drunk. Healthy extracurricular activities like sports and youth groups allows you to have fun without drugs and alcohol.
Sleep
Sleep is vital for your physical, mental and emotional health. Inadequate sleep can interfere with your academic performance and increase your risk of automobile accidents and other types of injury. The National Sleep Foundation recommends that teens aim for 8.5 to 9 hours of sleep each night. Adhering to a regular sleep schedule and making time for relaxing activities before bed can help improve your sleep quality.
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