Category: Family Life

Teenagers go through a lot of hormonal and social changes that can cause high stress levels and “the blues.” But, sometimes it’s more than that. Some teens actually have depression, which is a real mental health disorder that needs treatment.

These are some signs of depression in teens:

*  Being angry or irritable a lot

*  Feeling sad all the time

*  Unexplained headaches, stomach aches or other health problems

*  Avoiding family and friends

*  Not finding enjoyment in things they like

*  Being tired all the time

*  Sleeping a lot or sleeping very little

*  Change in eating habits or appetite

*  Drop in grades or missing school

*  Using alcohol or drugs

If you notice your teen is acting different, reach out to them. Try to find out if they need some help from a counselor or a doctor. Some teens have depression without any obvious symptoms.

Always take any threats of suicide seriously. If your teen talks about hurting themselves or suicide, get them medical help right away. Or, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifetime at 1-800-273-8255.

Risk factors for depression in teens

These factors may increase the risk of depression:

*  A family history of depression or anxiety

*  Stressful life events like a death in the family, a breakup or a move to a new place

*  Low self-esteem or being very critical  of themselves

*  Having a learning disability or a  chronic illness

Try to talk with your teen often. Ask how they are feeling and how things are going at school or work. If you’re concerned, talk to them about seeing a doctor to get screened for depression.

We may think of back pain as an adult problem. But back problems can happen to kids, too. Many times, it’s because kids’ backpacks are too heavy.

Kids often carry backpacks to school or activities. They may have books, lunch, clothes or equipment. This all adds up. Backpacks that are too heavy – or that a kid uses incorrectly – can strain the back. It may cause headaches or even damage the spine.

How heavy should it be?

Weigh your child both with and without the full backpack. Then subtract your child’s weight alone from his weight with the backpack.

Kids should not have a backpack that weighs more than 10% of their body weight. If your child weighs 80 pounds, their backpack should be less than 8 pounds. If they weigh 67 pounds, their backpack should be less than 6.7 pounds.

Measuring matters

It’s important to find a backpack that fits your child. If you go to a store, have them try on the backpack. Make sure it is not wider than their back. The pack also should not sit more than 4 inches below the waist.

If you buy online, pay attention to the measurements. Measure your child’s back and see if the pack is too wide or too long for them.

Finding a good pack

Look for these features when shopping for your child’s backpack:

*  Two shoulder straps that are wide and padded

*  Padding in the back

*  Waist strap

*  Multiple pockets

*  Lightweight material

Show them how to carry

Kids should carry a backpack with the straps over both shoulders. Carrying on one shoulder can hurt their muscles and joints. Tighten the shoulder and waist straps so that they are snug against the body. The backpack should rest over the middle of their back. Put heavy items in the bottom, like books.

Finally, keep it light! See if they can keep certain items at home to lighten their load.

Source: American Academy of Family Physicians

Because people are living longer than ever, many people have senior parents in their lives. One of the biggest health issues facing older adults is falls. In fact, the CDC reports that nearly 3 million older adults are treated in the emergency room each year for a fall-related injury.

Whether your older parent lives with you or just visits occasionally, there are some simple steps you can take to keep your older parent safe from falls at home.

*  Place handrails on both sides of all stairways.

*  Carpets and rugs should be tacked to the floor. Do not use loose rugs.

*  Make sure you have good lighting throughout the home, especially at the top and bottom of the stairs. Use nightlights in bathrooms, next to the bed, and in hallways.

*  Keep the floor clean and free of clutter. Avoid having cords or wires on the floor.

*  Place grab bars near toilets and on the inside and outside of your tub or shower.

*  Use non-skid mats or carpet on floors that get wet.

Get outside and walk with your baby. But exercise caution and good judgment, advises the American Chiropractic Association.

*  A backpack-style or front-side carrier decreases a parent’s stability when walking or hiking. It is critical that a parent get into shape before attempting to use one of these products.

*  If using a backpack-style or front-side baby carrier, make sure to select one with wide straps for your shoulders and waist. This will help distribute the carrier’s weight evenly. The shoulder straps should fit comfortably over the center of your collarbone.

*  Don’t forget about your own health and comfort. Bring yourself as close to the baby as possible before lifting. You don’t want to lift with your arms outstretched. Bend from the knees and hips and keep your back straight. Use a two-stage lift that consists of pulling the child up to your chest and then lifting straight up with your leg muscles.

*  Once you place the child in the carrier, check to make sure there is no bunching of material against the child’s body, particularly on the back, buttocks, and spine. Isolated, uneven pressure like this can produce pain.

If you wish to use a baby sling, keep in mind that it is intended only for infants, and be sure to follow these tips:

*  A baby can become very hot inside the sling, so be mindful of the temperature around you. Also, make certain the baby’s breathing is clear and unobstructed by the sling’s material.

*  Switch sides when wearing the sling to balance the positional stress on you and your baby.

*  Never run or jog while carrying a baby in any backpack-style carrier, front-side carrier, or baby sling. A baby’s body is not adjusted to the cyclic pattern that is a part of running and jogging. This motion can do damage to the baby’s neck, spine, and brain. It is better to use a jogging stroller.

How about that shocking headline? Although most parents do not consider furniture and TVs to be dangerous, children are often injured when these items tip over.

A study conducted by the Center for Injury Research and Policy of The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital found that nearly 15,000 children younger than age 18 go to ERs annually for injuries received from furniture tip-overs.

According to the study, published in Clinical Pediatrics, most furniture tip-over-related injuries occurred among children younger than age 7 and resulted from TVs tipping over. More than one quarter of the injuries occurred when children pulled over or climbed on furniture.

Older children were more likely to suffer injuries from desks, cabinets, or bookshelves tipping over. Head and neck injuries were most common among younger children, while children older than age 9 were more likely to suffer injuries to the lower body.

Despite warnings from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the number of tip-over injuries has increased since the early 1990s.

Parents can reduce risks to children by placing TVs low to the ground and near the back of their stands and strapping televisions and furniture to the wall with safety straps or L-brackets. Purchase furniture with wide legs or with solid bases. Install drawer stops on chests of drawers, and place heavy items close to the floor on shelves.

Also, parents can reduce a child’s desire to climb furniture by not placing attractive items, such as toys or the remote control, high on top of furniture or the TV.