HealthyLife Articles

Tag: growth

Learn To Accept Criticism

Stress Management

Are you thin-skinned? If critical remarks (or perceived criticism) are unduly painful for you, learning to put them in perspective can reduce their impact.

But why does criticism hurt in the first place? Part of the reason is fear that the criticism may be warranted-that you are indeed too fat, too slow, too loud, or whatever barb has been lobbed in your direction. The other factor may be low self-esteem. If you don’t feel so good about yourself, you’re more apt to take criticism to heart. On the other hand, if you feel fairly self-assured, the negative remarks of others are more likely to bounce off.

Still, a fair amount of criticism may be valid-and just what you need to correct a fault. In order to decide just how much attention a critical remark warrants-or what you should make of it-ask yourself:

* Does the criticism seem reasonable? Is there some truth to what was said? (Perhaps you should pay attention to the remark.)

* Have I been criticized by other people on the same issue? (If so, maybe it warrants attention.)

* Does the person making the critical remark know what he or she is talking about? (If he or she is a self-appointed critic-at-large, ignore the remark.)

* Was the remark really directed at me, or was the critic venting general frustration, anger, or bitterness at something over which I have no control? (If criticism stems from general dissatisfaction, let it slide.)

* Is the criticism based on a difference of opinion? (If so, don’t overreact.)

If you decide that the criticism is valid, you can consider taking positive steps to improve. If it’s unwarranted, forget it.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Make Stress Work For You

Stress Management

Slay your dragons and eat them for lunch! (Figuratively speaking, that is.) Lots of people have learned to tame stress by refusing to accept defeat in the face of negative forces. Instead, they meet stress head on, with a positive outcome. In other words, if you can use a negative event (like losing your job) to motivate you to take positive action (like getting a better job), you can beat stress at its own game.

Here’s how you can make stress work for you, not against you.

* Try not to think of setbacks as defeats.

* View stress as an energizer. Consider each new demand as a challenge, no matter how forbidding it may seem.

* Always ask yourself, “What’s the best that can happen?” rather than “What’s the worst possible outcome?”

* Pause between skirmishes. Allow for rest and recuperation before facing each challenge.

* Take charge. Although you can’t control other people’s actions, you can control your response to what comes your way. When it comes to managing your emotions, you’re the boss.

* Don’t try to please everyone-you can’t. (Do aim to please yourself occasionally, though.)

* Get the big picture. Think in terms of long-range goals, not just day-to-day problems.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Cultivate Your Career

Social Health

Do the work you love and work at loving what you do.

A recent survey found that only 19 percent of workers in the U.S. and Canada were satisfied with their jobs; 16 percent were “somewhat satisfied,” and about two-thirds were not happy. Workers say they are not happy due to little or no pay raises, having to do more work due to job cuts, and getting fewer benefits or having to pay more for them. Many feel stuck in their jobs, but say it is not easy to leave due to the state of the economy. This does not paint a good picture of well-being for employees.

Tom Rath and Jim Harter, authors of the book, “Wellbeing: The Five Essential Elements,” do not limit the word “career” to your line of work. They define it as what you do each day and how you occupy your time. This includes home and family care, school, and other activities you do in the community. In their book, they state that career well-being is the most essential. The other four of these elements are community, financial, physical, and social.

Ways to increase career well-being:

* Deal with stress. Get and stay organized at work and at home.

* Take breaks. Eat lunch away from your work area.

* Be friendly. Greet coworkers and visitors.

* Spend time with coworkers you like and who share and/or understand your challenges. Encourage each other to pursue career goals.

* Use your skills and talents during non-work hours if they are not part of your job.

* Find your passion in life. Do something you enjoy doing every day.

* Focus on the positives. Avoid people who have negative attitudes.

* Be assertive with your needs. Ask for information and help if you need it to complete tasks.

* Be a team player. Work toward common goals.

* Take charge to advance your career. Let your boss and coworkers know what you can do and ideas you have that can benefit them and the company.

“You’ve got to find what you love. And that is as true for your work as it is for your lovers … If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it.”

– Steve Jobs

Action Step

Be prepared to make a job change for one that better suits your career goals, interests, and skills. Keep an up-to-date resume, references, and strong work portfolio, as needed.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Getting On With Your Life

Home Safety

Returning to normal routines after a crisis is easier said than done for many people. This section will make it easier to adjust to the changes in your life after a major crisis or trauma. You probably will never forget the traumatic event. You will be healthier, though, if you move on. The past can’t be changed, but the future can. Focus on creating a “new normal.” Use this time to determine your priorities and goals in life. Make a list of your goals. Write down, too, the steps you need to take to reach each goal.

Balance Body, Mind, and Spirit

* Give yourself time to heal. Know that this will not be an easy time. Let yourself feel whatever you are feeling. Be patient with changes in your feelings.

* Stay involved with other people and activities. Be informed.

* Help others.

* Connect with people. Visit or call people who will support you. Rely on family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, and support groups.

* Think positively about challenges ahead.

* Get extra rest.

* Eat healthy foods.

* Exercise.

* Take extra care of yourself, even if you don’t feel like it.

* Plan your time. Stay busy. Work. Read. Play sports. Do hobbies.

* Express your thoughts and feelings about the event. Find good listeners. Talking about it lessens the power trauma has over you, clears your head, and calms you. It also helps you to heal and feel more in control. It helps to write down your thoughts and feelings, too.

* Find time to relax. Do things you enjoy. Breathe deeply. Meditate. Do yoga.

* Don’t use alcohol or drugs to feel better. You must deal with your emotions so you can heal. Numbing the feelings won’t help.

* Find healthy things to do that make you feel good about yourself or feel more in control.

* Limit TV watching of disasters.

* Don’t make big life decisions in haste.

Spirituality Can Help You Cope

During times of crisis, many people find a deep inner peace and strength through their faith. Faith can give deeper meaning to life and helps you focus on what really matters. Some people may question their faith as they search for meaning in a tragedy. Questions and doubts during hard times are normal. The benefits of spirituality come in many ways.

* Praying and meditating. Prayer vigils.

* Counting your blessings

* Forgiving and healing

* Practicing and receiving unconditional love

* Connecting to a higher power

* Reaching out to help others

* Attending a place of worship can provide a sense of community and shared purpose as well as support, reassurance, and understanding.

Pastoral counselors can help with mental health and spiritual concerns. They are certified mental health professionals. They also have had in-depth training in religion and/or theology. You can choose one of your faith (e.g., Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, Protestant, etc.). Call 800.225.5603 or visitwww.aapc.org.

Effects of the Media

Having easy access to a world of information can be empowering and help allay fears by keeping us informed and connected to the world at large. On the other hand, newspaper and television, in particular, can overwhelm viewers and have a negative effect on many people. This includes increasing fear.

Television’s immediate and powerful images can burn into your memory, especially if a traumatic event is watched over and over. How much is too much? The answer depends on the person. Here are some general tips:

* Control TV watching. Immediately after a crisis, it is natural to want to keep the TV or radio on for much of the day to stay informed. After a couple of days or if you feel anxious, turn it off. Do not expose children under the age of six to televised videotapes of attacks and disasters. Limit TV viewing for older children and watch it with them.

* Use the newspaper, radio, or internet to keep informed.

* Check in a few times a day in case something new has happened. Don’t leave the TV on all day. While TV can give a feeling of being connected, it is also emotionally draining. There is a time to just turn it off.

* Use the media in moderation. Spend time on other activities you enjoy.

* Watch cartoons, other funny shows and videos with your children.

* If waking up to the news from a clock radio every morning is draining, find a nice music station instead.

* Don’t read, watch, or listen to the news for at least an hour before bed.

Helping Children Cope

In the wake of crisis or disaster, helping children cope is a priority in the minds of parents and teachers. According to the American Counseling Association, after any disaster, children are most afraid of the following:

* That the event will recur

* That they or someone they love will be hurt or killed

* That they may be separated from those they love and will be left alone

Things you say and do can help your children cope with a crisis.

Talking with Children

* Comfort children. Let them know that you will keep them safe, that you are safe, and you will take care of them. Tell them how rare disasters are and about all the people who work to keep us safe. Tell them that good acts in the world outnumber the bad.

* Answer children’s questions honestly. Keep in mind their age and maturity when you respond. Give basic answers. Don’t give too much detail. Children will ask for more information if they want it.

* Find out what the child is concerned about. What have they seen? Heard? Experienced? Listen without judging.

* Allow children to express their feelings, but do not push them if they aren’t ready. If they can’t talk about their feelings, let them express feelings through drawing, play, etc.

* Encourage children to feel in control. Let them make choices about meals, clothing, etc.

* As children retell events, ask questions or play out the event. Many children need to hear the same thing over and over before they understand. Help young children to learn words that express their feelings. n Let children know it is normal to feel upset after something bad happens and that the traumatic event was not their fault.

* Remind children of times they have been brave before in a new or difficult situation.

* Do not criticize regressive behavior or shame the child with statements like, “You’re acting babyish.”

* Let children cry and be sad. Don’t expect them to be brave and tough.

* Don’t keep secrets. Children will imagine something much worse is going on or think they are to blame. Don’t be afraid to say, “I don’t know.”

* Tell them about the heroes involved in a tragedy, (e.g., firefighters, police, doctors, nurses, and ordinary people).

* Some children may express hate toward a large group of people. You may feel hate, as well. Let children know that you understand their anger toward specific people who may have caused harm. Help them to separate those feelings from prejudice toward a larger group. Remind them how prejudice causes many problems and that the world can be a better place by being good to others.

Actions to Take to Help Children

Above all, stay calm. Children look to us for how to respond.

* Try to return to normal routines (school, after- school activities, and play, etc.) as soon as possible.

* Make sure the child gets enough rest and eats healthy foods.

* Review family safety plans. This will help children feel prepared in the event an emergency situation occurs.

* Understand there may be a short, temporary decline in school performance. Talk to teachers, coaches, etc. to see how your children are doing in other settings. Let these same persons know how your child is doing at home.

* Spend extra time together as a family. Spend one-on- one time with each child. Give your children hugs and kisses.

* Be a role model for tolerance, understanding, and peace.

* Do things that show how one person can make a difference. Donate time. Send cards. n Don’t let children under age six watch or hear the news. Watch the news with older children and talk to them about it afterward.

* Do relaxing activities together. Read books. Listen to music. Draw or do other artwork. Take a walk, etc.

* Limit how much young children hear adults talking about the event.

* Avoid unnecessary separations from parents or other important caregivers.

* Allow time to cope. Be patient with angry outbursts. Give children a healthy outlet for anger, such as a pillow to punch.

* Tell and show children how much you love them. This is true at all times, but even more so after a crisis.

* If, after six weeks following a crisis, your child is not able to function normally at home, at school, or in play, seek help for your child from a mental health professional.

What Really Matters

After a crisis, many people decide what is truly important to them. You, too, may find yourself experiencing the following common reactions:

* You draw closer to loved ones. You tell them how we feel about them. You spend more time with family and friends.

* You become more spiritual. You look for deeper meaning in your life.

* You make decisions or do things you may have been putting off.

* You work less and play more.

* You slow down the pace of a hectic lifestyle.

* You become more informed about the world.

* You reach out to help others and strive to make the world a better place.

* Realizing how fragile life is, you learn to enjoy each moment more and fret less.

* You learn survival skills.

* Communities, nations, and the world unite.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Self-Esteem

Mental Health

Self-esteem is how you feel about yourself. How people experience their self-esteem can vary over time and be dependent on certain life events, such as a job loss, relationship breakup, or poor grades, which can temporarily lower one’s self-esteem. It affects everything you do:

* How you select a major, career or job

* How you choose and relate to friends

* How you relate to your children

* How you give and receive love

* How successful you are at reaching your goals

* How well you perform in school

Self-Esteem Types

Generally, one of three categories describes how people evaluate themselves:

* High self-esteemers are people who see themselves as self-assured with plenty of confidence about their worth as people.

* Middle self-esteemers are people who reflect qualities of both high and low self-esteem.

* Low self-esteemers are people who feel self-hate and who doubt their own value. They are fearful and feel alienated.

People with HIGH Self-Esteem are generally:

* Not defeated by mistakes or failures

* Eager to express themselves

* Comfortable in a leadership or active role

* Able to handle criticism and learn from it

* Unlimited in their development

* Ready to take appropriate risks

* Positive about life

* Healthy in their habits

* Comfortable laughing at themselves

* Not afraid of new things

* Trusting and hopeful

* Involved with others

* Able to experience their feelings fully

* Aware of personal strengths and weaknesses

* Content with their lives

* Not inclined to be boastful

* Able to ask for help when it’s needed

People with LOW Self-Esteem are generally:

* Convinced of their worthlessness

* Full of feelings of insignificance

* Unsure of their abilities

* Likely to stick with the easy and familiar

* Uncomfortable with praise

* Fearful and unsure about the future

* Perfectionists to extremes

* Paralyzed by fear

* Blind to new opportunities

* Negative thinkers, overly concerned about the opinion of others. Not capable of handling criticism or rejection

* Defensive

* Procrastinators

* Defeated easily

* Uncomfortable in social situations

* Manipulative

* Inclined to blame others

Many people lack positive self-esteem because of negative feelings they picked up in childhood from parents or peers. Self-esteem can be damaged if you continue to believe the negative messages received early in life regardless of the reality of these messages. It doesn’t matter if you were attractive, well-behaved, said all the right things, got good grades and were sweeter than your sister. All that matters is what you thought about yourself at those times. If you had negative thoughts about yourself, your self-esteem as an adult is probably suffering. If you had positive thoughts, your self-esteem is probably stronger.

Self-esteem can also be damaged if you act against your own sense of values, such as honesty and integrity. You may judge yourself too harshly for certain behaviors that go against these values.

Questions to Ask

Self-Help

Ways to Improve Self-Esteem

Identify:

* Wants and needs that are important to you

* The people you feel intimidated by. Learn to be assertive with them.

* The situations you have the hardest time with. Ask for help, if you need it.

* Things in your life where you can feel successful and make plans to work toward them.

Nurture yourself.

Treat yourself in the same way that a patient, loving and encouraging parent would. (Note: Get outside help from family, friends or a counselor for these tips if you need to.) For example:

* When you fail at something, say: “That’s okay. I’ll do better next time.”

* Praise yourself every day for something.

* Let yourself cry when you feel like it.

* If your day was rough, relax in the evening or as soon as you can.

* Accept compliments from others with pride.

* Accept “mistakes” you’ve made without condemning yourself.

* When you succeed, say it was because you worked hard.

* Get at least 7 hours of sleep each night.

* Keep in touch with people who care about you.

* List ten things you do well.

* Look at old photos that bring back good memories.

* Meditate.

* Give yourself a present.

* Volunteer some time to a good cause.

Make affirmations.

Affirmations are statements which reinforce positive thinking patterns. People behave in ways that fit their belief systems about themselves. If an individual believes he is a poor student or salesman, he will act in ways to prove it.

It is better to affirm positive beliefs than it is to oppose negative ones, just as it is wiser to turn on the light in a dark room instead of trying to remove the darkness.

How to Make Affirmations

* Make affirmations simple.

* Make them personal. Use the words “I,” “Me” and “My.”

* Be positive. Avoid negative words like “can’t,” “don’t,” and “won’t.”

* Use the present tense as if “it” is already happening. For example, instead of saying, “I will” say “I am.”

* Make affirmations ongoing and progressive. For example, “Each day, I feel more…”

* Make affirmations that you can attain. Make them as specific as possible.

* Try to reinforce positive behaviors rather than stopping negative behaviors.

* Be brief or you won’t remember it.

* Use feeling words.

* Continue making affirmations even if you don’t fully believe them at first. This can change over time.

Select a few affirmations and use them daily for twenty-one days. You’ll be amazed at your progress.

Sample Affirmations

1. I do something to treat myself well every day. I am worthwhile.

2. I am like other people. I’m not perfect.

3. I am striving to improve myself in some way every day and I accept and enjoy who I am today.

4. I approve of myself and I accept how I feel, think and act.

5. I give myself the leeway to make mistakes and learn from them.

6. I am asserting myself by standing up for my values and wishes.

7. I am approaching new situations with confidence.

8. I expect successes and mistakes and I accept and learn from each situation.

Overcome Negative Self-Esteem

Learn how to control negative thoughts that are self-defeating. One way to do this is to question a self-defeating belief about an event when it leads to feelings of low self-esteem. Use the ABCDE model that follows. It identifies how beliefs influence self-esteem and work or school performance. Once identified, beliefs that are undesirable can be disputed or changed. When this happens, higher self-esteem and improved work performance can be the result.

How to Use the ABCDE Model

Activating the Event.

What event made you feel unworthy, self-doubting or guilty?

Example: You were overlooked for a promotion or received a poor grade.

Beliefs.

What thoughts did you have about the event? Examples:

1. It’s my fault for not being smarter.

2. I’m wasting my time here.

3. I’m never going to amount to much.

Consequences.

How did you feel because of your beliefs?

Examples: Blue, passive, angry, self-abusive, negative towards others and yourself.

Dispute.

Challenge the negative thoughts you identified in the “beliefs” section on the previous page. Start with a phrase like “That’s not right.” and add a positive statement.

Example: That’s not right. This happens to lots of people at one time or another. I’ll take my time to plan and do some self-improvement activities. If I feel negatively about myself now, it may affect my work. I’m not a failure as a person. Failure is only an event. It’s not a person.

Effect.

How do you feel now that you have challenged your negative thoughts?

Example: Relaxed and positive. I’ve made good use of rational thinking to improve my mood.

What You Can Do to Help Someone

* Involve them. Try to get your friend or relative involved with others. This will help them see that they can make a positive contribution to events, people, etc.

* Give them positive feedback. Tell your friend or relative about his or her strengths, accomplishments and assets. This will not only remind them, but let them know that you think enough of them to remember all these things.

* Express your care and concern. Let your friend or relative know how much you value them and their place in your life. This will give them a greater sense of belonging.

* Encourage them. Try to get your friend or relative to learn something new. Tell them how good they’re likely to be at it.

* Laugh with them, not at them. Help your friend or relative to laugh at their and your mistakes by trying to find some humor (when appropriate) in their life.

* Listen to them. Allow your friend or relative to express themselves by giving him or her your complete attention while they are speaking to you. This will let them know that their opinions matter to you and that they are important enough to be paid attention to.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Building Resilience: How You Can Do It

SELF-CARE CORNER

Life throws unexpected things at everyone. This can be everyday things, like spilling coffee on your shirt before a meeting. Or it can be major things, like a scary health diagnosis or the death of a loved one.

One thing is certain: We can’t control many of these challenges. But they don’t have to define who you are. You can learn how to deal with them in healthy ways and bounce back. In other words, you learn to be resilient.

What is resilience?

Resilience doesn’t mean your life will be easy. And it definitely doesn’t mean you should pretend everything is great all the time.

To be resilient, you will have to experience some challenges. And when those challenges happen, you learn actions and thoughts that help you rebuild your life.

Being resilient takes practice. It’s like learning to play an instrument or building muscles with exercise. The more you do it, the better and easier it gets.

Resilience has four main parts:

1. Connection

2. Wellness

3. Healthy thinking

4. Meaning

Connection

Put your relationships first. Time with friends or family members helps you mentally and physically. Everyone needs to be alone sometimes, but don’t isolate yourself when bad things happen. Use the power of community to get back on your feet. Join a support group or call a friend regularly. And consider using one of the many video chat options if you’re avoiding group activities outside of your household.

Wellness

Healthy habits will help you be more resilient. Exercise, get enough sleep and eat healthy foods. Try prayer, mindfulness or yoga. These things give your body and mind strength to deal with challenges. Avoid alcohol, drugs or risky behaviors.

Healthy thoughts

How you think affects how you feel. Accept that changes happen in life and that some are out of your control. Hope for a better future and find ways to make it better each day. Learn from past mistakes. Accept that worry doesn’t help.

Meaning

Help others or volunteer. Acknowledge your feelings during hard times. Then ask yourself what you can do about the problem. When hard things happen, ask yourself how you can grow and become a better person.

Source: American Psychological Association

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Helping Kids Make Health Decisions

FAMILY LIFE

Children can learn how to be a part of their own health care. This can start when children are young, but it’s never too late. Here are some ways to empower them to make medical decisions.

From ages 5 to 10 years old, kids can talk with the doctor at their appointments.

Your child’s doctor should talk to your child when it’s appropriate. They can use language the child will understand.

Once your child is 11 years old, let them do most of the talking at the doctor’s office.

Ask your child if they want you in the room during appointments. Encourage them to ask the doctor questions about their health.

Teenagers can take the lead in their doctor appointments. Talk with them about their health conditions and medications so they can discuss them with their doctor.

Teach your teen how to schedule a doctor’s appointment and call for a medication refill. These are skills they will need when they leave home.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
How Much Exercise Kids Need

BE FIT

Being inactive isn’t good for children’s health. Kids can have health problems related to being inactive, such as:

* Sleep problems

* Type 2 diabetes

* Excess weight

* High blood cholesterol

How much exercise is enough?

Preschool children should be active throughout the day. School aged children should get at least one hour of moderate to intense activity every day. Some exercise is better than none. If your child isn’t active now, start with a few minutes of exercise each day. Gradually increase the time and intensity of their exercise as they get more fit.

What is ‘moderate to intense activity’ for children?

When your child is doing moderate to intense activity, their heartbeat will speed up. They will breathe much harder than normal.

This type of activity can be walking or biking at a brisk pace. It can also be more intense, like jumping on a trampoline or swimming. Whatever your child likes to do, encourage them to do it every day!

Know the types of exercise

Exercise doesn’t have to be the same thing all the time. Try to encourage your child to do all three types throughout each week:

Aerobic exercise

Anything that speeds up your child’s heart rate. It can include:

* Brisk walking

* Bike riding

* Swimming

* Running

* Dancing

* Playing games that require running and throwing

Muscle-strengthening exercise

These exercises build up muscles, which is important for lifelong fitness. Examples include:

* Climbing

* Push-ups

* Lunges

* Yoga

* Resistance bands

* Hand-held weights

Bone-strengthening

This puts pressure on bones. Pressure from exercise helps the bones rebuild and stay strong. Exercises include:

* Jumping

* Running

* Skipping

* Sports that require running and stopping, like basketball or soccer

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
How To Handle Criticism

WORK LIFE

No one likes to be criticized. It’s not an enjoyable experience to have your work, speech, or actions critiqued by those around you. However, handled well, criticism can be helpful. If you learn to listen and discern when a critique is valid, you can leverage the discomfort as a tool for growth.

Steps to handle criticism

Listen

Resist the urge to shut down and shield yourself from the uncomfortable feeling of being criticized. Pause and listen to what is being shared.

Don’t make it personal

While sometimes you may experience a personal attack disguised as critique, try to separate yourself from the criticism. You’re not a bad person for having room to improve.

Ask for clarification

Not everyone is skilled at giving constructive criticism. You, as the receiver, may need to ask questions to determine how to improve.

Take time to reflect

Criticism that stings in the moment may be easier to learn from after your initial emotions fade. Take time to digest criticism to see how you can improve.

Follow-up

Make a follow-up plan to ensure you’ve made the necessary changes. This demonstrates your commitment to personal growth.

If necessary, let it go

Criticism shouldn’t hang over your head. Learn what you can and then move on. This is especially important in the face of criticism that is not helpful.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Kids, Puberty & Sports

BE FIT

Sports can be a great way for kids to develop social skills, teamwork and resilience. But it’s important to know that athletic ability changes as kids grow.

Growth affects performance

During puberty, boys and girls have a growth spurt that can change their athletic ability. After going through puberty:

* Boys may notice more muscle strength and overall bigger body size.

* Girls often lose some muscle mass. They may temporarily lose some of their speed or agility.

* Kids could feel “clumsy” as they adjust to being taller. The brain hasn’t yet adjusted to this new height and may affect balance skills or body control.

* It may be harder to throw or hit a ball with longer arms.

* Girls may have headaches, mood swings or cramps during menstruation.

Puberty & knee injuries

As kids get taller and heavier, they have a higher risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. The ACL is an important ligament that supports the knee.

ACL injuries can be serious. They may require surgery and can increase the risk of knee arthritis later in life.

Most ACL injuries happen when a person suddenly stops, changes direction, jumps or lands on the ground. They don’t usually happen from a blow to the knee. Sometimes an ACL injury causes a “popping” sound as it occurs.

ACL injuries may cause swelling, severe pain, and inability to put weight on the knee. If your child injures their knee, see a doctor right away.

Positive support is key

Coaches who know about the effects of puberty can help kids. In addition, parents can help their kids by being positive and supportive. Yelling at kids or being put down may cause them to quit their sport. Remember that changes caused by puberty are only temporary.

Source: American Academy of Pediatrics

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026