By: Alison Cardoza • Photograhy by Matt Johnson • Sponsored
As adults, we strive to be role models for the younger generation promoting confidence, education, and healthy decision- making on a daily basis. Our younger generation will be taking care of us. By providing guidance and wisdom, we empower them to become healthy individuals who will then contribute to a healthy community. Who is the adolescent in your life? YOU can be the positive role model and motivator they deserve.
Let’s talk about SUGAR!
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Fueling their body with healthy foods will enable them to start their day off right. Many mornings are spent in a long coffee shop line before school or work NEEDING or ADDICTED to sugary drinks. Going through a drive-through for a quick breakfast like eggs or oatmeal is understandable, but ordering a sugary drink to get through your day is another matter entirely. Insulin spikes occur and the crash can be hard.This can be a downward spiral fast in the diabetes department and other unfortunate health issues. According to the CDC, regular consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks, such as energy drinks or Frappuccinos, have been linked to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Drinking your sugar often eliminates the possibility of fiber which means there’s nothing to help slow down the absorption of sugar into your bloodstream, causing immediate blood sugar spikes. Many of these sugary drinks have over 15 grams of sugar. Women should average no more than 6 teaspoons of sugar a day, and men no more than 9.
These facts aren’t meant to scare you away from your favorite coffee shops or drinks. There are health benefits to teas and coffee as long as added sugars and syrups are avoided. Coffee and tea are full of antioxidants and help keep digestive health in check. Moderation is the key.
Let’s talk about EXERCISE!
Is your adolescent burning calories and releasing stress mentally and physically?
This does not mean you have to force them to join every sport at their school. Help them find an activity they enjoy. Regular physical activity promotes health and fitness. Compared to those who are inactive, physically active youth have higher levels of fitness, lowerbody fat, and stronger bones and muscles. According to the CDC, physical activity also has brain health benefits for school-aged children, including improved cognition (e.g., academic performance, memory) and reduced symptoms of depression. Regular physical activity in adolescence can also be important for promoting lifelong health and help prevent obesity and heart disease. Ask your adolescent today if they engaged in 30-60 minutes of aerobic exercise. This involves large muscle groups and activities such as running, swimming and dancing. Encourage them to participate in strength training (weightlifting) with supervision. Incorporating strength training helps build muscle mass. Baptist Milestone offers certified and experienced trainers that can get your adolescent off to the right start.
Let’s talk about MENTAL HEALTH!
Depression and anxiety are leading causes of illness and disability in adolescents, and can negatively impact their relationships, productivity, and attendance. Stress is a big factor and can trigger mental health issues in teenagers, and can cause significant brain changes because the teenage brain is still developing. Be present for your adolescent. Ask them about their day. Your love and support are crucial for a teenager’s mental and physical health, shaping who they become as adults.
Alison Cardoza, BS Exercise Science and Sports Medicine degree with a minor in Health Promotions from University of Louisville. ACSM Certified Personal Trainer and Fitour Group Exercise Instructor at Baptist Health Milestone Wellness Center. Former UofL Ladybird and NFL Colts Cheerleader.
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