Back

All Search Results

  • Indoor tanning: Is it worth the “glow”?

    Most teen girls love a good tan. And even though some may know the dangers of indoor tanning, they continue to indulge in this risky behavior. But can you blame them? Society and the media have associated this sought-after golden hue with good health and beauty for years. Popular beauty and fashion magazines are usually graced with images of flawless women with that desirable “sun-kissed glow”. As these young girls navigate the road to try and fit in with their peers and build their self-esteem, we have a responsibility to teach them about the risks associated with their decision to visit the local tanning salon.

    Why might my daughter “tan”?

    For many teens, a tan makes them look good and feel good. Many girls agree with the statements, “I look better when I have a tan” and “I feel healthy when I have a nice tan”. Yet tanning of any kind, especially indoor tanning, is not healthy at all.

  • Is your teen depressed?

    In the years that I’ve been working with Teen Xpress as a counselor, I’ve seen many different issues with the students: child abuse, trauma, family struggles, stress management, anger problems, to name a few. However, this year, there is one issue that has trumped all the others by far: depression.

  • The Little Kaseman: A warrior who is fighting the battle of a lifetime against childhood cancer

    May is National Pediatric Brain Tumor Awareness Month. Did you know that there are approximately 28,000 children in the U.S. living with the diagnosis of a brain tumor today?

  • Webinar with Dr. Amy Smith and her team at the Pediatric Brain Tumor Program

    Once a child has completed treatment for a brain or spinal tumor, what comes next? This week, we hosted a webinar with Dr. Amy Smith, pediatric neuro-oncologist at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, and discussed how families make the transition from treatment to long-term follow-up. Dr. Smith and her team at the Pediatric Brain Tumor Program explained some of the ongoing physical, emotional and intellectual challenges that a child might face as a result of their disease and treatment. We also highlighted some of the hurdles that families face when children re-enter the school environment and as the child enters adolescence and adulthood. Learn more about how to help your family navigate this next part of the journey.

  • You think your teen is depressed. Now what?

    On , we discussed the statistics behind depression in teens and the warning signs to look for if you think your teen is depressed. Let’s now look at some next steps in getting help for your child.

    Finding help through professionals

    Finding a good mental health professional is like finding any good healthcare provider. Some of them you might like, some you might not. Some of them might have specialties, like working with teens, adults, or couples, so you’ll want to ask questions to make sure this is a person that is likely to be helpful. Look for a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, or a Psychologist.

  • 12 ways to support families affected by military service

    I recently wrote about some of the parented by active military troops. While not all of us have a loved one serving in the military, we can all support the troops and the loved ones they leave behind. There are organized efforts to provide support to these families, especially around holiday time. In addition to these activities, we can provide emotional and practical support in some simple, every day ways.

  • Concerned about high fructose corn syrup in your child’s diet?

    Have you seen any Yoplait yogurt commercials recently? I have seen one where they are advertising that all their products are now free of high fructose corn syrup. As the advertisement goes, Yoplait has been listening to its customers who requested the change.

  • E-cigarettes are becoming more popular with teens.

    Over the past year, the use of electronic cigarettes among middle and high school students has more than doubled, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). One in fifteen students in grades six through twelve report having smoked an e-cigarette sometime in their lives.

  • Coping strategies for families impacted by military service

    I was eating lunch in a local restaurant yesterday and saw a young woman in military clothing sitting with a slightly older woman. I imagined they were mother and daughter and I could see that the mother’s face was animated and smiling.  As I left and nodded to them, I almost felt tearful. I have not served in the military, but it seems that those who do make a significant sacrifice on behalf of the rest of us. I am touched by their willingness to serve.

  • Is Facebook the best place to get health advice?

    It happens about once a week. As I scroll through Facebook and peruse the latest happenings, I notice that someone (usually a mom of small children, like me) has posed a question to their Facebook friends about some type of health dilemma.