Teen Zone

Teen Health 

As a teenager, you go through many changes. Your body is on its way to becoming its adult size. You may notice that you can't fit into your old shoes or that your jeans are now 3 inches too short. Along with these changes, you are probably becoming more independent and making more of your own choices. Some of the biggest choices you face are about your health.

Healthy habits, including eating a healthy diet and being physically active, can help you feel good, look good, and do your best in school, work, or sports. They might also prevent diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, osteoporosis, stroke, and some cancers when you are older.

 TeensHealth

aA safe, private place for teens who need honest, accurate information and advice about health, emotions, and life. TeensHealth is accessible 24 hours a day so you can get the doctor-approved information you need to make educated decisions — or help a friend who needs advice. There's a lot of confusing, misleading, and just plain wrong health information on the Web. The mission of this site is to tell it to you straight.

TeensHealth is part of the KidsHealth family of websites. These sites, run by the nonprofit Nemours Center for Children's Health Media, provide accurate, up-to-date health information that's free of "doctor speak."

Special Topics

Bullying (NLM - MedlinePlus) – links to health information from the National Institutes of Health and other selected agencies and organizations.

StopBullying.gov: Teens  (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) – Information from various government agencies on what bullying is, who is at risk, and how you can prevent and respond to bullying.

Cancers in Young People (National Cancer Institute) – Covers types of cancers, finding a doctor, treatment choices, coping and support, after treatment, and related organizations.

Dermatology A to Z (American Academy of Dermatology) – Covers diseases and treatments, health and beauty, and other dermatology topics for kids and adults. Includes videos and a free mobile app.

What is Diabetes? (NIDDK) - Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high. Blood glucose is your main source of energy and comes from the food you eat. Over time, having too much glucose in your blood can cause health problems. Although diabetes has no cure, you can take steps to manage your diabetes and stay healthy. 

Diabetes-Dealing with Feelings (TeensHealth - Nemours Foundation) – Advice on what to do if you’ve just been diagnosed, dealing with your feelings and those of family and friends.

Food Faux Pas (American Academy of Pediatrics) - Food Faux Pas Number One: Skipping Meals, Beginning with Breakfast

LGBT Youth Resources (Centers for Deisease Control and Prevention) - – Printable pdfs and links to resources for LGBT youth and their friends. Also includes links for school educators and administrators, parents, and family members.

Eating Disorders (University of Texas) - Free e-resource help for mental health and eating disorders. 

Environmental Resources

What is Environmental Health?

The definition of environmental health varies from organization to organization, although the basic premise remains the same. Environmental Health is the interrelationship between human health and the environment, either natural or manmade.

The Environmental Health Student Portal, a product of the National Library of Medicine (NLM), National Institutes of Health (NIH), provides a fantastic resource for students and teachers to learn how the environment can impact our health. The Web site explores topics such as water pollution, climate change, air pollution, and chemicals.