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Health & Wellness Tips

March 2010: A Look Into Girls' Health and the Future Women of Tomorrow

Girls Health

Adolescence is a unique stage of development and a crucial time for today's young women.

During these formative years, girls' attitudes, behaviors and experiences will shape their lives for years to come.

There are four major issues that affect young women today, which are associated with a myriad of health consequences: nutrition, fitness, emotional needs, and sexuality.

Nutrition and Fast Food

The number one enemy of teen nutrition: Fast Food! Fast food and poor nutritional choices is tied to serious health risks.

Eating frequent fast food meals causes teens and young adults to gain more weight and face an increased risk of developing insulin resistance according to the results of a study funded by the National Heart,Lung, and Blood Institute(NHLBI) and published in the January 1, 2005 issue of The Lancet.*

After 15 years, those who ate at fast-food restaurants more than twice each week compared to less than once a week had gained an extra ten pounds and had a two-fold greater increase in insulin resistance, a risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is a major risk factor for heart disease.

“Obesity and diabetes are on the rise in this country and this important study highlights the value of healthy eating habits,” said NHLBI Acting Director Barbara Alving, M.D.

Fast-food consumption has increased in the United States over the past three decades. “It’s extremely difficult to eat in a healthy way at a fast-food restaurant. Despite some of their recent healthful offerings, the menus still tend to include foods high in fat, sugar and calories and low in fiber and nutrients,” said lead author Mark Pereira, Ph.D., assistant professor of epidemiology at the University of Minnesota. People need to evaluate how often they eat meals at fast-food restaurants and think about cutting back, according to Pereira.

One reason for the weight gain may be that a single meal from one of these restaurants often contains enough calories to satisfy a person’s caloric requirement for an entire day.

Participants were asked during the physical examinations given as part of the study how often they ate breakfast, lunch or dinner at fast-food restaurants. Researchers found that the adverse impact on participants’ weight and insulin resistance was seen in both blacks and whites who ate frequently at fast-food restaurants, even after adjustment for other lifestyle habits.

Study participants included 3,031 young black and white adults who were between the ages of 18 and 30 in 1985-1986. The participants, who were part of the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study, received dietary assessments over a 15-year period. CARDIA centers are located in Birmingham, AL, Chicago, IL, Minneapolis, MN, and Oakland, CA.

According to the study, men visited fast-food restaurants more frequently than women and blacks more frequently than whites. Black men reported an average frequency of 2.3 visits per week in 2000-01. White women had the lowest frequency, at an average of 1.3 visits per week in 2000-01.

“It is important to watch carefully what you eat, especially at a fast-food restaurant. Knowing the nutritional content is important. Consumers may want to ask for this information,” said NHLBI’s Gina Wei, M.D., project officer for CARDIA. Salads and grilled foods tend to be lower in fat than fried foods, she said.

Keep portion sizes small, and ask that high-fat sauces and condiments, such as salad dressing and mayonnaise, be “on the side” and use them sparingly to reduce calories, Wei said.

Fitness and Overall Physical Health

You need 60 minutes of physical activity every day — and bone-strengthening activities at least three days a week. Check out the list of activities that are good for your bones.

Badminton

What you'll need

A racquet. Badminton racquets are different from tennis racquets — they're generally smaller and much lighter.

Shuttlecock. Sometimes called a "birdie", this light object is hit back and forth over the net. Because the flight of the birdie is affected by wind, this activity is played indoors competitively. However, badminton is a great backyard activity that you can play with your entire family.

Play it safe

Don't let the ease of this backyard game fool you — it can be a great workout! Make sure you warm up your arms and shoulders and stretch before and after playing to avoid injury.

To avoid injuring others, never throw your racquet or birdies.

How to play

Badminton has been played since ancient times. Though it is an Olympic sport, badminton is often played recreationally and is a great activity for people of all abilities and fitness levels.

Badminton is played by either two opposing players (singles) or two opposing pairs (doubles), who take positions on opposite halves of a court (or yard) divided by a net. Players score points by striking the shuttlecock with their racquet so that it passes over the net and lands in their opponents' half of the court. A rally ends once the shuttlecock has struck the ground, and each side may only the shuttlecock strike once before it passes over the net.

Basketball What you'll need

A Basketball. Basketballs come in different sizes depending on your age and whether you're a girl or boy. Also, there are different basketballs for inside and outside use.

A Hoop. Basketball hoops are available in most gyms and in many parks. You can even buy a hoop and attach it to the side of your house or garage, if you have one. To create your own regulation court at home, make sure you set your foul line 15 feet from the backboard.

Play it safe

Basketball can really make you work and help you build strong bones, but make sure you stretch and warm up before playing. Because of all of the quick moves and jumping, it can put a lot of wear and tear on your ankles, so protect them by wearing the right pair of shoes — medium or high tops do the best job of supporting your ankles. Protect those knees by learning how to cut, stop, and land a jump safely. And, make sure to eat lots of food with calcium to give your bones the strength they need to support your body.

Be careful not to misuse basketball equipment. It's great if you've got the skills to put up a mean slam dunk, but hanging on the rim is dangerous and could cause you to get hurt. Also, make sure the court and sidelines are clear of any obstacles such as other basketballs or water bottles. If you're playing outside, make sure the baskets and sidelines are not too close to walls, fences, or bleachers and there are no holes on your court.

If you're a serious player, you may want to invest in a mouth guard to keep your teeth safe from flying elbows; knee, and elbow pads so you don't get scraped up.

How to play

Basketball is fun to play in pick up games in the yard with your pals, or you can join an organized league. Different positions rely on different skills — point guards should focus on their dribbling and passing, while centers and forwards should be powerful rebounders and shooters. Outside guards need to be quick and strong to make those 3-point shots. Want some basics?

How to Dribble: Bounce the ball on the floor with your strongest arm. When it bounces back, use your fingertips to stop the upward motion and push it back to the floor, keeping it about waist high when it bounces. Once you've mastered dribbling in place with one hand, switch to the other and begin to move around as you dribble. Practicing dribbling by moving the ball in a figure eight between your legs is one good way to build your skills.

How to Pass the Ball: Face the person you're passing to, with your head up and knees slightly bent. Spread your fingers wide and hold the ball at chest level, elbows out. Extend your arms, take a step toward the person you're passing to, and snap your wrists forward and up as you release the ball.

Dancing What you'll need

What you need to wear depends on the type of dancing you will be doing — dance styles range from ballroom and ballet to hip hop and salsa. For ballet, you'll need a more specific uniform of leotard, tights, and ballet shoes. For others, wearing comfortable clothes you can move in easily is all you need.

Play it safe

Dancing is an amazing workout! Make sure you stretch to help your muscles get stronger and more flexible. Focus on warming up your ankles and feet to avoid common dancing injuries like sprains and strains. Don't forget to cool down too.

How to play

Dancing is as simple as moving in time to music. Practice at home by moving your feet and hips to the beat (you can usually pick up the beat by counting repeatedly to four. Make sure you move your arms around a bit as well. Let your body move as naturally as possible to the rhythm to help it look smooth, not jerky or stiff. If you lose the rhythm, just go back to counting the beats again.

Sound complicated? Step-by-step instructions on dancing can be found in videos online or at your local library. But remember: Dancing is meant to be fun, so grab your BFFs and host a dance party in your den! Put on your favorite tunes and soon you'll be dancing with the best of them.

Running What you'll need

Good running shoes are key. A shoe store should be able to help you pick out the perfect pair for your feet. Look for a shoe with good cushioning, tread, and flexibility. Wear comfortable socks made of cotton or other sweat-wicking materials. Make sure you're aware of the miles adding up — you should replace your shoes every 500 miles.
Layering is best for running, because you'll get hot quickly. Don't forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat no matter the season!

Play it safe

Running is a great bone-strengthening activity, but it can be hard on the joints, especially the knees. Make sure you stretch before and after your run and warm up by walking and then jogging slowly.

It's never safe to run in the dark — morning or night, and it's a good idea to wear a reflective strip on your shoes or shirt no matter what time of day you run. Remember to run facing traffic and never wear headphones. Headphones are fine if you're running on a treadmill, but not on the open road or trail! This prevents you from hearing what's going on around you. Better yet, run with your BFF — she'll help keep you motivated and safe and make it more fun too!

How to play

Start out slowly to build your endurance. You can find a lot of training programs online or in books at your local library.

Walking What you'll need

Shoes are the most important part of your walking gear. Good walking shoes are generally flat, but flexible, so your foot rolls with each step. They should fit well, but leave enough room for your feet to spread out while walking. Wear socks that are comfortable. Try socks made of cotton or other sweat-wicking materials — they will keep your feet drier and help prevent blisters. Running shoes are okay to use for walking. Don't forget to trade in the old shoes when the treads start wearing out — which is about 500 miles. Whew!

Wear comfortable clothing when walking and try to dress in layers, so you can always take off something as you warm up. Layering with a t-shirt, sweatshirt, or windproof jacket is a good idea if it's windy or chilly outside.

Two other essentials: sunscreen and a hat. The sunscreen protects your skin from the sun. In the summer, a hat keeps the sun out of your face, and in the winter it helps to keep you warm by trapping the heat that is lost from the top of your head. A bright colored hat will also make it easy for drivers to see and avoid you.

Play it safe

It's always best to walk where you can avoid traffic — like parks or even the mall! Or try to find an area where there are sidewalks. If you have to walk on a street without sidewalks, walk close to the curb facing traffic. Remember to cross the street only at marked crosswalks or at corners, keep your ears and eyes open, and watch out for traffic in front and back of you. Wear bright-colored clothing or reflectors so drivers can see you. If you are walking alone, don't wear headphones — if they are too loud, they can keep you from hearing any oncoming traffic.

Water, water, water. It's a good idea to drink some water before you head out to walk, while you are walking, and when you get back — even if it's cold outside or you don't feel thirsty. In the summer, late afternoons (not nights) and mornings are the best times to walk to avoid the midday heat and humidity.

Remember — start out slowly and gradually increase the speed and distance you walk — don't try walking a marathon your first time out! And no matter where you are walking, be aware of what is going on around you.

How to play

You've probably been walking for about as long as you've been talking. But walking isn't just a way to get from here to there; it's also a great bone-strengthening physical activity that can help you build strong bones! Walking doesn't require a lot of equipment, you can do it anywhere, it is always available by just walking out your front door, and it's a great way to relax and refresh. It's also something you can do alone or with your friends and family.

Weight Lifting What you'll need

The weight room at your school should have all you need to get started, but you can also check out a local YMCA or gym. Make sure you start with a lighter weight and build up as you get stronger — a combination of 1-, 3-, and 5-pound weights should be enough in the beginning. If you're using machines, keep the weight at the lowest setting at first.

Play it safe

Strength training, or weightlifting, builds muscles of course but it also helps your bones. Strength training is a great way to build bone density. There's a difference, though, between strength training to build muscle and improve your health and powerlifting or bodybuilding (competitive weight lifting). Powerlifting and bodybuilding are not recommended for teens and can cause serious injuries to growing bones, muscles, and joints.

Make sure you talk to your doctor first to make sure it's safe for you to lift weights.

How to play

At a gym or weight room, you can often choose between free weights (barbells, dumbbells, and hand weights) or weight machines. Free weights usually work a group of muscles at the same time; weight machines typically are designed to help you isolate and work on a specific muscle.

You can also use resistance bands to tone your muscles, or your own body weight (as in pushups or sit-ups).

Whatever you decide, start out with a lighter weight and go slowly. Even if you don't feel anything right away, your muscles could be sore the next day if you've never lifted weights before.
Follow these tips to help you avoid injury:

Start with body weight exercises for a few weeks (such as sit-ups, pushups, and pull-ups) before using weights.
Work out with weights about three times a week. Avoid weight training on back-to-back days.
Warm up for 5-10 minutes before each session.
Spend no more than 40 minutes in the weight room to avoid fatigue or boredom.
Work more reps; avoid maximum lifts. (A coach or teacher can give you specifics based upon your needs.)
Ensure you're using proper technique through supervision. Improper technique may result in injuries, particularly in the shoulder and back.
Cool down for 5-10 minutes after each session, stretching the muscles you worked out.

Don't rely on strength training as your only form of exercise. You still need to get your heart and lungs working harder by doing some kind of additional aerobic exercise for a minimum of 20-30 minutes per session. Doctors recommend an hour a day of moderate to vigorous activity — so on days when you're not lifting weights, you may want to get more aerobic activity.

Emotional Needs

How's your child doing? Is she getting along with his friends? Is she a little down in the dumps and not telling you what's going on? Up and down, up and down…the teen years can seem like an endless emotional roller coaster. Your child might feel happy and confident in one moment, then sad or confused in the next. Why? Their body is changing, and their mind is very much a part of this change too. Just knowing that these highs and lows are normal can help get her through the tough times.

The teenage years are a time of transition from childhood into adulthood. Teens often struggle with being dependent on their parents while having a strong desire to be independent. They may also feel overwhelmed by the emotional and physical changes they are going through.

At the same time, teens may be facing a number of pressures-- from friends to fit in and from parents and other adults to do well in school or activities like sports or part-time jobs. The teenage years are important as your child asserts his or her individuality.

What can I do to help my teen?

Communicating your love for your child is the single most important thing you can do. Children decide how they feel about themselves in large part by how their parents react to them. For this reason, it's important for parents to help their children feel good about themselves. It is also important to communicate your values and to set expectations and limits, such as insisting on honesty, self-control and respect for others, while still allowing teenagers to have their own space.

Parents of teens often find themselves noticing only the problems, and they may get in the habit of giving mostly negative feedback and criticism. Although teens need feedback, they respond better to positive feedback. Remember to praise appropriate behavior in order to help your teen feel a sense of accomplishment and reinforce your family's values.

Establishing a loving relationship from the start will help you and your child through the teenage years.

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) suggests the following ways for parents to prepare for their child's teenage years:

Provide a safe and loving home environment.
Create an atmosphere of honesty, trust and respect.
Allow age-appropriate independence and assertiveness.
Develop a relationship that encourages your teen to talk to you when he or she is upset.
Teach responsibility for your teen's belongings and yours.
Teach basic responsibility for household chores.
Teach the importance of accepting limits.

What warning signs should I look for?

Remember that your teen may experiment with his or her values, ideas, hairstyles and clothing in order to define him- or herself. This is typically normal behavior and you shouldn't be concerned. However, inappropriate or destructive behavior can be a sign of a problem.

Teens, especially those with low self-esteem or with family problems, are at risk for a number of self-destructive behaviors such as using drugs or alcohol or having unprotected sex. Depression and eating disorders are common health issues that teens face. The following may be warning signs that your child is having a problem:

Agitated or restless behavior
Weight loss or gain
A drop in grades
Trouble concentrating
Ongoing feelings of sadness
Not caring about people and things
Lack of motivation
Fatigue, loss of energy and lack of interest in activities
Low self-esteem
Trouble falling asleep
Run-ins with the law

What should I do if there is a problem?

Work together to maintain open communication. If you suspect there is a problem, ask your teen about what is bothering him or her. Don't ignore a problem in the hopes that it will go away. It is easier to cope with problems when they are small. This also gives you and your teen the opportunity to learn how to work through problems together. Don't be afraid to ask for help with dealing with your teen. Many resources, including your family doctor, are available.

Sexuality

The subject of teen sex often scares parents of teenagers. Here you will learn how to talk to your teen about sex and teen sexuality. Why it's important to keep the lines of communication open when faced with the issues of teen sex. We also have resources and more information on teen sexuality including teen pregnancy, menstruation, puberty, AIDS and much more.

Talking to your teen about sex

Sex education basics may be covered in health class, but your teen might not hear — or understand — everything he or she needs to know to make tough choices about sex. That's where you come in. Awkward as it may be, sex education is a parent's responsibility. By reinforcing and supplementing what your teen learns in school, you can set the stage for a lifetime of healthy sexuality.
Breaking the ice
Sex is a staple of news, entertainment and advertising. It's often hard to avoid this ever-present topic. But when parents and teens need to talk, it's not always so easy. If you wait for the perfect moment, you might miss the best opportunities. Instead, think of sex education as an ongoing conversation. Here are some ideas to help you get started — and keep the discussion going.

Seize the moment. When a TV program or music video raises issues about responsible sexual behavior, use it as a springboard for discussion. Remember that everyday moments — such as riding in the car or putting away groceries — sometimes offer the best opportunities to talk.
Be honest. If you're uncomfortable, say so — but explain that it's important to keep talking. If you don't know how to answer your teen's questions, offer to find the answers or look them up together.
Be direct. Clearly state your feelings about specific issues, such as oral sex and intercourse. Present the risks objectively, including emotional pain, sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancy. Explain that oral sex isn't a risk-free alternative to intercourse.
Consider your teen's point of view. Don't lecture your teen or rely on scare tactics to discourage sexual activity. Instead, listen carefully. Understand your teen's pressures, challenges and concerns.
Move beyond the facts. Your teen needs accurate information about sex — but it's just as important to talk about feelings, attitudes and values. Examine questions of ethics and responsibility in the context of your personal or religious beliefs.
Invite more discussion. Let your teen know that it's OK to talk with you about sex whenever he or she has questions or concerns. Reward questions by saying, "I'm glad you came to me."

Addressing tough topics

Sex education for teens includes abstinence, date rape, homosexuality and other tough topics. Be prepared for questions like these:

How will I know I'm ready for sex? Various factors — peer pressure, curiosity and loneliness, to name a few — steer some teenagers into early sexual activity. But there's no rush. Remind your teen that it's OK to wait. Sex is an adult behavior. In the meantime, there are many other ways to express affection — intimate talks, long walks, holding hands, listening to music, dancing, kissing, touching and hugging.
What if my boyfriend or girlfriend wants to have sex, but I don't? Explain that no one should have sex out of a sense of obligation or fear. Any form of forced sex is rape, whether the perpetrator is a stranger or someone your teen has been dating. Impress upon your teen that no always means no. Emphasize that alcohol and drugs impair judgment and reduce inhibitions, leading to situations in which date rape is more likely to occur.
What if I think I'm gay? Many teens wonder at some point whether they're gay or bisexual. Help your teen understand that he or she is just beginning to explore sexual attraction. These feelings may change as time goes on. Above all, however, let your teen know that you love him or her unconditionally. Praise your teen for sharing his or her feelings.
Responding to behavior
If your teen becomes sexually active — whether you think he or she is ready or not — it may be more important than ever to keep the conversation going. State your feelings openly and honestly. Remind your teen that you expect him or her to take sex and the associated responsibilities seriously.
Stress the importance of safe sex, and make sure your teen understands how to get and use contraception. You might talk about keeping a sexual relationship exclusive, not only as a matter of trust and respect but also to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections. Also set and enforce reasonable boundaries, such as curfews and rules about visits from friends of the opposite sex.
Your teen's doctor can help, too. A routine checkup can give your teen the opportunity to address sexual activity and other behaviors in a supportive, confidential atmosphere — as well as learn about contraception and safe sex. For girls, the doctor may also stress the importance of routine human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination to help prevent genital warts and cervical cancer.
Looking ahead
With your support, your teen can emerge into a sexually responsible adult. Be honest and speak from the heart. If your teen doesn't seem interested in what you have to say about sex, say it anyway. He or she is probably listening.

Alcohol, Drugs, and Sex

Talk to your teen about alcohol and drugs. Alcohol and other drug use is linked to risky sexual behavior and poses significant threats to the health of adolescents. Substance abuse may impair adolescents' ability to make judgments about sex and contraception, placing them at increased risk for unplanned pregnancy, sexual assault, or becoming infected with a sexually transmitted disease (STD), including HIV/AIDS.

We know the AIDS virus can be transmitted through sharing hypodermic needles. Less is known about the dangerous role of alcohol and other drugs in sexual behavior that may lead to STDs and HIV/AIDS. To compound matters, there is also considerable evidence that alcohol and other drugs weaken the immune system, thereby increasing susceptibility to infection and disease.

Consider the following statistics:

The use of alcohol and other drugs can affect judgment and lead to taking serious sexual risks. There were 18,540 cases of AIDS among 13- to 24-year-olds reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention by the end of 1994.
About 75 percent of high school seniors have had sexual intercourse at least once in their lives; about 20 percent have had more than four sexual partners by their senior year.
Studies show that adolescents are less likely to use condoms when having sex after drinking alcohol than when sober. This places them at even higher risk for HIV infection, STDs, and unwanted pregnancy.
A survey of high school students found that 18 percent of females and 39 percent of males say it is acceptable for a boy to force sex if the girl is stoned or drunk.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, HIV/AIDS has been the sixth leading cause of death among 15- to 20-year-olds in the United States for over three years. One in five of the new AIDS cases diagnosed is in the 20 to 29 year age group, meaning that HIV transmission occurred during the teen years. Additionally, more than half of new cases of HIV infection in 1994 were related to drug use.

There is still much to be learned about the relationship between alcohol and other drugs and sexual behavior. During the past decade, teens reported higher levels of sexual activity at earlier ages, experienced more unplanned pregnancies, and suffered higher rates of sexually transmitted diseases. To reduce the incidence of these problems in the future, prevention of alcohol and other drug abuse must be a top priority.

Additional Health Information/Resources from Girls' Health

Alcohol addiction

The Cool Spot

Tips for Teens: The Truth About Alcohol

Al-Anon/Alateen

Girl Talk: Choices and Consequences of Underage Drinking

Students Against Destructive Decisions

Allergies

Allergies

Food Allergies

On the Teen Scene: Cosmetics and Reality

Teen Worker Safety in Restaurants: Latex Allergy

Food Allergies in the Real World

Alopecia areata

Hair Loss- Information for Teens

Children's Alopecia Project

Wigs for Kids

Amputation

YAZ: Youth Amputee eZine

YAP: Youth Activities Program

Anxiety disorders

Anxiety Disorders

Arthritis

Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

Asperger syndrome

All about Autism

Kids' Quest on Disability and Health

Asthma

Asthma Center

Meeting the Challenge: Don’t Let Asthma Keep You out of the Game

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD - ADD)

Understanding ADHD

Autism and autism spectrum disorders

All about Autism

Kids' Quest on Disability and Health

Bipolar disorder

Bipolar Disorder

Bleeding disorders

Hemophilia

Understanding von Willebrand Disease

Blindness and visual impairments

Visual Impairment

Brain injury

Burn injury

Teen Worker Safety in Restaurants: Cooking Burns

Cancer

Types of Cancer Teens Get

Kids Cancer Network

Celiac disease

Celiac Disease

Recipes for Teens with Celiac Disease

Cerebral palsy

Cerebral Palsy

The Story on Cerebral Palsy

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease

Chronic fatigue syndrome

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic illness

Dealing with a Health Condition

Brave Kids

Kids As Self Advocates (KASA)

Make a Wish Foundation

Starbright Foundation

Cleft lip and palate

Dealing with Cleft Lip and Palate

Crohn's disease

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Cystic fibrosis

Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic Fibrosis: Diet and Nutrition

Recipes for Teens with Cystic Fibrosis

Deafness and hearing impairment

Hearing Impairment

Hearing Impairment: Advice from Kristin

Depression

5 Ways to Fight Depression

Depression

Diabetes

Diabetes Center

Tips for a Healthy Weight (PDF - 560KB)

Tips for Being Active (PDF - 1.2MB)

Tips for Healthy Eating (PDF - 297KB)

Tips for Kids with Type 2 Diabetes (PDF - 781KB)

Tips for Teens with Diabetes: Dealing With the Ups and Downs of Diabetes (PDF - 198KB)

Down syndrome

Down Syndrome

Drug abuse and addiction

ClubDrugs.org

Dealing With Addiction

Heads Up: Real News about Drugs and Your Body

Marijuana: Facts for Teens

My friend thinks I have a drinking and drug problem

National Institute on Drug Abuse for Teens

freevibe.com

Dwarfism

Little People of America

Short Persons Support

Eating disorders

I Think My Friend May Have an Eating Disorder. What Should I do?

Endometriosis

Understanding Endometriosis

Epilepsy

Epilepsy

Eczema

All About Eczema

Fetal alcohol syndrome

FAS Teen Fun Fair

National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

Fibromyalgia

GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease)

Understanding (GERD)

Children's Digestive Health and Nutrition Foundation

Growth hormone deficiency

Growth Problems

Heart diseases

Atrial Septal Defect

Heart Disease

HIV infection and AIDS

AIDSinfo

Drugs + HIV: Learn the Link

Healthy Youth: Sexual Risk Behaviors

HIV and AIDS

HIV Testing Resources

Huntington’s disease

Inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

Kidney disease

Chronic Kidney Conditions

Lactose intolerance

Lactose Intolerance

Why Does Milk Bother Me?

Learning disabilities

Learning Disabilities

Hello Friend

Lupus

Lupus

Mental health

Mental retardation

Mental Retardation

AAIDD Young Professionals

Migraine

Migraine Headaches

Mono (Mononucleosis)

Can a person get mono more than once?

Mononucleosis

Multiple sclerosis

Muscular dystrophy

Muscular Dystrophy

Narcolepsy

Common Sleep Problems

Sleep for Kids

Obesity

How Can I Lose Weight Safely?

Take Charge of Your Health: A Teenager’s Guide to Better Health

When Being Overweight is a Health Problem

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Organized Chaos

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Posttraumatic stress disorder

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Psoriasis

Rett syndrome

Schizophrenia

Scleroderma

Juvenile Scleroderma Network

Scoliosis

Scoliosis: Samantha's Story

Sickle cell anemia

Sickle Cell Anemia

Speech and language disorders

Dealing with Speech Problems

Going to a Speech Therapist

Spina bifida

Spina bifida

Spinal cord injury

Wheelchairs

Think First for Teens

Stroke

Stroke

Thyroid disease

Thyroid Disease and Teens

Tourette syndrome

Tourette Syndrome

Tourette Syndrome Association for Young People

Turner syndrome

All about Turner Syndrome

Turner Syndrome Society

Ulcerative colitis

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Ulcers

Dealing with Ulcers

Williams syndrome

The Williams Syndrome Association


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