Teens who strike out on their
own often have a difficult time staying healthy. Many times, they are in
college or university and have to live on a minimal income, at least until they
are able to obtain appropriate employment. Even then, just starting out, they
receive a minimum wage and the cost of rent, heat, hydro, etc. is high. Be aware that taking care of
your health is not something that you can postpone until later.
“Now is the time to take charge
of your health,” suggests an article entitled “Teen health".
This is also vital with respect to the prevention of disease,
in later life.
Consider the following tips
about how you as a teen, can stay healthy.
Create a healthy budget.
How you learn to manage your
money is one aspect of your new, independent lifestyle, as well as important with
respect to maintaining your health status. Creating a realistic budget will
ensure you have a roof over your head and that your fixed expenses are covered. With
regard to variable expenses, you should have sufficient money to cover the cost
of food, tuition, books, transportation, as well as what you may need to stay
healthy, including medication, vitamins and supplements.
Purchase basic healthy foods,
first.
Food is one of the most
important things for teens who want to stay healthy. When you go into a grocery
store, shop around the outside aisle of the store first. You will find bread,
meat, dairy products, fruit and vegetables that will help to keep you healthy.
Avoid shopping in the center aisles, as the produce located there will likely
be less healthy for you and more costly.
Plan to have three healthy
meals a day.
In order to stay healthy, you
need to feed your body regularly. Plan to eat three meals a
day. You may enjoy a snack or two in between meals, but limit your snacks to
healthy foods. Avoid buying any kind of snack food with a high sugar and caloric content.
Purchase snack foods that are healthy for you and satisfy your cravings, like
nuts, cheese, yogurt, etc. instead.
Get sufficient healthy
exercise.
Plan your exercise program so
that you have a minimum of an hour of active exercise daily. Ideally, this
should be outdoor exercise, as it stimulates your breathing and circulation. It
is easier to control your weight and regulate your body functions properly, if
you exercise. You will feel better about yourself. Even your skin will appear
healthier.
Develop a habit of good
hygiene.
Good hygiene is important for
you as a teen, particularly when you are on their own without anyone to remind
you to wash and comb your hair, bathe and brush your teeth on a regular basis.
Get an easy to manage hair cut. Wear appropriate clothing that is clean, at all
times. While this takes extra time and effort on your part, you will feel
better if you do. Washing your face well, several times a day can prevent skin
problems.
Avoid over-indulging.
While over indulging on food, pop or
alcohol may seem to be fun, be aware that it can lead to addiction and other,
more serious, health-related or social problems. The same is true for nicotine
and substance abuse. Avoid drinking excessive amounts of soft drinks because of
their high sugar content. Enjoy chocolate and candy, chips, etc. occasionally, but
do not overindulge. Moderation is the key to good health.
Make certain you have
sufficient rest.
Getting at least eight to ten
hours of sleep each night may appear to be difficult because as a teen there
are many demands on your time, including academic, employment and social ones.
You will be happier and healthier if you have sufficient rest. At times, it may
be a good idea to take a nap when you are tired, as it will refresh
you.
Maintain a positive, healthy
attitude towards life.
Be a positive, constructive and
independent teen. It is important to have a healthy attitude towards yourself
and your life in general. At times, you may feel overburdened by homework, your
part time or full time job, your finances or other things. You may feel
despondent, lonely and unhappy, but staying active with your family and
friends, as well as being part of your community is a healthy way to live.
Seek health counseling and
guidance when necessary.
There are many different kinds
of teen counselors able to offer appropriate advice to teenagers about staying
healthy. You may be able to talk to your parents or other adults who can advise
you about different aspects of your life, like teenage sexual relationships.
Any time you are aware of health-related problems of any kind, consult your
family doctor immediately. College and university student counselors will also
be able to assist you.
As a teen, you can stay healthy
simply by taking care of yourself properly.
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