A Growing, Healthy Family
Learn about some of the most pressing issues for
kids and teens so you can keep your family healthy
and well.
Kids and Concussions
When your children begin participating in sports,
they will inevitably suffer some injuries. According to
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more
than 170,000 kids and teens are treated in an emergency
department each year for sports or recreation-related
traumatic brain injuries, including concussions.
FAMILY HEALTH & WELNESS 36 Central Florida Lifestyle | March 2020
The CDC’s Head’s Up Program describes a concussion
as a type of brain injury caused by a bump, blow or jolt to
the head. Since concussions can have more serious effects on
young, developing brains, it’s important to know the signs
and symptoms. This includes appearing dazed/confused, difficulty
answering questions, and loss of consciousness, among
others. Note that symptoms may not appear until hours or
days after an injury, and you should seek medical attention if
your child or teen reports one or more of these symptoms. A
full list can be found at CDC.gov/concussions.
A Guide to Mental Health in Teens
With thoughts of earning good grades, acing big tests,
balancing extracurricular activities, fitting in with classmates
and getting into the college of their choice swirling around in
their heads, it’s no wonder today’s youth is stressed out. For
some, the pressure could lead to feelings of anxiety, depression
and other disorders. Add in a breakup with a significant
other or fight with a close friend, and it could begin to feel like
things will never get better.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness
(NAMI), one in five teens and young adults live with a
mental health condition. NAMI outlines these 10 common
warning signs:
1. Feeling very sad or withdrawn for more than two
weeks
2. Seriously trying to harm or kill oneself or making
plans to do so
3. Severe out-of-control, risk-taking behaviors
4. Sudden, overwhelming fear for no reason
5. Not eating, throwing up or using laxatives to lose
weight; significant weight loss or weight gain
6. Seeing, hearing or believing things that are not real
7. Repeatedly using drugs or alcohol
8. Drastic changes in mood, behaviors, personality or
sleeping habits
9. Extreme difficulty in concentrating or staying still
10. Intense worries or fears that get in the way of daily
activities
The Dangers of Vaping
In 2019, CDC and FDA data showed that more
than 5 million U.S. youth, including over 1 in 4 high
school students and approximately 1 in 10 middle
school students, used e-cigarettes in the past 30 days.
E-cigarettes are battery-powered devices that deliver
nicotine, flavorings and other ingredients to the user.
Many users believe e-cigarettes produce “harmless
water vapor;” however, they create an aerosol that can
contain harmful materials such as nicotine, cancercausing
chemicals and heavy metals. Not only is vaping
harmful for the lungs, but the nicotine exposure could
harm brain development; impact learning, memory
and attention; and increase risk for future addiction to
other drugs, according to the CDC.
/concussions