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Teen Health

HPV Vaccine: Questions for Your Child's Doctor

Start a conversation with your child’s doctor about the HPV vaccine.

Review Date: January 31, 2013

National Health Information Center - NHIC
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Talk to Your Kids about Sex

Teach your children the facts about their bodies, sex, and relationships. This will help them stay healthy and make good choices as they grow up.

Review Date: June 08, 2012

National Health Information Center - NHIC
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

FAQ - Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Tools for Schools

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) responds to questions about indoor air quality (IAQ) in schools and provides the IAQ Tools for Schools Action Kit.

Review Date: January 26, 2012

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

NIDA for Teens: The Science Behind Drug Abuse

This Web site teaches adolescents ages 11 through 15 (as well as their parents and teachers) on the science behind drug abuse. Find facts on drugs, interactive games, blogs, videos, and real stories of what teens face when turning their lives around.

Review Date: January 23, 2013

National Institute on Drug Abuse - NIDA
National Institutes of Health

Bright Futures Previsit Questionnaire: 15 to 17 Year Visits- (PDF)

These questions will guide you in conversations with your doctor about your home and school life, as well as your physical, emotional and sexual health.

Review Date: March 12, 2012

American Academy of Pediatrics

Nutrition: girlshealth.gov

It's never too early to start eating healthy. Learn how to make healthy food choices.

Review Date: October 29, 2012

Office on Women's Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

2012 Surgeon General's Report—Preventing Tobacco Use Among Youth and Young Adults

Today, more than 600,000 middle school students and 3 million high school students smoke cigarettes. According to the Surgeon General's Report, programs are critical in preventing young people from starting to use tobacco in the first place, and more than pay for themselves in lives and health care dollars saved.

Review Date: August 09, 2012

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - CDC
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

A Guide to Eating for Sports: Teens

Do energy drinks and nutrition bars boost your athletic performance or power of concentration? Learn the facts that will help you make smart choices.

Review Date: October 29, 2012

The Nemours Foundation

Adolescent Anterior Knee Pain

Chronic pain in the front and center of the knee (anterior knee pain) is common among active, healthy young people, especially girls. If you or a loved one suffer from this type of chronic knee pain, find tips to prevent recurrences here.

Review Date: December 17, 2012

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

All About Menstruation for Girls - and Guys

This article provides teenagers of both genders with an understanding of the woman's reproductive system and what happens during the menstrual cycle.

Review Date: December 20, 2012

The Nemours Foundation

All About Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections are explained to teens in this article. Information is presented on symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

Review Date: August 02, 2012

The Nemours Foundation

Ask the Pediatrician

Pediatricians from the American Academy of Pediatrics provide answers to your health questions.

Review Date: June 27, 2012

American Academy of Pediatrics

Best Bones Forever!

The Best Bones Forever!™ Campaign offers girls fun activities, quizzes, and recipes to encourage girls to get active and eat more foods with calcium and vitamin D.

Review Date: February 04, 2013

Office on Women's Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

BMI (Body Mass Index) Calculator for Children and Teens

Use this calculator for children and teens, aged 2 through 19 years old, to calculate the body mass index for a child or teen.

Review Date: March 14, 2012

Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity - DNPAO, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

Boys and Puberty

How do boys know they are growing into men? Read this article to find out.

Review Date: September 28, 2011

The Nemours Foundation

Check Yourself

This site helps teens think about their relationship with drugs and alcohol and communicate with and learn from others.

Review Date: February 01, 2011

The Partnership at Drugfree.org

College Drinking: Facts about Alcohol Poisoning

Do you know about the dangers of alcohol poisoning? Sadly enough, too many college students say they wish they would have sought medical treatment for a friend. Many end up feeling responsible for alcohol-related tragedies that could easily have been prevented.

Review Date: January 30, 2013

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism - NIAAA
National Institutes of Health

Community Services Locator for Children and Families

The Community Services Locator is designed to help service providers and families find available national, state, and local resources that can address child and family needs.

Review Date: December 09, 2012

Maternal and Child Health Library

Computer-Related Repetitive Stress Injuries

Whether it's typing a school report or surfing the Internet, your child may be spending lots of hours at the computer. Learn about the causes and prevention of repetitive stress injuries now so you can protect your child from future injury.

Review Date: December 09, 2012

The Nemours Foundation

Coping with Common Period Problems

Most girls have to deal with PMS, cramps, or headaches around the time of their periods. Here are the facts on which period problems are common and normal — and which ones might indicate there's something else going on.

Review Date: December 20, 2012

The Nemours Foundation

Dehydration

Dehydration is a condition that occurs when someone loses more fluids than he or she takes in. Learn to spot the signs of dehydration before you become sick.

Review Date: August 06, 2012

The Nemours Foundation

Energy Drinks– What You Need to Know!- (PDF)

If you are drinking something that advertises itself as an Energy Drink, you are probably helping yourself to a hefty dose of stimulants. Learn the difference between a sports/electrolyte drink and an "Energy" drink.

Review Date: January 30, 2013

United States Anti-Doping Agency

Everything You Wanted to Know About Puberty

Information for boys and girls about puberty and the changes that occur in their bodies during puberty. Kids can select specific links of interest on this page or read the entire fact sheet to get a total picture of puberty.

Review Date: August 04, 2010

The Nemours Foundation

Fact or Fiction: Pregnancy Prevention

There are so many myths about preventing pregnancy. These videos set the record straight.

Review Date: April 05, 2012

Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation

Facts on Prescription and Over-the-Counter Drugs

Abusing prescription drugs can have negative short- and long-term health consequences. Read about the dangers of abusing prescription drugs.

Review Date: June 21, 2012

National Institute on Drug Abuse - NIDA
National Institutes of Health

Female Athlete Triad

Female athlete triad is a combination of three conditions: disordered eating, amenorrhea, and osteoporosis. Learn to detect the signs and symptoms of this condition, as well as tips for female teen athletes to maintain good health and conditioning.

Review Date: December 20, 2012

The Nemours Foundation

Find an Adolescent Health Professional

Search for adolescent health professionals in your area who can assist young people as they gradually accept increasing responsibility for their own health and transition from childhood to adulthood.

Review Date: July 05, 2011

Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine

Food Safety Education: For Kids and Teens

This site offers games and activities for kids to learn about food safety.

Review Date: February 04, 2013

U.S. Department of Agriculture

For Teens: Body Piercing

If you're thinking about getting pierced, do your research first. If you're under 18, some places won't allow you to get a piercing without a parent's consent. It's a good idea to find out what risks are involved and how best to protect yourself from infections and other complications.

Review Date: October 06, 2012

The Nemours Foundation

Get Girls Active!

What happens when a girl is resistant to getting active? These tips will provide you with the pertinent information to get girls to be physically active and help guide them to a healthier lifestyle.

Review Date: April 11, 2012

Women's Sports Foundation

Girlshealth.gov: Be Happy. Be Healthy. Be You. Beautiful.

This site was created to help girls from 10 to 16 years of age learn about health, exercise, mental health, growing up, relationships, and more.

Review Date: February 04, 2013

Office on Women's Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Giving Teens a Voice in Health Care Decisions

As kids become teens, it is especially important for those with chronic conditions, like asthma or diabetes, to become more knowledgeable about their illnesses and self-reliant when it comes to medical practices. Teens with special needs can also learn to manage some (or many) aspects of their care.

Review Date: March 12, 2012

The Nemours Foundation

How Much Sleep Do I Need?

Most teens need about 8½ to more than 9 hours of sleep each night. The right amount of sleep is essential for anyone who wants to do well on a test or play sports. Unfortunately, though, many teens don't get enough sleep. Here are some tips to help you get the sleep you need.

Review Date: September 13, 2011

The Nemours Foundation

I Wanna Know - For Teens

This Web site offers answers to questions about teen sexual health and sexually transmitted diseases.

Review Date: January 12, 2012

American Social Health Association

Meningococcal Vaccine for Preteens and Teens

Read about the meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4) including who should and should not get this vaccine, when they should be vaccinated, and the risks and benefits of this vaccine.

Review Date: January 31, 2013

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - CDC
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Milk Matters for Tweens and Teens

Milk Matters is a public health education campaign to promote calcium consumption among tweens and teens, especially during the ages of 11 to 15, a time of critical bone growth.

Review Date: December 23, 2012

National Institute of Child Health and Human Development - NICHD
National Institutes of Health

Mind Over Matter

This series is designed to encourage children in grades five through nine to learn about the effects of drug abuse on the body and the brain.

Review Date: February 01, 2011

National Institute on Drug Abuse - NIDA
National Institutes of Health

Opioid and Pain Reliever Facts

Repeated abuse of opioids can lead to addiction—compulsive drug seeking and abuse despite its known harmful consequences. Learn more about opioids.

Review Date: June 21, 2012

National Institute on Drug Abuse - NIDA
National Institutes of Health

Puberty

Puberty is when you start making the change from being a child to being an adult. Learn what to expect during puberty so you can feel more in control.

Review Date: September 28, 2011

Office on Women's Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Will you keep any information I give you confidential? Is it okay for me to see you without my parents in the room? If you are a teen, these questions can help you start conversations with your doctor or nurse about common teen health problems and concerns.

Review Date: March 12, 2012

The Nemours Foundation

Sports Physicals

Most states require that kids and teens have a preparticipation physical examination (PPE) before they can start a new sport or begin a new competitive season. But even if a PPE isn't required, doctors still highly recommend getting one.

Review Date: September 16, 2010

The Nemours Foundation

Staphylococcal (Staph) Skin Infections

When the skin is punctured or broken for any reason, staph bacteria can enter the wound and cause an infection. Learn how to protect yourself against getting staph (and other) infections — including MRSA.

Review Date: October 03, 2012

The Nemours Foundation

Stomachaches: What You Can Do About Them

This document discusses the causes of stomachaches or belly pain, when to see a doctor, and what you can do to lessen your chances of getting belly pain.

Review Date: January 15, 2013

The Nemours Foundation

Talking to Your Partner About STDs

Having the STD conversation can be awkward at first, but these tips will help you to be more comfortable. Having this talk also will enable you to learn more about your partner and your relationship.

Review Date: January 25, 2012

The Nemours Foundation

Tdap Vaccine for Preteens and Teens

Read about the Tdap vaccine including who should and should not get this vaccine, when they should be vaccinated, and the risks and benefits of this vaccine.

Review Date: January 31, 2013

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - CDC
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Teen Alcohol Use Calculator

Answer these questions to learn if your teenager is likely to use alcohol.

Review Date: March 21, 2011

University of Maryland Medical Center

Teen Drivers: Fact Sheet

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens, accounting for more than one in three deaths in this age group. Fortunately, proven strategies can improve the safety of young drivers on the road. Learn how you can help keep teen drivers safe.

Review Date: March 29, 2012

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - CDC
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Teen Guide: Dealing with Crohn's and Colitis- (PDF)

If you have Crohn's Disease or colitis, learn how stress, nutrition and other factors can impact you.

Review Date: February 04, 2013

Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America

Teens and HIV/AIDS

Hundreds of U.S. teens become infected with HIV each year. This article explains the diagnosis, testing, treatment and prevention of HIV. While combinations of antiviral drugs have allowed many people with HIV to resist infections and prolong their lives, there is no cure yet for the disease.

Review Date: January 25, 2012

The Nemours Foundation

Teens: Coping with Chemo

Coping with Chemo chronicles the stories of two teens with cancer and their struggle to cope with their disease and treatment. Each webisode addresses a different topic, including getting diagnosed, side effects, telling friends, and celebrating the last treatment.

Review Date: October 29, 2012

Starlight Children’s Foundation

TeensHealth from Nemours Foundation

Created just for teens, this web site links users to answers to questions on a variety of topics, including health, relationships, food, sports, and school.

Review Date: February 12, 2013

The Nemours Foundation

TeenTalk

Information and news about teen sexuality, body and mind, sexual health, and relationships. Tools for parents and an "ask the experts" feature is available.

Review Date: December 18, 2012

Planned Parenthood Federation of America

The Healthy Student - A Parent’s Guide to Preparing Teens for the College Years- (PDF)

This booklet will review important health issues for you to discuss with your child before the college semester starts. Find tips to begin the conversation and how to approach difficult topics, such as underage drinking, drug use, and sex.

Review Date: July 05, 2011

Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine

Tips For Teens: The Truth About HIV/AIDS- (PDF)

This brochures provides facts and dispels myths about HIV/AIDS. Causes of AIDS and HIV transmission are reviewed, with a focus on adolescents.

Review Date: February 15, 2013

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - SAMHSA
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

What Works/What Doesn't : Preventing Pregnancy and STD's

Use this site to compare the pros and cons of 10 birth control methods, including condoms, the pill, cervical caps, IUD's, and more.

Review Date: April 05, 2012

Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation

What's Happening to My Body?

Learn what happens to your body during puberty.

Review Date: March 08, 2012

American Academy of Pediatrics

What's Your AQ? (Acetaminophen Safe Use Quiz)- (PDF)

This acetaminophen quiz is geared toward college students. Test your knowledge by completing the brief survey. Check true or false to see how much you know. Then see if you’ve answered correctly.

Review Date: May 01, 2012

National Council on Patient Information and Education

Why Is Adolescence a Critical Time for Preventing Drug Addiction?

Judgment and decision-making skills are still developing in teens, so their ability to assess risks accurately and make sound decisions about using drugs may be limited. Preventing early use of drugs or alcohol may reduce the risk of progressing to later abuse and addiction.

Review Date: December 17, 2012

Phoenix House Center on Addiction and the Family

Your First Gynecologic Visit- (PDF)

If you have never had a gynecologic exam before, you may have questions about what will happen at your first visit. This pamphlet will explain what to expect during a pelvic exam, Pap Test, and more.

Review Date: January 24, 2013

American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

Youth Tobacco Prevention

This youth tobacco prevention web page provides educational resources and materials, such as videos, tip sheets, and posters.

Review Date: February 13, 2013

Office on Smoking and Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion