Challenges Facing Teens Now

Challenges Facing Teens Now It is always hard to be a teenager, and it is even harder in this era. Instead of worrying about acne, there exist more serious teen problems which have been brought into focus. Health which teens are facing is basic and not new, but this issue seems to be increasing, and obesity is a big part of it. According to the 2008 data, 18 percent of teens from 12 to 19 years old are obese, and 30% of children and teens, from 6-19 years old, are overweight. This is the triple of overweight youth in 1980(1). Obesity is mostly caused by the increased of intake of "junk" food, drinking sugary drinks (especially soda), lack of physical activity (including the cutting of PE courses), and the temptation of indoor sedentary activities such as television, video games and computer which all contribute to a high risk of health problems. Obesity is associated with some health issues including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke and some forms of cancer (2). It can also lead to social disabilities and unhappiness, which may cause stress and heightened risk of mental illness. Therefore, teens not only suffer from low energy and physical illnesses, they also suffered from social and emotional problems as well. To meet this challenge, the first lady, Michelle Obama, brought forth the idea - “Eating healthy” which leads schools to start serving fruit and vegetable. However, because of the “bad image” of fruit and vegetable, teens normally throw them away. Instead of wasting food, schools should figure out ways to cook better. School should resume the PE course and set up an exercise program or activity after school. Or be in the community’s program. In addition, parents need work more on inspiring teens to exercise, and ask doctor for advises. The result that was presented at a meeting of the Royal College of Psychiatrists' Child and Adolescent Faculty (3) shows teens who are overweight or obese consider suicide more than the normal