Adolescent Nutrition 1
Monday, November 7, 2005

This week, Dr. Ken Davis focuses the 60 Second Housecall on a very important topic—adolescent nutrition.

A teenager’s nutrition is important to his overall health. Proper nutrition can prevent many medical problems, including becoming overweight, developing weak bones and developing diabetes. Good nutrition also ensures that teens grow physically to their full potential.

Here’s some advice for keeping your adolescent healthy:

·   Make sure your teen eats a variety of foods

·   Balance food with physical activity

·   Choose a diet with plenty of grain products, vegetables and fruits

·   Choose a diet low in fat, saturated fat and cholesterol

·   Choose a diet moderate in sugars and salt, and

·   Choose a diet that provides enough calcium & iron to meet their growing body’s requirements

Adolescents who consume a variety of foods from all the Food Guide Pyramid groups can meet their nutritional needs without taking vitamin or mineral supplements.

You can help promote good nutrition by setting an example.  Healthy eating habits and regular exercise should be an everyday part of your family’s life.  It is much easier if everyone in the house follows these guidelines.

For North Mississippi Medical Center, I’m Dr. Ken Davis.