Maintaining a Healthy Body

There is a lot for adolescents to think about and juggle — new schools and friends, more responsibilities at home and school, and taking more of a role in managing their bleeding disorder. On top of these, it becomes increasingly more important for adolescents to learn to take care of their bodies by eating healthy, exercising, and learning what activities need special consideration because of their bleeding disorder.

While this may seem overwhelming it doesn't have to be. There are helpful nutritional and exercise guidelines for individuals with a bleeding disorder. Parents, even though they're letting their children become more in control of their lives, will continue to provide support by reinforcing healthy eating habits and encouraging appropriate physical activities.

During this stage of their lives, teenagers find themselves under a great deal of social peer pressure, particularly when it comes to drinking and drugs. Communication between child and parent about these issues, their feelings, and the stress they may be undergoing is essential.

This section of Steps for Living provides important information on:

• Do the 5!
• Do the 5!
• Healthy Eating and Healthy Body Weight
• Healthy Eating and Healthy Body Weight
• Keeping Physically Active and Safe
• Keeping Physically Active and Safe
• Dental Care and Orthodontia
• Dental Care and Orthodontia
• Growing Up/Puberty
• Growing Up/Puberty
• Drugs and Alcohol
• Drugs and Alcohol
• The Emotional Side of Bleeding Disorders
• The Emotional Side of Bleeding Disorders