Grand-parenting news, 2012, v.9 no.4

              GP News Vol 9, Issue 4
The Comfort of Home
NODA Area Agency on Aging
2901 North Van Buren, Enid, OK 73703
580-237-2236 or 800-749-1149
Grand-Parenting News
Caring for you
CARING FOR OTHERS
Teen Mental Health
Why the Bad Mood?
Persistent bad moods aren't
healthy—for a teen or anyone else.
And, sometimes, once a person gets
used to being in a bad mood, the habit
is difficult to break.
For many teens, dealing with
school pressure and daily changes can
cause bad moods. Most teens want to
be independent, while still feeling a
sense of dependence on their family.
Teens are in a transition between
childhood and adulthood, and all the
changes and new responsibilities are
often overwhelming. It can also be
lonely and frightening.
Puberty is another cause of the
mood swings. Hormones that start at
puberty and cause physical changes,
can make the mood swing.
Encourage your teen to get exercise
and find a healthy hobby. Encourage
enough sleep every night. Doing
something nice for others can also lift
a bad mood.
Depression
Depression is much more than
just feeling sad or low. It can lead
to excessive anger, irritation, even
suicide. If your teenager shows these
signs, get help. Talk to a trained
therapist, counselor or your primary
health care provider.
Source: TeensHealth.com
Flu Season is Here
Cough and flu infections can be
avoided by avoiding exposure to
germs:
• Hand washing: We all know
that hand washing is a good
idea. The most important
times are after nose wiping,
after diapering or toileting,
before meals, and before food
preparation.
• Instant Hand Sanitizers: A
little dab will kill 99.99% of
germs without any water or
towels. Also, many kids think
it's a treat to get to use it!
• Safer Sneezing: Encourage
your child to cover his mouth
and nose with a tissue when
sneezing and to cough into his
elbow when coughing without
a tissue.