Wow! Being a teen is really exciting, but at the same time it can feel like your on a roller coaster with all the ups and downs. Your body is changing and just getting used to becoming a woman. For the first time, you're starting to make your own decisions about what YOU like.  The decisions you make now can affect the rest of your life. Don't forget that your parents have been on this ride and can help you. We also have experts here at OSF to provide encouragement and answers to your questions.

Do you eat Breakfast everyday?

That's great! You have a good start on a healthylifestyle. Breakfast fuels your body and brain 

Breakfast is really important. Studies have shown that teens who eat breakfast have more energy, do better in school and athletics. For more tips about a healthy diet, call Food & Nutrition(309) 655-3705

Are you happy with your weight and shape of our body?

Yes:

Good for you! This means you have good self-esteem and confidence

No:

It's very common for teens to have concerns about their body. Television and magazines promote an unrealistic, narrowed type of look that may not be healthy for you. For information about getting and keeping a good body image, call Food & Nutrition (309) 655-3705 or OSF Eating Disorders Clinic at (309)655-2738.

Do you have regular monthly cycles?

Yes:

You're lucky! It's not uncommon for girls in your age group to have irregular periods or even skip some periods.

The cause of irregular cycles may not be something serious. It may be something as simple as exercising too much or eating too little. This is something you should talk to your family physician about. If you do not have one, call 1-888-6ASK OSF (1-888-627-5673) for a reference. Skipped periods may mean you are pregnant. If you are sexually active, you should talk to your family physician and parents about it. If you think you might be pregnant and need to talk to someone else or have questions, you can also call 1-888-6ASK OSF to talk to a registered nurse who can refer you to other assistance.

One of the most frequent mistakes young women make is not getting enough calcium in their diet. You say you don't like milk? Don't worry, there's lots of other ways to include calcium in your diet. For example pizza, yogurt, ice cream, calcium fortified juices are all great sources of calcium. The following recipe also is a good source of calcium:

Basic Fruit Smoothie

1 C. cut up fruit, such as berries or melon
1 C. orange juice
1 Tbs. honey
1/2 C. plain nonfat yogurt.

Blend and Serve.

Aware Miss
The best defense in the war against breast cancer is education and early detection. With that in mind, this FREE program is targeted to young ladies and teaches important points of breast health care such as breast anatomy, physiology, common breast problems, breast self-examination for teens; the importance of annual physical breast exams by a health care practitioner; what mammography is and how it works; the importance of taking charge of your own breast health care.

The FREE program is being offered through area high schools and is funded by the O'Brien Automotive Team LPGA Charity Pro Am. Please encourage your school principal and / or school nurse to call us today (683-6657 ask for Reba) to schedule your school's participation in this life-saving program.

In addition, we will be adding a new component on osteoporosis prevention to the Aware Miss Program. Osteoporosis has been called an adolescent disease with adult complications. Prevention is our best defense once again. Healthy lifestyles, including proper nutrition, exercise, and education about bone health will be covered.