PE Updates, helpful news and tips

Physical health: Taking care of your body

• Exercise regularly. Teens should be physically active at least 60 minutes of every day.
• Eat a healthy diet. Healthy eating is an important part of your growth and development. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, a variety of protein foods, and low-fat dairy products.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Children and teenagers with obesity are more likely to have obesity as an adult. They are also at higher risk for other chronic illnesses, depression, and bullying.
• Get enough sleep. Most teens need between 9 and 9 ½ hours of sleep every night. Many average only 7 hours. Sleep has a strong effect on your ability to concentrate and do well at school.
• Brush and floss your teeth. Make it a habit now, and prevent tooth and gum problems in adulthood.
• Don’t listen to loud music. This can damage your hearing for the rest of your life.

Mental health: Taking care of your mind

• Learn ways to manage stress. You can’t avoid stress, so you need to learn how to manage it. This will help you stay calm and be able to function in stressful situations.
• Study and do your best in school. There is a strong link between health and academic success.
• Try to maintain a good relationship with your parents. Remember that they want what is best for you. Try to see where they are coming from when they set rules.
• Develop a good balance between school, work, and social life.

Emotional health: Taking care of your feelings

• Know the signs of mental illness. These include:
• Anxiety, depression, excessive tiredness, loss of self-esteem, loss of interest in things you used to like, loss of appetite, weight gain or loss, out-of-character personality changes
• Pay attention to your moods and feelings. Don’t assume your negative thoughts or feelings are just part of being a teenager. If you’re worried about something, ask for help.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. If you can’t talk to your parents, talk to a favorite teacher or counselor at school. Find an adult you can trust. If you’re feeling really sad or are thinking about harming yourself, get help right away.
• Accept yourself. If you feel like you have low self-esteem or a poor body image, talk to someone about it. Even just talking to a friend can help.
• Don't Bully other people. And if you are being bullied, tell a parent, teacher, or other adult. This includes being bullied through social media.