Category: Health & Wellness

Dear Dr. Renae,

I have decided to become vegetarian after many months of consideration. Since I am still living at home and do not have a job, I am concerned about the additional expense for my family since we struggle financially. My mom is supportive but I also know she cannot afford a larger grocery bill. It is hard to eat healthy on a small budget. How can I ease the burden?

Health Conscience 14 year old

Dear Health Conscious,

One way you can help support your family and your budget is to try getting a job tutoring, babysitting, or something part time. It might not be a lot, but it can contribute to your new lifestyle. Another option may be to sell used items such as books, clothes, and toys to make a little extra. I hope this gave you some ideas. Communication is also very important. Talk to your parents, tell them your concerns and ask how you can help.

Your friend

 

Dear Health Conscious,

First of all, I commend you for not only making a big life decision on your own, but also for being mature enough to realize its consequences on your family. One suggestion would be to try buying things in bulk. Perhaps that means you’ll have a smaller variety of fruits and vegetables, but you’ll still be eating according to your dietary preferences and the cost will be cheaper. I know that produce like apples and baby carrots are sold in larger quantities, as well as certain non-perishables like peanut butter. It’s great that your mom is supportive of your decision. Tell her how you plan to minimize grocery costs, and ask her if she has any additional suggestions. If at any point there is a problem, tell her she can address it with you at any time. You should be very proud of yourself.

A Caring Teen

 

Dear Health Conscience,

To begin, it’s great that you decided to do that for yourself. It’s very respectable that you thought about your family’s financial issues. I advise you to look up some vegetarian recipes that sound good to you and ask your mom to help you budget your food expenses. Have her set a certain amount of money and incorporate it into your family’s diet. For example, something like rice and beans can be eaten by your whole family and is inexpensive, as well as vegetables and pasta. Good luck with your new healthy lifestyle decision.

Your supportive friend

 

Dear Health Conscious,

I admire your decision to become a vegetarian. While it is a healthy and ethical choice, it can be expensive. Since you are still living at home, I suggest you start by being creative in your own pantry and refrigerator with what your family affords. However, to widen your selections, it may be helpful for you to get a part-time job. You could generate income within your own neighborhood by baby- or pet-sitting or dog walking to ease the financial burden you feel.

Your fellow Health Nut

 

Dear Health Conscious,

I know that whenever my mom goes grocery shopping, she always has her coupon book handy. The best thing is that you can find them online. If you are looking to save money, coupons are definitely the way to go. In addition to that, several local grocery stores have a reputation for low priced high quality organic foods. You could even start growing some of your own vegetables.

A Kind Friend

Dear Health Conscious,

Many adults who eat a vegetarian diet began in their teen years and maintain a lifelong commitment. In addition, you may wish to establish other healthy habits such as daily exercise and maintaining enough restful nighttime sleep. Being vegetarian does not necessarily equate to organic or healthy choices. There are different types of vegetarian diets, depending upon your choice to eliminate seafood, eggs, and dairy products as well as animal products. Some vegetarians also avoid leather shoes, belts, and handbags. There are nutritional education programs available online and in your community to help you establish a healthy, well balanced diet, which includes all your required nutrients. Some resources are your doctor, your school health or PE teacher, the public library, and local health food stores. Check your medical insurance to see if they will pay for visits to a nutritionist. Once you become educated about a well balanced diet, locating affordable food choices will be much simpler. You might find that the cost is the same or less than a diet which includes animal products.

Dr. Renae

 

 

Dear Dr. Renae,

My mother is very upset with me because I sent a video to my friends on Snapchat – it was only my face and collarbones in the shower. My friends and I have an inside joke about how annoying it is to have our make-up smudged when we shower. Why was this wrong?

15-year-old Sophomore

Dear 15 Year Old Sophomore,

First, kudos to you for wanting to know where you went wrong. Most teens would just automatically assume that their mom is in the wrong. Personally, I don’t think the video itself is a big deal, but I understand where your mom is coming from. A person is not dressed when they’re in the shower, so it is not an appropriate time to take a video, even if that video doesn’t show anything. Your mom is looking out for you – she’s protecting you from what other people might think when they see a video of you in the shower. Even if that video only went to your friends, once you put something on social media, you don’t know where it may end up. In the future, ask your mom what she deems proper and what she doesn’t.

A Thoughtful Teen

 

Dear 15-year-old Sophomore,

Your mom probably feels that it is inappropriate to send any photos no matter what if it’s of you in the shower. Although you may disagree with her advice, she is coming from a good place to protect you. Perhaps you should apologize to your mom and tell her you won’t do it again so she will be able to trust you. You have to respect your mom’s decision because she wants what’s best for you.

Your Friend

Dear 15-year-old Sophomore,

I can see why your mother was upset. Although you said the video was only showing your collarbones and your face in the shower, you should not be sending videos in the shower when you have no clothing on. Something could’ve happened to it, you could have sent it to the wrong person, or someone could have screenshot it from another device and sent it to other people. Also, it is possible that other people could have seen it on your friend’s phone when she opened it. Always think about what you are sending before you send it, especially on Snapchat.

A Caring Friend

 

Dear 15-year-old Sophomore,

Knowing you are willing to take videos of yourself naked, even if nothing private is showing may encourage someone with bad intentions to pressure you into posting more. Even if you are sure that you would never do that, it is unsafe to post something that would attract those who wish you harm. It advertises to others that you are naive and vulnerable. There is always  inherent risk when posting anything on the Internet, even innocent photos and videos. I recommend you learn from your mistake and ask your mother or a trusted adult to help you come up with a list of what is acceptable and safe to post. Bathroom, shower, partial nudity or revealing clothing will not be on the list. You can still have fun while staying safe.

Dr. Renae

 

Dear Dr. Renae,

I am very nervous and uncomfortable to ask my teachers questions about a grade or an assignment. They always seem so busy and stressed out. I feel like I am bothering them and they do not have the time for me. Sometimes when I hand in an assignment, it does not get posted on my grades. I can tell my parents are not sure whether to believe me that I completed it and handed it in. When I am absent I feel too anxious to approach my teachers about making up a test or a lab and I wind up with a zero. My grades are lower than they should be, but how can I approach my teachers without getting them angry and upsetting them?

Fearful Freshman

 

Dear Fearful Freshmen,

Boy do I understand your predicament. Let me be blunt: you won’t be bothering your teachers if you ask them anything. In fact, your teachers would probably be overjoyed if you ask them a question. It’s their job to help you, and yes, while you don’t want to add to their workload, a simple question and a reminder would help. I’m the same way, so just swallow the weird, guilty feeling and ask. Your grades shouldn’t suffer due to fear of teachers. Being a freshman is very tough, but hurdles like these help us grow. Trust me, I’ve been in your shoes before, just speak out.

A Sympathetic Friend

 

Dear Fearful Freshman:

As a first year high school student you might feel like a small fish in a big pond and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. However, you should know that even though your teachers might be busy, they are also working hard to make sure their students benefit from their class. You should take the time to explain why you are anxious and ask about your assignments and the zeroes reflected in your grades. This will help open communication between you and your teachers. In doing so, it will make it easier for you to talk to them when a problem does come up and reassure your parents you are doing the work required of you.

Your friend

Dear Fearful Freshman,

There is nothing to be afraid of. Teachers are there for you to ask questions. They love when students are involved. Don’t let your grades suffer because of how anxious you get. It will only make the teachers assume you don’t care about your grades. Your teachers are there to help you. They are often stressed and busy, but they always have time for their students and will never get mad at a student who cares. It may help to tell your parents about this. They could set up a conference for you, your parents, and your teachers to talk and explain your situation and feelings and then you may feel more comfortable.

A Fellow High Schooler

Dear Fearful Freshman,

Although teachers are busy, they devote their time to being at school and to help students. Teachers encourage feedback and communication from their students. A suggestion for you is to find out if your teachers have after school hours. This way you can spend one-on-one time with your teacher, which may make you feel more comfortable discussing the anxieties you feel. You should also have a heart-to-heart talk with your parents because there must be a reason your parents don’t trust you handed in your assignment and you believe they doubt you. Communication is  important especially when you are feeling so misunderstood. Just remember that your teachers are here to help you anytime and want to see you succeed in school and life.

A Friend Who Cares

Dear Fearful Freshman,

Here’s the truth about teachers: They’re also human beings. Sometimes they may seem frustrated or annoyed, but they have good and bad days, just like the rest of us. However, that doesn’t mean that they’re not open to assisting you and helping you succeed. My suggestion would be to work on your fear and try to approach your teachers if you need their help. Make sure that you go to them at a proper time (not during class, for example). Even if you do approach them during lunch or another break, be sure to ask, “Is now a good time to talk?” If you teacher is busy, they’ll give you a better time to speak to them, then you will have their undivided attention.

A Caring Teen

Dear Fearful Freshman,

Do not be nervous to ask your teachers about your grades and assignments. Now, I know it’s easier said than done. Something you need to realize is that it’s your teachers job is to grade and handle your assignments. Sometimes they are busy and stressed. It’s a false mentality that you are having of bothering them. I recommend you to talk to them and fix your grades if they are lower than they should be. Change your mind-set and talk to them. Your teachers will most likely appreciate it, viewing you as responsible. You can’t go wrong with that – good luck.

A Friend Who Knows Where You Are Coming From

Dear Fearful Freshman,

Your teachers would feel bad to know that you were uncomfortable approaching them. You are observant to notice that some of your teachers are overwhelmed with their job. I recommend that you take the following steps: first, do your homework and research your school district policy about handing in late work when you are absent excused and unexcused. Next, review the syllabus your teacher handed out at the beginning of the school year which details grading and classroom rules and policies. Finally, contact your teacher in their preferred method of communication: in person, email, after class or their office hours. If you do not know their preferred method of communication, ask. Simply approach your teacher and say: “when is a good time to talk with you?” Teachers love to have students ask questions and express interest in their grades. You will find them very responsive if you chose the right time.

Dr. Renae

 

 

Flu season is here and health professionals recommend that you get a flu vaccine. The flu shot can reduce the risk of flu-associated hospitalization. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention refers to a study published in 2016 that showed that people 50 years and older who got a flu vaccine reduced their risk of being hospitalized by 57 percent.

The flu vaccine is an important preventative for people with chronic health conditions. The CDC has found that the vaccine has reduced hospitalizations among people with diabetes and chronic lung disease. It reduces the risk of flu-associated acute respiratory infection by about half. The vaccination helps protect women during and after pregnancy and protects the developing baby during pregnancy and for several months after birth.

The flu vaccine can lessen your symptoms if you do get sick. A vaccination protects not only you but the people around you who are more vulnerable to serious flu illness, like babies, young children, older people, and people with certain chronic health conditions. The CDC studies show that the vaccine reduces the risk of flu illness by 50 to 60 percent. The effectiveness of the vaccine can range from season to season. Age and health are factors that play an important role in determining the likelihood that the vaccine will provide protection.

The seasonal flu vaccine protects against the influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the upcoming season. Traditional flu vaccines known as “trivalent” vaccines are made to protect against three flu viruses; an influenza A (H1N1) virus, an influenza A (H3N2) virus, and an influenza B virus. There are also flu vaccines made to protect against four flu viruses called “quadrivalent” vaccines. These vaccines protect against the same viruses as the trivalent vaccine and an additional B virus.

The CDC recommends use of injectable influenza vaccines including inactivated influenza vaccines and recombinant influenza vaccines during 2016-2017. To find the nearest place that is offering flu shots, visit flu.gov.